Simply Stories Podcast

Today, I have the absolute pleasure of sharing my conversation with the one and only Douglas McKelvey. Douglas is a songwriter, author, and liturgy writer extraordinaire. I have never met someone like Douglas. His gift with words and passion for Christ cultivates a visceral invitation to be more present in this life, to find your fight again as you walk this weary way, and speaks to our hope of the next life with Jesus. Douglas shares with me his story of what led him to Nashville, TN, his journey from songwriting to fiction writing and the idea of unpacking his belief that every moment in this life is sacramental, and sometimes words can help us to be present. Thus, the birth of Every Moment Holy. There are now 3 volumes of Every Moment Holy, each unique in how they offer opportunities for us to be awake to the moments we are living in. Whether that is something as simple as waking up in the morning and enjoying a sunrise, something unique like beginning a novel, or the keeping of bees, holiday celebrations, to going on a trip, there is a liturgy for it in one of these volumes. Many of these liturgies, especially in volume two, also hold space for the hard and holy moments around grief and lament, and even for those facing the end of their life. I cannot begin to express how much many of these liturgies have ministered to me as we've walked through many losses, and the anniversary of losses, over the last few years. As it is that time of year, Douglas and I also talk about how to embrace the season of advent,  which asks our hearts to prepare Christ room, but also to ask “where is our hope?” as we wait for Jesus to come back again. He even blesses us with a reading of his “A Liturgy for the Start of the Christmas Season.” I hope all of this conversation serves as a blessing for you in this season. I hope it is serves as an invitation to prepare Him room not just for now, but for always. And I hope and pray, it reminds you that you are not alone in this life, no matter how it may seem, and Jesus is coming back for us. You matter. Your story matters. Merry Christmas! Connecting with Douglas and Every Moment Holy: Facebook Instagram Douglas' Website EMH Website EMH Downloads, some free, some for purchase EMH App Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you cannot financially commit at this time, please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts.  My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story. Scripture References: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:36-Christ is the Lord over all  Colossians 3:17-Whatever you do whether in word or deed Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12- Being a living sacrifice  Romans 8:22- Groaning and longing with creation  Acts 2, Hebrews 10:19-25-The body of Christ in worship together Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Ephesians 4:7-13- 1 Timothy 4:14-, 1 Peter 4:10- We are given spiritual gifts and our gifts are for ministering  Psalm 23:4- The valley of the shadow  Psalm 91, Psalm 42, Psalm 55, Psalm 34- Psalms that express disappointment, fear, pain, heartbreak  Lamentations 3:19-24-But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope… great is His faithfulness Job 2:8-10- sitting on the ash heap Job 13:15- Even so I believe you are faithful Psalm 27:13-14- What would have become of me if I had not believed I would see the goodness of the Lord? Wait for and hope for the Lord Revelation 12:12-13- come quickly  John 1:5- The light has come and pierced the darkness Daniel 2:44, Revelation 11:15-  Jesus is the King who will set all things right and establish a dwelling place on earth that never ends Revelation 21:4- He will wipe every tear from your eyes Habbakuk 1:2-How long oh Lord will you make me look at violence  Luke 22:19-20-The Lord's Supper 1 Corinthians 13:12, Hebrews 10:1-5- We see now with veiled faces and a dim picture Revelation 19:6-9-The marriage supper of the lamb John 1 (14)- the MSG- “Jesus moves into the neighborhood” Luke 1-3-The Christmas story  Isaiah 9:6- The Prince of Peace 1 Corinthians 16:23- Jesus is waiting with open arms References: Charlie and Andi Peacok- The Art House Mechanical royalties for songwriters  Coram deo  Leslie Bustard “In the Garden”  Odessa Settles Andrew Peterson  Every Moment Holy Volume 1 Rabbit Room Press “Liturgy for the Ritual of Morning Coffee” Every Moment Holy: Death, Grief and Hope Volume 2 Ned Bustard  Examples of the cries of the Psalmists are “alive to the hope and alive to the heartache”  My personal favorite reel of the insanity of December  Every Moment Holy: The Work of the People Volume 3 Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog   

A self-proclaimed “accidental author”, Carole Holiday was living a very full life as a wife, mother, and nana, until one day, everything fell apart. Her marriage to her childhood sweetheart of over 35 years ended, followed by losing her job and ultimately filing for bankruptcy. Then she developed heart issues because of all the stress, and a continued windfall of loss, and grief in losing close loved ones, until it felt like there was absolutely nothing recognizable about the life she had known.    In her book I Don't Know Who I Am Anymore, Carole shares her story, but it is such a unique book that weaves honest reflections, practical applications of how to minister to those in grief,  beautiful applications from scripture, and recipes to share with others or to comfort your own heart.  She asks powerful questions about what we build our lives on, and find our identity in. These can be good things like relationships, careers, and even our health, but they are ultimately temporal. Christ alone is the cornerstone that can keep a life on a firm foundation.    This is an episode for my friends who are asking God, “What do I do now?” when a dream has died. This is an episode for my single friends, my divorced friends, and my widowed friends who may feel unseen in their communities. This is an episode for those who have known any amount of grief or loss and need to know they are not going to disappear or drown in this season. There is hope for you, we can testify to it.  As long as you're breathing, there is more for your story. You matter and your story matters.    Connecting with Carole:  Book Facebook Instagram Website   Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you cannot financially commit at this time, please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts.  My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story.  Scripture References: 1 Timothy 4:12-Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young  Psalm 95:6-, Matthew 16:24,  James 4:7- We lay it down before the Lord  Matthew 17:19-21-The mustard seed of faith Galatians 5:22-23-Produce fruit in me  Ecclesiastes 3:1-8-There's a time to tear down and to build   Psalm 118:22, Matthew 21:42, Acts 4:11-Jesus is the cornerstone that the builders rejected Matthew 7:24-27-Building on the sand or the rock  Luke 22:31-Being shifted like wheat Luke 7:36-50-The woman who washes Jesus' feet with her tears Luke 7:11-16-The widow whose son had died Mark 12:41-44-The woman with her small offering  John 11-Mary and Martha at Lazarus' tomb Romans 8:22-29-Creation groans and longs to be restored Romans 8:26 -The Holy Spirit speaks a language of lament John 14:26-The Holy Spirit is our advocate Habakkuk 1:2-4-How long Lord will you make me look at injustice and violence? Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21–23-The heart is deceitful above all else Psalm 6:6-David flooded his bed with tears 2 Samuel 12:1-25-When Nathan spoke to David, he  hit his face to the ground Psalm 56:8-God gathers our tears in bottles Matthew 21:12-17, John 2:13-25-Jesus goes charging into the Temple angry John 2:15-17-Jesus sat and created a whip  Philippians 1:6-God is not finished with your story  Psalm 107:2-Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story    References: -Dr. Paul Conti's book Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic  -Seeing Beautiful Again- Lysa Terkeurst -The women's movement of the 60's  -Holocaust - hear the survivor's stories  -Celebrate Recovery  -A.E. Graham's episode where she shared about being in George W's White House, and practicing scrutiny -Bonnie Lewis- wrote a translation of the Bible called Timshel -“Operation no more tears”- Sally Lloyd Jones -Lament in the Bible  -A “thin space”  -Patricia Raybon's episode  -Jim Crow -Julia Child -Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You are- Lysa Terkeurst - “Daniel Tiger”- “The Mixed Feelings” song - “Bluey”  - Life of the Beloved - Henri Nouwen   Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

Over the last several years, I don't think there is anyone who has not been touched by loss or some kind of grief.  Today's guest, author, and literary agent Mike Nappa is incredibly familiar with loss and living with grief. In 2016, he lost his beloved wife, Amy, to cancer. In his learning how to live life without her, God has shown him why grieving is such an important part of losing a loved one. As Mike says, he learned how to cry into his keyboard and produced one of the most poignant books that bears witness to grief that I have ever personally encountered. It is called Reflections for the Grieving Soul: Meditations and Scripture for Finding Hope After Loss.   We are often so uncomfortable with grief and treat it like it is a problem to be solved. However, God Himself, in all three persons of the Trinity, grieves, and we are made in His image. It isn't sinful to grieve. Mike says: “There are things in this world worth loving enough to grieve, and if we don't grieve well, we are taking away from the image of God within us.” Although, as we'll discuss in this episode, there are ways to grieve well and there are also ways to grieve poorly and even destructively.  The depths of grief isn't a place where we want to live permanently, but we have to hold space for it or it will make itself known in other ways. When we don't walk this journey, we miss out on the blessings for those who mourn.   There are quite a few tears shed during this episode, but honest, perhaps blessed, tears. I would like to offer this episode as a benevolent witness and comfort to whoever might need it in this season. The Lord promises blessing and comfort for us, dear ones. He is near to you. You matter, and Your story matters.    Connecting with Mike: Books and other publications Facebook Website   Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you cannot financially commit at this time, please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts.  My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story.    Scripture References: John 12:4-6- Judas was the treasurer Ephesians 2:8-There's nothing I can do to earn God's love John 15-Without Him we have nothing  Psalm 121, John 14:26-We need help from the Helper Genesis 6:6- God looks at the wickedness of man and is grieved Matthew 26:38-Jesus says “My soul is crushed with grief” Ephesians 4:30-Paul reminds us that we can grieve the Holy Spirit  John 11:17-41-Jesus stood outside of Lazarus' tomb and wept  Matthew 5:4-Blessed are those who mourn Matthew 5:1-11-  the beginning of the Beatitudes and their promises Psalm 34:18-19-The Lord is near to the brokenhearted Deuteronomy 31:6-8, Hebrews 13:5-6-He will never leave me or forsake me  Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28-God has a purpose and a plan for your life Acts 17:28-In Christ we live and move and have our being    References: -Norman, OK -Lebanon  -Judas Iscariot's story -Hard Way Home  -Dr. Gary Chapman -Pixar -An example of a book written by women on her journey home What We Wish Were True by Tallu Quinn  - “What is grief if not love persevering?”- Wandavision -If you'd like to see it, here is my Dad baptizing my daughter.  -Hebrew  and Greek translations of “blessed” makarios - “Ten Unexpected Benefits of Grieving Well” article by Mike -Douglas McElvey and Every Moment Holy “Liturgy for Leavings”   Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

Gary Miracle is an author and a speaker who passionately believes in the power of storytelling and how it unites us and spurs us on when life is tragically hard, and also reminds us who we are and who God made us to be. In this episode, he shares his story of growing immersed in church culture on Sunday but then suffered from an identity crisis the rest of the week as he chased perfection, and changed personas in order to be affirmed by anyone and everyone. Finally, later in his life and career, now a married man with kids, Gary reached his breaking point and reached out to his friend Bart Millard of the band “Mercy's Me” who began to disciple Gary and guide him to a life-changing and intimate relationship with Jesus. Not long after, in December 2019, Gary went from celebrating Christmas with his family feeling a little under the weather to being on his literal deathbed on New Year's Eve. The first week of 2020 Gary's life hung in the balance as teams of doctors worked on him and cared for him, and his loved ones stormed heaven for him. On January 10th, 2020, Gary opened his eyes, alive, but his body would never be the same, and his limbs were dying. Gary shares his journey of his 107 days stay in the hospital, reentering into his life without his legs and hands, and how God met him in all of it in our time together, but he goes more in-depth in his book No More Bad Days: Trading the Pursuit of Perfection for the Gift of Grace. Gary is passionate about choosing to truly live instead of just being alive and doing that authentically with others. We were made in the image of a communal God, and as we face the intensity and heartbreak of our lives, He provides people to walk through hard things with us. However, that call to live in community requires risk and humility, but as Gary reminds us, when life is at its lowest moments, people God gives us can echo hope back to us. This is a message for anyone who needs to know there is more left for them in this life. This is a message for those who need to remember God is still in the business of miracles. This is a message for someone who is walking through horrible circumstances but needs to be reminded that God still has good for them. You matter, and your story matters. Connecting with Gary: Book Facebook Instagram Website   Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story.    Scripture References:  Romans 10:8-9, John 1:12-13, Galatians 4:4-6-,  There's nothing I can do to make Jesus stop loving me Galatians 2:20- It is no longer I who lives, but Christ in me 1 Samuel 17:36-54- David wrestled with lions as a shepherd before he faced Goliath  Lamentations 3:22-23- His new mercies are new every day  Job 1:21- The Lord gives and the Lord takes away Job 42:5- All of my life I've heard about You, but now I've seen you with my eyes John 16:33- In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world  Luke 18:19, 1 John 1:5- God is truly good Ephesians 3:16-19- I pray that He would strengthen you with power according to Jeremiah 29:13- seek me and you will find me if you seek me with all of your heart  John 3:16- For God so loved the world that He gave us His son 2 Peter 1:3- God has given you His power, and authority to live this life  John 10:10 - The enemy is coming to steal, kill and destroy, but Christ came to give us life to the full  Matthew 24:36-Nobody knows the day or the hour Revelation 21:27- The Lamb's book of life John 14:3, Acts 1:11, Revelation 22- We're going to Heaven Exodus 3- Moses' story in the Bible, he struggled to speak Romans 6:17, chapter 7 Grace is not a license to sin Romans 6:1-7-We are no longer slaves to sin Psalm 139:14- Still fearfully and wonderfully made Psalm 27:13- What would have become of me if I had not believed I would see the goodness of the Lord  Revelation 19:10, and 12:11  A spirit of testimony Philippians 1:6- God is not finished with me  Exodus 14:13-Stand firm and you will see the deliverance of the Lord Psalm 27:14 (AMP), Isaiah 40:30-31- I will hope, I will wait, I will long for the Lord  2 Corinthians 12:9-11-I am weak but Christ is strong  Ephesians 1:18-  This is the hope to which we've been called  Jeremiah 29:11- God has plans for hope and a future Micah 6:8- help us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God  Mark 2:17, Matthew 10 Jesus came to heal the sick, and save the lost  2 Corinthians 10:5- Take every thought captive   References: Skillet Audio Adrenaline  Bart Millard  Mercy Me “I Can Only Imagine” movie “Say I Won't” ECMO Machine God kept transforming David's life (The Uriah and Bathsheeba incident, leading Israel, strife and conflict in his family…)  The Blue vs. Gold dress debate Jada Edwards The study I mentioned is When You Pray Mark Stuart The Christian shirts of the 90's “Almost Home” by Mercy Me “Take heart” that Jesus uses is the same term “tharseō”  that Moses used with “stand firm”  Ben Roethlisberger Pat Riley Shaquillel O'Neil Kobe Bryant Toby Mac's Dove Awards acceptance speech  Other ways to hear Gary speak Gary speaking at his daughter's graduation   Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog   

Justin and J.L. Gerhardt are on the podcast today, and you will love hearing from them! There is an epic retelling of their meeting and falling in love complete with 90's Hearthrob meet cute and all. More than that, Justin and J.L. share about their journey of God leading them both into ministry with words, calling their family to travel the world, and unleashing their creativity and courage to press into new ways to encounter God and His Word. This journey has given birth to various creative outlets for the Gerhardt family, but the one we talk about the most in this episode is Justin's incredible podcast “Holy Ghost Stories.” “Holy Ghost Stories” is a unique podcast that is more like an immersive narrated experience that takes stories from the Old Testament, unpacks them, and breathes life into the grit and shadow as well as the rapture and delight of God encountering His people. Justin's heart for this podcast is to remind us that we have an inheritance of stories in scripture that we share in an immersive, but often adolescent way to children, to try and captivate them and introduce them to God. And then they grow up. And as Justin says “We stop telling the stories and stop teaching the stories. And a story taught is different than a story told.” There is absolutely fruit to be found in teaching! However, grown-ups can miss out on what these stories have always had for us when we face real suffering, real rejoicing, and everything in between unless we revisit what they really were: real events that happened with real people with a very real God. Y'all hanging out with the Gerhardts is such a delight, and I can't wait for you to get to know them a little better. If you loved this episode, or love Holy Ghost Stories you need to attend a live experience! And for my local friends, there is one coming up in Nashville in December! I really believe you will see the Old Testament in a more alive and engaging way, and it will help you prepare your heart for the coming of Christmas. I hope I see you there. Connecting with the Gerhardts: Hazefire Studios Holy Ghost Stories Podcast  J.L.'s Substack- “The Goodness” Justin's Substack “The Latest” Holy Ghost Stories Instagram J.L.'s Instagram and Books Giving to Holy Ghost Stories one time or via Patreon Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story. Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 12:9- Strength in weakness Hebrews 12:2- God is the author Hebrews 4:12-The Bible is alive and active  1 Samuel 28- The witch of Endor Genesis 37-50- The Story of Joseph Jonah 1-4- Jonah and the Whale Genesis 6- Noah and the Ark Genesis 39:12-18-Potiphar's wife calling to Joseph Judges 3:12-30- The story of Ehud and Eglon Judges 1- The book of Judges Genesis 25 (is where it starts)- The Story of Jacob Genesis 32:22-31- Particularly when Jacob wrestles with the Angel  Mark 10:51, John 5:1-15- Jesus asks “What do you want?” Number 23:19, God is not a human, but He is a person Matthew 2:16-18,  There are multiple genocides in the New Testament (encompasses Revelation) Acts 8:1-2, Acts 9-  There is persecution in the New Testament Job 1:21- God gives and takes away  Genesis 6:6, Ezekiel 6:9, God's heart grieves Matthew 9:35-37, John 11:11-44, John 12:27,  John 16- Jesus grieved Ephesians 4:30- Holy Spirit grieves Genesis 1:27-We are made in God's image Luke 24:13-35-Jesus and the Road to Emmaus Exodus 3- The burning bush that is aflame, but doesn't burn up Psalm 84 Psalm 130 (The Voice) Luke 1:5-19-Elizabeth and Zechariah References:  Videos of people seeing color for the first time (OK seriously grab your tissues)  My first interview with J.L.  Peaky Blinders 90's Leo DiCaprio Avengers “assemble!” Fyre Festival  Kate Bowler This is the book of Kate's I mentioned that was under my computer. I LOVE it.  Kuala Lumpur (in Malaysia) Holy Ghost Stories series episode with the Witch of Endor: The Lion, the Witch and the War Zone HGS series on Joseph: The Harbinger, The Fugitive and the Host- Part 1, 2 and 3 HGS episode on Noah and the Ark: The Optimist and the Only One A pie chart of the genres within the Bible Episode 3 of HGS- Ehud and Eglon: The Mastermind, the Southpaw and the Big Boy HGS Episode on Jacob: The Father and the Second Born Curt Thompson's new book The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope Episode of HGS on Jonah: The Pushover, the Runaway and the Belly of the Beast (Part one and two) The Moses Season of Holy Ghost Stories The Exodus episode: Rite and Passage A Storied Family Holy Ghost Stories LIVE in Nashville: the Christmas show! Holy Ghost Stories Live in other cities The episode J.L. wrote for HGS on Eve: The Giver and the Taker What is Advent? 400 years of enslavement in Egypt 400 years of silence from God Rahab's HGS Episode: The Dismantler, the Secret Agents, and the Woman on the Inside Tamar's HGS Episode: The Kinsman, the Widow, and the Mark Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog   

I am so excited to share with you a really special conversation with the incredibly talented Renaissance woman Nikki Anders. Nikki is an award-winning musician, songwriter, and music producer in the TV and film industry. She shares some of her experiences in the music industry as a solo artist and member of the music group Avalon, her and her husband Adam's time working on “Glee” as well as many other films, and now are the creative team behind the new movie musical “The Journey to Bethlehem.” Nikki shares how the Lord closed and opened so many doors over the last seventeen years from an idea about a Christmas movie the whole family could enjoy and focus on the true story of Christmas, all the way to bringing the music, script, and spectacular vision on their hearts to fruition. Placing themselves in the shoes of the real people who lived the days of Jesus' coming into the world was a practice of holy imagination and allowing themselves to wonder how God wove this story together. The Christmas story is sometimes too familiar to those who have grown up hearing it. This movie and its music breathes so much life into the incredible true story of the God who loved us so much, He sent His Son as a baby, to a very real family, who faced very real risks, because we needed a Savior. Ever since I had this conversation with Nikki, the music has brought up some really amazing conversation opportunities and questions from my two kids, and I already can tell our experience of Christmas and Advent this year will be different because of this movie, the music, and the way it has ignited the curiosity and imagination of my children.  This world is weary and longs and groans to be restored. A Savior has come and made redemption and salvation available to all who call on Him. And I hope that wherever you are, I can whisper some hope to your heart today. You matter, friend. And your story matters. Connecting with Nikki: Anders Media Adam's Instagram “Journey to Bethlehem”'s Instagram “Journey to Bethlehem” soundtrack Nikki's Instagram Twitter/ X   Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story. Scripture References:  Ephesians 4:1- Following the call of God Matthew 13:1-9- Scattering seed living as God wants you to live 1 Corinthians 10:31- Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God Daniel 1- Daniel and the exile in the Palace of Babylon Daniel 3- Shadrach, Meshach and Abendengo's God Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2- Mary, Joseph, and the Christmas story that is in the pages of scripture Luke 1:26-56 - Mary and an angel appeared to her Matthew 2:16- The massacre of the innocents 1 John 1:7 (among others!)Jesus covers us with His blood Matthew 6:13- Thine is the Kingdom  Ecclesiastes 1:9- There is nothing new under the sun Luke 1:20-25, Luke 1:57-80- Zechariah couldn't speak Isaiah 14:27-Nothing can stop the Lord Luke 1:37- Nothing will be impossible with God  Matthew 2- The wise men Matthew 2:7-9-Conversations between the wise men and Herod Ephesians 6:10-18-We are armed with the Armor of God James 1:2-4- consider it all joy when you endure trials Ephesians 6:12- We are not at war with flesh and blood  Hebrews 9:28 (and many others)- He's coming again References: Adam Anders Avalon  Steven Curtis Chapman  See ALL of Niki's accolades and credits here. It is a LONG list. “Glee” Belmont University Avalon “A Maze of Grace” “Adonai” Lea Michelle When you sing you vibrate your vagus nerve/singer's joy Corey Monteith Mark Salling Naya Rivera  “The Glee Project” “Glee” First Season Soundtrack “Glee” Second Season Soundtrack “Faithfully” from Glee “High School Musical” movies Zac Efron  “The Greatest Showman” “If Only” Dove Cameron Lost Valley Ranch The Navigators Bob Foster “West Side Story” “Annie” “Dawson's Creek” Her song from Dawson's Creek “Only Give My Heart” Paula Cole's theme song from DC “The Wedding Planner” movie Jennifer Lopez “Adore You” from TWP movie  “Camp Rock” “White Christmas” “Meet Me in St. Louis” “Elf” Our past Advent series on the podcast  Antonio Banderas  The Dad from “Spy Kids” and “Puss in Boots” Joel Smallbone - “In My Blood” “The Chosen” “It's Good to Be King”- Antonio Banderas “The Passion” on Fox hosted by Tyler Perry The wise men didn't come right away Charlie Brown reading the Christmas Story “Mother to a Savior & King” “Mary You're Getting Married” For King & Country Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog   

