Table Talk Podcast Season 1

Join us this week as we discuss evangelism with Dave Sterrett and his book Jesus Conversations coming out in June! Dave Sterrett is the president of Disruptive Truth, a non-profit organization equipping believers to disrupt culture with the truth and love of Jesus Christ. Dave authored or co-authored ten books, including the Wall Street Journal best-seller I Am Second, Why Trust Jesus, and the forthcoming book, Jesus Conversations: Effective, Everyday Engagement. He co-authored The Coffeehouse Chronicles series with Josh McDowell. Sterrett taught apologetics, philosophy, and theology at Liberty University and Prestonwood Christian Academy before entering medical sales and cancer diagnostics.    Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk, Chel and Jan discuss the second week of their evangelism series. You won't want to miss it!   Ask people: “Is everything OK?” Ask people: “Is there anything I can pray for you about?” Mention something of interest that includes a reference to your Church Watch for stories people tell about unexpected “luck” or good fortune and connect those experiences to God Watch for ways to work intriguing ‘God Honoring Stories’ into conversations that match the subject being discussed For most people, nothing is more important than family and nothing touches their heart faster than asking about their family God’s Master Plan and Bible Prophecy are now relevant to daily conversation Always be on the lookout for situations where your favorite scripture is a perfect fit The age-old question of: “Do you know where you’ll go when you die” remains the most compelling and revealing question you can ask Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk, Chel and Jan begin our three week witnessing series. We start with an episode on how we can be a witness to others.   SHOW NOTES Where to start? Ask people: “Is everything OK?” Ask people: “Is there anything I can pray for you about?” Mention something of interest that includes a reference to your Church. Watch for stories people tell about unexpected “luck” or good fortune and connect those experiences to God. Watch for ways to work intriguing ‘God Honoring Stories’ into conversations that match the subject being discussed. For most people, nothing is more important than family and nothing touches their heart faster than asking about their family. God’s Master Plan and Bible Prophecy are now relevant to daily conversation. Always be on the lookout for situations where your favorite scripture is a perfect fit. The age-old question of: “Do you know where you’ll go when you die” remains the most compelling and revealing question you can ask.   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us this week on Table Talk as Chel and Jan interview Annie B.   Show Notes Don’t base your life on who you surround yourself Be careful who you call friends as they may be the ones influencing your future  Your mistakes don’t define who you are  Forgive yourself when you do make bad choices and walk away and don’t go back   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk, Chel and Jan discuss breaking free from the bad. Join us!   SOUNDBITES Why can’t we just stop? Why Don’t we? About 70% of smokers say they would like to quit. Drug and alcohol abusers struggle to give up addictions that hurt their bodies and tear apart families and friendships. And many of us have unhealthy excess weight that we could lose if only we would eat right and exercise more. So why don’t we do it? Stress is a big part of the answer. Lack support Tips on breaking a bad habit For those in infant stages or non-threatening levels. (Jan) Avoid tempting situations. If you always stop for a donut on your way to work, try a different route. Keep fatty foods, cigarettes, alcohol and other tempting items out of your home. Replace unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones. Try exercise, a favorite hobby or spending time with family. Prepare mentally. If you can’t avoid a tempting situation, prepare yourself in advance. Think about how you want to handle it and mentally practice what you plan. Reward yourself for small steps. Give yourself a healthy treat when you’ve achieved a small goal or milestone. For those with an addiction. (Chel) Seek professional help One day at a time. Celebrate the wins, move past the losses. Commit to doing whatever it takes. For both – enlist support!!! Get rid of the friends who enable Find friends that will support your changes Read scripture & Pray Table Talk Prayer Group If you want to pray for women around the country that are trying to break a habit, sign up to be a prayer partner If you need support, send us your request and know all over the country women will be praying for you. Lifting you up on a daily basis. Let us know how it’s going. Verses to cling to: You are already forgiven 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. You can overcome 1 Cor. 10:13. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Pray for strength and peace Philippians 4:6-8  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Fight the spiritual battle James 4:7  -  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us this week on Table Talk as Jan and Chel discuss breaking free from competition.   SHOW NOTES Stories in the Bible: Philippians 4 And now I want to plead with those two dear women, Euodias and Syntyche. Please, please, with the Lord’s help, quarrel no more—be friends again. 3 And I ask you, my true teammate, to help these women, for they worked side by side with me in telling the Good News to others; and they worked with Clement, too, and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are written in the Book of Life. 4 Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do. Remember that the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. 7 If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.  Action: Don't fight – it affects our ability to share Jesus with others Instead: Trust in Christ who keeps your thoughts and hearts quiet and at rest. Be full of joy in the Lord Rejoice in Him Be thankful to God Treat each other kindly Be unselfish, considerate Fix your thoughts on what is true, good and right, pure, lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Tools/Resources Quiet Time – Fix your eyes on Jesus How do we love and encourage our friends in this area?   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk Jan and Chel discuss freedom from comparison. SHOW NOTES Where to start?  We shouldn’t compare ourselves to other people, but we should compare ourselves to Christ 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these  things. What do I do? Live out God’s will for YOUR life Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Psalm 138:8 The LORD will work out his plans for my life–for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. Learn from others Instead of comparing, learn from others. As they have life lessons learn from them. Gain wisdom from them. She does that better than me, what can I learn from that? Tools/Resources Build your network of friends that encourage you to do you. How do we love and encourage our friends in this area? Don’t judge others – encourage with truth from scripture Encourage our friends in their successes Comfort them in their failures   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk Chel and Jan discuss breaking free of fear.   SHOW NOTES What the Bible says about fear… When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56:3-4 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another… There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:11, 18). Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Psalm 27:1 Of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?   A lot of “don’t be” but HOW? Trust that God is loving, your protector, provider, in charge Stories of fear in the Bible: Jesus Calms the Storm (Mark 4:35-41) So Do Not Fear (Isaiah 41:10)  people turning to idols in their fear… We are inclined to worry rather than pray, and we often neglect to seek God’s peace. 1 Peter 5:7, however, reminds us that although anxiety is a reality, the biblical response is absolute assurance in the strength of God’s care.    Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk Chel and Jan discuss setting goals.  SHOW NOTES Only 14% of us even set goals at all but most of us don’t write them down we just think about them. Those people who do write our goals down are 10X more successful than the rest of us. But sadly most of us don’t and so only 8% of us will actually achieve the goals that we think about. And 92% of New Year’s goals fail by January 15th anyway, so what’s the point? Setting goals can be beneficial for having a more productive and fulfilling life. Setting goals and making plans is wise: The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. Proverbs 21:5 How to set goals God tells us how to make goals: And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:2-3 God gives us a goal: Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 Stories of goals in the Bible: Joseph stored up grain for 12 years for the famine. God modeled goals: God had a plan from the beginning. He started with perfection, allow for our choice to love him, Jesus, a way to redeem us, perfection established for eternity. His plan is patiently playing out He wrote it down He is patient He follows through on his plan He will complete his plan Jesus set a goal to save us all. He has a plan from the beginning. Wrote the plan in the Bible and is patiently playing out his plan.   Some questions we will discuss: What spiritual goals can we set?  How do we set goals?  What can we do to follow through and have patience?  How do we love/encourage someone who has goals well?   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com CONTACT Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk Chel, Jan and Michelle discuss spiritual warfare and Identity. Join us!     Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us this week on Table Talk as Chel, Jan and Michelle have a candid conversation about how we fight the spiritual battle being waged against our families.   