The Journey Podcast

God had given us clear instructions: quit your job, live in the flip house, go to school and work in a church.  We were in awe of this calling, but the practical logistics soon proved to be daunting.  How would we sell our Tennessee house in a recession?  How could we afford a moving truck?  What kind of income would we have in Mobile?  Could we afford health insurance?   How would we pay for college tuition with zero savings? These mountains seemed impossible and led me to many nights on my face, pleading with God for a bread crumb, some kind of reminder that He hadn't forgotten us and that He had all of the details planned out.  Of course, He showed up bigger and better than we ever imagined…and just in time, too.  About this time in our story, the Lord prompted me to start writing out our story.  You can find those entries at sothattheywillknowthatiamgod.blogspot.com.  I recommend started at the very beginning and working your way forward to keep it in story form.   Of course, many of these stories will appear here on the podcast in time.  Our new sister podcast, Uncommon Marriage, will be launching soon!  Stay tuned to social media or sign up for email notifications below to catch the big release. Sign up for email notifications and subscribe with your favorite podcast platform on our new website: thejourneypodcastwithcarey.com  Keep up with and share the Journey Podcast online and through social media: Web: thejourneypodcastwithcarey.com Facebook: The Journey Podcast Instagram: @thejourneypodcastwithcarey Email: thejourneypodcastwithcarey@gmail.com #thejourneypodcastwithcarey#yourstoryhaspowertoo 

Amanda met her husband doing hut to hut evangelism in Peru.  Her dream was to take the message of the gospel to people who had never heard the name of Jesus.  His dream was to share Jesus with Muslim people groups.  The Lord beautifully orchestrated a place where they could do both.  When they arrived in East Africa, Amanda encountered fear in a new way.  There was suddenly paralyzing anxiety that had not existed before.  Worry and panic attacks began to plague her.  What if something happened to her?  What if something happened to her husband?  What if something happened to their kids?  The Lord met her in this battle and taught her how to turn to His Word for peace.  He taught her to change “what if” to “even if.”  He taught her how to surrender all things, even her life, into His trustworthy hands.  These lessons would prove invaluable as war came to their village.  Over the course of several years there were numerous attacks.  Each time, the Lord's protective hand was present.  She was able to maintain her peace and seek refuge in the Lord, even as bullets flew outside her door.  Amanda's story is proof that our God is with us.  While we will face struggles, He will never leave us.  He is a strong tower that cannot be moved.  She mentions that the Lord will often give her a song to help her process the events in her life.  Many of these songs have been published here on Sound Cloud. Sign up for email notifications and subscribe with your favorite podcast platform on our new website: thejourneypodcastwithcarey.com Keep up with and share the Journey Podcast online and through social media: Web: thejourneypodcastwithcarey.com Facebook: The Journey Podcast Instagram: @thejourneypodcastwithcarey Email: thejourneypodcastwithcarey@gmail.com #thejourneypodcastwithcarey#yourstoryhaspowertoo 

In 2009 we were living with one income and two mortgages.  Money was tight, to say the least, and mathematically, the numbers didn't add up.  But God's math is not our math.  We tithed to the church consistently, we put our daughter in cloth diapers, I couponed systematically, we made our own baby food and laundry detergent and somehow, we never missed a meal or were late on a bill. The Lord used that season to teach us so many things about stewarding His money.  We went through Financial Peace University with Dave Ramsey and we learned how little we actually need.  This season of struggle taught us lessons that shaped our future.  Today, over a decade later, we are walking in the fruit of the hard lessons we learned then. On February 5, 2010, Nathan was running on a treadmill during his lunch break, training for a marathon.  The Lord met him in that space and gave him 4 very specific instructions.  Instructions that sounded ridiculous at the time, but yet undeniably perfect.  Jesus did a happy dance that night as He finally revealed what He'd been working on in our lives.  Like a master artist, He had been shaping us…preparing us for a calling, a shift in perspective and purpose.  We would no longer be living for ourselves and our tiny American dream, but our eyes would be opened to the greater calling He had for us…a complete surrender to His Kingdom vision.Sign up for email notifications and subscribe with your favorite podcast platform on our new website: thejourneypodcastwithcarey.com Keep up with and share the Journey Podcast online and through social media: Web: thejourneypodcastwithcarey.com Facebook: The Journey Podcast Instagram: @thejourneypodcastwithcarey Email: thejourneypodcastwithcarey@gmail.com #thejourneypodcastwithcarey#yourstoryhaspowertoo 