Travis Thompson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who practices in Middle Tennessee. He is a PhD candidate who works with clients from many backgrounds to find the deeper meaning of their struggles and embrace long-term recovery from the pains that they experienced.  His work is focused on being healed from past hurt and toward future success. During our conversation, Travis shares his journey of wrestling with his own mental health as a teenager, his recovery and healing journey, and entering the world of becoming a mental health professional serving and helping others like those who served and helped him. We'll talk today about the stigmas around mental health, counseling, and medication, particularly in Christian circles, and how to care for people struggling with addiction AND those walking through it with them. Travis has actually written a book specifically around that topic of understanding addiction and how it impacts those around an addict and it is called To Those Left Behind: Helping Partners and Families Understand and Heal from Addiction. He'll unpack many of the themes from his book, the effect and aftermath on mental health and addiction from the pandemic, where we see mental health in the Bible and he offers hope to those who may be suffering in the cycle of addiction as well as encouragement for those in the residual waves of it with someone they love. Modern mental health issues and recovery can seem overwhelming and confusing. I hope this conversation can serve you wherever you are in your journey, and perhaps Travis' book might as well! No matter whether this journey is a part of your story, or someone you love, we are all wrestling with real issues bound up in these broken bodies. There is hope for all of us. As long as you're breathing, God is not finished with you. You matter, and your story matters.    Connecting with Travis:  Book Twitter (X) Website   Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube   Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story. Scripture References:  Romans 8:28- God works all things together for good  Psalm 107:2- Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story  Psalm 142 (an example)King David struggling with mental health Ephesians 4:17-32- Paul talks about putting off the old self, drunkenness for one Job 16:2- Job's friends and their bad advice Gensis 3- Eve misquotes God's word Galatians 5:24-Paul talks about gnostic dualism Matthew 17:20- Mustard seed  Psalm 19:1- The Heavens are declaring the glory of God Psalm 112:1-9 Psalm 37:4-, God made us to know delight Hebrews 4:12- The word of God is alive and active Genesis 19:30-38- Forgive me Noah!! It was LOT getting drunk off the boat and having sex with his kids. Whoops! Genesis 6:1-8- Nephelim… so weird  1 Samuel 17 (51-54) David cuts Goliath's head off and keeps it as a trophy (ew) Ecclesiastes 3:1-8- To everything there is a season Philippians 1:6- This isn't how the story ends References: -Little Free Library -Foster Care in TN  -Recidivism  -”Bluey” -Vanderbilt Mental Health facility -OnSite  -My conversation with Irene Rollins, her book Reframe Your Shame -gnostic dualism -Witchcraft in scripture Job's unhelpful friends  -Book of Job from Bible Project (so insightful) -Impact 360 Institute  -Kathryn Maack talks about integrating your head and your heart -”All truth is God's truth”- Saint Augustine “Every story whispers his name”- Sally Lloyd Jones Louie Giglio's testimony (and love for science) Louie's Devotionals for kids about science (there's also a podcast)  Dr. Michael Heiser- supernatural worldview theologian (this series is what I am currently listening to and its WILD) -Dr. Heiser's episode with me -The video teaching with him and other supernatural worldview called “The Unseen Realm” theologians on some of the stuff I mentioned briefly about nephlim and Jericoh and whoa. The World Turned Upside Down: Finding The Gospel in Stranger Things -Big T trauma and Little t trauma -The 4 responses- fight, flight, fawn and freeze Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

I have a powerhouse on the podcast in the form of Kelly Balarie. Kelly is an author and a speaker who is passionate about Jesus and the Word of God. She is a sister in the trenches and a self-proclaimed spiritual cheerleader. Every book she has written, she writes from a place of “this is where God has been faithful to me in this season.” Or “this is what God has been teaching me,” full of authenticity, and powerful scripture-saturated insights for women who desire to walk well and be filled to the fullness of God.    In our conversation today, you'll hear about her latest book Taking Every Thought Captive: Exchange Lies of the Enemy For the Mind of Christ. We unpack that term,“the mind of Christ,” and what it means, how to connect deeper into the heart of God as we yield our minds and hearts to His love, plans, and purposes for our lives. We go deep and wide about spiritual warfare and even the differences between spiritual possession and oppression.  We'll talk about the goodness of God in the “even ifs” of life, how our thoughts in suffering can impact us, how God can and will meet us in the feelings He gave us, and so much more. Kelly's love for the Lord and the power of His word is vivacious and galvanizing and I truly believe it will serve as a balm to your soul today.    God is not finished with us. He is not finished with the Church. He is not finished with this world. Even when things are hard, or everything looks like it is past redemption, hope and His love get the final word. You matter, friend. Your story matters.    Connecting with Kelly: Current Book: Taking Every Thought Captive: Exchange Lies of the Enemy For the Mind of Christ Facebook Instagram Website   For great resources for Bible study and getting into God's word check out the Daily Grace Co!   Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story. Scripture References: Ephesians 3:19-21- Filled to the fullness of God 2 Corinthians 10:5- Take every thought captive  Philippians 2:1-11, Ephesians 3:16-21- We are powerful in Christ Jesus  Psalm 42:7- Deep calls to deep  Matthew 4:1-11- Jesus in the wilderness  Luke 4:1-14- Jesus was endowed with power (after His temptation) 1 Corinthians 11  1 Corinthians 2:9- No eye has seen, no ear has heard what I have for You Philippians 4:7- Beyond our understanding 1 Corinthians 2:10- These things are revealed by the Spirit 1 Corinthians 2:11, 2:12-13-Who can know the Lord's thoughts… but we can understand these things for we have the mind of Christ  Romans 5:8- Jesus died for us while we were still sinners John 10:27- “The sheep that are my own hear and are listening to My voice and I know them and they follow me.” 1 Peter 5:7- Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.  Psalm 23:5- You set a table from me in the presence of my enemy Psalm 27:13-14- What would have become of me if I had not believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living  Jeremiah 29:11- Plans of a hope and for a future 2 Peter 1:3- You have everything you need in Christ Matthew 14:22-34-Peter hops out of the boat  Hebrews 12:1-3- He's the Author and Perfector of our faith 2 Corinthians 5:17- I am a new creation  Galatians 2:20- It is no longer I who live, but Christ in me Romans 6:11- I am dead to the old and alive to the new Romans 13:14, Colossians 3:12-15, Ephesians 6:10-18-Clothing ourselves in God's word Matthew 6:11- I receive today our daily bread  Exodus 16- The manna in the wilderness, trusting every morning He would provide 2 Corinthians 3:18- We are being transformed into the image of Christ Genesis 3- Eve's desire to know what it was like on the other side of the bite Ecclesiastes 3- There is a time for everything and every season under Heaven John 16:33- In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world 1 Peter 1:12-Angels marvel at the mystery of the Gospel Isaiah 14:27-Who can stop the Lord almighty?  Revelation 12:11-We triumph by the blood of the Lamb and the Spirit of testimony  Job 13:15-Thou He slay me, I will trust in the name of the Lord  Matthew 13- The enemy comes and eats the seed that's been laid by the Lord  Demon possession in scripture  Ephesians 1, 3 -Holy Spirit is inside of those who believe in Jesus Matthew 16:23- “Satan, get behind me” Psalm 121:4- The Lord never sleeps or slumbers Psalm 91 Rest  Romans 8:28- God works all things together for the good of those who love Him Proverbs 26:2- A curse without cause cannot alight Psalm 24:3-4-Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? Those with clean hands and a pure heart Psalm 51:7- Wash me  2 Timothy 1:7- We don't have a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind Romans 8:37-I am more than a conqueror in Christ Proverbs 18:21- The power of life and death is in the power of the tongue  Genesis 1, Psalm 33:9- God spoke the world into being Nahum 1:1-7-, Isaiah 14:27- Who can stand against the Lord Almighty? Ephesians 3:17-That Christ would be more and more at home in your hearts Ephesians 3:14-21- The power to understand God's love  (I LOVE this scripture as a prayer) Exodus 3:14 · John 8:58, John 17- He is a triune God  Romans 12:3-13-We need each other in community 2 Corinthians 12:6-10- Paul had a thorn in his flesh, God said His power is made known in His weakness Isaiah 55:8-9-Our ways are not His ways Psalm 139:14-We were perfectly and wonderfully made Philippians 1:6- He is not finished with your story  Psalm 23:6- Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of our lives Psalm 37:4- Give the desires of our heart Psalm 145:13, 2 Peter 3:9, Hebrews 10:23, Isaiah 55:11- He is faithful to His word  Psalm 56:9- This I know, God is on my side Galatians 5:22-24- Where the Spirit is there is no law Psalms 33:18-22- Trust and obey Isaiah 30:21-A voice behind me will say “this is the way walk in it”   References: Nutella Latte Fear Fighting Battle Ready Rest Now Keep your head where your feet are (12 Step) Spiritual possession vs oppression (spiritual warfare) Real witchcraft in the world  Witchcraft in scripture   Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

Dr. Clarence Shuler is the President and CEO of his nonprofit BLR- which stands for Building Lasting Relationships. Their mission is to equip others for discipleship in various venues. He and his wife both speak and write about marriage, but also dealing with infidelity, and divorce, but they especially love to minister to singles in the church. Whatever it looks like, the Shulers are committed to “loving people with God's love with no agenda and see what happens.” During our conversation today, Dr. Shuler shared his story of coming to Christ through a relationship that would impact his life in many ways, through a young guy by the name of Gary Chapman. Yup, the Love Languages guy. I share that because their relationship gave birth to 50+ years of friendship and an opportunity to share how crossing those racial lines in the 1960s taught them both and continues to guide them in helping others learn how to embrace cross-cultural friendships today. Dr. Shuler himself does quite a bit of diversity training for companies, and for churches, and brings such gracious honesty to the table about what it has been like for him as a Black man in predominately white spaces. His most recent book is a really powerful and raw look into his journey with depression and a sense of hopelessness. The book is called Finding Hope in Dark Places: Facing Loneliness, Depression, and Anxiety with the Power of Grace. He coauthored it with his therapist, Dr. Monique Smith Gadson, otherwise known as Dr. Mo. Their book is unique in that it gives an honest narrative of Clarence's personal experiences as he walked out the darkest place of his life, but also shows his relationship with his counselor and how she was able to help him in that season. It is full of spiritual and mental health wisdom, it does not end tied in a bow, but it is overflowing with hope. Dr. Shuler hopes that sharing his journey will empower anyone, but especially Black men, to embrace vulnerability and find God's power and healing in weakness. I also want to echo this powerful reminder Dr. Shuler gives in this episode: Being in a dark place is not a sin. It is a place for the Lord to reveal Himself in a whole new way. We see throughout scripture about the Lord shepherding us in dark places, and in this world, we will know and have trouble, but we will never be alone and He will help us to find our hearts again there. He is not finished with you, friend. You matter and your story matters.   Connecting with Dr. Clarence Shuler: Books Facebook Website   Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube   Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story.  Scripture References: Matthew 28:19-20- Making disciples  Genesis 1:26-28 Colossians 2:10- You are complete in Christ  Genesis 3- Men's curse/purpose from the Garden  John 14:27- The world gives peace that doesn't satisfy  Isaiah 45:3- “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” Isaiah 43-46 2 Corinthians 1-4 Psalm 63, Psalm 57, Psalm 142-David was in a dark place hiding in caves 1 Samuel 24- When David didn't kill Saul  Revelations 3:7-8-I can shut a door no one can open and open doors no one can shut Acts 2- the tongues of fire and each in their own language understanding one another Genesis 11:1-9-Tower of Babel John 13:35- They will know Me by your love 1 Chronicles 12:32- Men and women of Issacar and know what time it is  2 Corinthians 1:9- Indeed we felt within ourselves we would die… but we believe in the God who raises the dead James 1:2-4- Suffering isn't punishment  John 16:33- In this world you will have trouble  1 Peter1:6-7 , Zechariah 13:9-  you are going to have many trials, the fire will refine you Romans 5:3-5- Suffering produces character, which produces… Philippians 1:6- The Lord isn't finished with you Revelation 21- This isn't how the story ends  2 Corinthians 1:10- On Him we have set our hope Colossians 3:23-24- We do not find our significance in men but in the Lord  Hebrews 13:5- We're never alone  Lamentations 3:19-25 Psalm 23 Psalm 27:13-14-What would have become of me had I not believed I would see the goodnes of the Lord in the land of the living   References: Brandi Wilson's episode where she shares about her divorce Brown v. Board Desegregation in the South was still SLOW.  Gary Chapman Black Panther Party KKK Parades Finding Hope in Dark Places  Dr. Mo- aka Dr. Monique Smith Gadson No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending by Esther Fleece Gary and Clarence sharing about their relationship The book they wrote: Life Changing Cross Cultural Relationships: How You Can Help Heal Racial Divides, One Relationship At A Time Stephen Kendrick Charles Stanley Hymns about victory from white protestant churches Songs from the Black church about suffering, survival and lament.  The #1 group battling depression in America is Black men Research shows that when people are able to talk about suicidal ideation, they are less likely to follow through with it.  Statistics show that in the coming years, the vast majority of America will be brown (Michelle Ami Reyes speaks on this as well on our podcast and in her work) Apartheid ended, what happened?   Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

Today I have the absolute joy of sharing with you my conversation with Kayla Craig. Kayla is a modern liturgist as the woman behind Liturgies for Parents online. She is a Mama of 4, a supportive pastor's wife, and just this week she released her second book Every Season Sacred. In our conversation today, you'll get to hear Kayla's heart as she shares about what it looks like to pursue an honest and abundant life full of wonder and work. In all the spaces she occupies, she offers an open invitation to be curious, to express our questions, doubts, or confusion as we walk out our faith journeys, and to see the Lord make Himself known no matter where we are. Her first book To Light Their Way is a book of liturgies for everyday life and real-life parenting feelings, celebrations, issues, and places that are hard to parent through. (It is a personal favorite in my home and in walking life out with my friends and family). Her most recent book Every Season Sacred is an offering to still engage your faith life in your parenting journey and faith conversations with your kids, no matter where they lie. This book isn't a formulaic way to do faith and family. It is what Kayla would call a “hand hold” for wherever you are. It is for you as well as your kiddos. It is practical and applicable, but also invitational and gracious. What you find in these pages is flexible for application while living your actual life and can easily be incorporated in an intentional, but parent life-sized way. There are prayers for all kinds of life experiences, and hold space for each of your unique kids to respond (or not respond) uniquely. I can't wait for you to hear more about it and just find yourself encouraged by Kayla today. You don't have to do this parenting thing perfectly or shoot just the living life thing, perfectly. As Kayla reminded us, we are all in process and working out the hard things in our life, whether people realize it or share it or not. You are not alone, God is with you. And you matter. Your story matters. Connecting with Kayla: Facebook Liturgies for Parents' Instagram Kayla's Instagram Podcast Website   Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube   Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story.    Scripture References: Ephesians 3:20-21.Psalm 113:4-6-God is bigger than anything we could fathom Psalm 139:23-24-He already knows our questions or doubts or fears James 4:6--God is so gracious Zephaniah 3:17, Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 139:7-12 -God is with us Colossians 2:2, Ephesians 3-We can rest in the mystery of Christ 1 Corinthians 3:9-Co-laborer for the Gospel Matthew 6:9-13-The Lord's Prayer Isaiah 6:3- -There is glory happening around us all the time (the Earth is filled with His glory) 1 Corinthians 12:12-27-We are ALL part of the family of God Philippians 2:9-11, Revelation 7:9 -God is the God of all tribes of all tongues and nations Jeremiah 31:3,, John 3:16- -God loves you 1 John 3:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:5,  God calls you a beloved child Jeremiah 29:11-We don't know what the future holds, but He does Philippians 1:6-The story isn't over    References: -Kayla's first episode on the podcast  -To Light Their Way her first book (which is SO good) -The “Craigmore” -”Home Alone” house -MySpace (RIP) -Liturgy for talking about racism with your kids -Liturgy for School Shooting  -Liturgy for When Child Sees Something Scary on the News -Every Season Sacred -The Church Calendar (a GREAT resource for incorporating this into your life! And an episode from us explaining the Church Calendar)    Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

Today I get to share with you my conversation with Patricia Raybon. Patricia is a woman who wears many hats as a writer of both nonfiction and fiction. She shares with me what it was like for her to grow up under Jim Crow segregation and how that informed her identity from a young age, and how writing out stories helped her to make sense of what she experienced from the culture at large while her faith bloomed in her own soul. As an adult, in her journalism career, she cultivated the art of listening and understanding people's history to help her wrestle with  forgiveness, the effects of racism on her life, learn to love when things got hard, and writing it all down so that the Lord could reveal Himself to her, and ultimately others, in that journey. Most recently she burst into the Christian fiction scene with her award winning debut novel All That is Secret is the first book in the Annalee Spain trilogy which follows a young Black woman in 1923 working in higher ed as a theology professor, as well as writing as a journalist. Annalee finds herself in the midst of a mystery in the wild west of Colorado, where the second wave of the Klu Klux Klan is flexing its power, and willing to do anything to keep secrets hidden. Patricia shares with me the inspiration for her female professor turned detective, the realities her story is based on, and the resilience and heart of Black women that beats through each page. She shares a little bit about the topics that come up in the rest of the trilogy such as interracial marriage, Black women's roles in society historically, female detectives as a whole, but mostly, we talk about the realities of what many people continue to face day in and day out and yet still have to persevere in their days. When we listen to the stories of others to better understand their experience, not to pass judgement, even if it makes us uncomfortable, we have such a rich opportunity to encounter God, learn more about fellow image bearers in the Kingdom of God, and consider life from a perspective we may not have had a chance to otheriwse. Patricia has such a sweet spirit, but a fiery tenacity that I know you are just going to love. I cannot wait for you to spend time with us today.    Connecting with Patricia: Books Facebook Instagram Reader's Circle Website    Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube   Scripture References: John 15:18, 16:33- The world may hate you, but it hated Jesus first, take heart John 3:16- God loves you (among a thousand other verses!) Zephanie 3:17- God sings over you Colossians 3:12, 1 John 4:7-God calls you beloved Psalm 116:15, Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 31:3, Ephesians 2:10- You are precious in the Lord's sight  Jesus' parables (his stories) Galatians 6:4- “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else.” (NLT)   References: Jim Crow Segregation Internalized oppression  The Denver Post United Methodist Publishing House  The Holocaust  Holocaust denial  Reconstruction The prison pipeline  The middle passage Night - Ellie Wiesel James Baldwin President Truman integrated the army (July 1948) University of Colorado  USA Today, New York Times, Newsweek Penguin Random House My First White Friend : Confessions on Race, Love and Forgiveness Zondervan  I Told the Mountain to Move Christianity Today  One Year: God's Great Blessings Devotional Civil Rights Movement The klan = Klu Klux Klan The second highest KKK membership in the country in the second wave in Colorado What is the “white savior” narrative? The Help book and movie The Black friend who enlightens the white protagonist trope Sherlock Holmes The instagram post about the model cover  Anti Miscegenation Undivided: A Muslim Daughter, Her Christian Mother, Their Path to Peace Steph Curry's book club pick! Our Daily Bread    Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog   

I am so honored to get to share with you my conversation with the amazing Brandi Wilson. Brandi is a woman who loves Jesus fiercely, being a Mom to her 3 boys and cheering them on as they play football. She is passionate about walking with women as a coach working through their callings, and walking with them when they're in the midst of relational healing journeys. Recently, she released her first book Better Than Okay: Finding Hope and Healing When Your Marriage Ends which shares her journey of following God's call to plant a church in Nashville, TN with her then-pastor husband, watching it grow exponentially into a massive and impactful ministry with multiple sites, meanwhile at home experiencing heartbreak and betrayal. This ultimately led to a very painful divorce as well as a public parting with the faith community that had been the epicenter of their ministry and their lives. During her book as well as our conversation, Brandi shares how God met her as she wrestled through grief, mothered her boys, navigated what it means to be a divorced Christian woman, as well as a former pastor's wife, and just how she navigates life in co-parenting, and so much more. Brandi is honest, hilarious, and heartfelt in her sharing of her story while also giving such beautiful advice for how to hold space for the people we love as they grieve through their own experiences, and letting that happen at their own pace. She shares ways that might be helpful to those walking through seasons of trauma and loss, in others' lives, annnnd the not-helpful ways to maybe steer clear of as well. She's a self-proclaimed deep feeler, but also a deep healer and if that's not a word of hope that I think we all need no matter where we are, I don't know what is.    Brandi is an amazing follow on Instagram, her book is such a breathtaking view into her heart, overflowing with honesty but constantly pointing to hope, and like she said, a reminder that there are NEW things that are still coming. I hope that hearing this episode helps anyone who needs it to feel seen and cared for wherever you are in your story, because we are all feeling, and we all carry the possibility for healing. The One who made you cares about all the pieces that feel broken, and His hope never runs out. You matter, friend. And your story matters.    Connecting with Brandi: Book  Facebook Instagram Website   Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube   Scripture References: God is still good Psalm 27:13- God is going to be good to me 1 Peter 5:7- Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you Romans 5:5-11-Hope does not disappoint Philiipians 1:6- He will complete the work He began in you    References:  Acteens Young Life Experiencing God Mind of Christ Crosspoint Church Lori Wilhite Central Church Vegas Leading and Loving It Onsite  Enneagram 2 Jennifer Dukes Lee's journal Stuff I'd Only Tell God journal (it is AMAZING) Jennifer Dukes Lee's episode with me!  David Thomas' episode on the podcast Raising Emotionally Strong Boys  Sissy Goff Sissy Goff and David Thomas' podcast “Raising Boys and Girls” Daystar Counseling  Side plug, I cannot say enough good things about Sissy's new book The Worry-Free Parent   Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

I am so thrilled to welcome back to the podcast, the one and only Dorena Williamson! Dorena is a woman of deep faith, with a passion for building the kingdom of God and living a legacy of faith as a minister, a mama, a pastor's wife, and a woman of impactful and instructive words. She is the author of 8 children's books that all provide beautiful insight into the heart of God and scripture's call to live in diversity and humility as we learn and grow together in the world. Whether that diversity is found in differing racial or ethnic communities and cultures, to others living with visible or invisible disabilities, or on the margins socioeconomically. She encourages children and the big people who love them, in every story that she writes to celebrate how God made them, and to delight in His world that He made and all those made in His image. Her most recent book is called I Know Who I Am. It is a book of scriptural affirmations for kids. It is designed to serve as a companion to come alongside families and those that love kids with words that contain truth about them, about the Lord, and to see all of God's image bearers represented in the pages from around the world! It gives beautiful verbiage for children to repeat over themselves and to speak over other children of all ages they encounter as they walk through the hills and valleys and changes of life. My kids absolutely loved it, and it would be a perfect addition to a morning or evening routine for kiddos that are starting back to school! In this conversation, Dorena also shares her heart so beautifully about where God has her in her lament as a leader in her church, a Mama raising Black kids, and the world around her. She invites us to consider how all Believers can lean in to the reality of what is before communities and their daily fears and concerns and how to bear one another's burdens together at the feet of Jesus. She offers an invitation to lean in to humility and honor towards others as we experience beauty, hope, tragedy, and all that is found on Earth this side of Heaven together. None of us are perfect, we will make mistakes, but God honors our learning, our choices to lean in and have Him show us His heart for us and for others. He has so much to show us. Always remember, you matter, and your story matters. Just as an FYI, we recorded this episode right in the midst of our communities' grief over the Covenant shooting in the Spring. We mention it briefly in the beginning of the episode, but we spend a little more time (around 5-7 minutes) discussing its impact on our community around 40 minutes in. If that is a tender place for you, I just want to be sensitive to that and give you that heads up. We fairly quickly transition to Dorena sharing about how to be the body of Christ in the midst of seasons of communal lament. It's a powerful word, not solely about that tragedy, but about how to lock arms and shields of faith with others as humans made in God's image walking this weary land together until we all go home. Connecting with Dorena: Books  Facebook Instagram  Website  Sponsor for this Episode: HopefuelUse the code 'SIMPLY15' for 15% offInstagram Website Please consider joining our Patreon community. We need your support! If you have enjoyed what you heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story.  Scripture References: Psalm 136, Psalm 27:13-14,James 1:17 - God is good (plus many more verses) Psalm 100:5 – His truth endures to all generations  John 2:1-11- Water into wine  Matthew 6:10- On Earth as it is in Heaven  Ephesians 3:14-15, Revelation 7:9- The family of God in Heaven Isaiah 6:1-3-The Earth is full of God's glory  Matthew 7:24-29-I build my life on Jesus who is the solid rock, vs. shifting sand Jeremiah 29:11- You have plans for me for hope and my future  Hebrews 13:5–6; Deuteronomy 31:6–8-You will not leave me  Isaiah 40:31- Wait on the Lord, He will renew your strength Psalm 8:5-8- Crowned with glory and God's strength Psalm 5:1-12, Romans 8:26- Oh Lord, with deep groanings  Exodus 1:8-14, Exodus 2:23-25- Exodus and the cries of those enslaved, and God heard them and saw their grief and He was concerned Ephesians 1:4, 1 Corinthians 2:7, 1 Peter 1:19-20 - His plans from the foundations of the earth (futher insight here) Exodus 6-14- The Exodus story and the plagues  Exodus 14:9-31- God parted the seas for His people Psalm 3:3- Lift my head  Jude 1:24-25- God keeps us Romans 8:28- God works together for the good of those that love Him Galatians 6:2- Bear one another's burdens Matthew 28:18–20; Revelation 5:9–10; Revelation 7:9–10; Revelation 14:6–7 Every nation tribe and tongue in Heaven Genesis 1:26-28- Let us make man and woman in our image   References:  Dorena's previous episodes on the podcast (part one, part two, Advent) The Covenant School shooting in Nashville  Bridge Builder  Taylor Swift concerts ;) Loving Day and the Lovings' Story and the Loving Act (Loving v. Virginia 1967) Dr. Chris Williamson's episode on the podcast  Strong Tower Bible Church Trayvon Martin  Colorfull  Thoughtfull  Buddy Walk - The Extra Mile - DS Association  Dr. Jemar Tisby (and our episode together!)  Latasha Morrison Target diverse Christmas line (Listen, I know the struggle with Target is real for a lot of believers right now. However. This is honoring Black people and culture in a huge way and I'm super grateful for those strides forward.) I Know Who I Am  Nashville tornadoes “Wait on the Lord”- Maverick City  “Same God”- Elevation Worship Fuller Story Initiative  Ralph Yarl shooting Xenophobia  Cheerleaders shot for going to the wrong car American Girl book The Care and Keeping of You  Crowned with Glory Michelle Reyes Dr. Christina Edmondson The Story of Juneteenth Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday Notes for White Allies and how they can honor Juneteenth without centering themselves, and also here. Danielle Coke also does a fantastic job sharing about practical ways to celebrate and elevate. Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