SOUNDBITES Where have you encountered spiritual warfare within your family? How do we go to battle against the spiritual warfare over our families and children? Are our kids equipped to fight this battle? SCRIPTURES All have sinned & Fall short of the glory of God – stop pointing fingers Jesus covered a multitude of sins all of your sins You are redeemed by the blood You are forgiven You are chosen God is Truth   Psychiatry Online – Suicide Rates in teens per year https://prcp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.prcp.20190015   Contact Us Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk, Chel and Jan discuss freedom from fear. How does fear presents itself in your life and how we can battle against it?   SOUNDBITES How is fear presented in your life? Finances Health Our calling How do we go to battle against fear? Holy Spirit Armor of God Prayer The Word Praise Blood of Christ - He has overcome Choose your thoughts, take them captive, replace them with what is honest, true, just, lovely and good. Philippians 4:8, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." "If God is leading you to pray for someone be obedient to what He is calling you to do."    Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us this week on Table Talk for our year end wrap up. Chel, Jan and Michelle look back on some of the blessings and some of the challenges of 2020, as well as some of our favorite Christmas and New Years traditions.   Some questions we will answer - Best thing that happened in 2020 Favorite Christmas traditions One time we saw God clearly One thing we want to leave behind, one thing we hope is different in 2021 One goal we have for 2021 What we can do as mothers to make Jesus a special and memorable part of our holiday traditions with our families   As we wrap up today this is a season where we celebrate the King who came to Earth to bare our shame and make a way for us to be with him in perfection for all of eternity. We encourage you to make this holiday season extra special for your family. First: Love yourself and take a nap, snuggle with your little kids, talk with your teens. And celebrate the gift of Christ together as a family.   Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us this week as Jan and Chel interview Donna Vanliere. Donna is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. Her 14 titles include The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing - both of which were adapted into movies starring starts like Rob Lowe and Neil Patrick Harris. Both movies garnered stellar ratings, including the highest rated made-for-TV movie of the year.  Her movies The Christmas Secret and The Christmas Note were among the highest rated movies in the history of the Hallmark Movies. Donna has won numerous awards for her writing and we could go on and on but she is also a mom, a wife, an animal lover, and a closet comedian at home. She's passionate about cooking (...and eating), reading, movies and teaching, inspiring, challenging and encouraging dreamers! She loves to spend her time with her family around the swimming pool or a campfire just like us. Donna's website:  http://www.donnavanliere.com/ The Things Are Looking Up podcast is found wherever people listen to podcasts or can be found at my website here: http://www.donnavanliere.com/lookingup Latest book:  The Christmas Table Wrote: Christmas shoes which was made to a movie Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join on Table Talk this week as we discuss Hospitality with Jan and Chel.       Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk, Jan and Chel interview Nicole Bromley. Nicole is devoted to spreading a powerful and vital message across America and around the globe. Both in her books and in her internationally-recognized keynote, "Our Little Secret", Nicole uses her own life story to break the silence on sexual abuse, and to bring hope and healing, empowering others on a journey from victim to Victory Over Impossible CircumstancEs (VOICE). Nicole has authored several books: Hush: Moving from Silence to Healing after Childhood Sexual Abuse, Breathe: Finding Freedom to Thrive in Relationships after Childhood Sexual Abuse and SOAR: A Companion Workbook to "Hush" and DVD Series for Personal and Group Study and she has another one in the works! Nicole is the founder of OneVOICE as well as the founder and Executive Director of OneVOICE4freedom, a non-profit organization focused on stopping child sex trafficking around the world. In 2010, Nicole began a campaign across East Africa to stamp out child sexual abuse and trafficking and was the first woman to ever give a public address on the topics of sexual abuse and child sex slavery in the country of Uganda. The First Lady, Janet Museveni, then unveiled Nicole’s book, Hush, as a national resource for survivors and citizens in positions of prevention and support. In 2012, Nicole went undercover to Cambodia for a rescue and restoration film project of Life Outreach International, where she met with child sex slaves in brothels and helped them tell their stories. She founded OneVOICE4freedom following that life-changing work, and has since built safehouse schools and provided prevention education for hundreds of thousands of at-risk children and families in rural poverty-stricken villages targeted by traffickers around the world.   Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Jan interviews Kate Shungu. Her platform is Gift of Hospitality - recipes and ideas for gatherings. You can find Kate on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest – Gift of Hospitality. Her website is www.giftofhospitality.com. Gift of Hospitality is a destination for home cooks who want to share their love of get togethers with both old friends and new. From dinner at home to large celebrations, Gift of Hospitality embraces all events with the same mindset: hosting doesn’t have to be over-the-top or time consuming. With just a little bit of planning and preparation—and some practical tips—Gift of Hospitality shows readers how they can approach their own gatherings with this philosophy in mind. Along with crowd-pleasing recipes, how-to advice for entertaining, and ideas for hosting thoughtful events and welcoming people into their homes, Gift of Hospitality helps readers entertain more often and with an ease and confidence they never knew they had. Join us this week as we interview Kate!   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk, Chel and Jan interview Victoria Duerstock. Victoria is the author of Extraordinary Hospitality for Ordinary Christians. Victoria Duerstock is a writer, blogger, teacher, and speaker. Her mission is to intentionally seek to inspire hope and ignite bigger dreams for God's purpose in each of our stories. She also enjoys speaking at writer's conferences and boot camps about platform building and life lessons for writers. SOUNDBITES "We should leverage every resource that God gives us into service, and our home is a really great way to do that." "When I feel seen and known, knowing (God) still loves me...it just encourages me so much. His love is connected to his knowing of me. And he cant know me if he doesn't see me." "There is nothing we can do apart from our Bibles where we are studying and learning and growing."   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk Jan, Chel and Michelle discuss spiritual warfare.   SHOWNOTES Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Jesus warned that the devil “is a liar and the father of lies” (Jn. 8:44), Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor...” (Eph. 4:22-25). Not surprisingly, then, the very first step in arming ourselves for battle against the devil is to gird our loins with truth (Eph. 6:14). And when we engage the battle with God’s “weapons of warfare [that] are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses,” we attack those lies and lay waste to them, “destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God...” (2 Cor. 10:3-5). The Word is truth.   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com   Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk, we have a roundtable discussion on how to do school and normal life in our homes with advice from some seasoned home-schooling moms. We invited a few women who are regular home schooling moms to the table for a roundtable discussion on how to do school and family in our homes. This season has put so much stress on us as moms. We wore lots of hats before, but now we have an extra (very large) hat of running a school in our homes whether we chose it or not. So this is not about pressuring you to homeschool your children, but a conversation about how to structure our day, and capitalize on some of the benefits that homeschooling offers those who choose it regularly. It’s a season we are all in right now, so we want to have a candid conversation about how to make the most of it without adding stress. We hope you take a little nugget home with you today that helps you be a better mom and have a better home life.   SOUNDBITES Relax, don't have to be perfect Most important to have a loving heart and attitude toward children Can meet your child where they are Less chance of anxiety and depression Covid has become an opportunity to get involved in child's education   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com   Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk, Chel interviews Dr. Tammy Smith on soul care.   SOUNDBITES We were made to be like God. Father longs to be with us. Pursue God  - Read scripture. If your soul needs rest get with friends that are life-giving!!!!! What’s deepest inside us is what’s going to come out. Our souls are made by God for God. Whatever a thing is rooted in is what is going to come out. Psalm 51:6 - you desire truth in the inner parts, wisdom in the inmost place. “We are our best selves when truth is in the deepest place.” - Tammy   Read Psalm 139 You have searched me, Lord,     and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise;     you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down;     you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue     you, Lord, know it completely. 5 You hem me in behind and before,     and you lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,     too lofty for me to attain. 7 Where can I go from your Spirit?     Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;     if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,     if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me,     your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me     and the light become night around me,” 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;     the night will shine like the day,     for darkness is as light to you. 13 For you created my inmost being;     you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;     your works are wonderful,     I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you     when I was made in the secret place,     when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;     all the days ordained for me were written in your book     before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!     How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them,     they would outnumber the grains of sand—     when I awake, I am still with you. 19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!     Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! 20 They speak of you with evil intent;     your adversaries misuse your name. 21 Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,     and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? 22 I have nothing but hatred for them;     I count them my enemies. 23 Search me, God, and know my heart;     test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me,     and lead me in the way everlasting.   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk, Chel and Jan interview Trina Lozano. Trina, wife of James Lozano since 1983, is an ordained Christian minister and a pastoral counselor. Trina’s passion is to see people maximize their potential, claim their true identity and live in victory.  Trina is the daughter of Devi and Larry Titus and currently works with them at Kingdom Global Ministries. Trina is the creator of Wait, the Smart Choice an abstinence education curriculum for public and private schools and taught this course for 20 years. She also taught as an adjunct professor of Home Economics, The Home Experience Course, at Christ For the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas.  Trina is a provider for Together in Texas premarital counseling and is certified through Marriage on the Rock. She is the author of ABC’s, Absolute Basic Criteria for Positive-Results Parenting and enjoys preaching and teaching internationally. She is vulnerable and candid, and her messages apply to real-life issues.  Trina is the mother of four grown children, Brooke Sailer, Brandon Lozano, Brittany White, and Bryson Lozano and has eleven grandchildren all who reside in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. It has been said about Trina, “When she enters a room, she fills it with joy. Trina turns the ordinary into a party.”   SOUNDBITES A mentee has to be teachable Look around: who are your kids friends that don’t have a good role model? Thirsty Thursdays – pray around the table Little examples – things are caught. We go to bed at night and we get up in the morning. Jan: What is your definition of mentoring? Trina: Mentoring – I’m going to be an example to you. We are going to be doing life together. Not just an appointment. You’re in my home. Monkey see monkey do. A teacher, to holding it out, bringing you along side me. I like to keep myself not just a mentor but as a mentee too. Jan: How would you break down discipleship? Trina: I really blend the two so much. I’m not sure I know where one ends and one begins. ...But for it to be successful, you really need to have a plan. They have to want to be mentored. They have to be teachable. Hospitality, that’s what I encourage people to do.   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk, Chel and Jan discuss how we can ‘make disciples’ in 2020 and how to start.   Goal: to leave inspired with ideas of how you can disciple. How do you prepare yourself? Study In the word Accountability Mentors in my life Be Willing Start How do you disciple? Table: Large dinner events to encourage women to experience God. Experience/Know Jesus: Look for him in their stories and see how he has shown himself and attributes to you in the hard spaces. Share Jesus by serving and loving others Great Give Away for Young Moms Gatherings for Human Trafficking Survivors Disadvantaged women One on one: mentor young women Looks like: tell me about your week. What’s Good/bad? Lies? Opportunities? Groups: Bible Study – Resources Passion Turquoise Table Dear Daughters Table Gatherings In home bible studies/small groups   SOUNDBITES "Even if you don’t want to start mentoring someone, maybe you should be mentored.' - Jan Jan asks Chel "how did you get mentored?" Chel: “I sought it out. As God was calling me to this ministry I knew that I needed some support. So I asked some women if they would do it. I challenge women to do that. If you know they I want to get into discipleship, then get out your phone and go and make the call.” Jan shares with us where she started her long life of discipling.  “I knew back then I wanted to pull people together to feel the love of Jesus. Where it really started was when I was involved as a youth counselor...Back in those days it was roller skating. Just do life, be the big sister. When I decided to make it my own ministry, my own calling. I did this session with a bunch of girls. My husband did prom alternatives and he would do a prom night, and he would take them to the church and then she decided to teach them charm. Took a group of 15 girls and put them through charm classes, poise, hygiene, make-up artist, hairstylist  - at the same time teaching them their identity in Christ. There are a lot of girls in middle school and high school who don’t have that." For me I go more with what I’m called to do. I’m drawn to individuals who have the same interest, and then I pour into them. - Jan   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk, Chel and Jan discuss the concept of discipleship and what it means to disciple others. Define discipleship Where do we find it in the Bible? Definition of Disciple is one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. Marks of a disciple: Someone who is identified with the person of Jesus Christ—someone who will openly admit that he belongs to Christ. “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ” (Mark 8:29) Obedient to the Word of Christ—to the Scriptures. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations . . . teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you(Matthew 28:19,20).  Bearing fruitin the work of Christ. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples(John 15:8).  Christlike character, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22,23). Influencing the livesof others for Christ. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last(John 15:16 What are some examples? And how they were called. Moses & Joshua– aide to Moses, spent a lot of time together, went up with him to the mt to receive the commandments, eventually took Moses place to carry on his mission Eli & Samuel – mother dedicated Samuel to the Lord. He lived under Eli’s mentorship – living together, eating, teaching praying etc. Took over for Eli when he died as a prophet. Elijah & Elisha– God instructed Elijah to anoint Elisha his successor. “So Elisha…set out to follow Elijah and become his servant” 1 Kings 19:21 Jesus & 12 Disciples – He called them himself. They lived, traveled and worked together. Paul & Titus – Traveled with Paul bringing the Gospel. “To Titus, my true son in our common faith…” Titus 1:4 Throughout the old and new testaments – points to it both being importantand effective. If Jesus did it, we should certainly do it True discipleship is no small thing – can’t go into it with a non-committal attitude. Discipleship means dedication to cultivating a fruitful relationship that will produce a crop a hundred times over.   Why are we called? It’s God Plan - 5 great commission verses in the NT Target – the World Mark 16:15 Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation Archer – Jesus is the archer sending you John 20:21 – Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Bow - Holy Spirit is the power source Acts 1:8 – You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Arrow – Content, Message of repentances for the forgiveness of sins Luke 24:47 – and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem Principal of making disciples – the process Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” How do we prepare to mentor/disciple? Prepare to run the race 1 Cor 9:24-27 Purpose is for eternity – heaven will be different because of who I invest in 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25… They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Make a plan– how to have a quiet time, how to pray, how to live like Christ 1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training Tim 4:7 - train (gmnasayzo – gymnasium) yourself to be Godly Right perspective- Fix your eyes on Jesus, pursuing him, not comparing myself to others in this race (big names), humility I Cor 9:26-27 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk, Chel and Jan introduce our series on discipleship and mentorship. Our producer Michelle interviews her college mentor Jane Armstrong. Jane is now in her 43rd year (40 years at Miami University in Columbus, Ohio) with Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) and loves the ability to help others know how they can reconnect to God, be empowered to love others and be restored to purpose through a relationship with Jesus Christ. You won't want to miss Jane give her testimony and talk about what mentorship looks like now on a secular college campus. Jane answers many of our questions including - "What are some of the biggest challenges you think women are facing in college today?", "What do you think is the key to having a sustainable mentor relationship?", "What advice would you give a young woman who really wants to pursue the Lord?" etc. Jane describes a verse that God has used to speak to her recently - Psalm 23: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want...He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” Jane says she read the original Hebrew for the word “paths” and it also means “tracks” – made her think of animal tracks. Animal tracks aren’t always easy to see. It's certainly not a paved road and what that means is the path is not always the paved path, but you have to really look for it. Study, search, look for the tracks. Join us this week as we hear from the best of the best, Jane Armstrong.   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

