The Jules Show

That our children will sleep in their own bed each night is just a normal thing for most of us. But thousands of kids across Georgia, for a variety of reasons, aren't sleeping in their own, personal bed. Thankfully, there is an organization called Sleep In Heavenly Peace seeking to remedy this situation. Check out my interview with Greg Watts, along with a lot of volunteers, is helping to ensure every child gets to sleep in their very own bed each night and sleep in heavenly peace.

I think it's fair to say one of the first things we learn when we accept Christ into our hears is that we are forgiven for our sins. It's the single greatest blessing we'll ever receive. We're also instructed by Jesus that we are to freely forgive others, just as he forgives us. So we freely forgive the person who cuts us off in traffic, or the family member who doesn't return the casserole dish we left with them at the last family get together. But how do we forgive someone who hurts us profoundly? In this episode of The Jules Show podcast, I spent some time talking with Mary Ann Otley, a woman who suffered the kind of abuse most of us would consider impossible to forgive. What happened to her and how she worked through it to ultimately be able to help others who have been in her shoes, is an incredible story of how God, when we surrender our will to His, can do the impossible. If you have ever thought, "God, I just can't forgive this..." then I urge you, please, to spend some time listening to Mary Ann's story. God worked a miracle in Mary Ann's life, and she shares with us how He can do the same in our lives, if we are willing to let Him. Mary Ann's website: www.lovetriumphs.com Jules on Instagram

It was a hot summer morning and Scott Rigsby woke up to face it like he did every other day. He went to work at his job as a landscaper, a position he took after his recent high school graduation to earn him a little extra money to take with him when he went off to college in the fall. He had no idea that day, which had started out so incredibly ordinary, would be the last ordinary day of his life. Unbeknownst to him, his reality was about to change forever. Scott and a couple of his coworkers were riding in the back of a pick up truck, headed to the next landscaping job, when, in a split second, they were in a horrible accident which ultimately left Scott as a double amputee of both his legs below the knees. In my time with Scott, he details the events of his accident, the dark days trying to come to terms with how his life was going to change forever, and ultimately God's plan and purpose for how Scott could use his experience to do something unthinkable - to be the first double amputee to complete the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon - and help other amputees reconcile their circumstance and overcome, all to the glory of God. Jules on Instagram

These days, Don Nelson has what in anyones mind would be a nice life. A satisfying career as a college professor at the University of Georgia, a lovely wife, two kids and a comfortable home. He's done well for himself. So when he's teaching a class called Breaking The Cycle, a course on life skills for people experiencing homelessness, no one really believes him when he tells them "I understand, because I have been where you are." In this episode of The Jules Show, Don unwraps his story of growing up in a Christian home, going to a very traditional church. It left him feeling numb, ritual but no relationship. To Don, it didn't seem like the people around him bore evidence of being filled with the spirit. So while he had a logical, knowledgeable belief in Jesus, he had no real relationship. During his teen years and in his twenties, Don took some wrong turns with drugs and alcohol, leaving him essentially homeless. Amazingly enough, he managed to muddle his way through graduate school and was even able to secure a teaching position. Fast forward a few years, when he's finally enjoying success as a college professor.  As you might guess, Don is a very logical and reasoned individual. Finding an emotional connection to Christ wasn't easy for him. Additionally, he desired to see evidence of how faith really played out in other believers lives. Without realizing it at the time, he was searching for a spirit filled and spirit led church. In our interview, he shares with me how he found one in a most unlikely place at a most interesting time in hi life. You can reach out to Don at https://www.heclab.org/ Jules on instagram

Have you ever asked yourself, "How did I end up here?" That's a question Amy Washington asks herself all the time. Shortly after graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in marketing, Amy had a friend who had this great idea - "Let's go to Africa on a mission trip," her friend suggested.    Amy, ever the planner, was like, "Wait, what? Where in Africa? That's a continent, not a country!"    And so began her journey from a homebody, farm girl growing up in rural Northeast Georgia to a woman running a home for teenage unwed mothers in Uganda. She left behind everyone she knew and loved, because she believed God had a plan for her to help young women whose families had thrown them out. She wanted them to come to know they had a heavenly father who would never throw them away and who considered them priceless.    Listening to Amy's story can give us all a glimpse what it's like to give up a comfortable life in order to make an earthly and well as eternal, difference in the lives of those Jesus calls "the least of these." You won't believe what Amy has been able to do in just a few years, and all merely because she was willing to follow God's lead for her life rather than her own.  Kupendwaministeries.org Jules on Instagram

Jesus tells us in Matthew 28 to "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations...". This is called the Great Commission and it's probably the second most familiar scripture in the New Testament after, of course, John 3:16. But have you ever found yourself wondering what this means for you in your day-to-day life? Exactly how are we supposed to live this admonition out? After all, the apostles set a pretty high bar for service; and I can't help but feel, sometimes, I will never be able to meet their level of dedication. Thankfully, the Bible also tells us we are all gifted differently; and we can serve the Kingdom in countless different ways. So for some folks, that means being a missionary in a country halfway around the world from home. But for others of us, it means serving right where we've always been. My friends, Shirley and David Duncan, are prime examples of serving right where you are. And for the Duncans, that doesn't mean serving in their town or in their church. It means serving, quite literally, in their own home. Their story begins one hot afternoon in Middle Georgia. The Duncans live in a modest home in an average neighborhood in Macon, GA. David is handicapped, having lost both legs to complications from diabetes, so he is home most afternoons. On this particularly hot afternoon, a little neighborhood boy came by the house and asked David if he could have a cup of water. A lot of folks would have brushed the kid aside, but not David. He brought the boy a cup of water with crushed ice. It was just a small gesture of kindness. But that simple cup of ice water turned into a snack a few days later, then into snacks for another kid a few days after that and pretty soon...well, you know what happens when you feed kids and cats! Now, less than a year later, the school bus stops in front of their house and deposits over 20 neighborhood kids into their care EVERY DAY for after school snacks. Yes, you read correctly - they feed snacks to over 20 kids EVERY DAY! "Wow, that's great, but how is this a ministry, Jules?" I'm glad you asked! The Duncans have upped the ante. They are now serving a hot meal for supper on Friday nights, which they have affectionately dubbed, 'The Hot Dog Club'. However, they're not just providing a hot meal, they are also leading a Bible study for the kids and their families - many of whom have never heard the Gospel. It's like a Bible Block Party every week at their house. The Duncans also help these kids learn manners, respect for others, and the value of sharing and thinking of others. The kids are seeing up close and personal how virtual strangers are willing to show them kindness and love. In my interview with Shirley and David, they share how the Lord placed it on their hearts to help these kids. Most of them come from single parent homes and virtually all of them are low income. David shared with me that this ministry should not even be possible since they are approaching retirement age and are on a fixed income themselves. They never know from week to week if they are going to have the resources to support The Hot Dog Club. But somehow, they always do. People and resources just show up, quite literally, like manna from heaven. Through the generosity of people all over Macon, the Duncans are able to share the love of Jesus with folks right outside their door. Y'all have just GOT to listen to my interview with David and Shirley Duncan. They're an absolute hoot! Their lives have been an amazing adventure of service to God and such a fantastic example of how NOTHING is impossible when you step out in faith. Shirley and David's story will inspire you, too. They are showing us that sometimes the scripture "love thy neighbor" means, quite literally, the person next door!