I have one heck of a power-packed conversation for you with the lovely, hilarious, and always honest T.I. Lowe. T.I. is a born and bred Southern woman, and fiction author with a fiery passion for the Lord, and she shares her story with me of God coming into her life and redefining love and family, and how He can change a life. Some people have said they can really hear my southern accent on the podcast… but T.I. brings out my roots, and I love it. Her heart to understand the experiences of others led her to take her secret love of writing and breathe life into stories of deep pain and wild Divine redemption. No topic is off limits because no human is exempt from pain and suffering. Her stories run the gamut of spiritual leaders battling major mental health issues, suicide, dealing with abusive relationships, and more, but they are saturated with the real reminder that nothing and no one is beyond the redemption of the Lord. T.I.'s latest book Indigo Isle is a little bit of “Beauty and the Beast” and the Prodigal Son parable and a whole lot of T.I.'s personal brand of “grit and grace.” It deals with issues so many of us wrestle with like knowing our worth, identity, being held back by our past, sexual abuse, and the deep lies Satan sews to keep us captive from receiving love from others, but most importantly receiving the love of God. This one is a deeply personal one for me because it echoed so much of my personal story, which we talk transparently and boldly about in this podcast.  If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, we see you and are with you, but also I want to offer a trigger warning as a sister who has been there. You're not alone. The Bible is no stranger to the things that make some feel seen, and others uncomfortable. All of it is real. It is not in God's nature to shy away from our pain and suffering. He enters in. So we offer you this conversation today so that we can enter in together.    Connecting with T.I. Books (the current one we discussed at length is Indigo Isle!) Facebook Instagram Website   Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube   References: Sweet Valley High series Lulu's Cafe (it is free for Kindle Unlimited users btw!) Under the Magnolias “Beauty and the Beast” The #metoo movement (For faith-based conversation here, some of my favorite voices are Tiffany Bluhm and Ash Abercrombie) “True Love Waits” movement and Purity Culture (I also really appreciate Tiffany and Ash's voices on this as well. We talk about it a good bit on these episodes, but on their podcast, they have good conversations too) Fight, flight, freeze, or fawn trauma responses Learning about various trauma responses  (example- there's an endless well of resources I could point you to! This podcast is another.) Young Life Cru The Body Keeps the Score Scarlet Hope My conversation with the founder of SH, Rachelle Starr Christy Awards  The book of Habbakuk How to make indigo  Low Country Boil (we made this recipe last week at the beach actually!)  Charleston, SC Mount Pleasant, SC   Scripture References: Psalm 139:16- He knew me before I was born Psalm 13- Psalms that depict suicidal ideation  Genesis 21:8-21- Hagar wishing for death Luke 15:11-32- The prodigal son parable Genesis 1:27- You are an image bearer John 4- The Samaritan woman  Joshua 2- Rahab John 1:1-5, John 17:20-21-  We were made by a communal God who does everything in three  Mark 3:13-19-Jesus modeled having a small group of friends Matthew 17-Then he had even a smaller group of trusted friends Matthew 14:22-33,Mark 6:45-52,John 6:15-21- He went away to be alone with the Father Revelation 1:7, Revelation 19:7-9-  The Bride of Christ is not going anywhere and Jesus is coming back for her Habakkuk 1:1  Luke 15:1-7-Going after the lost sheep  Isaiah 58:12-Mending broken things Ezekiel 37:1-14- Bringing dry bones to life  Ezekiel 34:16- I will search for my lost loved ones and I will bring them back home safely again   Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story.    Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog   

I am so delighted to share with you my conversation with the lovely and amazing Jennifer Dukes Lee. Jennifer is a Bible teacher and writer living on a fifth-generation farm in the middle of Iowa with her family. She began her career of words working in journalism and was on the way to a successful political correspondent career. Then, the Lord called her and her husband to the farm life raising crops and daughters, and there, she began to really wrestle with the faith she grew up in, and used her interrogation skills from her journalism career and took them to God and His word. What she found there was so rich and full and transformative, and God began to help her share what she was learning and invite others into that same adventure. Her latest work is a guided journal titled Stuff I'd Only Tell God: A Guided Journal of Courageous, Honesty, Obsessive Truth-Telling, and Beautifully Ruthless Self-Discovery. The journal is a book of questions and prompts because as Jennifer says there are beautiful things that can be encountered at the end of a question mark. It is unlike any other journal I've ever encountered, it is full of questions that plumb the depths of your soul, and others that make you laugh out loud. Jennifer and I even share some of our answers to some of the really funny ones later in this episode, but much of what we talk about today is unpacking how we perceive Jesus' questions, the tones we assign to scripture, why we resist growth, questions, and are scared to confess our doubts. Jesus is not afraid of what He already knows we're wrestling with. Perhaps this conversation will serve as an invitation for you to consider what He may have for you at the end of a question mark. Y'all I cannot express how much I enjoyed this journal. It has given me space to be all the versions of myself. Serious me, introspective me, silly me, music-obsessed me, all of it. Is it hard for you to answer questions about yourself? Serious ones or lighthearted ones? Are you like me and struggle to embrace fun and whimsy in your life?    I want to challenge you to hold space for the weird and the wonderful in you, no matter what that looks like. The Lord welcomes you, as you are, as He made you, questions, doubts, quirks, and all. I hope this conversation serves as a catalyst for just that. You matter, and your story matters.    Connecting with Jennifer: Stuff I'd Only Tell God: A Guided Journal of Courageous, Honesty, Obsessive Truth-Telling, and Beautifully Ruthless Self-Discovery  Books Facebook Instagram (The seperate journal's instagram page!) Website   References: Grief bacon- “kummerspeck” Baker Publishing Group (hey, to my friends!) Bethany Publishers Jennifer's post about her daughter going to Oxford  “Des Moines Register” (newspaper) “The Chosen” - Jesus and Simon “I've got you.” Growing Slow  Annie F. Downs 8 Track Tape  “The Osmond Family Christmas” “Chipmunk Punk”- Alvin and The Chipmunks “Thriller”- Michael Jackson “Pump up the Jam” “Make You Sweat” (“Everybody Dance Now”) C+C Music Factory  “Can't Touch This” MC Hammer “Vogue” - Madonna The Stuff I'd Only Tell God playlist  The band Chicago “Cinderella” Disney movie soundtrack Casey Kasem American Top 40 (now Ryan Seacrest) Countdown “Phenomenon” movie soundtrack “French Kiss” movie soundtrack  “Dizzy Up the Girl” by Goo Goo Dolls Maverick City Music  Brandon Lake  “Baby's Black Balloon” - Goo Goo Dolls “Tubthumping” by Chabuwamba  “Home” by Phillip Phillips “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magenetic Zeros “The Walking Dead”   Scripture References: John 20:24-29-Thomas Matthew 12:1-8, Mark 2:23-28, Matthew 15:1-9, Luke 6:1-5, John 8:1-11- The disciples' concern with breaking the Law (and the Pharisees and Sadducees, and etc) Acts 9 -Scales came off Paul's eyes John 5:1-15- Do you want to get well? Luke 18:41-43- what do you want me to do for you? Matthew 14:31 - Why did you doubt? John 6:67 - You do not want to leave too, do you? Matthew 26:14-30, Luke 22 (this account is different than John. John says he was “prompted” to betray Jesus, and after Jesus fed him the bread, Satan entered Judas and he left the supper)  John 13- When Jesus speaks to Judas  Luke 2:1-20- Jesus showed up as a baby  Luke 2:52-Jesus grew up in wisdom and stature    Sponsor for this Episode: Hopefuel Use the code 'SIMPLY15' for 15% off Instagram Website   Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story.    Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog   

Today we are continuing our conversation about mental health and faith and caring for our hearts with identity coach Ray Leight. Ray and his wife Kathryn lead Faith by Grace, a coaching practice and ministry designed to equip people to do deep inner work to live lives of freedom and joy. Ray shares with me today how the Lord led him into ministry and a passion for identity coaching through his own journey of coping with trauma as well as living with undiagnosed neurodivergence and bipolar two until he was well into adulthood. Ray brings some really fascinating insights into this conversation that brings to the surface some of the points of contention that can confuse Christians about spiritual healing, maturing in faith, and neurological and biological roadblocks that occur genetically or as a result of trauma and life experience. Have you ever had a breakthrough in a struggle and then after time you feel like you go backward? Have you ever questioned God's healing in your life? Do you lack clarity with terms like ‘codependency' or ‘boundaries', but find it confusing about how that might actually apply practically? I'd love to invite you to give this conversation a listen with Holy Spirit-led discernment for your healing journey. His discernment is always available to those who call on Him! And I ALWAYS want to encourage you to pursue His leading in any conversation we have! But I think some of the things we discuss today touch on places we can get tripped up in the church, so I just want to remind us all to have ears to hear and hearts tuned to the One who made us and will bring us to the day of completion.  We are professionals with our  tools we fashion for survival, aren't we? But friends, we have to hand over those tools to the Carpenter who made us by hand and have Him give us new tools, new skills, and new ways of living life. The Lord can and will recalibrate and reset what you have always known and how you have coped.  God's goodness and mercy and hope are always there and are always enough as we walk out this journey. As Ray shared,  “It is not selfish to care for yourself.” In fact, it honors God and makes space for Him to continue doing a work in you. You matter, my friend. Your story matters. Connecting with Ray: Book: Maturing into Yourself  (Other books) Facebook Instagram Twitter Website (and Coaching information) Sponsor for this Episode: Hopefuel Use the code 'SIMPLY15' for 15% off Instagram Website Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story. References:  Bipolar 2 ADHD CRU (Campus Crusade)  Life Builders Leanne Payne's Pastoral care model  Bethel Church (Just a quick word of using the Holy Spirit-led discernment here)  Sozo and shabar work (same here) We're all just spiritual beings walking around in earth suits - Well I royally screwed this one up. I merged multiple quotes together and CS Lewis didn't say one of them. Good times. But this was insightful.  On-Site Podcast on Treating Trauma, and the other about Living Centered- (this is the episode I was listening to) - On-site is a REALLY sound resource at the intersection of faith and mental health.  codependency Finding a New Normal The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Bod in the Healing of Trauma- Bessel van der Kolk (this is an incredible resource for understanding how trauma and experiences stored in the body and affects us over time) An example of a study of people believe that they are actually saved or not Also studies of what do people mean when they say they're Christian and how Americans and faith have shifted since the pandemic Example of some stories we've heard on the podcast of spiritual things we may or may not understand Tessa Afshar, Michael Heiser, and Todd Nettleton. “Beloved is where we begin.” Scripture References:  Genesis 3 - Adam and Eve believed the lie and ate the fruit  John 8:42-47- We have an enemy that lies to us  Romans 5, Romans 14:16-19, 2 Corinthians 4:1-6,  2 Timothy 1:7- Kingdom of the world is fear, shame, and guilt. Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit   Deuteronomy 6:4-7,Matthew 22:37-40,Mark 12:30-31,Luke 10:27-We are called to love the Lord our God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength Philippians 1:6- Jesus is working on you until the day of completion  Psalm 51:10-19- Create in me a clean heart oh God John 16:33- In this world you will have trouble  John 10:10- He is the One who gives us life and to the full  Galatians 5:22-23- Fruits of the Spirit  1 Corinthians 12- Gifts of the Spirit  2 Corinthians 5:17- You are a new creation  Jeremiah 17:9- The heart is deceitful above all else Ezekiel 11:19; Ezekiel 36:26; Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10- We are given a heart of flesh for our heart of stone Hebrews 10:16, Jeremiah 31:33- Jesus wrote the Law on our hearts Hebrews 10- Jesus fulfilled the Law Matthew 28:19-20- We are called to go and share the Gospel  The Holy Spiri has the power to save  John 17- Jesus talking to God about bringing Him glory in the garden  Ephesians 1, Romans 8:31-39- Your identity is who you are in Christ Matthew 13:31-32-Faith of a mustard seed parable Matthew 7:5-Take the log out of your own eye  Mark 12:30-31- Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself 1 John 4:19- We love because He first loved us Ephesians 3:14-21- How vast God's love is for us Romans 5:8- While we were still sinners (us and all our issues) Christ died for us Colossians 1:24-27-Christ in You the hope of glory Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

We are diving into part two of my conversation with author and advocate Ally Henny. If you missed part one of this conversation I would strongly recommend you check that episode out first so you can hear some context of Ally's life, ministry, and some of her experiences as a Black woman in predominately white Christian spaces, and a glimpse into her journey of allowing herself to speak up and not just allow racism to be what is just an accepted part of her occupying space in the world. This gave birth to her new book I Won't Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You. Ally shares with us what it can really look like to fight racism from the inside, offers ideas of how to be welcoming in predominately white spaces, and how white people's good intentions can still cause harm if they (including me) aren't willing to lean in when it's uncomfortable and admit we don't know what we don't know. She challenges people to consider what it might look like to embrace discomfort in these conversations. and embracing what we didn't know and engaging people who do know, and then being willing to learn and sit with it. Let's lean in today, friends, and embrace this Kingdom-building work and learn how to better build one another up, and bear one another's burdens as the body of Christ. I hope and pray that every time you encounter the stories on this podcast, you walk away encouraged to live more fully in your story, equipped with how to engage those around you more fully in their story, and how to better see your place in God's story. You matter and your story matters. Connecting with Ally: The Audiobook is not out yet, stay tuned though! Book: I Won't Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You Facebook Instagram Patreon Podcast “Combing the Roots”  TikTok Twitter  Website   Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story.    References:  Part one of my conversation with Ally (Spotify, Apple) The death of George Floyd  Dr. Jemar Tisby Dr. Tisby's episode on the podcast (Ep 119) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. talking about white liberal allies Malcolm X talking about white liberal allies Black churches exist because of white people's racism - The Color of Compromise is a fantastic historical look at this by the way. (I'm linking his audiobook version here because the first two chapters are audio lectures and easy access to learning!) Respectability politics  A Tale of Two Cities “Be the Bridge” Facebook group (There's a rule if you join it and you are white, you have to be quiet for 3 months before you can say or ask ANYTHING.)  “Be the Bridge” is an incredible resource that truly takes the time to offer resources specifically for white people to learn about how to be an ally.  Notion app  Pass the Mic podcast episode with Ally talking about Prince Harry, the Royal Family and the Meghan Markle factor /(I THINK it was this episode or the next one where she mentions the parallels with the Royal Family and how H&M left loud) Spare- Prince Harry  The Tennessee Three // In the heat of the situation  The Justins (Rep. Justin Pearson and Rep. Justin Jones) and a few insanely captured moments of just blatant trying to get them to sit down and shut up when they were asking questions (oh this one is wild) and one for Rep. Gloria Johnson as well.  Belmont University (can I just say, listening to Dr. Tisby speak at a university that is on the property of a former plantation where hundreds of people were enslaved was… full of feelings.) Dr. Christina Edmondson The Witness Black Christian Collective Pass the Mic podcast Tyler Burns, President of “The Witness” Ally and Tyler sharing about their Joy and Justice conference The Color of Compromise: The Truth About the American Church's Complicity in Racism by Dr. Jemar Tisby    Scripture References:  Romans 8:29-Growing to be more like Christ Growing as brothers and sisters in Christ (so many scriptures) Micah 6:8- Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God Matthew 6:33-Seek the Kingdom of God Galatians 6:2, Ephesians 4:1-3-Bear one another's burdens   Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog   

Today I get to share with you my powerful conversation with the amazing Ally Henny. Ally is an author, a speaker, a minister, an advocate, and the vice president of The Witness, a Black Christian Collective which is an organization committed to encouraging, engaging, and empowering Black Christians toward liberation from racism. This week, Ally released her book I Won't Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You which one reviewer poignantly and perfectly called “An unvarnished perspective on racism that calls Black women to find their voice.” During our conversation today, Ally is going to share some of the insights from her incredible book as well as some of her experiences as a Black Christian woman who for many, many years felt constantly silenced but perpetually on display for public opinion. She shares how it feels for her to never be “off” because her responses in conversations, even her facial expressions are constantly being evaluated and judged. Or what it feels like to consistently be perceived as a potential threat or as someone who needs to be handled or managed. She unpacks topics such as society's expectation of women being the burden bearers, the helper, and the nurturers in American society, but how that uniquely plays out for many Black women and its roots in systemic harm. Ultimately, Ally shares a glimpse into the culmination of events that led to her finding what she calls her “holy hell no,” the sacred boundary that rose up in her and said I do not deserve to be treated this way and that racism does not have to be an accepted fact of life. Her book moved me so deeply and continued opening my eyes to experiences I've lived in ignorance of, and this conversation continues to remind me about the beauty and the power of not staying silent in the face of injustice and the heart of God to let ALL of our lights shine before men. This conversation goes so deep and wide, that this is actually part one of two episodes, and I can't wait to listen and learn right along with you. Remember friend, no matter where you are in your journey, you matter and your story matters. Connecting with Ally: Book: I Won't Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You Facebook Instagram Website   Sponsor for this Episode: Hopefuel Use the code 'SIMPLY15' for 15% off Instagram Website   References: The Witness Black Christian Collective Fuller Seminary  Juneteenth “Black Panther” The Black Panther Party Kantha Bae headwraps Chadwick Boseman (“Wakanda Forever!”) T'Challa Fred Hampton Huey P. Newton The assassination of Fred Hampton Mercury Mercury thermometers  Sassy Black friend trope (examples: “Sex and the City,” “Save the Last Dance”,”Clueless,” etc.) The idea during slavery that Black women could give birth and go back right out to the field. (This is a fascinating read as well about the mindset towards enslaved women) The history of medical racism, gynecology and struggle for Black women and also discusses the “science” myth that Black women were built stronger of enslavement rhetoric  Black maternal mortality rates Serena Williams' birth experience Simone Biles Educated Black women are more likely to die in childbirth than undereducated white women and other statistics Big tobacco lawsuits The prevalent nature of smoking in the 20th century Marketing menthols to Black communities specifically Constellations in the sky Science Olympiad- “Reach for the Stars” Reconstruction Civil Rights Movement School-to-prison pipeline Liquor stores and fast food funneled disproportionately into predominately Black neighborhoods History of redlining Booker T. Washington and respectability politics Ferguson, MO protests sparked by the shooting of Michael Brown Jr. The gateway arch to the west, St. Louis, MO The L.A. riots in 1992 The Watts Uprising/Rebellion Civil Rights Movement protests (these photos are from Nashville) “Downton Abbey” “The West Wing” “The Golden Girls”   Scripture References: Matthew 5:16- “Let your light shine before men.”  Job 38:11- Thus far and no more Micah 6:8- “He has shown you o mortal what is good, do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.”   JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.    Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

Today, I get to share my conversation with minister and author Kathryn Maack. Kathryn shares her seemingly accidental, but God-ordained road into vocational ministry. God began to reveal Himself to her in ways that helped her to process how we as Believers approach the Lord, and that there can be a segregation that happens within ourselves in how to we relate to the Lord or even are willing to learn about Him or worship Him. Whether that be disconnect between our head and heart, Spirit and the Truth, there is much that can be disrupted and disjointed due to pain, our experiences, or perhaps even half truths we've come to believe as the whole truth. She dives into this topic in the book she coauthored with ministry partner Aaron Williams Whole: The Life-Changing Power of Relating to God with All of Yourself. When the Lord made us, He did not make us in segmented pieces, but as a whole person. Kathryn and Aaron want to remind us that Jesus wants to make us holy and whole and He wants us to live out the identity He created us to have. if you are struggling in your own story because it is just… loud. Too much yelling, too much fighting, too many confusing narratives, I want you to hear me say that the Lord is with you. He is the God of peace, and a God of justice and mercy. He will not leave you here. If you are struggling in your story because it is just too quiet, and you feel like God is too far and you don't know what to make of what you see, feel or what you've seen, I want you to hear me say that the Lord is also with you. He has a history that suggests that even when it seems like He is absent, He is anything but. He never leaves us or forsakes us and rejoices over us with loud singing. He listens to lament, He can take our questions, and He will not leave you here. No matter you are, I hope you know that you matter, and your story matters. Thanks for hanging out with me and I'll see you next time.    Connecting with Kathryn: Kathryn and Aaron's book: Whole: The Life-Changing Power of Relating to God with All of Yourself Facebook Instagram  Website   Connecting with Dwellings: App Instagram Podcast Website   Sponsor for this Episode: Hopefuel Use the code 'SIMPLY15' for 15% off Instagram Website   References: Aaron Williams  Dwellings is a ministry that helps ordinary people cultivate kingdom communities, typically in small groups or house churches Jennie Allen IF Gathering Ancient Jewish perspective on the heart being one “Build My Life” Revival at Asbury University Peter Greig 24/7 The Great Awakening The Hebrides Revival  The Welsh Revival  “Walk Down This Mountain” - Bebo Norman The Jesus movement in the 60's-70's  “Jesus Revolution” movie  Barna study about Gen Z not being in the church  Men of Valor  “Reckless Love”- Cody Asbury “Rattle” - Elevation Worship “Sanctified”- Mercy Me - “We worship with the sound of broken shackles falling to the ground.” Priscilla Shirer- Armor of God study The power is in the name of Jesus   Scripture References:  Mark 12:30-31- Love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength John 4:23- true worshippers come to Jesus in Spirit and Truth  Jeremiah 17:9- The heart is deceitful above all else John 11:38-44 Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18; John 2:13-22,Mark 3:5) Matthew 14:14; 15:32, Matthew 9:36,  Matthew 4:1-11,Mark 1:12-13,Luke 4:1-13, Hebrews 4:15- Jesus came and displayed emotions but never sinned Matthew 22:34-40-This is the first and greatest commandment  Galatians 5:22- The fruit of the spirit is joy  Psalm 34:8- Taste and see that the Lord is good  Ephesians 1:18- The Spirit enlivens the eyes of the heart John 5:39- You search the scriptures and you want to find Me, but you don't know Me Exodus 34:29-35-Moses shining with God glory's off the mountain  Exodus 32- Moses catching the people in a hot mess  Exodus 34- Moses comes back with the Law again  John 16:13- The Holy Spirit guides us into all Truth  John 16:8- The Holy Spirit convicts us  John 14:25-26, 1 Corinthians 2:9-14 -The Holy Spirit helps us discern scripture Psalm 28:7, Psalm 121- He is our help  Ezekiel 37:1-14- God calls the bones to life 2 Corinthians 3:17- There is Someone who wants you to be free  John 8:36, Galatians 5:1, Isaiah 28:16- Christ is the cornerstone  Ephesians 6:17-The sword of the Spirit is the word of God  Ephesians 6:12- We are not at war with flesh and blood 1 Thessalonians 5:23- Jesus wants to make us holy and whole and He wants us to live out the identity He created us to have.    JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.    Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