We met Kathy in episode 2 and learned about how she met Jesus and He moved in her life.  In that episode, Kathy shared how she followed the Lord's leading into strip clubs to love on the women there.  In 2017, Jesus brought a crazy idea across their path…what if they were to follow Him around the world, sharing the gospel and the love of Jesus as they go? After much prayer, Kathy and her family sold many of their belongings, put renters in their house, and took off for Asia.  God asked them to support and encourage missionaries serving overseas.  Only trouble is, they didn't know any missionaries serving overseas!  The Lord stayed a step ahead of them the whole way, opening doors and connecting them with His Body.  They watched children, supported Bible studies, cooked meals, helped with events, and served as a friend to many on their journey.  The experience lasted many months, led them through many countries, and changed them forever.When they returned to the US, they were not the same people.  They had grown and stretched in unexpected ways.  Kathy struggled to find her place again in a familiar city and is open about the depression and anxiety she battled in the months following their return.  But even then, the Lord was faithful to walk with them and lead them back to Himself and His Body of believers where they would find His healing and restoration. Sign up for email notifications and subscribe with your favorite podcast platform on our new website: thejourneypodcastwithcarey.com Keep up with and share the Journey Podcast online and through social media:Web: thejourneypodcastwithcarey.com Facebook: The Journey Podcast Instagram: @thejourneypodcastwithcareyEmail: thejourneypodcastwithcarey@gmail.com#thejourneypodcastwithcarey#yourstoryhaspowertoo 

Julie was adopted as a baby and the Lord planted a dream in her heart to pass on the gift of adoption. In college she hit a spell of rebellion which resulted in a disease diagnosis and estimated 5 years left to live.  She spent the coming months working through her relationship with the Lord and came to the conclusion that God is still good, no matter what.  He would later use that faith, grown in the valley, to carry her through a miscarriage, job loss, financial struggles and an 18 month wait to adopt her sweet baby from India. Julie is quick to give the Lord praise and share of His mighty blessings.  She is honest about the challenges and joys that have marked her life…all of which are etched with the goodness of God. Keep up with and share the Journey Podcast on social media: Facebook: The Journey Podcast Instagram: @thejourneypodcastwithcarey Email: thejourneypodcastwithcarey@gmail.com #thejourneypodcastwithcarey#yourstoryhaspowertoo 

I had worked so hard to complete my professional goals before tiny Anna was born.  Being a stay at home mom was all I had hoped it would be.  When Anna was 5 weeks old, Nathan's company wanted to move us from south Alabama to East Tennessee, 8 hours away.  I resisted the idea at first, but after making the move we learned that the company was preparing to shut down Nathan's plant in Alabama.  His bosses were working hard to save his job before plans of the shut down became public. The Lord was looking out for us.Once in Tennessee we spent our first few months with no schedule, no friends and no commitments.  We simply loved on our little family.  We bought too much of a house that put us further into financial strain and we found a church.  Not because it's what we wanted to do, but because it's what we knew how to do.I still had my doubts about the whole church bit and toyed with the idea of walking away from it altogether since I didn't have any self-made reputation to keep up in this new city.  The Lord sent a friend to push me to attend a women's conference.  That weekend away changed my life forever.  When I was finally willing to be honest and confess my pride and my hunger, the Lord met me in the most amazing way.  He heard me.  He saw me.  And He poured out freedom and peace on me that I didn't know existed.That women's retreat launched me into a season of insatiable hunger for Jesus.  He revealed Himself to me through worship and studying His Word. He taught me how to hear His voice and build confidence in His steps. I would never be the same again. Keep up with and share the Journey Podcast on social media: Facebook: The Journey Podcast Instagram: @thejourneypodcastwithcarey Email: thejourneypodcastwithcarey@gmail.com #thejourneypodcastwithcarey#yourstoryhaspowertoo  