"God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called," is something I'm pretty sure everyone who serves in ministry has said at some point. Mary Mangum, my guest for this episode of The Jules Show podcast, would certainly say that's true. She and her husband were rearing their family in the perfect suburban life when they felt the call to be missionaries. But let me back up, because Mary's story is really not so much about being a missionary in a country hostile to Christians. It's really a much bigger story, about the act of learning to be quiet and listen to the Holy Spirit to discern what God has planned for our lives. I hope you enjoy hearing Mary's story as much as I did. Mary and her family were not afraid to get out of their comfortable lives and take off for service in a country unfriendly to Christians because they knew it was God's plan and He had their backs. Mary's example reminds me that our faith is stretched the most when we are willing (to let God make us uncomfortable?) to be uncomfortable. Jules on Instagram Mary's website is www.deeplyrootedministries.org

Southern women often say laughter through tears is one of our favorite emotions, and comedian Elaine Brantley can certainly testify to the truth in that old saying. In this episode of The Jules Show podcast, Elaine shares how she took the funny parts of what she learned being a preacher's wife and turned it into a comedy routine, which she performs as her alter ego, "Maxi, the Preacher's Wife." She has brought laughter to church groups, women's conferences and military bases across the South for over two decades. But something happened in her life that caused her to lose her sense of humor. So she put away the costume she'd wear as Maxi and took some time off to heal, to be still, and to wait for God to reveal what His new plans for her were. Elaine ends up getting her groove back, but in a most unlikely way, and yes, you have to listen to the podcast to learn the whole crazy story! With all that's been going on in our world these past few months, it was a great joy to chat with someone who could bring a little humor into life and share how God was able to revive her creativity at a time when folks need it most. But more than just being funny, Elaine's is a story of how, if you just trust Him, God will amaze you beyond your wildest dreams. Connect Elaine on Facebook Jules on Instagram

So here's a question for you to consider: When was the last time you sat down and thought about the dreams you have for your life? If you haven't thought about your dreams in a while and could use some inspiration to do so, then check out my latest podcast interview with an incredible young woman named Maria Anifowose. Maria grew up in extreme poverty in Nigeria, where opportunities are few and far between, especially for girls. Being Christian in a heavily Muslim community didn't make it any easier, but Maria always knew God had big plans for her. She knew education would be her ticket out of poverty and she dreamed one day of traveling abroad to further her education. When a poster went up at her school advertising a writing contest with a trip to London as the prize, she figured this was her big chance. Maria's story is an inspiring example of the value of daring to dream big, of being patient and of having the faith to believe God would answer her prayers. Hearing Maria's story reminded me of the Bible verse in Habakkuk 2:2 where the prophet is told to "write the vision and make it plain on tablets," and it occurred to me I cannot ask God to bless my dreams if I don't even know what they are. Maria helped me realize I may need to revisit my dreams and spend some time checking in with God to see if they line up with His plan! Maria is currently attending college in Gainesville, Georgia through the kindness of scholarship donations made to her GoFundMe account. If you are moved by her story and would like to contribute, you may do so at the link below. Contribute to Maria's Go Fund Me account CONNECT @jules_show      

Every pastor has heard that old joke about how they only work one day a week. And that's only a joke to the folks saying it. Little tip: pastor's don't think that line is funny. At all. If you have a good relationship with our pastor, you probably know that preaching a sermon on Sunday is just a small part of their responsibilities. They're on call virtually 24/7. Researches have done studies and determined being a pastor is one of the top five most stressful jobs in America. So, for Pastor Appreciation Month, I sat down with a man who knows a little about the subject, to get some details on how we as the body can better love on our pastors. Bill Westafer has been a pastor for years, and he drew on his personal experience and interviews with lots of pastors from all denominational backgrounds, to write a sort of "how to" book on helping pastors deal with stress. In his new book, "Clergy Stress: Causes and Cures," Bill outlines the six major stressors for pastors, and numerous ways to help manage them and avoid burnout. In my interview, Bill shares with us some of the heartbreaking stories of what some pastors have gone through, as well as some heartwarming stories of how congregations have loved on and given pastors the support they need to stay the course of their calling. Bill gives us some great counsel on how we can show our appreciation to our pastors this month, and every month. Bill's book "Clergy Stress: Causes and Cures" is available on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram at b_westaf

I've heard it said a big problem is just a small one that didn't get managed earlier. My friend, Ashley Hembrey, would say that's pretty accurate. Ashley started down a path of self destruction early in high school and her choices led her into situations that most of us can't even imaging. In this first episode of the new season of The Jules Show, I had the chance to sit down on my back porch and talk with Ashley about her story. She was in a deep pit of self destruction, fueled by addiction which ultimately led to multiple stints in jail. It was in jail she finally realized she needed help. She's been in recovery for years now, and credits daily devotion time and music from artists like Tauren Wells and Lauren Dangle with helping remind her daily she is a redeemed child of the King. But the big take away from my time with Ashley wasn't the "how" or that God DID redeem her. We spent much of our time together talking about WHY God redeems us. I appreciate Ashley's bravery and willingness to share her story with us. She's even willing to offer her assistance to anyone who finds themselves in a place of brokenness.  If you'd like to reach out to Ashley, please email my producer, Anne at anned@thejoyfm.com and she will put you in touch with Ashley.