Welcome to summer, my friends! This month, we'll be talking about how to engage who we are on the inside so we can better connect with God, get to know who He has always been, and walk with Him from a more authentic place. Once we can do that, it spills over into our relationships around us. Past me would think it was completely crazy to pursue space for growing myself in the summer but present me says that this part of our story matters. We've got self-examination, growth, and care to do. God has much to show us and heal in us. Are you willing to come along for the ride? Today we'll start with Meredith Boggs. Meredith is a podcaster and an author. Her book The Journey Home: A Biblical Guide to Using the Enneagram to Deepen Your Faith and Relationships tells the story of her life as a young adult and doing all the good Christian things, but finding herself burned out and confused. Looking for a way to breathe life back into her soul and her faith and the Enneagram became a tool that God used to minister to her.  Ohhhh the Enneagram: We're going to talk about the beef people have with it, the understandable concerns many have about it, the misuse of it, AND if it is a useful tool to you, then how could we see what God has for people of faith in it so they can grow into who God made them to be. Maybe you've never even heard of it or only heard weird things about it OR you're over it. Give us another chance today because how Meredith breaks down perspectives about how the enneagram can be used well and not well in relationships, and how it can build one another up in the body of Christ is really beautiful and unique. Of all the Enneagram content I've consumed over the years, Meredith's voice has become my favorite. Her book is about spiritual growth more than a personality evaluation. It is grace-filled, but honest and nuanced. I loved this conversation with her so much where you will get to hear some of Meredith's story and hear her share about her journey with recognizing weaknesses and surrendering in recovery and learning how to trust God in those places.   I hope that this conversation ministers to you today. If anything, I hope you hear that we are ALL in progress. We all have weaknesses and limits and the Lord can and will make Himself known in all of them. Transformation takes time, it is messy, and grappling with who God really versus how broken people sometimes claim Him to be can be an adventure, but a worthwhile one.  You matter, and your story matters. Connecting with Meredith: Book: The Journey Home: A Biblical Guide to Using the Enneagram to Deepen Your Faith and Relationships Facebook Instagram Podcast TikTok Website Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube References: Enneagram  The Road Back to You Enneagram 8  Enneagram Test (a free one) Enneagram Test from Enneagram Institute (paid one!) Ian Morgan Cron  Annie F. Downs' Enneasummer series  Myers Briggs Strengths Finder Enneagram 7 Enneagram 3 Beth McCord Harry Potter (y'all know I'm a #Potterhead), the beef with it when the books were coming out “Hocus Pocus 2” Enneagram 2 Codependency (more words about this here and here) John Calvin quote- “Without knowledge of self there is no knowledge of God Our wisdom, in so far as it ought to be deemed true and solid Wisdom, consists almost entirely of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves. But as these are connected together by many ties, it is not easy to determine which of the two precedes and gives birth to the other.” Our friend Kelsey is Kelsey Chapman. You can hear my conversation with her on episode 73  Triads Attributes of God Daily Grace Co. study (Affiliate link, thank you for your support!) Communicable vs. incommunicable attributes of God  Walking in the Spirit Aslan who creates (From Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis) 12-Step Recovery Process The Power to Choose Meredith's resources on her website   Scripture References: Galatians 5:22-23- Fruit of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:12-27- How the body of Christ functions (all its unique parts) Lamentations 3:40-  see ourselves rightly Luke 10:27; Matthew 22:36–40; Mark 12:28–31-Love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself Psalm 90:12- Grant me a heart of wisdom  Ephesians 1:18- Enlighten the eyes of my heart Isaiah 9:7- God's power has no end and He has no limits 2 Corinthians 12:9-11- In my limits/weaknesses, He is strong Ephesians 3:20- Even more, than we could ask or imagine  Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28- He has a purpose for you  Isaiah 63:7- God is kind to us  Psalm 27:13-God is good  (just one scripture!) 1 Corinthians 3:9- We are co-creators with God Philippians 1:6- He will complete the work He began in us Philippians 4:19-God does provide for all of our needs   JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.    Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog   

Today I get to share with you a really fun and powerful conversation with my friends Chris and Stephanie Teague. In our conversation you'll get to hear the story of how Chris and Stephanie met, their marriage when they were in college, pursuing the quintessential Christian couple life, and then the secrets, addictions, and doubts that led to their divorce in 2010. Then, during a season where they each in their own way were desperate for answers to what they didn't understand, God met them and showed them He was trustworthy with their lives individually, freeing them both from the pressure of living a put-together know-it-all Christian life and receiving the invitation to be alive with Christ and live in hope. And then, in His grace, He also redeemed their marriage. Over a decade later, here we are hanging out unpacking this story today! Praise God. This time with them was a special experience of hearing them unpack how God met them then, how He continues to reveal Himself to them now, and the heart of the calling on their lives now as the band Out of the Dust. Through their music, and sharing their story, Chris and Stephanie now travel the country speaking and singing hope over people who wonder if all hope is lost. As you'll hear, it's not about trying to fix broken marriages or bootstrapping your way to a better life, it's issuing an invitation to encounter the heart of God.  This is such a powerful conversation annnnnd for those of us who grow up in the 90's/early 2000's Christian world, I think there's going to be a lot you can probably relate to, for better or for worse as well. It's a good time and I can't wait to share it with you. I hope above all things you hear in this episode, you hear that the Lord specializes at making beautiful things out of the dust. Dust of things that have yet to know life, or dust of ashes where things have all burned down. He is the God of redemption and resurrection and He cares about your heart encountering healing with Him. If you have any questions about any of that, please don't ever hesitate to reach out to me, or to someone like Stephanie and Chris, we are imperfect people who have seen a perfect God in our story, but we also know what it means to shake our fists and wonder why and have Him love us there too. Wherever you are today, friend, I hope that you can hear me say, you matter, and your story matters. Connecting with Stephanie & Chris Facebook Instagram Patreon  Spotify  SUMMER TOUR DATES! Website Sponsor for this Episode: Hopefuel Use the code 'SIMPLY15' for 15% off Instagram Website References: -Episodes Chris and Stephanie have helped me out on before! Our readings of Esther and Ruth -MTSU -Passion Conference -Chris Tomlin -Matt Redman -Christy and Nathan Nockels and Watermark -Jesus movement (70's) -Louie Giglio -Some of Louie's teaching based on science and faith (and devotionals for kids too! Our family loves these) -Podcast episode where we talk about suicidal ideation with Jennifer Greenberg, her book I mention is Not Forsaken: A Story of Life After Abuse. How faith brought one woman from victim to survivor -Enneagram 1  -We got it wrong, Jehovah-Raah is the Lord is my Shepherd -Divorce Care -”Redemption Skies”- their song with the lyric “Let the valley teach you what the mountain can't” - “Beautiful Things” by Gungor  -Ellie Holcomb spotify  -For the record the church we attend together is Fellowship Bible Church Murfreesboro ;) -GMA Immerse -Topher Teague -Gungor “You Have Me” -Brooke Fraser “Who Are We Fooling” -Belmont University -Tanya Godsey -Our Daily Bread -Family Life -Another episode about working through doubts, questions and truly finding Jesus (Taylor Turkington author of Trembling Faith) -spiritual disciplines  -the attributes of God (I REALLY loved this study about this from Daily Grace Co. It was a huge help to me) -Searching For Enough- Tyler Staton, our conversation  -John Mark Comer (not Michael lol)   Scripture References: Mark 2:15-22-, Mark 5:1-20,Luke 8:26-39, Luke 19:1-10, Luke 17:11-19, John 4-Jesus went to the raw and real places Psalm 23 Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 25:10, Luke 6:36-37, Ephesians 2:4-5-God's mercy  Luke 15:11-32 (esp 17-21)-Prodigal pacing (earning your way back home) Psalm 34:4-God is with you in the valley  Psalm 34:18-He is close to the brokenhearted Exodus 3-A Moses, nope God you got the wrong guy  Exodus 34:6, Nehemiah 9:16-17, Psalm 103:8, 2 Peter 3:8-9-God is so patient  Lamentations 3:22-23, 1 Corinthians 1:9 -He is faithful (among many verses and stories!) Judges 6, Habakkuk 1-He is OK with us working through questions and doubts James 4:8-Draw near to Him Isaiah 46:9-10, Psalm 139, 1 John 3:20, Ephesians 1-He is all-knowing, but we get to know Him 2 Timothy 3:16-17-scripture is God breathed John 16:33 -This world is broken, and in this world we will have trouble Psalm 147:5, James 3:17-God has infinite wisdom  Matthew 14:13-21, Luke 8:26-56-Jesus welcomed interuptions and weren't on the plan Matthew 26:36-46, Luke 22:39-46, John 17-18 and  John 11 -Jesus grieved in the garden and at the tomb of His friend Job 10:3, Job 19:5-7, Job 27, -Job indicting God John 20:24-31-”doubting” Thomas Psalm 27:13-What would have become of me if I had not believed I would see the goodness of the Lord John 9, 2 Corinthians 12:6-7 -Using suffering for our good (example) Daniel 3:18-If not He is still good JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

Today, I have Dennis Allen on the podcast. Dennis followed his heart to the Air Force as fighter pilot, and suddenly was hit with a life altering diagnosis that ended his military career. Propelled into the business world, he would ultimately become a consultant to guide businesses how to better address internal issues, shore up where they might be struggling, and reevaluate leadership. In his work, he began to see the similarities in the issues he was unpacking within businesses and modern Western discipleship, and the Church. Thus his book The Discipleship Dilemma: Rethinking and Reforming How the Church Does Discipleship was born. In our conversation he shares with us his personal story of God quite literally giving him a new heart and growing his heart to help leaders in churches as well as every member of the Body of Christ refresh and recapture their vision for Jesus' call to go and make disciples of all nations. We unpack what discipleship is and isn't, and how to address some of the issues going unaddressed in churches and hurting hearts who are questioning God because of their encounters with His people. Its a challenging message and conversation, but its a really really good one. I hope you'll circle up for this family meeting of sorts and dive deep with us.   There are all kinds of ways this conversation could land on you and wherever you are in life as a whole and your relationship with God or with His church. I want you to know that no matter what, there is room for the wrestling and questions, and that is part of being a disciple in fact. There is hope for redemption, friends. Above all else, there is a God who loves you dearly and made you on purpose. Seek Him, and you WILL find him. I hope this podcast can be a tool to point you to places in scripture where you can learn to know Him more, but also to resources, tools and people that could perhaps aid you in your journey. Just know that you're not alone. We're all learning. Praise God He's not finished with us. Just remember. You matter to the Lord. Your story matters.    Connecting with Dennis:  Book Facebook  Instagram Website    Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube   References: Pistol Pete Maravich Jim Fixx The Running Book  Definition of orthodoxy Definition of orthopraxy Definition of heterodoxy Young LIfe Simeon the Styllite Elder Billy Graham Theodoret (wrote about Simeon) The Bedouin world To follow a rabbi as a Jewish student Constantine's impact on Christianity (we have great episodes on this part 1 and 2)  Clericalism The word for “take heart” - Tharseo CRU Christ is the cornerstone  You have never met a mere mortal - C.S. Lewis The Jesus Storybook Bible - Sally Lloyd Jones Billy Graham's Interview  at the end of his life William Wilberforce “You may choose to look the other way, but you can never say you did not know.”   Scripture References: Matthew 28:19- Go and make disciples  John 6:66- From that time on many stopped following Jesus John 14:6- Jesus is the way, the truth and the life Psalm 143:3, 1 Peter 5:8- We have an enemy of our soul  James 3:1-5 Responsibility and accountability for leaders  Micah 6:8- do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God Acts 15- Early Church arguments  The Church is the Bride of Christ Matthew 16:18, Romans 8:36-39- Nothing can stop the church  Matthew 16:24-26-If you are my follow Me you must take up the cross and follow Me  Ephesians 4:11-16 (not GAlatians) - some are called to be evangelists 1 Peter 4:12-19 - we have the reason for the hope 1 Corinthians 12-We all have spiritual gifts  Jeremiah 29:11- plans for hope and a future Romans 11:11-31-You are grafted into the family of God  John 15-without Christ we can do nothing 2 Pter 1:3-we have all been given what we need for life and godliness John 21:22- do you understand what it means to be a disciple? John 16:33- Take heart I have overcome the world  Exodus 14:13-14-Don't be afraid (before Red Sea crossing) Psalm 91:4-6- We live under the shelter of His wings  Luke 15:11-32- Prodigal sons and daughters JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.    Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

Sopha Rush is an author, online influencer and encourager, and professional promise proclaimer. Her book 100 Days of Living Deeply Rooted is such an encouraging word for life in the trenches of trying to unpack past narratives about yourself, believing what God says is true about you, and learning to trust Him more wherever you are walking in life. In our conversation today, Sopha shares a little bit of her family's powerful story of fleeing the Cambodian genocide and starting their family in Chicago. Her Mom became a single parent after a tragedy at a very young age, and she and her siblings grew up under the umbrella of incredible strength, and resilience, but also so much grief. There is much to unpack growing up as the helper when you become a parent, isn't there? Learning to find value in yourself and just being who you are, not what you have to offer, seeing the value in taking care of and holding space for yourself to just be but also to heal. Sopha shares about how God has met her in all of these places, showing her what a good and trustworthy Father He truly is, and how He heals and redeems, and when we are deeply rooted in Him, we can come to know Him and find life. I felt like this was a message for those who need to know the heart of God is for them. The wrestling of standards of the world, and feeling like you are never enough, and those who struggle to understand who God is and who He is not. Our deep fears that came from how we grow up, and how we misunderstood Him, can hold us back from seeing who He has always been. Take the risk, friends. There is so much life, goodness, and hope for you in Him. If that's you today, I hope you know that you matter, and your story matters.   Connecting with Sopha: Book: 100 Days of Living Deeply Rooted Facebook Instagram (Living Deeply Rooted) Instagram 2 (Sopha's!) Podcast TikTok Twitter Website   Sponsor for this Episode: Hopefuel Use the code 'SIMPLY15' for 15% off Instagram Website   References: -Cambodian genocide and the killing fields (also super interesting -Cambodian refugees in Thailand -”First They Killed My Father” - film on Cambodian genocide -”Magic School Bus” -the OG -”Magic School Bus Rides Again” - the new one, the tree episode I mentioned -bi-polar disorder -The refiner's fire -”Moms' Actually” podcast episode I mentioned  -How trauma sits in the brain  -Trauma in the body  -Ancestoral (or intergenerational) trauma -The Body Keeps the Score Bessel van der Kolk M.D. -If Our Bodies Could Talk - James Hamblin -Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself - Nedra Glover Tawwab  -Articles by Sopha for (in)courage   Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 1-3-We have a heavenly Father Job 38-41, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Matthew 6:25-34God provides for you Psalm 36 , John 3:16,John 15:13 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Ephesians 3:17-19, Romans 8:35-39-God loves you Proverbs 9:10, 1 John 4:17-19-Yes, we're called to fear God but not from shame  Romans 12:2-Be transformed by the renewal of your mind  2 Corinthians 10:5-Take every thought captive John 1:12-13, 1 John 3:1We are children of God Acts 1:8,1 Corinthians 3:16 -We have the power of the holy spirit in us 2 Timothy 1:7-We are not given a spirit of fear  Psalm 23:4-He walks with us through the valley of suffering   Romans 11:11-24, John 15:1-6-Without Him we can do nothing, the need for being grafted into the Vine Jeremiah 17:8 -Being deeply rooted  1 Corinthians 12:12-27-The Body of Christ  Colossians 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:11-Encourage one another, lifting one another up John 14:3, Revelation 22:12-13-Jesus is coming back for us Matthew 25:6, Revelation 19:7-The Bridegroom is coming back for the Bride (the church!) Titus 2:1-5- older women share with the younger women  Jeremiah 29:11-There is hope for you Psalm 27:13-There is good for you in the land of the living  Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Matthew 22:37-We're called to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength   JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.    Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

Dr. Jeremiah Johnston is an author, pastor of apologetics, and what he refers to as a Christian thinker. He knew that he loved God and loved His word, but he had a burning desire to want to not only understand it better, and to be able to know and see for Himself that the Christian faith could stand up to questioning. Ultimately, what he found is “Jesus and the faith and the scriptures are the answers to the questions you have today, not just the questions of yesterday.”    Now he is the pastor of apologetics at Prestonwood Baptist Church, and his ministry Christian Thinkers Society is designed to speak to seekers and skeptics and those who have big and very real questions about the historical Jesus, the church, and scripture, but also to encourage followers of Christ to own their faith. In his latest book Body of Proof: The 7 Best Reasons to Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus- and Why It Matters Today Dr. Johnston shares some of the fascinating details that prove the resurrection as a historical event, and why focusing on the resurrection and not just the cross deeply matters. In his work and in our conversation today, he unpacks a little bit of the context of the world Jesus revealed Himself to in His resurrected form, and we discuss details that perhaps have been overlooked due to the familiarity of the narrative of the resurrection to many of us in the church. I don't know where you are or where this conversation finds you, but I hope that you can walk away with a little more hope and encouragement in your soul. The bedrock of Christianity stands firm. It is based on facts, and it can take questions and research, archeology, and history. Our resurrected Savior can take our big feelings, our questions, and the cries of our weary souls. The God of the universe that took on flesh, died, and rose again, cares about you, and He gave it all to show you. I hope you can believe that today. You matter, and your story matters.   Connecting with Dr. Johnston Book: Body of Proof: The 7 Best Reasons to Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus- and Why It Matters Today Facebook Instagram   Sponsor for this Episode: Hopefuel Use the code 'SIMPLY15' for 15% off Instagram Website   References: Oxford University Craig Evans Bodleian Library  Papyrology Codicology Paleography Christian Thinkers Society  Prestonwood Baptist Church Pastor of Apologetics  Unanswered by Dr. Johnston  The head of Christ painting Road to Emmaus painting by Robert Zund, 1877  James the brother of Jesus The Messiah would be another David or Samson or would cleanse the priesthood and the Temple Dead Sea Scrolls The New Testament: Its Background, Growth and Content- Bruce Metzger Jospehus Saducee- Progressives bought out by the Romans Pharisee- Tradition of keeping the Torah  Zealots- Extremists who trained to take power from Rome back by force Sanhedrin- The governing body of the Jewish community The diaspora Remember- celebrate with festival example Mishnah Verisamilitude  Bone boxes on the Mount of Olives Unimaginable book by Dr. Johnston Lee Strobel, The Case for Christ Scripture References: Hebrews 4:12- The word of God is alive and active Luke 24, John 20- The resurrection of Jesus  Revelation 2:28-The morning star of our faith 1 Corinthians 15 - the death AND resurrection of Jesus Luke 23, John 18:28-19:42- The judiciary procedure that led to the crucifixion  John 20:1-18-Appears to women/Mary doesn't recognize Jesus  John 20:24-29-Thomas Luke 24:13-35-The two with Jesus on the road to Emmaus  Matthew 5-7- The sermon on the mount Luke 4:14-30- the sermon in Nazareth Exodus 11-19- The Passover  Deuteronomy 6:6-9,Deuteronomy 11:18-20,Isaiah 57:8- Put this on your doorpost Luke 22:17-38- Jesus called them to remember through the last supper Luke 22- Judas betrayed Jesus Matthew 10:4,Mark 3:18,Luke 6:15,Acts 1:13- Simon the Zealot John 19:38-40-Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus bury Jesus  Genesis 50:25- Joseph asked to have his bones carried back to the land of his father  Matthew 27:55-56-The women stayed with Jesus, and are at the cross Matthew 26:56, Mark 14:50- They didn't run like the disciples 1 Corinthians 12:12-31-The body of Christ needs all its parts for it to work Romans 8- the message of the Gospl and of Jesus' love that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus  1 Corinthians 15:58-Be strong, steadfast and immovable, always abound in the work of the Lord  1 Corinthians 16- people are suffering, let's care for people  Matthew 9:36- He had compassion on them because He saw them as sheep without a shepherd Hebrews 12:2- keep your eyes on the author and perfector of our faith 1 Peter 2:4-8- Christ is the cornerstone  Hebrews 13:8-Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever  Hebrews 13:5–6; Deuteronomy 31:6–8- He never leaves us or forsakes us JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! 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As we walk into the days that follow Easter, we have such a unique opportunity to engage the truly incredible work Jesus not only did on the cross and walking out of the empty tomb, and how the world was literally turned upside down in the remaining days He was on Earth and after His ascension to Heaven and the coming of the Holy Spirit and the call to take the Gospel to the ends of the Earth.   This is Dr. Bryan Litfin's area of expertise. We've had a chance to talk about Dr. Litfin's works of fiction on the podcast before, where he shares a story of an early Christian woman and a young warrior in Constantine's army and how the trials of the time and their faiths are tested and proved, but today, we're going to put all his various degrees to work as he shares with us about his newest non-fiction book Wisdom of the Ancients: 30 Timeless Lessons from the Early Church. Dr. Litfin is a Professor at Liberty University teaching theology and New Testament classes, and a former professor at Moody Bible Institute, and as we walk into this season that celebrates the birth of the early church, this conversation with Dr. Litfin is the perfect place to spend time. Dr. Litfin walks us through the context of what he means by “the ancient period,” which his latest book focuses on and he defines it as within the time of Christ on earth in the 1st century through the 500 years or so that would follow leading up to the Middle Ages. For a lot of western Christians in particular, we sometimes grapple with the context of the early church and get confused about what happened when, how decisions were made, and we tend to skip from the end of Revelation to the Reformation or something like that. Dr. Litfin gives us a picture of what the world looked like as the Gospel spread. Then, he shares from his latest book some specific and perhaps surprising lessons we can consider and adapt to our modern faith walks and churches, and it is truly fascinating.    Jesus is alive, He came that we would have life to the full, not always easy, but full and never alone. His passion for His family has not changed, and I pray that ministers to you today.    Connecting with Dr. Litfin: Books Facebook Website   Sponsor for this Episode: Hopefuel Use the code 'SIMPLY15' for 15% off Instagram Website   References: -Episode 69 and Episode 116 The other episodes featuring Dr. Litfin on the podcast  -Dr. Litfin's fiction trilogy: Constantine's Empire -His latest work: Wisdom of the Ancients: 30 Timeless Lessons from the Early Church -Liberty University -(Just being honest) the yuck from the top, but isn't the heart of the university -A glimpse into Paul's missionary journeys -The Protestant Reformation -Constantine's rise  -Plato  -Middle Ages -Paul's missionary journeys (geographically and timeline) -Saint Patrick and the spreading of the Gospel to Ireland -Early church in Ethiopia  -Soteriology -Jupiter -“Death Was Arrested” -The God of gods -Over the powers and principalities -Dr. Michael Heiser's documentary about spiritual dominion and a deep dive into this -Also see his book Supernatural, and Unseen Realm and he has since passed away, but our conversation on the podcast was mindblowing.  -witness means martyr in Greek -Catacombs -Necropolis —> a cemetery (this was interesting, pardon the language) -Temple prostitutes of Rome - “The Chosen” -Christocentric and Christotelic -Life of Moses study from BSF -Sally Lloyd Jones -Episode of “The Chosen” showing the raised up snake on a pole (Season 1, episode 7) -Nicodemus' struggle on “The Chosen (Season 1, episode 7 also lol) -Gnostic gospels -Passover / Seder  -Getting to Know the Church Fathers -Early Christian Martyr Stories -After Acts   Scripture References: Mark 16:15- Go and share the Gospel with all the world Acts 1:6-11- Jesus' ascension  Book of Acts (a lot of Paul's missionary journeys) Acts 1:8-The outermost parts of the Earth Hebrews 13:8-Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever Deuteronomy 10:17, 1 Chronicles 16:26, Psalm 97:7, Psalm 96:5- God is the god of gods John 14:6-Jesus is the way the truth and the life Ephesians 3:1-6-Paul calls the Gospel a mystery 1 Peter 1:12-even the angels marveled at the mystery  John 12:24-Jesus said unless a seed falls and dies it cannot grow  1 Corinthians 15:52-a trumpet will sound Matthew 27:55-61,Mark 15:40,Mark 15:47,Mark 16:1,Luke 24:10,Luke 23:49-56, Luke 8:43-48, Luke 8:1-3, John 8:1-11-Jesus mingled with women (those who followed Him and provided for Him), touched them (Bleeding Woman), and gave love to them (Mary Magdelene, woman caught in adultery) Luke 1:39-45-Jesus revealed Himself first to Mary and Elizabeth John 20:11-18-Jesus revealed Himself as a risen Savior first to a woman 2 Corinthians 3:4–6-The letter kills, the Spirit gives life Luke 24:13-35-Jesus and His followers on the road to Emmaus Genesis 22-Isaac and Abraham Hebrews 11:17-19-the book of Hebrews points out Isaac is a type of Christ Numbers 21:4-9-Moses and Aaron put snake on a pole to save Israel  John 3-Nicodemus coming to Jesus by night Hebrews 4:12-The Bible is alive and active  Exodus 12-Passover Matthew 26:17-30,Mark 14:12-26,Luke 22:7-23,John 13:1-35-Jesus' last supper  Ecclesiastes 2:25-A time for fasting and a time feasting John 15:5-Apart from Jesus we can do nothing John 14:18-He will not leave us as orphans Hebrews 12:2-We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses   JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! 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I'm excited to start this holy week off with this sweet and encouraging episode with Will and Courtney Kassner. Will and Courtney are the writers and creators behind Crew & Co. which is their ministry and shop full of products to invite beauty into the lives of families and make Scripture a practical part of their daily lives. Recently, they released their first children's book called When the World Wakes Up, and my daughter Nora Beth hopped on this interview to share her thoughts and ask her questions about the beautiful book! They shared with us how God inspired the story from a moment with Will and his kids, and the beauty of God sharing that moment with them. It is a visually stunning book and a sweet story that invites kids to add their voice to the Kingdom of God. In that same vein, we'll talk in this conversation about how God takes the dreams and gifts we have and think they'll become one thing, and He has a good plan and a purpose for all of it that we can't even imagine because ministry comes in so many shapes and forms. We all have unique gifts to offer the world. Satan tries his hardest to shut us up but calls us to use our voice and gifts in the way He made us to. During a week where Jesus went into Jerusalem with a much bigger plan for the world and the Kingdom of God than we could ever dream of, it feels right to start with that word of encouragement, to us big kids, but especially to young hearts in a big scary world. I hope after hearing this conversation that you feel encouraged to use your voice, whatever that looks like. Create the art. Write the story. Encourage the neighbor. Have the conversation you've been putting off. Who knows what the Lord will do with it? No matter where you are today, I hope that you know that you matter, and your story matters. Connecting with Will & Courtney + Crew & Co.  Book: When the World Wakes Up Crew & Co. Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube References: -The animals on “Bambi” were twitterpated lol  -Young Life -His Kids Company - Placemats  -Example of devotions Will writes on the Crew & Co. Instagram  -Their intern singing on Instagram (Emma & Annabeth!) -” The Chosen” - Episode “Two by Two” -Ellie Holcolmb's “Sing: Creation Songs” album – this is a great resource to compliment the Kassner's book! -Crew & Co. encouragement boxes   Scripture References: Psalm 118:24-This is the day the Lord has made  Romans 12-Ministry comes in so many shapes and forms  Proverbs 3:5-7, Joel 2:13, James 4:10-Submitting our heart to the Lord to see what He'll do with it Hebrews 10:24-25-Spur one another one in good deeds  Matthew 10:1; Luke 6:12–13; Mark 6:7–13; Luke 9:1–2- Jesus sends out the disciples two by two Colossians 3:17,23, Romans 11:33-36-Worship is all of what we do 1 Peter 4:10-We are recipients and stewards of God's grace Lamentations 3:22-23-New mercies every morning  Genesis 1-2, John 1:1-5, Colossians 1:16-God is the one who created us all  Romans 8:22-The whole world longs for God and to be made right Psalm 19:1-The heavens declare the glory of God 1 Corinthians 12:1-11-Using our gifts for God Exodus 31-37-Creating the Tabernacle in the wilderness Psalm 27:13-The good is not over Psalm 16:11, Psalm 30:5-There is still joy  Genesis 50:20-What the enemy meant for evil God can use for good JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog   