On February 9, 2020, our family got on a plane and left China.  Today I need to record my heart for posterity and for future generations.  At that point, coronavirus was just a China issue.  We were going to spend a few weeks in the US while this virus business died down and then we'd go home.  We made a decision on Saturday afternoon to return to the States.  I packed suitcases with 1 week's worth of clothes for everybody.  We left dishes on the counter and pajamas on the floor.  Before sunrise on Sunday, we headed to the airport.  We didn't know we were walking away for good.  The 30 hours of travel from our city in China to the US were incredibly stressful, but the Lord cared for us each and every step of the way.  The year that followed has been full of unknowns and every emotion under the sun.  But on this day, one year later, I can see with so much more clarity.  We are choosing to be grateful for what we received instead of being bitter over what we lost.  It's been quite a journey. Keep up with and share the Journey Podcast on social media: Online: The Journey PodcastFacebook: The Journey Podcast Instagram: @thejourneypodcastwithcarey Email: thejourneypodcastwithcarey@gmail.com #thejourneypodcastwithcarey#yourstoryhaspowertoo 

For Glenn and Mary Beth, one phone call changed everything.One night the Lord laid a specific country on their hearts, challenging them to share the love of Christ there.  Trouble is, they had no connections to this country.  A while later, a customer service phone call busted those doors wide open.  Through simple obedience, a connection was made and a relationship was built.Over the last 16 years, Glenn and Mary Beth have traveled to this country in Southeast Asia well over a dozen times.  They've established a bible school to provide on site training to local pastors, helped to plant numerous churches and have seen countless lives restored to Jesus, changing the fate of generations.While you listen to their story, remember these promises from the Lord: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”Ephesians 2:10 ESV“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.”Jeremiah 29:11 NIV“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.  My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.  Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”Psalm 139:14-16 ESVGlenn and Mary Beth's story so beautifully captures these promises and brings them to life in the most amazing way! You can learn more about their work or offer your support on their website – Double Portion Ministries.    You can hear the first part of Mary Beth's story in episode 16. Keep up with and share the Journey Podcast on social media: Facebook: The Journey Podcast Instagram: @thejourneypodcastwithcarey Email: thejourneypodcastwithcarey@gmail.com #thejourneypodcastwithcarey#yourstoryhaspowertoo 

“Some years you just feel like you're battling through, but God is using it for His purposes.”When I hear Rianne's story, I can't help but think of Abraham when the Lord said, “I want you to leave your homeland and go to a place where I will show you.”As a young woman, she left her home country of the Netherlands, her language and her culture and followed the next step the Lord had for her.  She spent a few years in the UK, met her husband, spent time serving the Lord in Brazil and then found herself in yet another new culture in Belgium.  Often, she headed off to a new country without language skills or finances.  Yet fear is not part of her story.  She is so confident in the Father's great love and plan for her that she has boldly followed Him anywhere.  Each turn brought it's own set of challenges, but our God met them each so beautifully, because when we are weak, He is strong.Our time together concludes with the story of her youngest daughter's birth.  She faced many challenges, but the Lord met each and every one of her requests, big and small, to bless her with a life changing birth experience.Keep up with and share the Journey Podcast on social media: Facebook: The Journey Podcast Instagram: @thejourneypodcastwithcarey Email: thejourneypodcastwithcarey@gmail.com #thejourneypodcastwithcarey#yourstoryhaspowertoo 

All my life, all I wanted was to have babies and stay home.  That was about the biggest dream I could dream for myself. But first, I had to get through the blasted CPA exam.  In 2007 I busted my butt to study 5 days a week, on top of a full time accounting job, to make sure I passed that test on the first try!To my surprise, I passed the exam and came up with a positive pregnancy test at Christmas 2007.During my pregnancy, unbeknownst to us, God was casting vision for our future by sending Nathan on a business trip to Singapore.  Even though it would be years before we boarded a plane to move abroad, the Lord was already planting seeds.  What a kind, patient Father He is! After a rocky, emergency delivery, we were overjoyed to welcome our first baby into the world and kick off the incredible chapter of parenting.  My dream of becoming a mother had come true and I couldn't be more thrilled.  Keep up with and share the Journey Podcast on social media: Facebook: The Journey Podcast  Instagram: @thejourneypodcastwithcarey Email: thejourneypodcastwithcarey@gmail.com #thejourneypodcastwithcarey#yourstoryhaspowertoo 