This week on Table Talk, Chel, Jan and Michelle go live on Facebook to discuss our most recent shows. As we wrap up our freedom series, we discuss Biblical truths and promises given to us by God in light of the recent events in our communities and country.   SOUNDBITES 1, What emotions are you or others you know battling right now? a.   Regret b.  Shame c.   Fear d.  Rejection e.   Forgiveness to seek  2. We are called to walk in freedom. What biblical truths do you claim for yourself or speak over others? God calls us to walk in freedom. Galatians 5:13-14  Rejection – for the things I say or do Fear – fear not for I am with you. Seek forgiveness Speak this truth over your family, friends, cities, yourself Heal us, heal our friends heal our country.   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com   Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Great freedom can be found in both giving and receiving forgiveness. This week we discuss Biblical principles about forgiveness and offer practical advice on how to give it.  Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9    SOUNDBITES According to John Hopkins Medicine, forgiveness has a huge impact on your health All of us are in need of forgiveness. Forgiving others is a prerequisite for our own forgiveness. God gives us the ability to forgive others. After forgiveness, comes love –even if forgetting isn’t possible. How do we forgive? Nehemiah 9:17 But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love.   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Rejection wounds us, sometimes deeply for a long time, but God offers freedom from rejection, how do we claim it? On this episode we search the Bible for answers and explore practical ways we can receive freedom from rejection. SCRIPTURES And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Matt 10:14 What can we say to these things? If God is for us , who can be against us? Romans 8:31 Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you.1 Peter 5:7 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matt 5:44 Persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed. 2 Cor 4:9 When he was reviled he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 1 Pet 2:23 If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. John 15:18 When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles, The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the lord delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:17-20 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me? Heb 13:6 The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me. Luke 10:16 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but theLORD will take me in. Ps. 27:10 Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Isaiah 49:15 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 Jesus was rejected: He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. John 1:11 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:4-6 Rejection for your faith: Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Luke 6:22 See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. Matt 18:10 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matt 5:44   TABLE QUESTIONS Tell us of a time you experienced rejection. Are you dealing with rejection now? How does rejection impact you? What would your life look like if you had freedom from this rejection? What scripture do you need to cling to the help you have freedom from rejection? What is the next step you need to take to gain freedom from rejection? Is there anyone you might have rejected that you need to make right? What have you learned that might help you understand things you do that could cause others to feel rejected? How can you help a friend that is dealing with rejection? Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate

This week Jan and Chel discus how we can receive freedom from our fears. Fear can be crippling. In this discussion, we seek practical guidance from scripture on how to accept the freedom God give us. SOUNDBITES Fear is an indicator. It reveals what we value most and where we trust God the least. Common fears:  Fear of the unknown Fear of the future Fear of failure - rejection Fear of what people will think of me when I fail What I fear the most is what I value the most We should be praying about it Fear is spiritual DISCUSSION QUESTIONS What kinds of things do people have fear over? Is there anything you have fear over right now? How is your fear impacting you or affecting your relationships? What scripture do you need to cling to the help you have freedom from your fear? What do you need to do to get past your fear?   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com   Support the show: https://thetablegatherings.com/donate

This week on Table Talk, Chel and Jan discuss freedom from shame. Shame binds us, afflicts us and even controls us, but God offers freedom from shame. On this episode we search the Bible for answers and explore practical ways we can receive freedom from our shame. Where have you experienced shame? What was at the root of your shame? –a lie you believed about yourself? What was your lie? How do you have freedom? Come to Christ–stop hiding from God, confess bitterness, weep, receive His love and rest in Him. Ask Him who you really are. Rebuke the lies–listen to the voice of Truth, and receive the comfort of His Spirit. What does the Bible say about the LIES you believe?  LIE: Fear TRUTH: There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.1 John 4:18 Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6-7 LIE: God isn’t safe TRUTH: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 1 John 1:5 LIE: God left me. TRUTH: It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deut 31:8 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deut 31:6 LIE: God doesn’t care. TRUTH: Christ will judge the world in righteousness. Acts 17:3 LIE: I’m disgusting/it’s my fault. TRUTH: I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works. Psalm 139:14 God created man in his own image; in the image of God He created him, male and female. Genesis 1:27 LIE: I’ll never get over this. TRUTH: He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147: Promises for you — A heaven where this doesn’t exist –abusers aren’t in heaven. You will be a mighty instrument of redemption for others.   SOUNDBITES All shame is rooted in a lie. That lie could be different for everybody. Shame has no obvious cause. Surround yourself by people you can trust. Battle you continue to face. Can have shame because of physical abuse –what was done to you. Can have shame because of verbal abuse –what was said to you. All shame is rooted in a lie. We put on different masks –put on a mask of shame. God has freed us from shame. Enjoy the identity that God has given us and not one rooted in shame. Philippians 4:6-7 You can put yourself to shame by your own thoughts. Can be rooted in insecurities. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.— Galatians 5:1 Shame is slavery. It binds you, it holds you back. Hold tight to the promise that Christ has set us free. Look towards the Lord for his perfection in us and in his calling.   TABLE QUESTIONS What kinds of things do peoplehave shameover? Is there anything you are carrying shameover right now? How is your shame impacting you or affecting your relationships? What would your life look like if you didn’t carry your shame anymore? What lies are at the bottom of your shame? What scripture do you need to cling to the help you have freedom fromthe lies? What is the next step you need to take to gain freedom from your shame? What have you learned that might help you understand people who live with shame better?   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show.

This week on Table Talk, Chel and Michelle discuss how to receive freedom from regret. Regrets are heavy burdens that God does not want us to carry. In this discussion we seek practical guidance from scripture on how to accept the freedom God give us.   How does God respond to our regret? He FORGIVES our sin: The Bible teaches us that, when we confess our sins and have faith in Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, we become children of God (John 1:12). We are cleansed from all our unrighteousness (Colossians 1:15–22), and our salvation is eternally secure (John 10:27–30; Hebrews 7:24–25). He doesn’t condemn. Romans 8:1 — There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Titus 3:3–7; Romans 6:4). We are sinners, but we are justified. We have a shameful past, but we have a better future. We used to walk in foolishness and rebellion, but now we walk in newness of life. Philippians 3:13 — Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. Isaiah 43:18-19 — Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 1 John 1:9 — If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Acts 3:1 9 — Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.   SOUNDBITES God redeems us.  Galatians 2:20  I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. And if we remain in him/in the vine we WILL bear fruit, no matter how messed up our past. We are a new creation. John 15:5 — I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. James 1:25 tells us how we can be free from regret in the future. James 1:25 —  But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. God gives us the key to a life of freedom from regret. The law of the Lord, his ways, connection to the true vine that is Jesus, this is all for our benefit. Not because God wants us to have less fun, but because he wants us to live in freedom.   DISCUSSION QUESTIONS What kinds of things do people have regret over? Is there anything you are carrying regret over right now? How is your regret impacting you or affecting your relationships? What scripture do you need to cling to the help you have freedom from your regret? What do you need to do to get past your regret?   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show.

This week on Table Talk we interview Kelly Chalkra. Kelly is a wife, a new mother and an amazing worship leader. She is also the youtube creator of “Fight for Your Marriage” AND the founder of Spring Up, a women’s movement in Columbus, Ohio. Join us on Table Talk as Kelly shares her personal journey that led to the creation of “Fight For Your Marriage” and “Spring Up”. God has put marriage and women on her heart and she has not been afraid to jump in and ask Him "What's next?".   SOUNDBITES God is your Leader God is your Guide Psalm 23 God will fight for you in your marriage God will bless your marriage Obedience is everything The road to a better marriage is a spiritual battle   SCRIPTURES Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days ofmy life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show.