Taylor Turkington is an author, Bible teacher, teacher of Bible teachers. She is is passionate about training women to interpret and teach the Bible informally or formally through her ministry Bible Equipping. She has a love for the word of God that is so life giving and it pours out onto the pages of her book Trembling Faith: How a Distressed Prophet Equips Us to Trust God in a Chaotic World. Its a book that unpacks the book of Habakkuk in the Bible and offers an invitation to investigate what it means to lament.   For those of us who have ever even considered lament, we sometimes get hung up on doing it “the right way.” Whether that be in regards to formality, worrying about the right kinds of prayers or various Biblical application tools to use, or what have you. Taylor would offer however, that “lament is informal and natural and its expressing our great need because of the people that we are. Its saying this world is not right, but God, you are right and good. And there is a discrepancy here, and I need You to do something.” We unpack the gift of what lament offers in deepening our relationship with God, and coming to God with our emotions is a healthy practice. Taylor also shares the historical context of the prophet Habakkuk, the uniqueness of the book in the midst of the minor prophets, and Habakkuk's raw sharing with God, and his belief in God's goodness despite how messed up the world still is and how real his heartbreak continues to be.    This episode I think is such a powerful gift as many of us are approaching the last lap of Lent and are following Jesus straight into a week ripe with lament, for the joy set before the Messiah, in the days leading up to the His death, burial and resurrection. Connecting with Taylor: Book Trembling Faith: How a Distressed Prophet Equips Us to Trust God in a Chaotic World Facebook Instagram Ministry Twitter   Sponsor for this Episode: Hopefuel Use the code 'SIMPLY15' for 15% off Instagram Website References: -Bible Equipping -The book of Habakkuk -Learn It + Give It  -Learn It +Give It Intensives -Missiology  -There are spiritual gifts of teaching -The book of Lamentations -Sons of Josiah, staring with Jehoahaz… not good -King Jehoiakim… REALLY not good, hello Babylonian invasion -Concrete beaches of Croatia -“Katrina Babies” Documentary (and a picture of the power of community in cultures of color) -Dr. Jemar Tisby - (our episode, his podcast, his substack, his books The Color of Compromise, and How To Fight Racism he is such a powerful teacher) **Quick note- the audiobook release has been delayed! But forthcoming :)  -Resources for Trembling Faith   Scripture References: Hebrews 4:12- The word of God speaks Habakkuk  Isaiah 7:14, 52:13-15, 53:1-12- Isaiah talks about Jesus Jeremiah 29:11 Matthew 28:19-20-All believers are called to learn God's word and share it with others  Ephesians 4:25, 1 Thessalonians 5:11- Using the Word to encourage  Acts 2- Church is a group of people who are called to minister to each other and to the world 1 Corinthians 12- You have a spiritual gift, go use it! Job 42:1-3, Proverbs 20:5, Romans 8:28- You were made on purpose for a purpose  Luke 10:27-Love the Lord your God with all your heart mind soul and strength  Luke 1:39-56- Mary and Elizabeth proclaim the King  John 4- The woman at the well goes and evangelizes Samaria John 20:18- Mary Magdelene gets to go and tell the Disciples Jesus is risen  Habakkuk 3- Habakkuk points to the choice we have in how to respond and what we choose to believe  Lamentations 2 Kings 2-23- The revival under King Josiah Psalm 102:1- Lord, please help Ephesians 5:14, Isaiah 51:17, 52:1, 60:1, Malachi 4:2, Romans 13:11- Awake, oh sleeper  Psalm 130:6- More than watchmen wait for the morning  Habakkuk 1:2, Psalm 13;1-6, Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 40:31-  Examples of “God act, wait on the Lord, how long oh Lord” Matthew 4:17, Luke 12:35-40, Luke 4:14-30,Isaiah 61, Matthew 5:43-48 -God has come in Christ and He is working now, be ready, love your enemies Habakkuk 1:1-4-Why do you make me look at violence and do nothing Job 38:4-42:6- God doesn't explain everything to Job  Habakkuk 2:4- the arrogant won't live, but the righteous live by their faith Habakkuk 1:3- My friends are surrounded! Help them! Exodus 22:22-23, Psalm 82:3, Romans 13:8-10, Matthew 25:40- You are breaking the Law of God when not caring for others in scripture Matthew 19:26, Romans 8:32-  We are sought after by a limitless God Psalm 147:5-God is all knowing and all seeing. Habakkuk 3:18-19-But they decide “I will rejoice in the Lord because He gives me strength” Psalm 42:7- Deep calls unto deep Psalm 10 Psalm 13 JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

Dr. Jessica Peck is a professor, nurse practitioner, author, and mama who has written a book called Behind Closed Doors: A Guide to Help Parents and Teens Navigate Through Life's Toughest Issues, and it is precisely that. It's an incredible resource that talks about what Jessica sees in her office with parents and kids and teens of varying ages as well as in her own home. We are going to talk about A LOT of things today and some of them may feel kind of scary, or uncomfortable. Still, the goal of this conversation is to learn how to engage in very uncomfortable things in a “quasi-comfortable” or at the very least approachable way. Things like the mental health crisis in this country among young people, the effects of social media, living at the speed of a smartphone, conversations surrounding suicide, the drive to be perfect, and more. The goal is not for those of us who love young people as parents, ministers, doctors, nurses, teachers, coaches, aunts, uncles, or whoever you are to be scared of the world that young people are facing but to remember the hope we have in Jesus no matter what happens in this world. AND through people like Dr. Peck, we can be empowered with knowledge and equip us for what may lay ahead. I am so hopeful that you find something in this conversation for you and your relationship with the young people in your life. We cannot protect them from everything. We will not do this perfectly. But we can build healthy, honest, relationships with the young people and teenagers in our life. Remember: it is never too late to redeem a relationship, ask for forgiveness, or to change the trajectory of our decisions. I hope you find hope in that today. The Lord is not finished with your story. He has plans for a hopeful future for you, and He will carry them out until the very end. You matter, and your story matters. *Connecting with Dr. Jessica Peck: Audiobook  Book Facebook Instagram Podcast Website  References: -“Jumani”- THE OG!! -Simone Biles' mental health decision at the Olympics -University of Tennessee of the 90's -Eye contact secretes oxcytocin -My instagram live with Dr. Peck about Sex Trafficiking  -Human trafficking resource -Signs of sex trafficking -Lunchbox questions for kids/teens -Lunchbox jokes Harry Potter and Star Wars (Pinterest is a gold mine!)  -Cece Winans' “Goodness of God” -Pediatric Clinic in India through Baylor Scripture References: Ephesians 6:10-18-put on the full of armor of God Ecclesiastes 3:1-8- -there is a time to reap and a time to sow Lamentations 3:22–33; Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8:1–9-God's mercies are new every single morning Ezekiel 37:1-14-God's power can raise bones from the desert 2 Corinthians 12:9-God's power is made known in our weakness John 16:33-In this world we will have trouble, but God Psalm 84:11- No good thing will God withhold from me  Jeremiah 29:11 The Lord has plans for a hopeful future for you Philippians 1:6- He will complete the work He began in you  JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

Irene Rollins is the author of the book Reframe Your Shame: Experience Freedom from What Holds You Back. In her book and in our conversation today, Irene shares her story of adolescent addiction to alcohol that consumed her life and rewired her brain chemistry until she found herself in college, tired and desperate for life, which she found in a relationship with Jesus, and the love of a wonderful man. As they grew their family and begin to pastor churches together, the old coping strategies, shame narratives, and lure of alcohol's offer of escape began to pull on Irene's weary heart until she found herself steeped in functional alcoholism. Perfect wife, mother and pastor by day, passed out in the bathroom by night, Irene's life was falling apart. In 2017, she went to rehab. After incredible amounts of recovery work, thousands of prayers and redemptive reconciliation, Irene is celebrating 7 years of sobriety. She now, alongside her husband Jimmy Rollins, lives with a renewed purpose for ministering to people struggling with addictions, how to spot unhealthy habits that we use to help us cope with pain, brain hijacking, trying to work through crises in marriage, and speaking truth to the lies of the enemy that are keeping people in the crippling cycle of toxic shame, codependency, and powerlessness, and the difference Jesus brings with a life of pursuing healing, reconciliation, repentance, and freedom in Him. We covered so much ground in this episode. Everything from types of addictions, mental health struggles, sexual abuse, toxic shame, the narratives we tell ourselves, the difference between conviction and shame, and normalizing discomfort as we learn and grow, and use our feelings as teachers and not masters. Recovery is not exclusive to alcoholism. We are called to throw off everything that hinders us. What an opportunity to examine how we can reframe the narratives in our lives and pursue God's heart for how He sees us, allowing Him to transform our hearts and mind. Wherever you are in your story, what hinders your growth, or keeps you captive from healing, you are worth the work. Yes, we are weak. Yes, we have believed lies that have allowed people to hurt us, or we've hurt ourselves. But in our weakness God is strong. He has good for you in the land of the living and a future of hope. Take heart, friend. This isn't how the story ends. You matter, and your story matters. Connecting with Irene: Book: Reframe Your Shame: Experience Freedom from What Holds You Back Facebook Instagram Their ministry: Two Equals One // Their instagram:  Website Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 6:12- I can do anything, but I must not become a slave to anything  Romans 3:23-24, James 4:17- Sin keeps us from being who we were made to be (we all have sin) 2 Corinthians 3:18, 5:17,  2 Peter 1:2-4- Jesus can transform our lives  2 Corinthians 12:9- Seeing His power be made known in our weaknesses Psalm 51:10- Create in me a clean heart Luke 10:38-42-Martha syndrome John 10:10- The enemy comes to seek, kill and destroy Romans 8:1- Therefore there is now no condemnation  John 3:16-17-Jesus died on the cross for our sins Hebrews 12:2-Focus on the joy that is set before us Luke 22:42- Jesus asked the Father to take this cup from Him, but He surrendered to His will  2 Corinthians 7:10, Romans 2:4- Conviction leads to repentance  Jeremiah 6:14-16- You can't heal a wound you don't see  Psalm 139:13-14-God created me in my Mother's wombs Deuteronomy 31:6, Matthew 28:20,  John 14:16-17 God is ALWAYS with us Psalm 23- His rod and staff lead and comfort me  1 Corinthians 15:58- Nothing is wasted  Psalm 27 References: Find a therapist near you Codependcy  Reframing Your Shame Prayer Prompts (scroll to the bottom to sign up for them for free!) Alateen Alanon The Language of Letting Go App Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

On the podcast today, I have the absolutely amazing Sara Billups. Our show's format is very conversational and I love it that way. Truthfully I was so impressed, curious and moved by Sara's book Orphaned Believers: How a Generation of Christian Exiles Can Find the Way Home that this episode is a little more like a conversations with friends over dinner. It ebbs and weaves and then starts one way and moves another with the feverent pace of “oh man, you too?!” and also, “holy smokes I've never thought about that before.” Sara shares pieces of her story of growing up in the environment of end times prophecies being commonplace over her plate of macaroni and cheese as a child, or a booth at a milkshake shop with a friend. She unpacks huge terms like premillenial dispensationalism, how heavily focused rapture narratives held her family captive from engaging life on this side of heaven, and asking big questions like how does tradition become theology in the middle of a genuine love for Jesus and then how do things get lost in fear or just being human?   Sara would define an orphaned believer as someone who looks around the American church or just general broad strokes Christian culture and doesn't know where they belong. Or they are people like myself and Sara who sometimes struggle with what they're experiencing with many beloved brothers and sisters in Christ who are not acting like the Jesus we have experienced or of the Gospel. In that tension, how do put our eyes back on who God has always been and who He always will be? How do we pursue and embrace what role or gifts God has for us in this journey of healing? How do we allow God to use suffering, doubt, and confusion to draw us closer to Him no matter how much we desire to escape the pain? Its a lot, but its SO good.    Even though I was a bit of a poor conversation steward today, (my over excitement can get the best of me sometimes!) I hope and pray somewhere along the way you found a space for you in this conversation. You get to bring all of you and your questions and your broken experiences to the Jesus who knows people better than we know ourselves. He's aware of what comes against His church, distracts His people and distorts His name. But He's not finished. There is so much more hope to be found here on earth, and together with Him in Heaven, no matter when we get to see Him, He is coming back for us. BUT He has SO MUCH for us before He comes. That's just one of the many gifts of the Gospel is the promise, and assurance that He will be with us no matter what happens next. You are so loved, friend. You matter, and your story matters.    PS: Guess what y'all, the podcast book club is actually going to be reading this book together, AND Sara is (hopefully!) going to come talk with us about it as well because there's just so much more to unpack. So be sure and check out how to join us for the book club in our show notes, website or link in social media bios! Connecting with Sara: Book: Orphaned Believers: How a Generation of Christian Exiles Can Find Their Way Home Instagram  The Bitter Scroll Substack Website   Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube   References: The Late Great Planet Earth- Hal Lindsey “The Late Great Planet Earth” movie  The rapture Pre-millienial dispensationalism  The Cold War  Cessationism Mars Hill Church John Mark Comer This Cultural Moment podcast  Rise and Fall of Mars Hill story (via podcast) Mark Driscoll (Proceed with caution on this website…) Real time article of Mars Hill Church disbanding  TO Fuller State Park in Memphis  Schools of thought on when the rapture will take place  John Nelson Darby Social Gospel Period Left Behind Series- authors Tim LaHaye, and Jerry Jenkins L. Ron Hubbard books Scientology beliefs (-- proceed with caution on any Scientology websites, y'all. My personal favorite resources for learning about Scientology are either “Going Clear” or “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath”) The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis “All My Favorite People” - Over the Rhine  Christian Nationalism  “Wedding Dress”- Derek Webb  Caedmon's Call  Redeeming Love -Francine Rivers  Lectio Divina  Religious Icons Taylor University  Jay Kesler  “As Good As It Gets” (the tuna salad scene) Eschatology Black eschatology Black Coffee with White Friends Dr. Amy-Jill Levine and our episode  Jacob from the Insurrection and his response later in retrospect    Scripture References: Daniel 7:9-10-, Matthew 24:36-44, Acts 2:37-39, 2 Peter 3:3-4, 2 Timothy 3:1-5 The End Times” -These are taken straight from scripture. The end of days is spoken about a ton in various locations in scripture, but they need A LOT of context. Here is a continued list, but I encourage you to proceed with Holy Spirit-led discernment. There is much to be studied, but the general point is: Jesus is coming back, we don't know when, we're called to live for Him like every day is our last, but to walk with trust and hope in the abundant life Jesus came, died and rose again to give us, and it'll get real messy, but God is a purely holy, good God and righteous Judge. The Ancient of Days is trustworthy with our futures. - xo, Em Revelation 13:15-18- The mark of the beast  Revelation 6:1-16:21- The 7 year tribulation Ezekiel 38-39- The battle of Gog and Magog The book of Revelation- A brief teaching on it part 1 and part 2 from the Bible Project John 14:18-”I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.” 1 John 1:8-9, Hebrews 13:8- Jesus' mercy never runs out  Matthew 28:19- Jesus left us with the church  The book of Hosea Romans 8:15, Ephesians 1:6, 1 John 3:1-I am beloved because the Lord says so  Lamentations 3:22-23- God's mercies are new every morning  Ephesians 5:22-23, Revelation 18-22- The church is called the Bride of Christ  Matthew 16:17-19- The gates of hell cannot stand against it  Matthew 5-7- Sermon on the Mount  Genesis 3:8-24- When Adam and Eve left the garden  Psalm 23 Luke 4:14-21, John 3:16- Jesus came for all people  Revelation 21:4- Every tear dried  Acts 15, see also Galatians 5:2-6- The book of Acts and whether or not you had to be Jewish  Luke 15- The Lost Sheep  John 1:5- The Light of the world has come and darkness has not overcome it Psalm 107:2-The redeemed of the Lord tell their story  Acts 6:1–1- (and John 14:18) Jesus is coming back for us   JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Blake Guichet, better known as the Girl Named Blake, is the host of the Confessions of a Crappy Christian Podcast, and the author of her book with a similar title, Confessions of a Crappy Christian Real-Life Talk About All the Things Christians Aren't Sure We're Supposed to Say and Why They Matter to God. Blake shares a little bit of her story of growing up at war with herself because she felt like she didn't fit anywhere, and the journey of making her faith her own as she grew up. She began asking big questions like who is God really? Who does he say that I am? What have I culturally believed is true and what do I actually believe is true because God's Word says its true? In the middle of that season, she tried all the things that seemed like the next right step for a woman with a voice who loved Jesus, but hustle culture took a devastating toll on her mind, body, and heart. Then, the Lord had to meet her in that place and to trust Him and His timing to be the One who would lead her to what it meant to work and minister for His glory, and to live from her heart for Him from all the platforms He's given her. We talk about what it means to to have self confidence and also posses humility, and how to honor God in the way He designed us. Trying to peel away the stigmas that surround big topics everyone faces, and normalize Christians talking about mental health, shame, being female and maybe not the “typical” and “expected” Christian female, Blake's reckoning with the Proverbs 31 woman, not the one from the tote bags, but the one that was written in the original language of scripture, all of it is on the docket, and you won't want to miss it! I hope that in this conversation you can find some piece of yourself in it. No matter how God made you, no matter whether you feel like you fit in or not, you matter to the Lord, and your story matters.   Connecting with Blake: The Girl Named Blake Website : Home for all her services, the podcast, etc. Facebook Instagram Podcast Instagram Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. Resources: Confessions of a Crappy Christian Podcast Confessions of a Crappy Christian  Ann Swindell Adrenal Failure Ennegram 8 Hard work is Biblical  Kāḇôḏ (Honor) (from Psalm 62:7)-  'iššâ (woman or wife) or ḥayil (valor)  Doris Day Katharine Hepburn Ash Abercrombie first episode with her and the second one Mary Magdelene “Vulnerability hangover”- Brene Brown-ism Scripture References: John 1:16-The fullness of grace  Ecclesiastes 3-There is a time to tear down and to build  Gensis 32:22-32- Wrestling with the Lord 1 Corinthians 12- Spiritual Gifts Psalm 62 Genesis 31- Laban is angry at Jacob  Genesis 41:41-46-Joseph being elevated  Exodus 13:20-22, 33:1-23- Shekinah Glory (God's presence in the Exodus and Wilderness) Galatians 2:20-I died and it is Christ who lives in me  Philippians 4:8-9- (whaatever is true, whatever is lovely) Ephesians 6:10-18, John 10:10, 1 Peter 5:8- Spiritual attack Colossians 3:3- You are hidden in Christ Proverbs 31:10-31- The Proverbs 31 Woman  Judges 4-5- Deborah  Judges 4:17-21- Jael - the tent peg killer ;)  Acts 18, 1 Corinthians 16:19, 2 Timothy 4:19- Priscilla and Aquila 1 Corinthians 12:12-27- The body of Christ needs all its parts for it to work Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2, John 19:25-27- Mary Mother of Jesus Genesis 2-3- Eve Ruth the Moabite Gensis 12:11-13-Sarah- we're gonna do what now?? (Just one example) Genesis 6:22-Genesis 9- Noah's wife Gensis 19- Lot's wife Genesis 1:29-31- Eve was the crown of creation  Proverbs 7:4-23- If wisdom is a woman  Ephesians 5:22-33- The church is the Bride of Christ  Psalm 145:9, 103:8- God is good 1 Peter 4:10-God has gifts for me  Exodus 34:29-35- Moses' face shining from encountering God's glory Esther 4:14- For such a time as this Judges 6:36-40- Gideon putting out the fleece  Judges 6- ALL the signs Gideon asks for Psalm 23 Matthew 11:28-30-Come all you who are weary and heavy laden Mark 6:30-34 - has sent the disciples out two by two, and then afterward, he pulled them away to rest Exodus 31:15-Dishonoring the Sabbath has a severe punishment  1 Kings 19- Elijah- snack and a nap Ecclesiastes 3:1-11- There's a time to fight and a time to rest Exodus 14:14- Let the Lord fight for you, be still John 4:5-42- The woman at the well  Psalm 27:13- “What would have become of me had I not believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living?” Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com  