Suzaene grew up in South Africa, went to church and even sang with a traveling gospel children's choir, yet she didn't fully accept the Truth of God's great love.  After watching her parent's marriage struggle, she walked away from the faith and looked for the answers to life's questions in psychology.  As an adult in the workforce, she openly mocked Christians while her coworkers diligently prayed for her for years.    At last, she was able to accept the love Jesus offered and now she is a whole new creation, full of life, peace and joy.  Today she enjoys her passion of teaching while loving all those in her path.   Keep up with and share the Journey Podcast on social media: Facebook: The Journey PodcastInstagram: @thejourneypodcastwithcarey Email: thejourneypodcastwithcarey@gmail.com #thejourneypodcastwithcarey#yourstoryhaspowertoo 

This episode is full of confessions: We had no idea how to buy our first house, we made a horrible financial investment, and I started having doubts about God.  One year into our marriage, we weren't too confident about adulting, but dang it, we were doing it!  We bought a house and we got super involved in our church.  That's what we were supposed to do, right?  Even though our first steps in adulthood were a bit rocky, I can look back now and see the Lord guiding our path.  He led me to a job that not only grew me professionally, but introduced me to Sara.  Sara and her husband, Drew, taught us the value of relationships, taking us a step deeper in our relationship with the Lord.  We made a terrible financial decision, disobeyed the Lord's promptings and bought a flip house.  It would take years and many thousands of dollars before we were freed from that decision, but God taught us a lot about His Fatherly role, allowing us to walk out our consequences, while never leaving our side.   My greatest struggle in this season was whether God was even real.  I'd read about this “abundant life” in the Bible, but I wasn't seeing it.  We were pouring ourselves into leading high schoolers and working fall festivals, but was this really the abundant life the Bible talked about?  The people around me looked just the same…box checkers.  Where was the supernatural peace and joy?  Was this whole Christianity thing some pretense, like Santa Clause, and I was on the butt end of a sick joke?  We were so engrained in this church culture that I didn't dare voice my doubts, not even to my husband, but they were there…and they were growing.   Keep up with and share the Journey Podcast on social media: Facebook: The Journey Podcast Instagram: @thejourneypodcastwithcarey Email: thejourneypodcastwithcarey@gmail.com #thejourneypodcastwithcarey#yourstoryhaspowertoo 

Mary Beth grew up in a home of church goers and foster children, but her parents decided to call it quits.  When she was 7 years old, her parents divorced, the foster siblings were sent away, they walked away from church and life as she knew it changed forever.  Church attendance wasn't enough and Mary Beth was left confused and feeling abandoned. A few years later she was introduced to God as a Father who would never leave her or forsake her.  She came to know Jesus as a trusted friend and as her relationship with him grew, her mother chose to return to Jesus as well.  Her life has been full of left turns.  Some were within her control and some were not, but Jesus was there through them all.  Toward the end of this interview, Mary Beth shares how she met her husband and the work they do around the globe to share the love of Jesus.  You can learn more about their work or offer your support on their website – Double Portion Ministries.  Stay tuned for “the rest of the story.”  How Mary Beth and her husband got connected with believers overseas will blow your mind!  That story is coming in a sequel in the next few weeks!  Keep up with and share the Journey Podcast on social media: Facebook: The Journey PodcastInstagram: @thejourneypodcastwithcarey Email: thejourneypodcastwithcarey@gmail.com #thejourneypodcastwithcarey#yourstoryhaspowertoo 

Nanette's mother died when she was 6 years old and she spent decades trying to fill that void. Multiple failed marriages led her to Jesus' feet where He picked her up and made all things new. For anyone who's ever divorced and carried shame and regret...this story is for you. For anyone who's made poor decisions and thought the mess was too great...this story is for you. For anyone who thinks it's too late for God to bring beauty from ashes...this story is for you. No shame is too great, no hole is too deep and it's never too late to receive Jesus' mercy, grace and redemption. This interview is extra special to me.  Nanette is my mama and it is my great honor to document her story for my own family's history, but also to share it with you.  I am honored to stand on her shoulders and learn from her hard earned life lessons.  