[As we reset for season three of The Jules Show Podcast, Producer Anne, Editor Jeff and Jules have picked their favorite podcasts from the past. This week, it's Jules' pick which originally posted June 10, 2020] Several years ago, I had a Sunday school teacher who shared a story about a church whose congregation actually split and half the people left and formed a new church because the two sides couldn't come to an agreement. They must have been arguing some big theological issue, I thought. That wasn't it. The huge dispute which broke the church apart was over - wait for it  - what color the new carpet for the sanctuary should be!!Jesus tells us they will know you because of your love amongst the brothers and sisters. Our unity is what sets us apart. Or it should be. But lately in our world, unity, even among Christians, seems hard to come by. So that's why I asked one of the most  biblically grounded people I know to share with us biblical truth we can all use to work together for unity..David Holt, author and pastor at Living Hope Church in Athens offers us counsel on how to keep the main thing the main thing. And the main thing is the saving blood of Jesus. Learn more at livinghopeathens.com.

[As we reset for season three of The Jules Show Podcast, Producer Anne, Editor Jeff and Jules have picked their favorite podcasts from the past. This week, it's Jeff's pick which originally posted July 24, 2019] Let's face it - when you get right down to it, we're all a bunch of broken toys. We're sinners, with lot's of issues and hard as we may try to do the right thing, we just keep messing up. If you're anything like me, you scratch your head sometimes, because on the one hand, you know God doesn't waste anything in our lives, but on the other you're sitting there thinking "Lord, how are you going to use this disaster in my life for your glory?" My friend Mark Benson wondered this, too. After his infant daughter died at 90 days of life, and his marriage subsequently ended in divorce, Mark was struggling to see what God was doing with his personal tragedy. In my podcast interview with Mark, he shares with me just how God redeemed his personal brokenness and placed on his heart a passion to lead men's ministry in an effort to help and disciple other hurting and broken men. Click and listen to my podcast interview with Mark Benson.

[As we reset for season three of The Jules Show Podcast, Producer Anne, Editor Jeff and Jules have picked their favoite podcasts from the past. This week, it's Anne's pick which originally posted July 16, 2018] Let's face it, if we're really honest, most of us have done something in our past which we now regret. And while we know in our minds God forgave us of our sins when we accepted Jesus Christ as our savior, so often times, believing it in our hearts is not so easy. Miriam Nelson is a woman who knows a great deal about God's redemptive grace. As the director of the Athens Pregnancy Center, Miriam shared with me her personal journey of seeking God's forgiveness after having an abortion when she was 17 years old. Miriam regularly shares her testimony with clients at APC as well as with churches and other organizations, and one of the main take aways I learned from my interview with her was that whatever mistakes we have made, God forgives us and wants us to use our brokenness for His glory. Miriam has been able to share her story of regret and pain and ultimately redemption, with countless women who find themselves believing the lie that having an abortion is a decision they will not regret.  Miriam's regret was abortion, but her story of redemption is one from which we all can learn. She surrendered the guilt and shame, and taught me that nothing we do is too big for God to forgive. But we have to choose to LET Him. And then, we need to use our experience to help others.

Watching a loved one walk the path of memory loss is often an emotionally as well as physically exhausting experience. But a new ministry in Macon, GA is offering socialization for participants and a much needed break for the participants care givers. In this episode of The Jules Show podcast, I had a chat with Leigh Hinton, the director of Sanctuary Respite Ministry, an outreach of Forest Hills Methodist Church, which is providing half day programs three days a week for individuals or "friends" as they call them, to come and spend time with other folks on the memory loss journey. Friends are provided the opportunity to participate in all manner of activities which provide stimulation and exercise, at whatever level they can handle. Leigh shared with me the amazing God story of how they were able to open this ministry in, you guessed it, the sanctuary of an old church. Staying active is a major benefit in slowing age related memory loss, and SRM can provide stimulation in a Christ centered environment to give friends a greater quality of life, while at the same time providing a respite for the often over worked care giver, who is usually a spouse. You'll love hearing how SRM is fulfilling Jesus directive to care for "the least of these." Learn more about Sanctuary Respite Ministry at http://foresthillsmacon.com/welcome/sanctuary-respite.

Several years ago, I had a Sunday school teacher who shared a story about a church whose congregation actually split and half the people left and formed a new church because the two sides couldn't come to an agreement. They must have been arguing some big theological issue, I thought. That wasn't it. The huge dispute which broke the church apart was over - wait for it  - what color the new carpet for the sanctuary should be!!Jesus tells us they will know you because of your love amongst the brothers and sisters. Our unity is what sets us apart. Or it should be. But lately in our world, unity, even among Christians, seems hard to come by. So that's why I asked one of the most  biblically grounded people I know to share with us biblical truth we can all use to work together for unity..David Holt, author and pastor at Living Hope Church in Athens offers us counsel on how to keep the main thing the main thing. And the main thing is the saving blood of Jesus. Learn more at livinghopeathens.com.

Covid 19 is a virus that has devastated more than just health. Our jobs, our way of life have all been totally upended. If you're feeling confused, and maybe even paralyzed over all the turmoil in our world right now, then my podcast guest, pastor and author Gerald Fadayomi has some practical guidance to help you chart these uncertain waters and plot a course to move ahead. Whether its an unexpected job loss, the death of a loved one or a difficult diagnosis from our doctor, in his new book, "When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade," Gerald teaches us techniques for taking action in our own lives, using the example set by the biblical hero, Joseph. Gerald points out how the Bible never guarantees our lives will be free from suffering, however it DOES show us a way to deal with the uncomfortable - or as he calls them, "sour" - circumstances. By asking yourself just three simple questions, and then spending some time prayerfully answering them, you can more clearly discern the path God has planned for you. Gerald helped me to realize we are not as powerless as we sometimes feel, we just have to ask the right questions for our situation. Reach Gerald at  - https://www.geraldfadayomi.com/lemons

I read somewhere that life is a series of crisis' and how well we deal with them makes all the difference. Paula Maxwell was young and unmarried and found herself facing an unplanned pregnancy. It was a crisis situation, but she knew the choice she wanted to make would have long lasting repercussions. For Paula, abortion wasn't an option. So she sought out the counsel of Covenant Care Services, and with their help, made out an adoption plan for her child. In this episode of The Jules Show podcast, we conclude our interview with our friends from Covenant Care Services by letting Paula tell her story of being a birth mother, what that was like, what has happened to her and her child in the decades since she chose adoption and how she has now come full circle, to serve the ministry of CCS as a client services coordinator. When Paula tells a woman "I know what you're feeling," she really does. God has been able to use what initially seemed like a crisis in Paula's life to minister His love and grace and provide help and healing to countless women and families. Her decision back then is making a huge difference in lives today. At a time when we can all use some encouragement in our lives, Paula's story is a great one of God's redemption and faithfulness.