I am so delighted to share with you my conversation with author, Christian communicator and teacher Wendy Speake. In this episode, she shares with me her journey of God calling her into a life of using her words for His glory and honing her craft as a storyteller, God meeting her as she mothers her 4 boys, rubbing elbows with others in the trenches, and it is such an encouraging word. Wendy is passionate about God's word and encouraging others to learn how to engage it and identify what keeps them tripped up and triggered in their relationship with Him, His word, and with other people. She pushes us to ask ourselves HARD question such as: How do we respond when we fail? How do we grow to be more like Christ so we get triggered and tripped up less? How do take our triggers to the lamplight of God's word and how do we do right when “they”- whoever they is in our life- do wrong? A lot of these questions she offers in the context of parenting, but isn't that a call for all relationships? We cannot control anyone's actions or reactions towards us, but we can step into the process of God sanctifying our own story, and see where He is calling us to grow, and what our triggers are so that we can heal and grow and become more like the parents, spouses, friends, and neighbors God made us to be.  We'll talk about fasting and how Wendy has found in her own journey that fasting from various things in her Instead of moving from high to high, sugar, social media, shopping, whatever it is that is tripping us up and that we chose to reach for so we can cope with what's happening in our life, the process of fasting can point to the Most High God and offer opportunity to feast on His word.  Friends, I hope you walk away from this conversation encouraged and open to the invitation to engage God's word so that you can find nourishment and healing. No matter where you are in your relationship with Him, or His word or His church, He is always present and near to us. No matter where you are in your story friend, the Lord is with you. Closer than you even realize. Ask Him to make Himself known to you, because you matter to Him, and your story matters.  Connecting with Wendy: Facebook Instagram Website   Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube   JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.  References: MOPS Amber Lia Amber and Wendy's work together Triggers: Exchanging Parents' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses Parenting Scripts The 40 Day Sugar Fast  The 40 Day Social Media Fast “Gilmore Girls” – “Oy with the poodles already!” The 40-Day Feast: Taste and See the Goodness of God's Word Jesus Storybook Bible The Serenity Prayer David Thomas and Sissy Goff of Daystar Counseling - “Raising Boys and Girls Podcast” David Thomas' episode with me! (Epiosde 134) DT's Instagram live with me Tyndale Bible William Tyndale's story The 40 Day Fast Journal   Scripture References: John 3:16- God loves you  Psalm 119:105-God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path Proverbs 22:6-Training a child up in the way they should go Becoming more like Christ (a whole list of verses!) Book of Proverbs (Video for insights and overview) Book of Matthew (Video for insights and overview) Genesis 2:16-17, Joshua 24:15,John 8:36, 1 Corinthians 6:12, Galatians 5:16-17, Revelation 3:20-  God values us enough to give us free will  Mark 12:31-Love our neighbors Psalm 139:14-We are uniquely and wonderfully made John 1:1-5-Jesus is the light that the darkness cannot overcome  Deuteronomy 11 Romans 12:21- Do not overcome evil with evil, but overcome evil with good Psalm 34:8-Taste and see that the Lord is good James 1:22- Don't just be readers of the word, but be doers of the word Matthew 21:12-13,Mark 11:15-18- Turn over the tables  Psalm 147:3-God binds up the brokenhearted Matthew 11:28-Come to me when you're weary and heavy laden Psalm 61:2, Psalm 94:18-19- Go to God when you are overwhelmed  Psalm 107:20-“His word was sent to heal us”  The book of John (Video for insights) The book of Psalms (Video for insights!) Psalm 1 Joshua 23:14, Proverbs 30:5- You can take God at His Word Luke 8:43-48- The woman with the issue of blood Exodus 4:10-31- Bringing Moses and Aaron together in the desert   Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Rachelle Starr is the founder of Scarlet Hope, which is a ministry designed to share the hope of Jesus with women in the adult entertainment industry. She is also the author of Outrageous Obedience: Answering God's Call to Shine in the Darkest Places. The month of January is sex trafficking awareness month. Rachelle knows firsthand from her work with Scarlet Hope, spending the last 15 years loving on and building relationships with women who work in strip clubs, and the world of porn and prostitution, and shares with us some of what she's seen, how a woman finds herself entrapped in such a situation, and what its like to see their lives totally changed by Christ and having some of their physical needs addressed for them to experience rescue holistically as well. Rachelle's book is a galvanizing experience full of questions for each of us who are called to love like Jesus, and her passion for Christ, and for the hurting is contagious. Buckle up, you guys, this is one story you won't want to miss hearing, and perhaps the Lord even has something just for you and your story in it. If you are interested in connecting with Rachelle or looking into the ministry of Scarlet Hope, be sure and follow them and see if there is a local chapter near you!  There is hope for our stories, and He's not finished with any of us. Connecting with Rachelle Starr AND Scarlet Hope Buy a copy of Outrageous Obedience Facebook Instagram  Rachelle's Website Scarlet Hope  Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube   JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.  *References: Crazy Love by Francis Chan Scarlet Hope Bakery  Scarlet Hope career development program  Passion Conference End It Movement Christine Caine and A21  Sex Trafficking story from Atlanta // AG A similar situation in Florida Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers  “Filthy Rich” documentary on Netflix about Jeffrey Epstein Paul Tripp “Pretty Woman” Signs to look for in airports and public spaces  Dr. Jessica Peck *Scripture References: -The book of Esther (quick overview!) -The book of Ruth (quick overview again ;)) Genesis 1:27-You were created in God's image 1 Peter 2:9, Colossians 1:6, Jeremiah 29:11 -He's created you for a purpose and for Himself  Romans 2:3-4-God's kindness leads people to repentance and relationship with Him  Matthew 25:36-40-When have you seen me naked? John 10:10-The enemy comes to steal kill and destroy and Jesus came to give us life Lamentations 3:22-23-Mercies are new every morning  John 8:1-11-Who of us can cast the first stone Matthew 9:36-Jesus saw them like sheep without a shepherd James 1:22-25-we don't want to just be full of knowledge  John 14:15-being obedient to God's call Isaiah 6:8-Here I am send me  John 14:26, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2 -Listening to the Holy Spirit  Luke 16:10-(she) who is faithful in little is faithful in much  Ecclesiastes 3:1-There is a season for everything 1 Corinthians 15:58-The Lord wastes nothing 1 Corinthians 2:1-5-2 Corinthians 12:9- The Lord makes Himself known in His weakness John 10:11-18-The Lord is a good shepherd 1 Peter 2:9-We have been called into His marvelous light  *Questions to ponder: -what have You saved me for and who have You saved me for? -can we ask God to have your heart softened for those inside the walls of a place you want to look away from Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Welcome back to the Simply Stories Podcast! I'm thrilled to be back with new episodes and heading into season 4 with author and educator Danielle Hitchen of Catechesis Books. Danielle is passionate about sharing her love of church history and the tools we have at our fingertips by way of the church calendar in order to offer encouragement and connection with God and with one another in every season of life. She is the author of a series of baby believer primer books, and creates all kinds of content that help teach the tenets of the faith and helps us disciple our time, ourselves, and our families in our faith and with hope.  Today Danielle shares with us what exactly catechesis is, where some of these practices come from, why liturgy can be such a gift, and how these patterns and practices of the early church can minister to us today. Now Danielle nor I want to add something to your already long to do list. These tools she has created and shared, and this conversation are simply opportunities to connect with the Lord and remind us of who He has always been. There is grace for all the seasons, Jesus Himself experienced all of the seasons, and we're going to explore how to provide intentional opportunities to engage God uniquely where we are and maybe learn some things we didn't know before which perhaps could breathe life into the ancient, but familiar.  What a sweet way to start the new year, yeah? I know we're surrounded by resolutions and gym membership flyers, but personally, I've just been trying to get out of bed, and remember what day it is. I love the grace and gentle invitation the church calendar offers us, as a way to connect with the ever-present always faithful God, and I love Danielle's mission to help us find our place in whatever season we are in. Friends, I've missed you. The Lord was so kind to me in my sabbatical, and I am full of anticipation about what God has been doing and curious to see what He does next. I'm so honored that you are here in it with me. Remember, friend. You matter, and your story matters.  Connecting with Danielle: Baby Believer Primers (her board books for kids!) Facebook Instagram  Newsletter Sign Up  Podcast Website Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube References: -C.S. Lewis -Joan of Arc -The Protestant Reformation  -Martin Luther -We've talked about this a little bit on the podcast before! Check out episodes with Dr. Bryan Litfin (Part 2 also) -The Apostle's Creed -The Nicene Creed -The feast of Pentecost  -The “church” was growing, book of Acts -What William Tyndale did to allow access to scripture for others  -Invention of the printing press -The role of religious icons -Kayla Craig's episode, and the role of liturgy -Liturgy for Parents -A Long Obedience in the Same Direction- Eugene Peterson -The Jesse Tree  -Jesus Storybook Bible -The story of Ruth  -Candlemas- February 2nd -Feast of the Annunciation- March 25th “Lady Day” -”Lady Day” waffle day! -To Light Their Way- Kayla Craig -Every Moment Holy -Feast of Saint Lucia  -American Girl story with Kirsten celebrating Saint Lucia's Day // Kirsten's Surprise -Saint Nicholas Day Scripture References: Psalm 24:1/Psalm 135:6-7-The Lord is sovereign over all  Acts 1:9-12-Jesus ascended Acts 2- the Holy Spirit came Matthew 2:12--The Magi coming to Jesus Matthew 3:13-17-The voice of God declares Jesus as His Son at His baptism  Matthew 17-The transfiguration of Christ Luke 2:52-Jesus grew in wisdom and stature with God and with men Matthew 4:1-11-Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness Matthew 26-28-Jesus's death and resurrection Ephesians 2:8-By God's grace we are saved Exodus 32-Another golden calf  Luke 1-2-Luke and the Christmas story  Luke 2:22-38-The story of Jesus in the temple meeting Simeon and Anna Luke 1:26-38-Gabriel coming to Mary Luke 1:46-55-The Magnificat JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.  Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Today we are wrapping up our all things fiction series with my conversation with new author Sara Brunsvold. In this conversation Sara shares about her turbulent faith journey of when she was younger and the role older women who were further along in their faith played in helping speak to her heart and help her to know who the Lord truly is.  As she began to find her footing in various seasons, a story began to form in her heart and from her experiences. The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kipp, Sara's debut novel, is an exquisite look into a journey of surrender, facing the brutal and holy realities of life and death on this side of heaven, learning to trust God, and engaging life with a full hold on hope. Sara and I both have lost close family members in the last few years, and we talk about the tension of grieving with hope, how we respond and wrestle as women of faith when we see or experience suffering, and the dignity that is found in walking someone home.  BUT we don't want people to be afraid of this book (or parts of this conversation!) because death is in the title and part of the story. In this story death is not the victor, nor is it the protagonist. It is a story wrapped in hope about what death can and cannot in the lives of those that we love, and how we choose to live this side of Heaven.  This is also a conversation about examining questions such as What does it mean to mentor? What does it mean to be discipled? What and whom do we allow to disciple us? Looking at how we all have influence and how we live and encounter others matters and more. There's a scripture that says “Teach us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” I think that's what Sara and Mrs. Kip are calling us to in Jesus' name. There is a much much bigger story happening all arond us all the time. Yours adds to it in a way that is entirely unique to you and who you are, but its potential for impact can stretch beyond anything you could imagine. We need you and your story. I hope you feel encouraged to seek the Lord in it.  Connecting with Sara: Book: The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kipp Facebook Instagram Mrs. Kip's Rules to Live By (for newsletter subscribers) Website   References: -Kansas City, MO -A great resource about mentorship is my episode 73 with Kelsey Chapman who wrote the book What They Taught Me: Recognizing Mentors Who Will Take You From Dream to Done -What happened in Laos during the Vietnam conflict -Laotian refugee community in Kansas City -Fort Leveanworth -When America withdrew troops from Saigon and it fell  -The Vietnam humanitarian crisis   Scripture References: 2 John 4,3 John 3-4-Walk in truth -Titus 2 John 3:30,Galatians 2:20-21, Galatians 5:24-25, Philippians 1:21-dying to self  Romans 5:3-5, Romans 6:16-walking in obedience even when it hurts  Proverbs 3:5-6, Philippians 4:6-7 -trusting God even when it makes no sense Proverbs 27:1, Matthew 6:33-34, James 4:13-15-we're not guaranteed the next breath   Romans 8:31-39-Jesus' victory is greater than the suffering and loss we face  1 Peter 1:3-5-We have hope in Jesus Isaiah 61:1-3-beauty from the ashes  John 11:38-44-Jesus weeping as he saw the grief of the people He loved Luke 24:50-53, John 19:28-30, Acts 1:6-11- Jesus went home when His work was finished (on the cross, and His ascension)  Matthew 5:16, Romans 12:13, Galatians 6:2, Hebrews 13:16-speaking life and hope into the lives of others 2 Corinthians 9:6, Galatians 6:8, -sowing seeds of eternity into the lives of those around us -Titus 2 NLT Psalm 139:14-You are uniquely and wonderfully made  1 Timothy 4:12-Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young  Psalm 51:10-create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit Ezekiel 36:26-take our heart of stone and give us a heart of flesh Psalm 90:12-teach us to number our days  JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going! You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.  Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Today I have the honor of sharing my conversation with the one and the only Tracie Peterson. Tracie has been a staple in Christian historical fiction for 30 years. She is often called the queen of historical fiction romance, authoring 130 books over her career, all of them overflowing with incredible historical details that transport the reader into various parts of and times of the U.S., and her stories are always saturated with her passion for Christ and encouraging people with her faith by having characters walk through very real issues and finding a very faithful God in their journey. Tracie shares with me how the Lord has met her over her career doing whatever she needs to do right where she is in the name of Jesus. How she has felt and continues to feel God's faithfulness and care for her as she's surrendered her life and stories to the Lord is so powerful as she has weathered the changes in her own life, in the publishing world, and getting to talk with her is like getting to sit down for coffee with a woman who has lived a deep life of faith and left and continues to leave a life that sews kingdom seeds in all she does, and I hope it encourages you wherever you are in your story.  Friend, I hope that no matter where you are today, you are reminded that the Lord is not finished with your life. Scripture promises us that God will carry out what He stared in us until it is complete. Keep going. Take heart. You matter and your story matters.  Connecting with Tracie: Books Facebook Newsletter Sign up Website   References: Kimberley Woodhouse Pantser vs. Plotter Ted Dekker My episode with Rachelle Dekker “Love on the Santa Fe” series San Marcay (sp?)- Ghost Town -Santa Fe Railroad Headquarters Janette Oke  Catherine Marshall Grace Livingston Hill Pilgrim's Progress CS Lewis Brock and Bodie Thoene Michael Phillips Judith Pella WWII Zion Covenant Books Francine Rivers Robin Lee Hatcher Karen Kingsbury- The Baxters American Christian Fiction Writers  Martha Stewart's jail time  The entrance of Amazon- July 1995 Border's bookstores (the last one closed in 2011) Family Christian Bookstores Lifeway Christian Bookstores (but still available online)  Jaime Jo Wright  Heidi Chiavaroli  Mental health crisis for Alaskans (this was a tragic side bar in this department) Mental health crisis for women, battling alcohol addiction in Montana  The Santa Fe Railroad Novella for the Harvey Girls for Bethany House The post I mentioned about the road into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday  Southern Railway The Alaskan series The Heirs of Montana series  The Libby app  Little Free Libraries  Along the Rio Grande Ever Constant - The Treasures of Nome  The Alaskan, Yukon, & Pacific Exposition in 1909 Scripture References: Colossians 3:17,23- Whatever you do whether in word or deed do it all in the name of the Lord Mathew 13, 2 Corinthians 9:6, Galatians 6:7- Seed Sowing  Ecclesiastes 1:9- There is nothing new under the sun  James 4:14- We are but a vapor Proverbs 3:5-6- Lean not on your own understanding  Psalm 27:13, Isaiah 40:31, Waiting on the Lord Matthew 11:28-30- Rest in the Lord  Philippians 1:6- God will carry out what He stared in you until it is complete   JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going! You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.  Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Today I get to share with you my conversation with the absolutely lovely Betsy St. Amant. Betsy is a Christian fiction author who shares her story of growing up into the storyteller she loved being as a child, and the Lord meeting her in her heartbreak over her divorce, becoming a very young single Mom, the challenge and the redemption of writing novels saturated with romance while going through a divorce. She shares about dying to one dream while birthing another and the beauty of God meeting us in our grief as we feel layered emotions as seasons change. In our conversation today, she also offers a word to women walking out divorce, the loss of a relationship, and hope for their future, and to the re-married woman, step-mothers, and other beautiful but often confusing seasons as she now is navigating that season herself. The Lord has the grace for us to feel many things at the same time, and that is good news for us! Her latest novel Tacos for Two is a fun little twist on “You've Got Mail” meets food trucks, identity, culture, generational familial expectations, and characters that you want to cheer for, shake, and absolutely love. I especially love that there is a beautifully written character with Down Syndrome that just filled my heart with warmth and appreciation for my friends and family living the Lucky Few life. Like her real life story, these characters are processing their life experiences in layers of joy, grief, loneliness, confusion, new community, change, and more. It is such a fantastic read, and so is this conversation. Friend, I hope no matter where you are, you know that the God who made you is a God who sees you and cares about you where you are in your story. Whether you are walking through a divorce, navigating a new season you longed for but isn't what you expected, or any other season of uncertainty, I want you to remember that you matter, and your story matters.    Connecting with Betsy: Facebook Instagram Subscribe to her Newsletter Twitter Website   References: -Shreveport-Bossier, LA-Robin Jones Gunn novel  -Gayle Roper -American Christian Fiction Writers -Love Inspired (Betsy's books) -Zondervan -Love Arrives in Pieces -”You've Got Mail” -Her most recent book Tacos for Two -Down Syndrome  -Holy Angels - “Loving, living and learning for the differently able” -“Gilmore Girls” -The Undoing of Saint Silvanus- Beth Moore  -H.R Hutzel / her books / our episode  -Rachelle Dekker / her books / our episode  -Ted Dekker / his books -Books by both the Dekkers -Nine by Rachelle Dekker -Frank Perreti -Frank Petterti and Ted's book -Betsy's novella collection : The Rom-Com 80's Club “Love Inspired” upcoming book from Betsy: Second Chance Christmas- You can pre-order it now, but it will release at the end of September!   Scripture References: John 16:23-24, Acts 4:12, Romans 10:13, Hebrews 1:3, 1 John 5:13- The power in the name of Jesus  Psalm 34:18-The Lord is close to the brokenhearted  Proverbs 16:9- People make their plans but the Lord determines our steps Romans 8:16-18, 28 The Lord uses our sin and suffering for His glory and our good  2 Corinthians 1:3-4-Comfort others from the comfort we've been given Psalm 13, Psalm 44, Psalm 144- David going through a ton of emotions in one Psalm    JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going! You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.    Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Autumn Lytle is a debut author who has written a truly fantastic novel that is interwoven with her personal story of battling an eating disorder. It is called All That Fills Us, and it is the incredible journey of a woman with anorexia and how the Lord used a cross-country journey to save her life. Autumn shares her story with me about when things began to shift in her mind and exercise, obsessing over food, and constant comparison to others by her body size to a full-blown eating disorder. Her story is full of incredible snippets of insight and healing from how her Mother helped her journal through her painful thoughts, how running changed her life, and the gift that has come from creating this beautiful novel. We work through cross-cultural ideas about body image, comparison, how we talk about ourselves, and just so much more.  I love that Autumn wrote a story that not only would have spoken to her younger, hurting self, but provides incredible insight into the mind and healing journey of someone battling disordered eating. There are so many pictures of how to (and not to) minister to someone in this struggle, and on her website, you can actually find resources for diving further into this book and/or connecting those struggling with an eating disorder with some help. Truthfully, there were so many things in this book that just touched me in a visceral way. As a woman who struggles to believe what God says about my body, and is better at shaming myself than I'd care to admit, I could hear the Lord speaking tenderly to me as I watched this protagonist wrestle.  Wherever you are friend, know that you matter, and your story matters. The Lord will finish what He has started in you. Connecting with Autumn: Book : All That Fills Us Book Trailer Facebook Instagram Website JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going! You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.  References: Baker Books Erin Bartels  Autumn's thoughts (blog) from her recovery journey Find a therapist (great resource to find one across the U.S.) Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10- Thorn in my flesh Psalm 33:11, Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 32:19, Ephesians 1:11- God made me on purpose  Genesis 1:29-31,Psalm 45:11,Psalm 139, - God made me beautiful  Genesis 3, Romans 1:18-32- Sin is horrific and it gives us all a tragic backstory  1 Peter 5:1-11, Luke 22:31, Romans 8:31-39- The evil one is against us and tries to separate us from God's love Psalm 34:18- The Lord is close to the brokenhearted Luke 15- Leaves the 99 and the Lord goes after it John 14:26- The Holy Spirit is the the Helper Eccelsiastes 3:1-11- There is a time to tear down and a time to build Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