Today I bring you an extra special story.  My mom has joined the podcast to share my Grandmother Annetta's story.  Her life was marked by tragedy after tragedy but was balanced by miracles only the God of the universe could deliver.  Annetta lost her mother at 3 years old. She married young subsequently divorced a physically abusive husband, something that simply wasn't done in the 1940s.  She received a fatal diagnosed of chronic malignant hypertension and knew she would never grow old.  Her greatest desire was to have a baby.  She endured 7 miscarriages and 2 stillborns before her tiny 2 pound miracle baby made her entrance into the world.  She loved that baby, my mom, with everything she had and left her a legacy of faith we are still talking about almost 60 years after her death.  When she knew the Lord was preparing to take her home, she had two simple requests surrounding her death.  The Lord heard her cries and granted them to her.  I've known this story my whole life and it has served as a concrete block in the foundation of MY faith.  I hope her story of loss and restoration builds your confidence in the God who hears. 

Lindsey's story is one of God's faithfulness and how He has a magnificent plan for each of us, if we're just willing to give Him our "yes."  Her relationship with Jesus started as a child when He provided friendship through a difficult move.  Lindsey learned that she could trust the Lord and He would be there for her, no matter what.  As the years progressed, He planted a dream in her heart of living overseas, but that was soon shattered when she was diagnosed with Crone's disease.  The dream never died and the Lord opened miraculous doors to heal her health struggles and use her in powerful ways overseas.  He transformed her from a shy, introverted girl, to a powerful woman of God, willing to boldly follow Him anywhere and embrace anyone in her path.  Lindsey works with Teach Beyond.  You can find more information about this organization here: www.teachbeyong.org. You can support Lindsey financially here: https://give.teachbeyond.org/support/lindsey-estes/

We got married at the tail end of university and that day couldn't come soon enough.  We did some things in that season really well.  Other things...eh, they needed improvement.  There were so many new challenges...bills to pay, seeing each other every day, a for real grown up job, petty arguments, and buying refrigerators!  We had no idea where this life was headed, but we were thrilled to go there together.  Marriage is meant to be the greatest blessing, and we are still walking in the fruit of the decisions we made those first few months.  

Mariana grew up in Brazil.  Her strict Catholic family was not so thrilled when she chose to join a different church that taught about a relationship with Jesus.  This disagreement cost her the large wedding celebration she had hoped for, but she wasn't backing down.  In time, her father watched the changes in her and became curious of her new way of life.  In 2016 the Lord led her family to move to China for her husband's work.  There they have found that God continues to lead them and use them in that place.  He has provided friends from across the globe and fellowship with other believers.  She reflects on what a gathering looks like there and how it's simplicity is so powerful.  Mariana is a brave woman with a big heart of love.  She is full of joy and a gift to all who meet her.  

Hadassa is a powerful woman of God.  Every conversation with her leaves me encouraged and challenged.  On this episode she shares about how she met the Holy Spirit and how that changed everything for her.  She also walks us through the last ten years of the life of Lighthouse Fellowship Antwerpen in Belgium.  The Lord has been faithful to guide them by pruning, by teaching them to rest and pray into His work.  The last few months have seen an enormous harvest and I am excited to share it with you. Hadassa also shares about the idea of Shabot, a weekly Sabbath family meal that focuses on rest, peace and blessings.  More information about this powerful tool can be found here:  https://lighthouseantwerpen.be/resources/

After dating for a year and a half in high school, Nathan and I chose universities that were 4 hours apart.  We each had incredible, full college experiences that have served us well throughout life, but in the end we were both focused on getting through that season and being together.  