Even in the best of circumstances, I think most women will agree pregnancy can be a little scary. So, imagine how frightening it can be for a woman who is not expecting to be expecting. In this episode of my podcast, I was able to have a great conversation with Carol Gledhill, executive director of Covenant Care Adoptions in Macon, GA about how they are coming alongside these vulnerable women and their families to provide ALL options available to them in a loving, compassionate and Christ centered way. By providing assistance from the very beginning, Covenant Care helps EVERY woman who reaches out to them with a multitude of services, helping ensure the best possible outcomes. To make the story even more special, Carol brought a friend with her - a birth mom who was one of the original birth mothers to place through Covenant Care - to share her story of healing and redemption (in the next podcast). These precious ladies shed some light on a topic many folks in the church want to sweep under the rug, as well as shattering some of the myths surrounding the "typical" woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. I think you will come away encouraged and inspired by the work the folks at Covenant Care Adoptions are doing. Have a listen and let me know your thoughts and learn more at covenantcaredoptions.com

Seems like everyone has a side hustle these days. Be it a freelance gig or a nights and weekends part time job, we're all looking for ways to pick up some extra cash. Greg Washington was getting by on the money he was earning in culinary arts at a hotel, and he seemed to be on track for advancement as a chef. But when money started getting tight, a side hustle opportunity presented itself. Someone offered him a chance to turn $100 into $150 for just making a quick stop. And so the lure of what seemed like easy money took Greg down a road to hustling drugs full time. Yes, Greg's story is one of a guy going down a dark road, only for God to redeem it in the end, but what makes Greg's story especially compelling is his unique perspective on the mind of hustlers - and hustlers are more than just drug dealers. They are in all walks of life, and Greg shares how he learned this and how if, truth be told, we can all be guilty of being hustlers. Listen to the podcast and then share your comments with me. Learn more at: www.mindofahustlerbook.com

Ok, so, the first few days of the quarantine weren't so bad. It was sort of like like snow days, only the snow wasn't white - it was yellow....because it was pollen. But it's like, what...who even remembers...how many days into this new anything-but-normal normal we've got going now? Even people I know who are hermits are starting to get antsy with life in the bubble. We're all starting to feel the many emotions that come from isolation. So that's why I used one of my life lines to phone a friend. On this episode of The Jules Show podcast, Taylor Mason, clinical director and staff therapist with Bethel Haven a non profit Christian counseling service in Athens, GA, shares some tips I personally found very helpful in combatting the isolation brought on by COVID 19. Taylor helps answer questions you may be feeling, like dealing with a sense of loss or grief, tips on how to stay positive and the good and maybe not so good uses of technology. And of course, she offers us all some hope and encouragement from God's word! All great information to help you find a little joy and some sanity during this time of upheaval! Learn more at www.bethelhaven.net

While the pandemic of COVID 19 may not be the end of the world, it's certainly put everyones normal life on hold for the foreseeable future. For so many of us, a major portion of what makes life "normal" revolves around what activity we're shuttling kids to next. Now that the rug has been pulled out from under us and our kids, we're all starting to get concerned. And the kids most especially. In this episode of my podcast, I had a very helpful discussion with licensed therapist and author Candace Couch about how to help walk our kids through this unprecedented time of insecurity. Candace offers us some practical suggestions on how to talk through what's happening with our children, discussing how they feel, identifying the hidden blessings in the midst of the storm and how to reassure them that, no matter what, God is in control. Talking with Candace gave me some tangible ways to handle things with my kids, and I have no doubt you will gain some great take aways from Candace. If you would like more information or to learn about Candace's new book, “Choosing to Train: Parenting Through Tough Times With Insight and Simplicity,” reach out to Candace via her website, candacecouchcounseling.com.

One of the most exciting times in a private schools life is when they grow big enough to support a football team. But you seldom hear about a community football league growing to the point of founding a a school. But doing things a little outside the box is often how things roll in a college town, and Athens, GA is no different. In this The Jules Show podcast interview, I had a sit down with Patrick Ennis, head of school at Downtown Academy, and he shares with us how this unique school - which is a spin off of a local church's community outreach football league - is helping to change the trajectory of kids lives who are being underserved by the public school system. Patrick unpacks how they are removing financial barriers to provide a nurturing, Christ-centered K-5 option for families who may not otherwise have access to private school education. I know you'll enjoy hearing about Downtown Academy's beginning, because it's a great God story of how amazing things happen when you're willing to take the one next step! Visit www.downtownacademy.org

Have you ever been in church when the youth pastor got up and asked for volunteers to help with the youth program? What's the response? Usually ...crickets! You'd think the poor guy asked for help training rattlesnakes! Working with teens can be tough. The boys are rowdy and have zero attention span. The girls can be moody and self absorbed. And need I mention the endless eye rolls? It's no wonder adults avert their eyes and fidget with the church bulletin when the topic comes up. Yes, working with teens can be a challenge. But let's face it, they are the future of the church. Actually, it's been said they ARE the church. So, if you feel ill-equipped about what to do with this fickle age group, my next The Jules Show podcast is just for you. Guests Mike Ricks and Daniel Nesmith, two guys who've worked in student ministry for years, have some insights on how to better understand today's teens and how events like The Mix - an inter-denominational gathering of over 35 church youth groups in Athens, GA - play a huge role in connecting young people to Jesus. To learn more about The Mix, visit www.themixathens.com

I remember going off to college like it was yesterday. The excitement of leaving behind my South Georgia town for the chance to follow my dreams. Waving goodbye to my parents as they left the dorm parking lot, I thought how wonderful it was to be free to do things my way. It was awesome being on my own!! Until...it wasn't. See, there was this night when I was cruising with some friends  around the 10 Loop in Athens and thought it'd be great fun to weave in between the caution barrels the road crew has left out to keep normal drives safe. Needless to say, this did not end well for me. Let's just say those barrels are HEAVY! So, there I was, Miss Large and In Charge, I'm the Boss Of Me, crying home to Daddy about what to do with my broken car. My dad is the best and I'm here to tell you I called on him and my mom plenty of times to help me figure out how to get me out of whatever jam I managed to get myself in. I don't know what I would have done without them. I came to a whole new level of appreciation for my parents when I found out about a non-profit called Lydia's Place. Their mission is to come alongside young people who are aging out of foster care and who are seeking post high school education. Most of these students have had a rough start to life, but they are beating incredible odds against them and are getting into college. Thankfully, if they can actually get into a college or tech school, their tuition, room and board cost are coveted by the state. But if you have ever been off to school, you know there are lost of extra costs. And sometimes- ok, often times - unexpected costs. Like a parking ticket. Which pretty much everyone who's ever been to college gets at sine point. For most of us, we call mom and dad, beg them for the extra cash to get us out of the jam so we can register for next semester, we promise it'll never happen again and easy peassy, we're back on track. If only it were that easy for a foster kid. Most of these kids said goodbye to their parents long before they entered college and the idea they could call mom or dad never crosses their mind.  A simple unpaid parking ticket can lead to a cascade effect of problems. In my podcast interview with April Farlow, she shares the stories of how Lydia's Place is help these young people thrive. From providing dorm essentials and financial assistance with unexpected bills, to just mentoring with learning how to be an adult, Lydia's Place is helping “the least of these.” By being the hands and feet of Jesus, the volunteers at Lydia's Place are showing kids who have come to distrust almost everyone, that there is a God who loves them and who will never leave them.