This week on Table Talk Deanna Jones shares her story with us. Listen to her powerful story of God's hope, faithfulness and protection.  What attribute(s) of God does her story represent?  Hope, God is Faithful, God is in control, He is our protector.  SOUNDBITES:  Hope begins with a decision. Often we are eclipsed by our situation. And an eclipse will always pass. Look for the times He made a way for you. Cultivate hope in your life. God is our protector. He is Faithful.  SCRIPTURES: 2 Thessalonians 3:3  But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.  SPEAKER BIO: Deanna is a speaker, life coach and foster advocate. By the age of 15, Deanna had survived a house fire where she and her family lost everything, had endured several types of abuse, and entered foster care while being a teenage parent. From here she went on to be among the 3% of all foster youth that graduate with a degree upon aging out of the foster care system. And not just a bachelor degree, she also earned her master’s degree just a few years ago! She went on to become a caseworker in the very agency she aged out of and today she is a licensed social worker, foster care alum, former teen parent and an all-around overcomer. Despite the odds, Deanna was resilient and over time she discovered that the key to her resiliency was Hope. Hope is what allowed her to get back up when she had been knocked down. Hope wouldn't let her quit when she was tired. Identifying and utilizing hope ensured her resilience and subsequently her success. Hope is a powerful tool and Deanna is here to share where her hope came from with us today.      Contact Deanna:  https://www.deannajspeaks.com/  deannajspeaks@gmail.com  SUPPORT FOSTER YOUTH RESOURCES   Safe Families   www.safefamilies.com    Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show.

This week on Table Talk we ask middle schooler Haley Kissler (14), high schooler Kylie Kissler (15), and college student Katelyn Johnson (20) how this global epidemic is impacting their lives. The good, the bad and the ugly. Join us!   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show.

This week on Table Talk we share how to write our own stories to the glory of God. We'll learn how to identify where God was and is in our testimony and how to share with others.  Stories are powerful. 40% of the Bible is a narrative. How do we write/tell our stories for God’s glory? Join us this week as we discuss how to write, identify themes, and discover the attributes of God in our stories.  "God told me who He was and who I am...it changed my entire outlook on life." - Chel Kissler   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show.

This week Chel and Jan discuss how we should respond when others share their stories. The purpose of our story is to glorify God, and show us who He is. When someone shares their testimony with us, we should look for how God is revealing himself to us through their story. How do we process someone’s story? Look for attributes of God in their story. Ask God what he wants to show/tell you. Thank God for revealing himself to you through their story. Apply it to yourself – use it as a change agent. How do we process it? Look - Who is God? Ask God what he wants to show/tell you Thank God - see who he is in their story and rejoice.  Apply it to yourself – change agent   How do we respond to God? What does God want to show me? Thankfulness  How do we respond to them? Encourage them with where you see God in their story. Sympathy vs. Empathy  Sympathy: share in suffering or grief the fact or power of sharing the feelings of another, especially in sorrow or trouble; fellow feeling, compassion, or commiseration.  Pity – makes me feel week, puts me down, doesn’t do justice to my story or God  Empathy: understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner he psychological identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.  SOUNDBITES  Jesus didn’t pity anyone  Sympathy often comes across as pity  Check out this video on Empathy by Brenee Brown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw SCRIPTURES  John 4:4–42 – Woman at the Well  Luke 8:43-48 – Bleeding woman    Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com connect@thetablegatherings.com tabletalk@thetablegatherings.com Support the show Support the show.

In this week's podcast Jan and Chel interview Kathi Strawn. Kathi's story shows how God is our champion and vindicator. When he calls us to live righteously and not pursue vengeance, her story will inspire you with hope and strength to continue to live as Christ would in the face of devastating loss and rejection.  When asked which attribute of God Kathi felt her story most represents, she responded that God was her Champion/Vindicator/Judge.   SOUNDBITES  When we follow the will of God, it won’t always be easy or fun.  Christ walked a difficult path  My strength came from the Word of God.  At some point I stopped being religious about it and got real with God. I stayed with God because I believed he was good and would be good to me.  Our behavior matters.  Women are more worried about their heart than the heart of God.  Let God Pick.    SCRIPTURES  Isaiah 30:18 - Yet the  Lord  longs  to be gracious to you;      therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.  For the  Lord  is a God of justice.      Blessed are all who wait for him!  Isaiah 61:8 - For I, the  Lord, love justice;      I hate robbery and wrongdoing.  In my faithfulness I will reward my people      and make an everlasting covenant  with them   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com connect@thetablegatherings.com tabletalk@thetablegatherings.com Support the show   Support the show.

Jan Greenwood shares her story battling breast cancer. She focuses on how she made it through the tough times spiritually and how it transformed her understanding of God.     Fighting the FEAR of cancer   Fear is a theme when fighting cancer. But Jan’s fear wasn’t just about cancer, it was really a fear of death. We can’t conquer death, but Christ conquered death for us.   Jan fought the fear with scripture and prayer. She posted scripture everywhere in her home and exercised her authority over fear with prayer.    How do you know God differently because of your battle with cancer?  “The goodness of God became overwhelming to me during my fight with cancer.”    How did cancer change Jan’s ministry?  It didn’t change the fact that God was going to use her, but it changed how he would use her. Showing us that God has a path for each of us and that path is often dictated by our life experiences.   Her fight with cancer also offered Jan a healthy fear of God and she came to understand that fear of the Lord is wisdom. All other fear only brings anxiety and worry.   Soundbites:  Fear of the Lord is wisdom. The goodness of God became overwhelming to me during my fight with cancer. Fight fear with scripture and prayer.  My fear wasn’t of cancer, it was of death. Christ conquered death.    Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com connect@thetablegatherings.com tabletalk@thetablegatherings.com Support the show   Support the show.