This one is for all my fellow Mamas that are trying to make their way through summer, walking out the exhausting seasons with their kids of any age, or just is so angry at the various things surrounding them in this broken world their anger or grief is overflowing into their parenting or marriages or other familial relationships. Today I get to share with you my conversation with Natalie Hixson who specializes in helping discouraged and burnt-out moms overcome destructive anger, so they can enjoy being a wife and mom. Natalie shares with me her story of working through being early married, learning how to fight and communicate in general, and her extreme anger that surfaced during her motherhood. She vulnerably shares her story of recognizing her problem with anger, her rage that would exist alongside her young children's tantrums, battling her shame, and her journey to pursue healing and help. That journey began with recognition of the problems, the actual lifelong journey of addressing her reactions to anger, yelling, and how to listen to herself, others, and the Lord. Natalie shares with us some of her processes about how to release the guilt, go back and repent and surrender to the Lord, and watch Him work in the relationships with our children, our spouses, and anyone else that we are struggling to not be angered by. The wisdom that Natalie shares today is truly powerful, and is saturated with hope, and I cannot wait for you to hear it.    I hope that no matter where you are today, you can believe Natalie when she says that it is never too late for redemption. That is the heart of God. He is always ready to show us a different way. If what we discuss in this conversation today resonates with you, or even this post peaks your interest, and check our link in bio for her Natalie's Trigger Tracker, and find out more about her coaching and other resources there too. 'm so grateful to Natalie for sharing her story so vulnerably so her testimony can point others, like me, to hope and to the heart of God. The same is true for you friend. This isn't how the story ends, and you matter. Your story matters.    Connecting with Natalie: Coaching Pinterest Trigger Tracker Website Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Home buyer guide: http://bit.ly/buyersguidecrabtreehomes Seller guide: http://bit.ly/sellerguidecrabtreehomes Facebook Instagram Website YouTube JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going! You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.  References: Family Life Marriage Conferences Grounding Techniques Sphenoid Bone (looks like a butterfly to massage your brain) Pituitary Gland (sends the hormones to calm)  “The Joy of the Lord is my Strength” Rend Collective and Maverick City (two of my favorite versions of this song)  Trauma and the body (Great resource for this: The Body Keeps the Score) Our guide to Lament    Scripture References: 2 Timothy 2:20-21, Romans 11:29 Becoming a tool from the Lord  John 10:27-28- My people will hear know my voice  John 8:44- Satan is the father of lies 2 Timothy 1:7-God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, sound mind, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23- Fruits of the Spirit   Epheisans 6:10-18- The armor of God  Matthew 21:12-13,Mark 11:15-18, John 2:13-17- We know that Jesus experienced righteous anger 1 Corinthians 3:16, Romans 7:15-24- When you put your faith in Jesus Christ, you receive the Holy Spirit, but you still experience sin (More in depth on receiving the Holy Spirit)  Ephesians 6:12- We are in a battle not of flesh and blood  Matthew 7:12- Treat others the way you want to be treated John 15:5-- Without Him you can do nothing  Luke 10:27- Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength Nehemiah 8:10- The Joy of the Lord is your strength  Romans 5:3-5, Ephesians 3:20-21, 2 Corinthians 4:1-12- These challenges help us to grow (perseverence) 1 Corinthians 15:57, Romans 8:37- Jesus is victorious  Matthew 27:50-52- The curtain was ripped in two  Ephesians 2:18- We have access to our Father through Jesus and the Spirit  Ephesians 2:14-15- He took down the dividing lines between people and the spirit  Matthew 11:28-30, We have a standing invitation to come to the Father (Come to me all of you who are weary burdened) Book of Lamentations (Bible Project video)  Jeremiah 20:10-11 -but the Lord is with me as a mighty awesome one Ephesians 4:17-20, (a great list of verses on the difference) Grieving the Holy Spirit vs conviction  Thorn in my flesh  Luke 1:41-44, Luke 1:67-68, John 4:23-24- The Holy Spirit will bring us to praise  Psalm 139:23-24-Search me and know me  Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Today I get to share my beautiful conversation with Anjuli Paschal. Anjuli is an author who exquisitely and intentionally shares in her books and online about her journey of coming undone and being put back together by God's love. She serves alongside her pastor husband, she's a mother of five children whose ages range from 4-15, and today we talk about things like wrestling with reentry emotionally into society, being a woman and a mother with really big feelings and aftershocks of what we've been all through, trauma as a whole, and also helping our children navigate those things as well. One of my favorite things she shares in her newest book Awake: Paying Attention to What Matters Most in a World That's Pulling You Apart is unpacking the differences between being transparent and being vulnerable. Anjuli shares that “Vulnerability is being seen from the inside out, exposing who we truly are.” We talk about how hard that can be, and what kind of risk it can feel like to truly be ourselves for better or worse with others, but Anjuli argues that “It's a greater risk to not be vulnerable.” We unpack that a little bit and it's just a really refreshing and powerful conversation on transformation, how trustworthy God truly is and His call for us to be awake to who He is, and who He made us to be. God is always providing us opportunities to be honest, come as we are and connect more intimately with Him and more deeply with those we live life with. What a scary concept, but with the potential for such rich fruit.  I hope this conversation helps you to feel less alone knowing that none of us have this figured out, and we are always being transformed and becoming more awake to the abundant life Christ gives us. Listen, friend, wherever you are today, remember that you matter, and your story matters. Thanks for hanging out with me and I'll see you next time.  Connecting with Anjuli: Courses Facebook Instagram Website JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going! You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.  References: Anjuli's first book Stay: Discovering Grace, Freedom, and Wholeness Where You Never Imagined Looking  Her latest book Awake: Paying Attention to What Matters Most in a World That's Pulling You Apart Her instagram post of resetting in the car  “Encanto”  My conversation with PSP hosts Sarah and Beth Their book Now What: How to Move Forward When We're Divided About Practically Everything Looking for Lovely by Annie F. Downs   Scripture References: Luke 23:26-43- The greatest vulnerability was Jesus on the cross John 3:16, John 15:13, 1 John 3:1- ​​God loves us (just to name a few!) Isaiah 41;13, 1 Peeter 5:7-God cares for us Psalm 130, Psalm 139:23-24- When we come to Him and say “I don't know what I'm doing” 2 Chronicles 7:14, Joel 2:12-14- He says “I know, I've been here the whole time”  Ephesians 5:14- Wake up!  Ezekiel 37:1-14- Valley of dry bones Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 28:20- God is with us Romans 12:2, John 15- God is always transforming and refining us  Matthew 25:14-30- Parable of the Talents  Genesis 16:13, Psalm 17:8 God will never lose sight of me Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 8:5-13- Jesus is trustworthy Matthew 14:22-23, Hebrews 12:2-4- Keep your eyes on Jesus  John 12:32- Jesus will draw you to Himself  Psalm 118:22-23, Ephesians 2:19-22, Hebrews 12:1-3- Jesus is the foundation, the cornerstone and He will not be shaken (and neither will I in Him) Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Today I am SO excited to share with you my conversation with David Thomas. David is an author, a speaker, and a counselor at Daystar Counseling in Nashville, TN. In this conversation, David shares such incredible wisdom, and insight based on his experience as a father of three, and twenty-five years of walking with and working with kids that have come in and out of his office. In all of his work, including the incredible Raising Boys and Girls podcast that he co-hosts with fellow Daystar counselors Sissy Goff and Melissa Trevathan, and his books Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys : A Practical Guide to Understanding the Way, The Mind, The Heart of a Boy and his latest book Raising Emotionally Strong Boys: Tools Your Son Can Build on for Life David shares his passion for boys to be seen for who they truly are from the inside out. These resources are also dedicated to equipping parents and other adults who have young kids in their lives to be able to practically connect with these young hearts and help navigate what they're experiencing as they grow. He shares with us some of those insights and a flyover of the five stages of development we see through a boys life from birth until fully developed maturity in their early-mid twenties, and how we as the adults in their lives can meet them where they are all along the way as well as what challenges they may be facing as they grow.  If navigating raising kids wasn't already a challenge, because it has always been a sanctifying experience,  statistics that David and his partners at Daystar have found show that we are experiencing an epidemic of anxiety in children. So David is passionate about helping us adults think through how can we pivot and be proactive in the emotional lives of kids instead of reactive when we start to really see some signs that something is going on. David says “All behavior is communication,” so with that in mind he tries to peel back the layers and look underneath the behaviors to get to the heart of what's really going on, and also taking into account the hard wiring of how boys in particular process emotion and anxiety in their bodies.  Also, please know this episode isn't just for parents of boys, it has such helpful info for all kids of multiple ages, and its also not just for parents! There's such good stuff here, and I cannot wait for you to hear it.  No matter where you are in this journey, don't forget that you matter, and your story matters, and the Lord will complete the work He has begun in you, and in the lives of the kids you love.  Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Home buyer guide: http://bit.ly/buyersguidecrabtreehomes Seller guide: http://bit.ly/sellerguidecrabtreehomes Facebook Instagram Website YouTube Connecting with David and Daystar Counseling:  Daystar Counseling in Nashville (This is how you can reach out for a consult with David) Facebook Instagram Raising Boys and Girls Podcast  Website  References: -Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys : A Practical Guide to Understanding the Way, The Mind, The Heart of a Boy -Sissy Goff  -Young Life -Stephen James (co-author of Wild Things) -Raising Emotionally Strong Boys: Tools Your Son Can Build on for Life Are My Kids On Track? -Raising Worry-Free Girls  -David and Sissy working through the stages of development on the Raising Boys & Girls Podcast began with this episode, and then the following 8 podcasts are dedicated to each stage of development for boys AND girls.  -Feelings Chart -Strong & Smart Workbook -Phil Herndon and Sage Hill Counseling (Phil was on the podcast in episode 50 ) -”The Heart of the Matter” by Don Henley  -Sissy's workbook Braver, Stronger, Smarter Scripture Reference:  Philippians 1:6- He will complete the work He began in you. ---- JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going! You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.  Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com  