If you're like me, sometimes you suddenly get a great idea and say "it just hit me!" But the idea didn't REALLY hit me. However, for my friend Alex Abraham, his great idea actually DID, quite literally HIT him! In my podcast interview with Alex, he and his wife Emilee share the story of how, when Alex was pulling out of a parking space, a kid riding a bike which had faulty brakes ran into Alex's truck. He helped the kid up, fixed his brakes and before he knew it the kid was on his way. But the idea of how Alex could help kids in his community was planted. Fast forward a few years, and Alex and Emilee are now running a non-profit bike shop in Hogansville, GA called Pedal Forward, a place where local kids come to learn about bike repair and can even earn a new bike by participating in the shop's six week Earn A Bike program. But the kids are learning so much more than bike repair skills. Most of the kids who come to Pedal Forward are from low income families, many from broken homes. Some really tough family situations. So while the kids are there, they are fed a meal  and hear a lesson about Jesus love for them. Alex and Emilee are being the hands a feet of Jesus to kids who often times fall through the cracks. So many kids are starved for positive attention, and the all volunteer staff at Pedal Forward are a great example of how just a few people who want to make a difference for the kingdom of God can make a difference when they just step out in faith. Click here to listen to my podcast interview with Alex and Emilee Abraham Pedal Forward website: pedalforwardhgvl.org

It's been said mission trips do more for you than you ever do for the people you're supposed to be helping, and Shane Daniel would attest to this fact. When he left out on his very first mission trip, he just thought he was going down to Nicaragua to help on a church build. A one time thing. Little did he know, that trip would change his life forever. Because of a random conversation with some young boys, Shane found out the kids loved baseball - apparently, even more than soccer -  but they couldn't afford the equipment. Shane made a promise to those boys to come back the next year with everything they needed to have a real team, and he's been going back ever since, hosting baseball camps for teams from all over Nicaragua. Listen here to my podcast interview with Shane about how Christ Through Baseball is sharing the Gospel and spreading the love of Jesus with baseball. Learn more at www.christthrubaseball.com

A friend once shared a story about a gal she knew who told her kids to get ready for supper, so they went and got in their van. For lots of us right now, we spend more time in our vehicle than we do on our home furniture. Who needs frequent flyer miles, gimme some frequent driver miles! It's hard for me to imaging a day when I'm not going to be sitting in a car rider line somewhere. But my friend and women's ministry blogger, Suzanne Chambers assures me that one day, sooner than I realize - and probably before I'm emotionally ready - it will end, and I'll have some free time. In my podcast interview with her, Suzanne has some sage counsel for us, to help us mentally prepare for the changes yet to come, The temptation may be to relax, but soon we find ourselves saying "now what?" Just because the kids don't need your taxi services, doesn't mean they don't need you. And if you've graduated from helping with family programs at church, God has plenty of other work for you to do! So regardless of the season you're in, Suzanne has a ton of encouragement for you. Listen here to my interview with Suzanne Chambers.

If you've ever worked at or volunteered with a non-profit organization, you learn quickly that generating funds to run the charity is hard work, for what sometimes seems like little financial reward. That's certainly how Dara Buczynsky felt. She worked for years, doing speaking engagements for various charitable organizations, but she became discouraged by what she felt was little money earned for the amount of time she was putting in. She prayed about it for a while, and then one day, like He always does, God gave Dara an epiphany. She decided to open a boutique and give ALL her profits to charity. Take a guess what she named her store...Yep, Epiphany!  But Dara is doing so much more than selling pretty things in an effort to give money to charities. She's sharing the Gospel, at every available opportunity, while she's doing it. I hope that after listening to my podcast interview with Dara, you'll be inspired to examine your life to discover the incredible, creative talents God gave YOU to help spread the Gospel.  Watch here. Listen below

Ok, so if I'm really being honest, I have a hard enough time sharing the Gospel with folks who kind of look like me and who speak my own language. So I'm a little unsure sometimes how to share Jesus with someone from a totally different culture. Thankfully, my friend, Pastor Bill Johnson of Reach the Nations Community Church in Clarkston, Georgia, has been able to school me on how to do a better job with cross cultural ministry.   As I mentioned, Bill serves in Clarkston, Georgia, a town with the unique distinction of being called the most culturally diverse square mile in America. This one town is home to over 40 different people groups, and the local high school has over 70 different dialects spoken by its student body. Most of the people who attend Bill's church are refugees.  In my podcast interview with Bill, he shares his ministry strategy for reaching all the different nationalities and as you may have guessed, it all boils down to loving and serving your neighbor. Watch the video and listen below:  

Jerry Williams, Rob Langer, and Benji Shepherd are on a mission to find JOY wherever they go with The Finding Joy Podcast. Whether it's inside The JOY FM studios or on the road, they'll be seeking out stories from people that help them - and YOU - find JOY! Listen now for an example of what's to come. The first full episode comes your way on November 21st!