In this week's podcast Chel, Jan and Michelle discuss the importance of instilling a Christian Worldview in your children. While we all have extra time at home these days, we want to share some ideas and resources to help us capitalize on the opportunity to teach Christian values to our kids. Michelle defines a biblical worldview for us and shares when a child's worldview is typically formed. She also discusses why it is important for parents to be involved in shaping a child's worldview. We discuss what our listeners are doing during the quarantine to connect with Jesus and share their Christian values. And we also share some of the things we are doing during the day. How to reach us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @thetablegatherings  Contact us -  connect@thetablegatherings.com tabletalk@thetablegatherings.com   Resources for instilling Christian Worldview/values: Books: Thinking Like a Christian: Understanding and Living a Biblical Worldview by David Noebel   Movies:  “Overcomer”  “Woodlawn”  “I Can Only Imagine”  “War Room”  “Fireproof”  “I Still Believe”     Music:  Pandora/Spotify  Worship/Christian Music playlists    Videos:  PragerU  The Bible App – videos  Bible App for Kids  Focus on the Family Adventures in Odyssey  https://www.focusonthefamily.com/adventures-in-odyssey/    Sermons: (our favs)  Passion City Church - Louie Giglio  https://passioncitychurch.com/     Elevation Church - Steven Furtick  https://elevationchurch.org/     Rock City Church - Chad Fisher  https://rockcitychurch.tv/      Apps  Pray as you go app (prayer of examine)   One Minute Pause     Support the show. Support the show.

This week Chel and Jan interview Dr. Joannie DeBrito with Focus on the Family about teens and self-harm.  We begin by discussing a current situation occupying many of us - COVID 19, and how to talk to our kids about it. Kids model our mood, speak calmly (fear and anxiety are contagious) Our actions are for prevention. We are being proactive not reactive  Make sure your discussions are age-appropriate. See “Talking With Your Kids About Corona Virus” at www.fotf.org  SELF HARM  What is it? Cutting, burning, picking  Who? Affects 14-25 year olds. 25% girls 10% boys  March is self-harm awareness month and 1 in 4 teen girls and 1 in 10 teen boys self-harm to help mitigate their emotional pain. Dr. DeBrito explains where this behavior starts and the warning signs. She also offers tips on how to have a conversation with our teens about this topic and resources for parents and teens dealing with this issue.  It often starts as a result of social media and/or fear of missing out which in turn creates negative self talk. This negative self-talk and intense pain causes isolation. "Self-harm" occurs in isolation to help feel the pain. Resources: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/alive-to-thrive/   Contact us here -  connect@thetablegatherings.com tabletalk@thetablegatherings.com     Support the show. Support the show.

This week Chel and Jan discuss raising young kids to know and love Jesus. Raising kids with faith is no easy task, but it’s especially hard in a world where Christian values are being challenged everyday and we face more distractions than ever before. In this episode we discuss the biggest challenges facing moms with infants, preschoolers and elementary school age children. We take each challenge, apply scripture and a few tried and true ideas from mom’s who’ve been there. Join us as we sit around the table and get real and honest about raising young kids in today’s culture. Behavior issues in children is linked to their anxiety levels. For children aged 3-17 years with anxiety, more than 1 in 3 also have behavior problems (37.9%) and about 1 in 3 also have depression (32.3%). For children aged 3-17 years with behavior problems, more than 1 in 3 also have anxiety(36.6%) and about 1 in 5 also have depression (20.3%). Luke 17:2 - It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Philippians 2:3 - Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.   Contact us here -  connect@thetablegatherings.com tabletalk@thetablegatherings.com   Support the show. Support the show.

This week Chel and Jan interview movie producer Kevin Downes. Listen now to learn about his new movie I Still Believe in theaters today.  TOPIC:  I STILL BELIEVE (in theaters nationwide March 13, 2020) GUESTS: Kevin Downes (Producer) Headshot: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1wF_AOlP7wLlLNuFVMNfLwnpsY2vY8A9Y    I STILL BELIEVE ONLINE Website: istillbelievemovie.com  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @IStillBelieve Hashtag: #IStillBelieve KINGDOM STORY COMPANY ONLINE Website: kingdomstorycompany.com Facebook and Instagram: @KingdomStoryCompany   I STILL BELIEVE- FILM SYNOPSIS   One love can change your life. One life can change the world. From the creators of I Can Only Imagine comes an inspiring true story of faith, hope, and love. Rediscover the wonder of love in I STILL BELIEVE, based on the real-life story of chart-topping singer Jeremy Camp. Starring KJ Apa, Britt Robertson, Shania Twain, and Gary Sinise, I STILL BELIEVE is directed by Jon and Andrew Erwin, produced by Kevin Downes, with the screenplay by Jon Erwin and Jon Gunn. I STILL BELIEVE is a powerful reminder that in the midst of life’s storms, true hope can be found.   KEVIN DOWNES’ BIO Kevin Downes’ career of producing, acting, directing and writing spans over 20 years. Some of Kevin’s fan-favorite roles include Officer Shane Fuller in "Courageous", video-game loving Kevin in "Mom’s Night Out", a series regular role on the TV sitcom "Hitting The Breaks" and most recently, starring in "Malibu Dan" which airs weekly on WGN, with longtime friend David A.R. White.  Kevin has produced three films with the Erwin Brothers, "Mom's Night Out", "Woodlawn" and 2018's breakout hit and #1 box office grossing, independent film of the year "I Can Only Imagine", starring Dennis Quaid.  He produced the critically acclaimed "Like Dandelion Dust" from best-selling author Karen Kingsbury, which starred Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino and won over a dozen audience awards for best picture at prestigious film festivals around the world.  In March 2019, Kevin partnered with the Erwin Brothers and Tony Young to launch Kingdom Story Company, a new entertainment company in partnership with Lionsgate that endeavors to create life changing content from a variety of talented storytellers.    Contact us here -  connect@thetablegatherings.com tabletalk@thetablegatherings.com   Support the show. Support the show.

We often separate our faith life from our work life but God calls us to be a light in our world. In this episode Chel and Jan discuss ways to bring Jesus into your work environment in appropriate ways. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35    Some helpful resources -  https://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/making-an-impact-in-the-workplace/ https://outreachmagazine.com/features/18997-jesus-in-the-workplace-part-1.html https://bible.org/seriespage/21-how-glorify-christ-workplace https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2016/august/jesus-on-job-how-faith-mixes-with-work-part-1.html https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/share-christ-work/   Contact us here -  connect@thetablegatherings.com tabletalk@thetablegatherings.com   Support the show. Support the show.