Melanie is a young woman who knows Jesus as a friend and a Father.  He is as real to her as the guy sitting next to her on the metro.  He talks to her, He guides her and she has seen His faithfulness over and over.  Jesus has taught her that He is trustworthy and that true peace only comes from following Him.  Most recently she left her home in Germany to marry her Ugandan man and live in Africa.  Even though life can be difficult at times, she has full confidence that He was faithful then and He'll be faithful now.  

After leaving China for COVID-19 and being unable to return, the company decided it was best for our family to relocate to USA.  We have accepted a job in the Houston, Texas area, but riding the emotional roller coaster and finding a house didn't prove to be that easy.  For 5 days we looked at 21 houses, dreaming of what the next season of life might look like.  We thought we'd made a decision, but His still small voice directed our path in another direction.  On the afternoon of the last day, He unveiled the most perfect house that He had clearly been saving for our family.  This house has ALL the things!  All the things we felt like we needed, all the things we wanted, AND all the things we dreamed about.  It's going to be a great, great season!  There are tons of details in this story, but hang in there.  They're all important.  He's a God of details and every one is important to Him.  

At 24 years old, God opened a door for Katrien to travel from her home in Belgium to New Zealand and Papa New Guinea.  This assignment was way outside of her comfort zone, but she was hopeful to meet God in this place.  He showed up in huge ways and became real to her on a whole new level.  No longer did she follow Jesus out of head knowledge, but her personal relationship with Him came alive in powerful ways.  She will never be the same again.   In her story, Katrien shares about her time with YWAM (Youth with a Mission) and DTS (Disciple Training School).  You can learn more about these opportunities here:  https://www.ywam.org/https://www.ywam.org/training/dts-and-training/ 

Brianne was raised in church in California, but her faith took a turn on her 19th birthday when she realized the emptiness of the world's offerings.  Later, she and her husband followed the Lord to plant a church in the Deep South Biblebelt.  She shares of His faithfulness through the big decisions of moving across the country and catching those teachable moments with her kids.  She also reflects on how the death of her young niece turned out to be a miracle with a far greater impact than she imagined.      

I can't very well ask you to share your story if I'm not willing to share mine.  So scattered throughout these episodes, I will share the journey the Lord has had our family on over the last 20 years.  It's been a wild, incredible journey, but He always comes through bigger and better than we ever thought He would.  In this episode, we'll start at the beginning.  I was 16, Nathan was barely 17 and it was an experiment in missionary dating where God showed up.  Little did we know we had launched an incredible journey.  

Evie is one of those people that oozes the Holy Spirit. I could sit and listen to her talk for hours. She is meek and gentle, but confidently walks as a child of the Most High God.  She's a few steps ahead of me in this journey of life and motherhood and overflows with Godly wisdom.  She lives in Antwerp, Belgium and is a wife and mom of 4.  She shares how she met Jesus and how He became real to her as a Comforter and a Counselor through the challenges of having a child diagnosed with Type I Diabetes and Celiac Disease.  She also shares how thankfulness, for even the small things, is a powerful weapon for our hearts.  

Even though she was raised in church, Kathy came to a greater realization of what the Body of Christ is meant be in her early 20s.  After understanding the power of being honest with God and bringing Him our junk, she was led to share this radical love of Jesus with women in the sex industry.* *Some content may not be suitable for younger listeners.  

Hi there - I'm Carey. I am a mom of 4, married to my high school sweetheart and a follower of Jesus. Like literally, a follower. Jesus has moved our family 9 times in 16 years and every chapter has been more exciting than the last. I am incredibly blessed to have lived on 3 different continents over the past 4 years and have collected numerous life changing experiences. One of my very favorite things is to meet a new friend for coffee or lunch and hear her story. These conversations have been life giving and life changing for me and I don't want to keep them all to myself. This podcast is a platform to share these incredible women with you. These are ordinary women that have encountered an extraordinary God. My prayer is that their stories will encourage you to go deeper in your relationship with the Living God and that they will inspire you to embrace the power of your own story.