If you're a Christian, you probably know the Great Commission. Jesus tells us we are to go and make disciples. But let's face it, if we're really honest, we often wonder how we're supposed to carry this out. The Great Exchange has a very unique approach to engage with total strangers in an effort to start up conversations about faith, so check out my podcast interview with Jon Deans to learn how a simple question can open a door to accomplish some extraordinary things, if we're willing to follow where the Lord wants to lead us. Listen below-

Brandon Heath has a song called "I'm Not Who I Was" and that song title personifies my friend Jamie Scott. When I met Jamie, I didn't know much about his backstory. I just saw him as this big, teddy bear of a man with a bright smile who was funny, full of life and who had this amazing Godly light about him.So when he started unwrapping his life story for me in the form of his testimony...well, I just couldn't get my brain around it. To say the deck was stacked against Jamie from the start is no joke. Born poor, grew up in a rough neighborhood in a housing project, father in prison. His early life reads like a sad TV crime drama. He got in trouble with the police early and often. Jamie's dad was the bad dude on the block, until he went to prison. So Jamie assumed his father's role. And he was a great leader, in the worst possible way - gang leader, dealing drugs, armed robbery, you name it. Not surprisingly, Jamie landed in jail. More than once. The last time in, he was on trial, facing down two life in prison sentences. But as is often the case, God takes the bad things we've done in our lives and uses them for his glory. While Jamie was in jail, God used a man doing prison ministry to help him realize he was on the road to nowhere without Jesus. God granted Jamie favor and he was found not guilty of his crimes and became a free man. Jamie did, however, leave prison with a conviction. The conviction that comes from giving your life over to Jesus. Fast forward to today, and this once violent criminal is now the executive director of The Sparrow's Nest, a ministry in downtown Athens GA offering a day shelter providing refuge, resources and restoration to those in poverty and experiencing homelessness. Seeing all the lives Jamie touches each day in a positive way at The Sparrow's Nest is just incredible. I watch his calm, compassionate nature and I still can't imagine him as a violent man. Ironically, though, it's his past that makes Jamie uniquely qualified to lead this ministry. He relates to the people he's serving like few people can. When you read the Bible, you learn pretty quickly most of the people God tees up to be leaders don't have what you might call super resumes. Noah, Moses, Jacob, all tremendously flawed. But God used their imperfections to perfectly execute His plan. and I believe He's doing the same thing with my friend, Jamie Scott. Check out my podcast interview with Jamie and hear his full story and learn his perspective on helping those in need in our communities. And watch my short interview with Jamie.

We all know nothing lasts forever, but when you're going through a rough season in life, it's hard to imagine things will get better. My friend and The Joy FM colleague, Haley Radeka and I chat about times in our lives when we were both in a lonely, insecure place, and we both found ourselves responding in the same way.  During these times, when the last thing we feel like doing is helping others, helping others is the thing we need to do most. Haley shared with me the turning point in her dark season was when she made the decision to step out on faith and start volunteering with Young Life. Then she took on being a small group leader. Before she knew it, she went from being anxious and unsure of what she had to offer to wondering what other ways God wanted to use her. To hear my entire conversation with Haley Radeka, click below.

When my kids were little and I was deep in the diapers and runny nose stage, I used to think "Just a few more years and they'll go to school and I can catch a break!" Fast forward a few years and woohoo... they started school! But the peace I thought I was going to find, sadly eluded me. The break I thought I was catching, turned immediately into worry. Are they going to be ok? Will they make friends? Will the teachers understand them? The stress of the unknown was even worse than all the maintenance and upkeep! If this sounds like you, you are not alone. Parents everywhere, especially moms, can have as rough a time with school as their kiddos do. Thankfully, there is a ministry with chapters all over Georgia - our whole country, actually - dedicated to helping anxious moms by covering our schools in prayer. Candy Barnett, with Moms In Prayer, talked with me about how this ministry grew out of one mom's feeling she needed to cover her middle schooler in prayer. She joined with other like-minded moms to form a weekly prayer group. Today, thousands of moms meet weekly to pray for schools - the children, teachers, administrators and their families - in order to blanket them with God's love, peace and hope. Go  "on-air" with Jules and watch the interview with Candy Barnett. To learn more about Moms In Prayer, give a listen below to my full podcast interview with Candy Barnett.

Tina Willaford was enjoying life as a stay at home mom when she became aware of a need to help women caught in the sex trafficking trade literally right down the road from her home in Marietta. After a great deal of prayer, Tina helped to start the nonprofit, Table on Delk. Their goal is to provide all kinds of services to help women and young boys caught in the web of sexual trafficking with the hope and help to be free. Listen to my podcast interview with Tina and learn all about Table On Delk by clicking here.

Bill and Melanie Reeves knew God had a purpose and a plan for their lives as he led them in a thriving church ministry in Newnan, Ga.  They were obediently in service to our Lord, but they began to feel a tug in their hearts to make a change. So, with no idea what that change should look like, Bill took odd jobs as a handyman while they waited on God to reveal His plan.  It took almost 10 years for RiverLife, a ministry dedicated to helping the needy with small home repair projects, to be birthed into existence. Through RiverLife, Bill and Melanie are able to put together teams of volunteers to do local mission projects. The projects can range from something as simple as cleaning out gutters and doing yard work for the elderly, to constructing wheelchair ramps for disabled individuals. Bill shared with me that while the service project is a great blessing for the recipient, seeing God's people working together to show His love to others is the biggest blessing of all. We live in a fast-paced, instant pot culture that tells us we have to always be busy. Sometimes as church people we are no better. We think if we're not hard at work, then we aren't good stewards of what God has provided, right?  Catch my podcast interview with Bill and Melanie Reeves here. To find out more about RiverLife visit their website.

Big Problems oftentimes require Big Solutions. But not always. Take, for example, being a foster parent. Yes, that's a tough thing to take on, and we've all heard the stories. If you're like me, you look at that situation and think there is no way you can make a difference. But frankly, you'd be dead wrong to think that. Chosen For Life Ministries is a foster care and adoption support ministry, dedicated to coming alongside parents who foster or adopt to provide all kinds of support. I came away from my time with Anna encouraged by the different ways folks like us can work together to take care of all the people in the foster care system - be it the kids, the foster families, even the government agency case workers. God challenges all of us to care for the orphans and widows in our midst. Chosen For Life Ministries is making it easier for us to do our part. Learn more in my podcast interview with Anna Bearden.

Let's face it - when you get right down to it, we're all a bunch of broken toys. We're sinners, with lot's of issues and hard as we may try to do the right thing, we just keep messing up. If you're anything like me, you scratch your head sometimes, because on the one hand, you know God doesn't waste anything in our lives, but on the other you're sitting there thinking "Lord, how are you going to use this disaster in my life for your glory?" My friend Mark Benson wondered this, too. After his infant daughter died at 90 days of life, and his marriage subsequently ended in divorce, Mark was struggling to see what God was doing with his personal tragedy. In my podcast interview with Mark, he shares with me just how God redeemed his personal brokenness and placed on his heart a passion to lead men's ministry in an effort to help and disciple other hurting and broken men. Click and listen to my podcast interview with Mark Benson.