This week Jan and Chel discuss raising kids to know Jesus in a busy world and how to incorporate Jesus into your family’s busy schedule every day. They discuss what guidance the Bible gives and share some practical tips from listeners. How do you involve Jesus in your family’s every day? What does the Bible say to parents and kids about this?   Contact us here -  connect@thetablegatherings.com tabletalk@thetablegatherings.com Support the show. Support the show.

On this week's podcast Chel and Jan discuss "Jesus in Real Life" and how to experience Him in our day to day. Chel and Jan share tips with each other on how they do daily life with Jesus. Including God moments, encounters, prayer life, devotional time, witnessing, mentoring etc. We also hear briefly from show producer Michelle, on her most recent daily routine with Jesus and her advice for millennials in a generation of distractions. What are some of the ways you spend time with Jesus? We would love to hear from you!   Contact us here -  connect@thetablegatherings.com tabletalk@thetablegatherings.com Support the show. Support the show.

In Episode 14, Chel and Jan discuss Vulnerability.  According to the world being vulnerable is weak, but according to the Bible it is strong. Our vulnerability is strength because it is God's strength and power.  2 Corinthians 6:11-13, 2 Corinthians 12: 9 - 10     How to reach us -  connect@thetablegatherings.com tabletalk@thetablegatherings.com Support the show. Support the show.

This week Chel and Jan discuss our mission in the Church with Pastor Phil Johnson. "Jesus is the church – Jesus and the holy spirit." We should follow scripture. "Saving the lost, bringing sheep back, developing and training so that they can then go to their neighborhood and share the same gospel they just received. When someone has a testimony it affects the people around them." - Pastor Phil Johnson                 There are so many areas in the church that people can get involved in – ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40 *If you don’t know what your calling is in your church pray for your pastor and pray for their spouse.   Question: "What are ways I could serve / be serving in the church?" Answer:According to the Bible, every Christian has been given at least one spiritual gift to use in service to the body of Christ. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10–11; compare Ephesians 4:11–16). So, an important step in determining how to best serve in the church is for us to discover what our spiritual gifts are. Of course, we don’t have to know what our gift is before we start getting involved in the church. In fact, we often discover our gifts in the process of serving. The spiritual gifts are listed in Romans 12: 6–8 and 1 Corinthians 12: 4–11, 28. There is a difference between the Body of Christ universal (1 Corinthians 12:12–13) and the local church Christians attend for corporate worship (Hebrews 10:25). But there is no difference in how Christians ought to use their spiritual gifts, because serving God is a twenty-four-hour proposition, not a Sunday-only enterprise. All Christians everywhere should be serving God in their local churches and looking for opportunities toserve outsidethe walls of a church building (2 Corinthians 9:12–13). It may be difficult to discover which spiritual gift(s) God has bestowed, but it’s better to serve somewhere than nowhere (Romans 12:11). Often, the discovery of gifts becomes more clear in the doing—as we serve in various jobs, we learn what we are good at and what we have a heart for (1 Chronicles 28:9). There are always more needs than willing workers; this was true in Christ’s day and is still true today (Matthew 9:37). It’s never a problem to find a need in the local church. From evangelizing the community (which all Christians are called to do,Acts 1:8) to cleaning the bathrooms, there is always plenty of work to be done. It is good to inquire of the church leadership regarding the needs of the church. Have a conversation with the pastor and elders about what jobs are open and how they may or may not be suited for you.   How to reach us -  connect@thetablegatherings.com tabletalk@thetablegatherings.com   Support the show. Support the show.

In episode 12, Jan and Chel address the topic "Questioning your Calling". They discuss questions like "what is your purpose?" and share a little about what they believe to be God's unique calling on their lives.  People can mistake a skill for a calling A calling is never self serving. It is always to glorify who God is. Get a journal out - What is my purpose? What are my skills? What do we do when we feel called to do something we don't want to do? "He doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called." - Jan Next week - Pastor Phil Johnson shares with us his thoughts on our purpose in the church. Join us!   How to reach us -  connect@thetablegatherings.com tabletalk@thetablegatherings.com   Support the show. Support the show.

In episode 11, we discuss the mission field in our own backyards and how we can carry out the great commission right where we are.   “Mission” in Latin means “sent” Jesus says in the bible “As my Father has sent me, I also send you.” God is a sender. This can be to your neighbor or someone in your hometown.   Here are some ideas on how to reach out  – CREATE/START  Garden – start a community garden  Create a welcoming front door  Start a tool sharing program “Local Tools”  Neighborhood watch program  Neighbor day is last Saturday in April  Little library    HOST  Pancake breakfast  Halloween pre party  Easter egg hunt in your yard  Neighborhood new year party  Last day of school party  Ice cream party in your front yard  Progressive dinner on your street  Neighborhood cookout., potluck, block party  Invite someone over for dinner  Backyard movie night  A monthly neighbor gathering - same time, no rsvp (drinks on your front porch every Thurs. Night at 7:00 p.m.)  Book club  Play group  Porch party  Front yard concert  Front yard dance party with bubbles    DO  Rake neighbors yard  Shovel someone’s walk  Bring in mail or water flowers for your neighbors  Take a casserole to the family getting ready for vacation, getting back or one that is sick  Take bread for new neighbors  Create block directory  Take a walk down your street, see who’s out  Give new families some take out menus wrapped up  Take flowers/veggies to your neighbors    BE ACCESSIBLE  Sit on your front porch 20 min each day making yourself accessible to neighbors  Front yard bench    BOOKS  Neighbors Table  Grace Table  The Turquoise Table  Playborhood    What is your mission field? What are some things you are doing in your own neighborhood? We would love to hear from you.   Please email us: connect@thetablegatherings.com tabletalk@thetablegatherings.com       Support the show. Support the show.

In Episode 10, Chel & Jan discuss how we hear from God and discover God's purpose for our lives. Chel and Jan share some of their goals for 2020. The process of hearing God: Knowing God and who he has made you to be Opportunities that have come your way Confirm through community Stepping out in faith Examples/obstacles: Focus Fear of failure Rejection/lack of affirmation Ephesians 1:17 - 19 How to reach us -  connect@thetablegatherings.com tabletalk@thetablegatherings.com Support the show. Support the show.