Today I have the honor of welcoming back Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers. Sarah and Beth are authors, speakers, and the hosts of the podcast “Pantsuit Politics.” You'll get to hear from Sarah and Beth about the origins of the podcast, how it began back in 2015 as a bipartisan conversation about politics, and the nuances that could be found in these discussions. As you can imagine, after the election in 2016, life and conversations around politics began to change drastically, and the way we talk about issues, and how we encounter people who disagree with us has just gotten messier. Sarah and Beth's first book, I Think You're Wrong But I'm Listening, a guide to grace-filled political conversations was exactly what it sounds like. It still is a truly incredible resource for how to engage in political conversations, particularly for people who just don't know where to begin navigating them when the climate in the US is so polarized.  Their most recent book, however, titled Now What: How to Move Forward When We're Divided About Practically Everything is less about politics and more about relationships. As Beth says “we are not even talking about politics anymore in the things that divide us. We are talking about personality and generational differences and the relationships that exist in the world, not just the issue itself, it's all the things that inform a person's feelings, experience and it's a response to issues.”  We talk today about what got us here, where we see the heart of God in this journey, and how to just unearth our humanity with honesty, compassion, and nuance.  Beth reminded us that everyone has a story inside of them that they need to connect with someone about because they are still trying to make sense of and work through their version of what we have all been through over these last few years. Wherever you are on that journey, friend, I hope you know that you matter. And your story matters.  PS: If you are interested, the Pantsuit Politics community is currently walking through their new book online, if you'd like to dive into that, and as the news of late continues to be heartbreaking and charged, they attempt to have conversations on the podcast week after week, they have amazing offerings for their patrons on Patreon, live events coming up, and so much more.  Connecting with Sarah and Beth and Pantsuit Politics:  Books Instagram for Beth Instagram for Sarah Instagram for Pantsuit Politics  PSP on Twitter The Pantsuit Politics Podcast Their Patreon Community Website JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going! You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.  References: First time Sarah and Beth were on the podcast Their first book I Think You're Wrong, But You're Listening: A Guide for Grace Filled Political Conversation Bluegrass Redhead (Sarah's blog)  The Syrian Civil War Vice President Kamala Harris  Escalation of Climate Change (December KY tornado) Their new book Now What : How To Move Forward When We're Divided About Practically Everything Emily P. Freeman and “decision fatigue”  Iron Lungs and the Polio Vaccine  President Zelensky of Ukraine Rosa Parks The National Museum for Peace and Justice (lynching museum) in Montgomery, AL Rosa Parks statue in downtown Montgomery, AL Old Town Alabama Type 1 Diabetes in kids  Think Like a Pancreas    Scripture References: Matthew 24:44, Hebrews 10:24-25, Revelation 22:12, 22:20 Jesus is coming back, y'all! 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Ephesians 4- The body of Christ is made up of unique and diverse human beings  Hebrews 2:14-16- Jesus came and took on flesh  Acts 2:1-21- Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came and helped us understand one another each in our own language Ecclesiastes 1:9- There is nothing new under the sun  Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Michelle Ami Reyes is a woman of many talents. She is an author, a speaker, a minister, a scholar in residence, a racial justice activist, a wife, a Mom, and one of my absolute favorite people to talk to about learning to engage in scripture and conversations about race and culture, and God's vast heart for all image-bearers in His Kingdom. Her most recent book, The Race-Wise Family: Ten Postures to Becoming Households of Healing and Hope, she co-authored with the amazing Helen Lee. They define a race-wise family as “a family that asks God for help in unpacking racial issues and seeks His direction to know how to identify and combat racism in all its overt and subtle forms.”  This book is not a checklist, it is about pursuing God's Word for a heart posture that cares about all people in the Kingdom of God. Then, once those postures are presented, there is so much practical application available. They've pooled resources, and ideas for families of varying ages, and might be the best equipping resource I have seen for engaging these big and real things for hearts of any age. There is a growing divide between the responses of black and brown and white Christians and Michelle and Helen are calling us to pull up chairs towards one another and see each other through the eyes of our Maker. It is not about who can debate better, it is about how each image bearer experiences the world and God's heart for it in a very connected and relational way.  Since the time Michelle and I had this conversation, there have been multiple racially charged tragedies across the U.S. As I struggle to wrap my brain around what's happened, we feel the weight of the evil in this broken world. Michelle and Helen's book, the resources from Michelle's website and newsletter provide such incredibly helpful tools for how to work through events like this in conversations with the children in your life. The Lord is near to all who call on Him. He can and will lead us through the dark days. We must point one another while we lament to His heart. This is not how the story ends, friends. I'm so grateful that people like Michelle and Helen are using their stories to help encourage us to keep going. Remember friend, you matter, your neighbor matters. Your stories matter. JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going! You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.  Today's episode sponsor: Tony Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Home buyer guide: http://bit.ly/buyersguidecrabtreehomes Seller guide: http://bit.ly/sellerguidecrabtreehomes Facebook Instagram Website YouTube Connecting with Michelle:  Articles Book (most recent!) The Race-Wise Family: Ten Postures for Becoming Households of Healing and Hope Facebook Free Resources from Michelle to connect with kids during a racial tragedy, coloring pages, question cards, feeling charts Instagram Twitter Website References: Michelle's first episode on the podcast, number 104 AACC- Asian-American Christian Collaborative  Hope Community Church in Austin, TX  Becoming All Things: How Small Things Lead to Lasting Changes Across Cultures Helen Lee Intervasity Press IVP's Podcast  How to Fight Racism: A Guide for Standing Up for Racial Justice- Dr. Jemar Tisby (Dr. Tisby was a guest on the podcast on episode 119)  Head of Christ painting by Warner Sallman- the epitome of white Jesus The diaspora  Anti-Asian racism violence is SO high (see the recent shooting at the Taiwaineese Presbyterian church)  Bystander training Sissy Goff and Raising Boys and Girls Podcast  Scripture: Matthew 18:2-4- You need to have faith like a child Romans 5:12 (and a long list of other verses)- We are born with sin  Ezekiel 10 - angels covered front to back with eyes Genesis 1:28 (and then again after the flood in Genesis 9:7)  Adam and Eve, go forth and be fruitful and multiply Genesis 11:1-9-The tower of Babel Acts 2- Pentecost and all the languages Revelation 7:9-10- the new heavens and earth, every tribe, tongue, and nation, everyone still retains their ethnicities and languages Genesis 3:22-24- Adam and Eve banished from the Garden of Eden so they wouldn't live forever tainted by sin Genesis 6:9-9:17-Noah and the flood  Jonah 3:3-5- shortest sermon ever  Luke 19:1-10-Jesus comes to Zacchaeus  Psalm 145:18- The Lord is near to all those call on Him  Ecclesiastess 3:7- There's a time to speak and a time to listen  Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Today, I have an incredibly special conversation to share with you. Lisa Appelo is a writer, speaker, Bible study teacher, and homeschooling Mom of 7. As a young couple, Lisa and her husband had a vision of how they thought their life would unfold, and the Lord redirected those plans a number of times. One of the biggest things they never saw coming was that her husband, and high school sweetheart, passed away very suddenly. After this devastating loss, Lisa began trying to navigate life with her children ranging at the time from ages 4 to 19, and as a woman whose life had been so tightly woven together with her partner's, and a woman who had always believed in and loved the Lord, but needed Him to be near, and real and good to her in a way she had never known before.  In her new book, Life Can Be Good Again: Putting Your World Back Together After It Falls Apart, and in our conversation today, Lisa shares what her journey of grief, wrestling with God, and truly depending on Him looked like in those first tender days and weeks, but even now as she continues to walk with the same God who has always been near to the brokenhearted in this broken world. We talk about some of the big questions we honestly ask in lament before our Maker like: are you going to be there for me? How are you going to provide for me? How are you going to fix these broken hearts? Are you really good? Is God doing this to me? Is He a mean God? As Lisa sought out God in His word and experienced His tangible care through those around her, she wrestled through these questions and shares today the difficult but life-giving process of turning to the Lord in crisis, and not turning away from Him. God has healing and purpose in everything He calls us to, and He is truly good. I know this is an episode many, many people need to hear and I pray it ministers to you today.  Just remember the pain you see around you, or that you personally know, this is not how the story ends. You matter, and your story matters.  Today's episode sponsor: Tony Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Home buyer guide: http://bit.ly/buyersguidecrabtreehomes Seller guide: http://bit.ly/sellerguidecrabtreehomes Facebook Instagram Website YouTube JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going! You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. Connecting with Lisa:  Facebook  Instagram  Twitter Website  References: Lisa's book Life Can Be Good Again: Putting Your World Back Together After It Falls Apart The science of tears (sidebar, apparently in Japan there are clubs called rui-katsu- its fascinating) The Bible Recap (the Bible reading chronologically in a year plan I used)  Lisa's 7 Day Bible Study 7 Days of Hope for Your Shattered Heart The book of Exodus Mount Sinai is NOT a tiny hill. Moses climbed it (by some accounts 8 times)  Resource for working through a process of Biblical lament  Scripture References: John 15 (as one example)- God created us to live in trust and dependence on Him  Deuteronomy 4:30, 2 Samuel 2:27, Romans 8, 1 Peter 5:7-( a few examples) God truly cares about us in a deeply personal way  Romans 8:27- The Spirit knows our groans Psalm 34:18- The Lord is close to the broken-hearted Psalm 68:5-He's a father to the fatherless Jeremiah 17:9- The heart is deceitful  Matthew 16:23, Matthew 21:12-13- Jesus got angry too (but didn't sin) Psalm 63 being thirsty in a dry land  John 16:13-The Spirit speaks truth to us  Psalm 56:8- God keeps our tears in a bottle  Hebrews 10:23- (just one of my faves) God is faithful Joshua 21:45- God keeps His promises Romans 8:28- God is working  Psalm 27:13 AMPC (one of my faves) -God's goodness Ecclesiastes 1:9- There is nothing new under the sun  Matthew 6:9-13- Give us this day our daily bread John 16:33- In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart  Job, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10- (just a couple of examples)- God can cause suffering  Isaiah 53, Luke 22:44, Luke 23:26-43 -Jesus suffers Mark 6:1-13, Mark 14:50 (just a few examples)- He knows what it's like to experience rejection Matthew 26:36-46- He knows what it's like to feel loneliness John 11:25-44, He knows what it's like to watch death and grieve it Genesis 1, John 1:1-5-Jesus was in the beginning, and He knows what life is supposed to look like from the Garden Psalm 27:13-14-I would have lost heart if I had not believed I would see God's goodness, wait on the Lord Exodus 32 (on example)Moses' struggle to go up and down the mountain (and the hurt with the betrayal of the people) Exodus 20:18-21- Some of the Israelites didn't want to approach the mountain  2 Corinthians 4:18- Fix your eyes Exodus 16- The manna began  Exodus 34:28- Moses' 40 days on the mountain and fasted Matthew 4:1-11- Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness Exodus 17:8-14- Moses needs help to keep his hands up Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Today I have the pleasure of sharing my conversation with the absolutely amazing Ann Swindell. Ann is a woman who overflows with the love of God, and a desire to use her words for His glory, and to encourage others to do the same. This is the second time I've gotten to have Ann on the podcast, but literally, every time I encounter Ann in life, I feel like I glean something new about the Lord, and the same absolutely can be said about our conversation today.  Over the last couple of years, Ann found herself in a season where she desperately needed the peace of God in situations that felt ripe with anxiety, confusion, and big questions for the Lord. In that process, God led her on a journey through scripture examining the lives of men and women who were put in incredibly difficult situations, but God was their peace in it. Then, they obeyed the call God put on their lives, and He blessed them. Whether that played out in some kind of resolution or fulfilled promise or just the blessing of His presence, God has always been faithful to those who call on His name. Ann then poured out what she learned from that journey into her new book The Path to Peace: Experiencing God's Comfort When You're Overwhelmed. You'll get to hear about that, and more about the goodness of God and how to cling to Him, wait for Him, and trust Him at all times.  I absolutely love Ann's heart. She makes me want to know Jesus more, and I hope that hearing from her today calls you to draw near to God too. No matter where you are today, friend, I want you to remember that you matter, and your story matters.  Connecting with Ann: Newest book Facebook Instagram Website JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going! You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.  References: First time Ann was on the podcast - Episode 19 Writing with Grace  Normal, IL Still Waiting: Hope for When God Doesn't Give You What You Want Trichotillomania  Sarah's choice to give Hagar to Abraham still has implications to this very day Overcome- the Greek word has an overtone of victory- νενίκηκα Amanda Cleary-Eastep  Scripture References: Lamentations 3:21-24 (my favorite of the MANY) God is faithful Psalm 27:13- ( “   “) God is good Psalm 116:5-9- (“    “) God is kind Matthew 9:20-22,Mark 5:25-34,Luke 8:43-48- The bleeding woman in scripture Isaiah 40:31- Those who wait on the Lord  2 Corinthians 4:18- Keep our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen Psalm 27:13-14, Psalm 46:10, Psalm 130: 5-6, Be still and wait for the Lord Exodus 14:14- He will fight for you Psalm 121:1-2- Lift our eyes to the hills, our help comes from the Lord  Psalm 18:2 (a fave of many) God is our defender Philippians 4:19- (“   “) God is our provider Psalm 94:17-19 (NLT) My hope will be renewed in God John 16:7-14, 2 Corinthians 3:14-18-, 2 Corinthians 5:17His Spirit transforms Exodus 2- Moses in a basket Exodus 14- Moses at parting the Red Sea  Exodus 3-4, 17, 32 (to name a few of arguing with God) Moses was terrified of what God had called him to and Moses argued with God MULTIPLE times Exodus 4:1-13-“Lord please send someone else!” Ruth Luke 1- Mary the Mother of Jesus Acts 9:1-19- Paul (We'll just share his conversion, but he wrote A LOT of his story within his letters)  Genesis 18 and 21- Sarah Hebrews 11 “Heroes of the faith”  Judges 4- Deborah  Exodus 2:11-15- Big whoops with Moses Judges 6:11-27 AND Judges 6:33-40- Gideon also got to debate with God Sometimes God answers with “I am the Lord” (Zachariah, Job, etc)  Exodus 4:14-31- I'll bring you your brother to you  Exodus 17:12-14- I'll send people to hold up your hands Numbers 20:1-13- Moses wasn't allowed in the Promised Land Deuteronomy 34- God did show Him the Land John 14:27- I don't give peace as the world gives, take heart for I have overcome the world  Genesis 12- Sarai and Abram leave everything they know, and totally uproot everything to follow a God they just came to know  Genesis 12:10-20 AND Genesis 20- Abram's lie that puts Sarai at risk, IT HAPPENS TWICE and the Lord sees her situation and He comes to her rescue Hebrews 11:11-Sarah is counted in Hebrews as a woman of great faith Genesis 16 AND Genesis 21:8-21- Sarah horribly mistreated Hagar Genesis 16:13-Hagar is the first person who gets to name God “the God who sees”  John 16:33- Take heart for I have overcome the world  Philppians 4:7- Peace that surpasses understanding  Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Today I'm hanging out with the absolutely amazing Jennifer Taylor Wagner. Jennifer was relentlessly bullied for her weight as a child, and then as an adult experienced incredible life change when she lost over 300 pounds. However, even after achieving such an amazing goal, she found that getting her body to a smaller size was not what fulfilled her life. She began to do some hard inner work and realized that the heart change that has to come about is vital to transforming how you view your body, and realizing what your body has been through.  During our conversation, Jennifer shares her powerful story, all about her book Your Good Body: Embracing a Body Positive Mindset in a Perfection-Focused World and takes us to places where we can unpack some of the narratives we have around our bodies, our fragmented relationships with food, and  the mess that diet culture has created. The heart of Jennifer's message is: The more you can see yourself holistically as a person, made on purpose by God, who is in the middle of a redemption story, in a body, also made by God in the middle of a redemption story, can lead to walking in freedom and being able to engage the life you're called to regardless of what your body looks like from the outside.  Jennifer also specifically uses the Enneagram as a tool that can help us understand our motives, our struggles internally as well as our responses to our body. You'll hear that portion in the last 15 minutes or so and you can find her tools for how she uses it in the show notes and over on the blog!  The Lord isn't finished with you, friend. There is so much healing to be had still on this side of Heaven. You matter and your story matters.  Connecting with Jennifer: Audio book Book Instagram Online Course Podcast  JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going! You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return.  Today's episode sponsor: Tony Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Home buyer guide: http://bit.ly/buyersguidecrabtreehomes Seller guide: http://bit.ly/sellerguidecrabtreehomes Facebook Instagram Website YouTube References: -The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk  -”When My Heart is Torn Asunder”- Phil Wickham -The Enneagram -Type 9 -Type 2 -Jennifer's Enneagram resource -A good free test to take  -Jennifer's Bible reading plan via YouVersion “Body Image God's Way” Scripture References: Psalm 139:14-Perfectly and wonderfully made  Luke 6:45-out of the heart the mouth speaks  1 Corinthians 13- “the love chapter” 2 Corinthians 10:5-take every thought captive  Psalm 139:13, Jeremiah 1:5-we were crafted inside the womb by God Himself and He knew us and still knows us Genesis 3:11-13-”who told you you were naked?” Ephesians 6:10-18-Using the “offensive weapon of the word of God” which is the sword of the Spirit John 10:27-30-we can hear and follow the voice of the Shepherd 2 Corinthians 12:7-10-the thorn in your side 2 Corinthians 12:9-His grace is sufficient Galatians 5:1-God is committed to our freedom  Ephesians 3:20-21 (MSG translation)  Deuteronomy 6:4-7,Matthew 22:37-40,Mark 12:30-31,Luke 10:27-Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and strength  2 Corinthians 4:16-Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Dr. Michael Andrews is an electrical engineer turned minister and teacher! He's also the author of The Influential Christian: Learning to Lead from the Heart. This episode feels like the perfect place to pick up just after Easter but is also a timeless message for anyone who is trying to press into what it means to live a life on purpose for Christ.  What does it really mean to be an “influencer?” This is literally a job description these days. And as Mike points out this can take the form of marketing but is also something that is happening on a heart level constantly as we live as human beings. We are constantly being influenced by something or someone, and in turn, we are always influencing others. What is leading that? Are we being manipulative or do we genuinely want to point others to Christ and experience deep, eternal life change?  Mike shares with us how empathy is the key to connecting with people and calling them into a deeper relationship with Christ, and how it must be at the root of the influence we hold in all the various parts of our life. You can have all the best tools and resources at your disposable, but if you don't care for your heart and work through how you connect with others, it won't create a lasting impart. This carries into the workplace, how we parent, and so much more.  Empathy is a cultivated characteristic because we are by nature we are more self-centered. So as we embrace the call to be disciples, to be Jesus' witnesses from where we live until the ends of the earth, we must press into how we engage others. We have to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and strength before we can love our neighbor. Mike is going to guide us through some intentional examination here, suggest practical application steps to for growth, and so much more all in this episode and I cannot wait for you to hear it. Today's episode sponsor: Tony Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Home buyer guide: http://bit.ly/buyersguidecrabtreehomes Seller guide: http://bit.ly/sellerguidecrabtreehomes Facebook Instagram Website YouTube   Connecting with Dr. Mike Andrews: Book Facebook Instagram Website   References: TN Tech University What does it mean to be left-brained? AT&T and Bell Laboratories  Erskine Seminary  Duke Divinity School  Spiritual disciplines Simon Sinek Start with Why God is the God of the oppressed, the widow, the outlier Our Advent series from 2021 The history of Samaritans and the Jewish people A particular episode where we talked about the Samaritan/Jewish history at length  Apologetics (we talk about these a lot in these episodes: 114 and 115) Neuroplasticity  We've actually talked about neuroplasticity on the podcast before, with Dr. Tiffany Tajiri Mindset- Carol Dwek   Scripture References: Matthew 9:36, Ephesians 4:32, 1 Peter 3:8- Empathy is a picture of God's character Luke 10:27- We are called to love God first, then we are able to love our neighbor John 15- we have to be grafted into the Vine  Luke 10:25-37- The Good Samaritan parable Matthew 28:16-20- The Great Commission  Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23- Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us  ​Matthew 5:14-16- Because we are in Christ, we can show Christ to others  Ephesians 4:15- Speaking the truth in love John 8:31-32- Knowing the truth (and it will set you free) Romans 12:2- Being transformed by the renewal of your mind John 4-  (And Luke 10, see above)Jesus tells stories AND has encounters with Samaritans of great import and impact Rahab, Ruth, King Nebuchadnezzar (for better or for worse) Cyrus the Great, Hagar- Gentiles that change everything in the Old Testament Acts 1:8-Be a witness in Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the Earth  Isaiah 43:19- Streams in the desert and rivers in the wasteland John 10:10,Luke 22:31,1 Peter 5:8- The enemy wants to steal, kill and destroy Ephesians 6:10-18- The Armor of God  Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Today I get to share with you my conversation with Amber Albee Swenson. Amber is a wife, a Mom, a Bible Study author and teacher of the Word. She deeply wants to help other people know the Word of God, to help them know and love God more,  and she wants to try and make God's Word practical and applicable for people no matter what season they're in. Amber shared with me where God has moved in her life and how He's taught her the power of forgiveness, perseverance and seeing God's faithfulness every step of the way.  Today is Good Friday, which is the day we remember the crucifixion of Christ. I hope that the gift of His life and His love falls fresh on you today from this conversation. No matter what's held you back, the pain you've faced, the hurt you've felt from people, the confusion you may carry towards Christians, that doesn't change the power of the truth: Jesus died and rose again so that You would know how loved you are. He can take your hurt. He invites you too. Life is hard. Amber reminded us in this conversation that the important things in God's kingdom are going to be hard, but we also can remember that we will never be alone, forgiveness is worth the risk, and Jesus can and will meet us and lead us in all of it.  This is a word of encouragement for the weary. This is a word for those that don't know what to do with the reality around them. This is a word for those who don't know how to even get to the Gospel because of the noise in their way. This is a word for the ones who don't know how to go back to church. Whether you hear this on Easter weekend, or some other day of the year, know that the Lord still cares for you. There is a place for you in the family of God.  He is risen, friend. You matter to Him. Your story matters.    Connecting with Amber: Books Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast Website References: -Her book/study Chosen for More -Time of Grace media ministry (podcast, videos, blogs) -Gifted for More- Dr. Bruce Becker -Jackie Hill Perry -”Let the lion out”- Actual quote by Charles Spurgeon :: ““The Word of God is like a lion. You don't  have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself.” -Paul and Barnabas reconcile  -Conflict in the Church during Vietnam  -The Book of Psalms -The Book of Proverbs -Lamps tied to the ancients' feet  Scripture References: Exodus 3:7-22-Moses telling God all the reasons it was a bad idea for him to be a leader Romans 5:3-5, Philippians 3:14-the call to persevere  Deuteronomy 32:4, Joshua 21:45, Lamentations 3:21-23, Psalm 33:4 -God is faithful (to name a few :)) Deuteronomy 31:6--He does not leave you  Philippians 4:13-We do things through HIS strength Isaiah 40:29-31-He will give strength to the weary Matthew 11:28-30-Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened  Matthew 6:11-Give us this day our daily bread  1 Kings 19-Elijah, and he's had it, and the angel of the Lord appears to him.  1 Kings 17:2-16-Elijah fed by ravens 1 Kings 18:16-19:18-Ahab blames Elijah for everything  Matthew 26:69-75, Luke 22:54-62-One of Peter's worst moments Acts 9:1, Acts 22:20-One of Saul's worst moments Mark 10:35-45-One of John and James' (sons of thunder) worst moments  Genesis 3-Eve's worst moment  Ruth 2:1-3, 8-18-Ruth's determination to survive Esther 4-Esther didn't want this job John 21:15-25-Peter.. God love him, God still said He can use him.  Judges 4-Deborah  Galatians 2:11-21-Paul confronts Peter  Acts 15:36-16:10-Paul and Barnabas part ways over John Mark 2 Timothy 4:10-Paul talks about people deserting him  Ephesians 2:19-22-Christ is the cornerstone of the Church  2 Timothy 1:9-Grace and mercy in Jesus  Matthew 27:54-Truly He is the Son of God Jeremiah 29:11-The Lord has a plan for you.  Ephesians 2:10-We are God's handiwork  1 Corinthians 12:4-31-We each have spiritual gifts, We're a body with different members but each called according to a purpose  John 10:10,Luke 22:31,1 Peter 5:8-Satan seeks to kill and destroy  Proverbs 27:17-iron sharpening iron Colossians 1:18-Christ is the head  1 Corinthians 12:12-27-we're called to be the body //we're called to unity (not uniformity) Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26- Christ's body broken for us Matthew 22:15-22-Jesus being pushed to take a stand John 8:1-11-Woman caught in adultery Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 43:1-7, 41:13, Philippians 4:6-7 -Do not fear (the most repeated command in scripture, but here are a few) Psalm 139:23-24-David prayed “search me”  Matthew 6:9-13-The Lord's Prayer and forgiveness Matthew 18:21-35-The parable of the unmerciful servant  Mark 14:27-52- Disciples leaving Jesus after arrest  Luke 22- Judas' betrayal John 21:1-17-Breakfast with his Savior Matthew 26:69-75, Luke 22:54-62-Peter's betrayal Romans 12:2- Be transformed by the renewal of your mind  Galatians 1:11-2:21- Paul being on fire for the Lord and being called to learn instead of go Acts 16:6- Paul wanted to go to Asia and God said no Psalm 119:105- Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Today, it's my honor to invite you to join us for an incredibly unique and fascinating conversation with Dr. Amy-Jill Levine. Dr. Levine is an academic, an educator, and an author who is invested in Christians finding the Jewish context of their own story and helping them see where anti-Jewish messages exist in the world. Then, with her fellow Jews she desires to help them see that the New Testament is a Jewish story and that it fills in some of the gaps of Jewish history. Ultimately, her hope in all of this work is for Jews and Christians to stop bearing false witness against one another and treat each other as fellow children of God.  From a very young age, Dr. Levine began asking questions about how two groups of people that share so many similar beliefs about God, customs, etc, can villainize the other. We talk about those questions in our culture, within the Biblical and historical context, as well as why some believe there is a need to extract Jesus from His Jewishness, and how that truly takes away from the Biblical narrative and the gift of Christ on so many levels.  AJ calls Christians to own their faith in an incredibly powerful way. Her latest work Witnesses at the Cross examines the four Gospel accounts of the crucifixion of Christ and she offers many powerful statements about what we can learn from all of the various witnesses there. She not only weaves her vast wisdom of sacred texts and historical context into the accounts, but she also provides beautiful insights from her own experience. For example, while teaching a Divinity School class at Vanderbilt, she taught that class “on the inside” with inmates on death row. Their observations of Calvary implored her to consider the thieves on the cross from a lens she offers to us. She also challenges the readers to consider how we can find ourselves in the bystanders and scoffers as well as reminding us that even though many parts of this moment in time display many people at their worst, those people are made in the image of God. If Jesus is who He says He is, He was crucified for them too.  I hope that you find this conversation fascinating and thought provoking, friends. As we are about to walk into the days of Holy Week, with Palm Sunday here in just a couple of days, I hope you this conversation breathes fresh life into your Lenten journey. I hope it brings some questions to consider as we make our way to the Cross. As my friend Katie says “we are a Saturday people.” We long to see how the story ends. God is faithful to the end, for all of us. Jesus' offering of His life is a gift that can never be taken, and is available to all who seek it. The Spirit dwells among us, and constantly reminds us of who God has always been and who He will always be. I pray we seek Him with fresh praise and gratitude and with open hands and hearts. You matter. Your story matters. He will complete the work He began in you.  Today's episode sponsor: Tony Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Home buyer guide: http://bit.ly/buyersguidecrabtreehomes Seller guide: http://bit.ly/sellerguidecrabtreehomes Facebook Instagram Website YouTube   Connecting with Dr. AJ Levine: Class that she mentioned!  Facebook  Hartford International University Webpage Vanderbilt Webpage    References: -Prophecies of Jesus in the Old Testament  -Anti-semitic art -The Torah -Book of Genesis -Book of Isaiah -Book of Deuteronomy -Book of Leviticus -circumcision becoming unnecessary  -Dr. AJ's children's books -Sandy Eisenberg Sasso-Co-author of the children's books -The seven last words of Jesus  -Where is Cyrene? modern day Libya  -Paul and Jesus' followers continue to observe Jewish traditions by attending synagogue and observing festivals etc, -Riverbend Maximum Security Institution -Vanderbilt Divinity School  -Men of Valor-”Shawshank Redemption” -Short Stories by Jesus- by Dr. AJ Levine -Historical context of Jesus' day between the Jewish leaders and Rome -The revolt doesn't come until 30 years post resurrection  -”client ruler”- Herod Antiapas (kills JTB) -Herod the Great (kills the babies bc of his fear of losing the throne) -Archelaus (Herod's son who gets part of his inheritance, in Judea) -Pontious Pilate  -Tyberius is on the throne in Jesus' time -Claudius -Caligula -Nero  -The Pharisees  -The back story of Jews and Samaritans, modern day issues  -Herod the Great had a Maccabean Princess  Scripture References: John 3:16-He is the only begotten son of God and He died for our sins -Exodus 3:7-10, The book of Esther, Jeremiah 29:11- His faithfulness to His covenant with the children of Abraham (to name a few) Romans 7:12- the Law is holy, just and good Galatians 3- don't follow the Law, it can't save you, you can't do it  Acts 9:15,Acts 26:17-20, Galatians 1:15-16, Ephesians 3:7-8, -Paul is the apostle to Gentiles  Acts 13-Paul says in Acts to worship in the synagogue Matthew 27:32,Mark 15:21,Luke 14:27,Luke 23:26-Simon of Cyrene Matthew 27:57-60, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-26-Joseph of Arimathea Mark 15:41-the women who followed Jesus and ministered to Him Luke 8:1-3-Joanna and Susanna Luke 8:2, John 20:11-18-Mary Magdalene Luke 23:32-55-the two thieves on the cross  Luke 23:39-43-The “good” thief is the only one who seems to realize Jesus has a Kingdom Matthew 13:45-46-the parable of the pearl of great price Deuteronomy 6:5-9, Joshua 1:8, -the call to remember in the Old Testament, write it on your door posts, and seal it in  2 Kings 22-Josiah found the scrolls of the Law and their revival  -Luke 1:1-25, 1:57-80 - Zechariah John the Baptist's father, his response is him remembering the Lord and his faith to see what would happen next  Matthew 27:42-The bystanders who demanded him to do a miracle to bring Himself off the cross  Mark 1-8- allllll the miracles Mark 7:36, 10:45-Jesus doesn't want to be known as the miracle worker, but the One who died as a ransom for many John 2:19, Matthew 27:40-You said you were going to destroy this Temple  Mark 6:14-29-”client ruler”- Herod Antiapas (kills JTB) Matthew 2:16-18-Herod the Great (kills the babies bc of his fear of losing the throne) Luke 10:1-23-Jesus told them to go out without a sword or staff Matthew 5:20-Sermon on the Mount, talks about the righteousness of the scribes and pharisees John 3:1-21, Acts 9:1-19 -Some Pharisees begin to follow Jesus: Saul of Tarsus (Paul), Nicodemus Acts 15 -mentions other Pharisees who follow Jesus' teaching as well Exodus 20:8-11-How do you follow the Sabbath and keep it holy  Mark 12:28-34- Jesus is teaching in the Temple, scribe approaches and asks about the greatest commandment  Matthew 22:34-40- retells that story with a different tone  John 8:42-44 Luke 10:25-37- The “good” samaritan story John 4- The woman at the well  Matthew 1- Jesus' lineage with women  Luke 10:38-42- Mary and Martha Mark 15:40-41- women who traveled from afar that followed Jesus Matthew 14:13-21- Feeding of the 5,000 Mark 14- He's already been anointed Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24: 6-7 (this is the actual quotation) don't you remember what He told you (the angel says to the women) Mark 14:12-26- the last supper when Jesus spoke to them about going back to Galilee Luke 1:39-56-Elizabeth proclaims over Mary that she is carrying Christ  John 19:25-women were at the cross Luke 23:55, Luke 24:1-12-women were at the tomb Acts 2-women were at Pentecost and receive the tongues of fire  Book of Ruth Book of Esther Judges 4-Deborah  Exodus 2:1-10, Exodus 15:2-21, Micah 6:4-Miriam, a prophetess, worship leader  Matthew 18:20-Where are two or three are gathered  James 2:14-26- faith without works is dead Genesis 1:27 - everybody is in the image and likeness of God  Esther 4:14- For such a time as this Ecclesiastes 1:9-There is nothing new under the sun  Matthew 16:24-Pick up the cross and follow Him  Romans 3:10-12,Psalm 14:1-3,Psalm 53:1-3-There is no one righteous, not one Revelation 5:9; Revelation 5:12; Revelation 13:8; Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29; John 1:36; 1 Peter 1:19 Jesus is the Lamb of God Hebrews 8:1-4-Jesus is the High Priest Jeremiah 29:13- Seek Him and you will find Him Philippians 1:6- He will complete the work He began  Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Today I have the absolute pleasure of sharing my conversation with Bible teacher and author Elizabeth Woodson. Elizabeth is a beam of sunshine and hope, and the light of Christ just radiates from her smile and her passion for people knowing and loving Jesus. She shares with me her journey into full time ministry, first on various church staffs such as leading singles ministry at Dr. Tony Evans' church and then was most recently on staff at Village Church, teaching, equipping leaders, and doing theological equipping with the body,, and now she is pursuing her full time personal ministry. She is passionate about deep theology for every day folks because life is hard and God's word is a lamp to our feet in every dark, foreign or uncertain land. Her first book just recently released, and speaks directly into that space. It's called Embrace Your Life: How to Find Joy When the Life You Have is Not What You Hoped For. Elizabeth shares so powerfully about practically walking out longing and lament in your life, and still experiencing the gift of joy and an abundant life. Her beautiful book looks into the Word of God about how to take our longing before the Lord and to work it out with Him, and then figure out the next step even when we don't know what to do or how to feel. She offers some practical ways to process this in this conversation and it's just so insightful and full of experiential wisdom and Spirit led truth.  We cover so much ground in this episode. We talk about how to better love our single friends in the church, encouragement for pursuing mentorship and discipleship within the body of Christ, and also for those who are not currently part of a church, why it matters to have right theology, and to know who God truly is, and so much more. This word is a powerful one that carries the need for the salvation of Easter and the lament and longing of the Lord's second coming because it is a hot. mess. down. here. But there is joy in the longing. There is beauty to be found in the middle of the story and I cannot wait for you to hear it.  I'd love to hear if this episode resonated with you! It means so much to me and to our guests when you share this podcast with the people in your life or to hear how the Lord is intersecting your story. Don't forget, friend. No matter where you are, you matter. Your story matters. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Today's episode sponsor: Tony Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Home buyer guide: http://bit.ly/buyersguidecrabtreehomes Seller guide: http://bit.ly/sellerguidecrabtreehomes Facebook Instagram Website YouTube   Connecting with Elizabeth: Book: Embrace Your Life: How to Find Joy When the Life You Have is Not What You Hoped For Instagram Twitter Website    References: Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) Dr. Tony Evans and his church Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Village Church  Growing Together by Melissa KruegerThe Book of Psalms- David (and other authors') honest and emotional outpourings to the Lord All sin is equal before the Lord's eyes Joy is in Jesus  Free Bible app  World on Fire: Walking in the Wisdom of Christ When the World is Fighting About Everything  “Promises” and “Million Little Miracles” by Maverick City Music  “Wait on You” by Maverick City Music  The “Jubilee” album    Scripture References: Acts 26:18, 1 Peter 2:9- Moving from darkness to light  Ephesians 3:20- Exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ask or imagine 2 Corinthians 4:17, Ecclesiastes 3:11- There is an eternity that awaits us John 4:13-14, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 1 Peter 1:3-6 -The hope we have in Jesus  Psalm 139:1-12, Psalm 23- He's on the mountain tops and in the valleys  John 15, (and many other scriptures shared below) God has called us to cultivate and grow ourselves and relationships with Him and with the body Jude 1:24,Psalm 121;7-  He is a God who keeps you Matthew 6:31-32, Matthew 7:11, Luke 12:24 Philippians 4:19- God will provide  Isaiah 63:7, Deuteronomy 11:18- We know and remember what God has done for us Acts 1-2- How the Church began Deuteronomy 7:9, John 13:34,-Being faithful because God is faithful Matthew 5:38-42, Matthew 18, Ephesians 4:26-Handling disagreement in the body  Acts 9:15, Acts 22:21- Paul would be the one to go to the Gentiles Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 John 3:1-2-The body of Christ is a family  Ruth 1:16-17-Where you go I will go Genesis 5:32-10:1- Noah was told to build the boat, and then… years go by  Judges 6-7- Gideon and alllllllll his words from the Lord and all his angels (God love him) John 10:10- Satan works overtime to seek and destroy Ephesians 3-4- Our calling is so big as the Church/ the purpose of the church, the divine mystery of our transformation ministers to principalities  Matthew 5:1-12- The Beatitudes  Matthew 5:4-Blessed are those who mourn  Ecclesiastes 1:9-There is nothing new under the sun  Romans 6:23- All sin cost the same: the death of Christ  Ephesians 2:8-9, 2:20- We are all saved by the same grace and gift of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection Genesis 1:27, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27- We are all image bearers, called not to uniformity but unity  Matthew 22:36-40- When we love the Lord our God rightly, then we can love our neighbor as yourself Psalm 13- honest lament before God  Daniel 3:16-20, Esther 4:14- And if He will not  Psalm 27:13-14- God has good for me in the land of the living Galatians 5:22-23- Joy is a fruit of the spirit  Revelations 21- There's an end date on the things that hurt us  Psalm 16:11- In His presence is the fullness of joy  1 Peter 1:3- We live with hope  Psalm 51 2 Samuel- 11:1-In the season when kings go to war…. David was not  Matthew 1:6-7- Bathsheeba is in the named lineage of Christ  Psalm 27:13- The AMP translation of “what would have become of me if I had not believed I would see the good in the land of the living”  Isaiah 63:7- Let us rejoice and recount the goodness of the Lord  John 14:26- We have a helper, a counselor in the Holy Spirit  Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Listen, I hope y'all are ready because Andi Andrew is on today and she brings a WHOLE WORD about relationships, broken belief systems and living lives that pursue the way, truth and life in Jesus! Andi is passionate about God, His word and His people and doing the work of being a human in this broken world so you can connect more deeply with God and with people. She'll share in this conversation about what it was like for her family living and leading a church in NYC during the pandemic, and what was revealed to her about the hearts and relationships within the body of Christ locally and globally that ultimately deeply informed the book on her heart called: Friendship–It's Complicated Avoid the Drama, Create Authentic Connection, and Fulfill Your Purpose Together.  This book is more than just examining relationships, it cuts to the heart of the matter and calls us to look at the broken belief systems that inhibit our relationships from growing, and keep us from growing more into the image of Christ and who we were made to be. Andi asks big questions in her book and in this conversation such as: are we living the way and the truth and the life of Jesus or our own way? What's the difference between healthy boundaries and building walls of isolation? A deep, healing, and restorative work is needed in each and every one of us so that we can love who we are created to be, and love others as they are created to be as image bearers of God. Be sure and check out Andi's free resources, her books, that are all linked in our show notes and blog! AND if you're interested we'll be reading her book for this month's Simply Stories Book Club! Head to the link in bio to connect with Andi, the book club, and to hear the episode.  Wherever you are friends, just remember that this is not how the story ends. That you matter, your story matters. “He will complete the work He began in You until the day of completion” Thanks for hanging out with me and I'll see you next time.  Connecting with Andi: BookFacebook Instagram Podcast TwitterWebsite YouTube Today's episode sponsor: Tony Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Home buyer guide: http://bit.ly/buyersguidecrabtreehomes Seller guide: http://bit.ly/sellerguidecrabtreehomes Facebook Instagram Website YouTube References: -Liberty Church in New York-Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life: Dr. Henry Cloud, Dr. John Townsend-codependency -Free downloadable pdf about rebuilding relationships-The enneagram -Join the Simply Stories Podcast Book Club while we read Friendship– It's Complicated Scripture References:-1 Corinthians 12:12-37-The body of Christ-John 15- Pruning and bearing fruit -Matthew 7:24-27-Are we standing on the rock or the sand?-Matthew 5-7-The sermon on the mount -John 14:6-The way, the truth and the life-The book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah 3- the list of names of those who rebuilt the wall-Psalm 16:5-6-The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places -Joshua 18-19, Numbers 18:21-32-When God gives out inheritances to the tribes around the Tabernacle -Romans 12:18-Inasmuch as it depends on you, live peaceably with everyone-Malachi 3:2-The Refiner's fire-Acts 6:1-7, Acts 15-The New Testament church struggles -Ecclesiastes 1:9-There's nothing new under the sunActs 8:26-40-The eunuch and PhillipActs 16:16-40 Acts 27:27-28:5--Fellowships on ships, in prisons-Hebrews 10:25-Do not neglect gathering-Ephesians 2:19-22, Mark 12:1-11, Psalm 118:22-23-The cornerstone of our faith-Matthew 18:15-The model of conflict in the Gospel-Mark 3-The Lord experienced conflict (just as one example!)-Unity in our diversity-Galatians 2:20-Walking crucified with Christ-Ephesians 4:11-16– the apostle, the teacher, the evangelist using their unique gifts bring maturity and unity to the body of Christ -Exodus 1:1-21-The midwives,Shifra and Puah, who delivered Moses (and other Hebrew babes)-Acts 13-Barnabas saw Saul, and brought forth Paul Acts 15:36-16:10-Barnabas and Paul experienced conflict, but they reconciled (and I misspoke, it was about Mark, not Timothy Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com