If you live long enough, you're going to have to say goodbye to someone. We all intellectually know this. But when a loss does come, especially one we weren't expecting - like the sudden death of a loved one or a terminal diagnosis - the grief can overwhelm us. So what do we do when grief doesn't go away and sorrow overtakes us? I think sometimes as Christians, we give short shift to the need to process grief. And we good Southern Christians can be the worst at putting on a happy face, the "Suck it up Buttercup everything is fine," outward appearance. It's like we think saying we're struggling with grief is wrong, or that by admitting we're having a rough time somehow means we don't have enough faith. Steve has helped hundreds of patients and their families navigate end-of-life decisions, and he helped me gain a better understanding of grief and its rightful place in God's order for our lives. Listen to my podcast interview with Steve Severs for help and healing during seasons of grief. To learn more about Affinis Hospice, visit their website at www.affinishospice.org

Pretty much everyone I know has a REALLY busy life, full of A LOT of responsibilities. So when we want to take some time and enjoy our favorite hobby, there's nothing wrong with that. right? Well, it's fine, until the hobby overtakes our time with family and faith. It did for Robert Harvill with Committed Christian Outdoors.    In my podcast interview with Robert, he shares with us how his love of hunting and fishing became an idol in his life, ultimately costing him his marriage.    Having grown up in south Georgia, I knew so many guys like Robert. We jokingly called their wives "hunting widows." It was funny for awhile, but being alone half the winter while their husband and his buddies are off hunting gets old real fast. Thankfully, Robert was able to take his somewhat selfish passion for the outdoors and, through the Holy Spirits direction, turn his hobby into a tool to share the Gospel with children and families in his community.    Learn more about Committed Christian Outdoors and how you can get involved at COMMITTED CHRISTIAN OUTDOORS

Angel Davis had been a Christian marriage and family counselor for years. Every day she came to work to help couples sort through their marital problems. But something happened along the way...she found herself becoming increasingly dissatisfied in her own marriage. She found herself believing the lies Satan tried to plant in her heart, and it nearly cost Angel her marriage. I'm in that age group where so many couples who got married around the same time I did are now getting divorced. And most of them are Christians! It breaks my heart every time I hear of another friend's marriage crumbling apart. That's why I am so thankful for Angel Davis' willingness to be honest and share her own journey of how God, through the Holy Spirit and the truth of scripture , redeemed not only her marriage but also HER brokenness. Angel reveals the many lies we believe about marriage, and she helps us combat these lies with the power of God's Holy Word. Whether you believe your marriage is bullet proof or you're thinking, "Hmmm it's kind of a dumpster fire," Angel has some valuable take aways that can help virtually every marriage. Angel Davis is an author and licensed counselor. You can purchase her book "The Perfecting Storm" on Amazon. Check out my podcast interview with Angel Davis.

(Jump to podcast) There's no doubt working in the corporate world can be exciting. Making money by teaching other people how to make more money has its rewards. But sometimes, it can leave you feeling empty. That's how it was for Tommy Murray. Tommy had a very successful career as a corporate trainer. He spent his days teaching business professionals how to run their organizations to optimize their profit potential. It was work he felt good about doing, after all, helping businesses be more successful is a good thing, right?  Well, sure! But there came a point in Tommy's life when he realized the work was leaving him feeling empty. As a Christian, Tommy began to feel a tug at his heart to use his teaching and training talents to do something more than just teach people how to make money. He realized he wanted to do this in a way that also shared the Gospel. But, as a husband and father with a family to support, he had (to use a good business-world term) to be strategic about what to do next. As is so often the case, new opportunities seemingly come out of nowhere. Tommy "just happened" to reconnect with a former colleague who "just happened" to work for an organization called Prison Fellowship - a ministry started decades ago by Chuck Colson. (For a little background and context, Colson was Richard Nixon's "hatchet man" who later became a Christian during the Watergate scandal. In the midst of the proceedings, Colson's conscience compelled him to admit his role in Watergate and plead guilty for his crime. He served seven months in prison. It was during his incarceration that Colson realized that if people want to change the direction of prisoners' lives, they need to change the prisoners' worldview. Not long after his release, Colson founded Prison Fellowship.) Fast forward a few years. Tommy Murray's friend suggests Tommy join the ministry. While the idea was appealing, Tommy was concerned how it would all come together financially. So he started praying big prayers and...well, you know what happens when you pray for God to do big things for His glory. "So what do they actually DO, Jules?" you're saying about now. Glad you asked! But before I tell you WHAT they do, I need to tell you a statistic which will both astound you and help you understand WHY they do what they do. Did you know one in three individuals in our society have been in jail? Most of the people in jail will eventually, be released. That means every day - at the grocery store, in the car rider line, at ball practice, even in the pew at church - you are coming into contact with folks who have been in prison. Many of these individuals will reoffend, because it's all they know. Prison Fellowship seeks to change the trajectory of the lives of men and women in the prison system in a variety of ways. The Academy is a program designed to help people who are incarcerated understand the destructive behaviors that landed them in prison. They learn to take responsibility for their actions and understand the impact of their actions on the community. Academy participants are housed on a separate cell block from the general population for this intense, 12-month training program. They use biblically based materials and principles to specifically target criminal thinking and behavior. Inmates learn life skills, addiction recovery, victim impact, and techniques to bring practical cultural change. Because the vast majority of individuals in prison will be returning to society at some point, it is the goal of Prison Fellowship to equip these men and women with the skills necessary to be successful once released and, hopefully, prevent them from reoffending. Another jewel in the crown for Prison Fellowship is the Wardens Program. Provided at no cost to either the wardens or the prison system, Prison Fellowship offers this leadership program designed specifically for prison wardens and their staff. As one can imagine, working in a prison can be a disheartening job. It's easy to lose faith in humanity when surrounded by prisoners. That is exactly what Prison Fellowship is seeking to prevent with the Wardens Program. Wardens are taught to be leaders with a Godly view of the men and women in their custody. Every person in prison, no matter what they have done, is a child of God and He loves them. Wardens are helped to understand they don't just have to be the authoritarian hammers of justice. They can have compassion and be examples of what a good leader can look like. They have a unique opportunity because so many of the individuals in prison have never had a positive role model. Tommy explained it this way, "Prison Fellowship has a top down and a bottom up tandem approach to making lasting change in the lives of the men and women in the prison system". Talking to Tommy Murray was an eye-opening experience for me. I had no idea how many people in our communities have been in prison. Something else that shocked me was my misguided notion that most people in jail didn't know Jesus, when, in fact, most of them identify as Christians. So many people and a lot of them Christians, have a very hard heart when it comes to people in jail. "Lock'em up and throw away the key!" or "They got what was coming to them!" is the wrong attitude on so many levels. First of all, most of the people in jail will be returning to a neighborhood near you, so helping these folks change their lives is, quite frankly, in everyone's best interest. But in the bigger scheme of things, as believers in the one true God and the saving grace provided by Jesus Christ, we have an obligation to love our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus shed HIS blood for ALL of us, not just the neat and tidy ones in church on Sunday. Tommy told me one thing that you learn as a new staff member for Prison Fellowship is not to refer to the people in prison whom they are serving as "inmates" or "prisoners". They are just men and women, same as everyone. Treating these folks with dignity, something many of them have never been shown, is one more way to help them become the people God wants them to be. It is my sincere hope the interviews I do here can help you in your walk as much as they help me in mine. Many times I go into an interview thinking the subject matter isn't something that applies to my life. And time after time, God reveals to me that it DOES. With Prison Fellowship I learned, yet again, that we serve a God of second chances. He gives them freely and expects us to do the same. Prison Fellowship is always looking for volunteers to help make a difference in the lives of those in prison. But if going to a prison is a little out of your comfort zone, there are all kinds of different ways you can help. You may have heard of Angel Tree, the program which gives Christmas gifts to the children of parents in jail. This is a Prison Fellowship program. They even have a summer camp for the children, so if you feel led to work with children, here's a great opportunity! Visit their website. To learn more about how Prison Fellowship is changing the lives of people every day, check out my podcast interview with Tommy Murray. Podcast

In today's world, life can change in the blink of an eye. You go to work just like every other day, but on this particular day, you get called to the boss's office. You see the HR manager sitting next to your boss and you know nothing good for you is coming out of this meeting. As they're telling you how the company is making a change and how you don't factor into the new paradigm, all you can really hear is the sound of your own heart throbbing in your head. And as they're thanking you for your years of service as they whisk you out the door, all you can think is "How am I going to take care of my family?" Or maybe you're living that beautiful "Christmas card picture" kind of life. Everyone looks happy and healthy, but something starts feeling off. And when you do some digging, you find out the marriage you believed was rock solid turns out to be anything but. You confront your spouse, only to find out they're having an affair and they're leaving you for someone else. If you live long enough and have many friends, you've heard these stories way too many times. They break your heart. These are hurting lives. And events like these, and others like severe health problems or a sudden death, can be emotionally as well as financially devastating to individuals and families. This is where the Real Life Center can help. I had the great privilege of talking with the center's Executive Director, Cathy Berggren, recently. I was blown away just hearing the stories of how people in need of help and healing are finding it at Real Life Center. They are finding HOPE. The center provides virtually everything a person in need could...well, need. They have a food pantry, a clothes closet, and can provide financial assistance with rent and utilities. They also offer classes on a broad reach of topics, including parenting, and all types of emotional counseling. They even have an orchard which helps provide fresh produce in addition to the non-perishable food items they distribute. And all of this is provided in a Christ-centered, loving environment. Jesus commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and this is the overarching theme guiding Real Life Center's approach to providing assistance. Each member of the staff and volunteer team looks at what they do as "neighbor helping neighbor". It's just that simple. Cathy shared with me that they have countless stories of individuals who have come to the center feeling hopeless and ashamed but were able to find hope and healing. They have gone through their program and are now successfully supporting themselves. Many even return as volunteers to the center. One such success story is the gentleman Cathy asked to join her for the interview. His name is Walter Holsten. Walter shared with us that he had one of those great lives going. Married with five kids, successful job in the financial sector, and he was in great health. But that all changed when he lost his job, his wife left him, and he suffered a heart attack. This successful man with a home on a lake found himself having to seek assistance with food and clothes. Walter said he felt so ashamed to ask for help, but at his wits' end, he went to Real Life Center. Now, less than two years later, Walter is working full time for a hospice provider. He even serves as a chaplain at the hospital where he was treated for his heart attack. In her nearly two decades with Real Life Center, Cathy and her team have been following Jesus' calling to love their neighbors and their Fayette County community has taken notice. Years ago, when Cathy was getting her master's degree in public administration, her thesis was of a faith-based charity that was able to get schools and municipalities to all work together. Her professor was skeptical that this model could work. But with years of prayer, dedication, and hard work, Cathy Berggren and Real Life Center are doing just that. It's a beautiful example of how all three entities can work together for a common goal. Cathy's even teaching the Real Life Center model to other non-profits and they, too, are meeting with success. God has tasked Cathy with the responsibility of stewarding a thriving non-profit ministry. But it's one she is uniquely qualified to lead, because she knows personally what it's like to have your world come crashing down around you. Cathy was a home schooling mother of four, enjoying a comfortable life, and attending couples Bible study. However, that all changed when her husband left her. She was devastated and had a rough time figuring out how she was going to support four kids - until she reached out and got help. Now she is helping others do the same. Cathy told me you really can't have a message without a mess. So the next time I get frustrated about my personal mess going on, I'm going to remember God will use the mess - as both refinement for me, and as glory to Him. To learn more about Real Life Center, visit their website. Check out my podcast interview with Cathy and Walter. Their real life stories will give you hope and inspire you to find out ways you can better "love your neighbor”.

We've all heard those crazy stories about A-List movie stars who got discovered by answering an ad in the paper for models. But if you're like me, you've been skeptical about the truth of those stories. Apparently, however, some of those stories really are true, because I actually interviewed just such an actor. His name is Cameron Arnett. To say Cameron's life has been an adventure ride is sort of like saying a ton of flour can make a really big biscuit. Cameron left his home in Haiti to attend the University of Miami intent on becoming a doctor. To make a little extra money, he REALLY did answer an ad in the paper for an agency looking for models. He found out he liked modeling. He did a little acting and found out he was good at that too. He ventured north to New York and was eventually signed by Elite, one of the largest talent agencies in the entertainment industry. His acting career looked promising, so he made the move to Los Angeles. He was getting steady work and was making a fantastic living as an actor in supporting roles on tv shows like Miami Vice, China Beach, Doogie Howser, MD and my personal favorite, Star Trek: The Next Generation. (And no, I DID NOT geek out on him and ask all kinds of Trekkie questions, but thank you for asking.) By this time, he was married and had two children. By all accounts, his dreams were coming true and it seemed as if his life was about to get even better. Cameron's big break came when he was cast in a starring role on a TV series of his own. He got all the way through the process and was finally ready to sign the contract on the role a lifetime. Then, at the eleventh hour, the producers came in with one of those, "Oh, by the way, we need you to be willing to do this one thing," requirements. As a matter of conscience, Cameron refused to agree to that last condition. He had no idea at the time just how much it would cost him. The big break role evaporated, his agent subsequently dropped him, his wife ended up leaving him and he went from living in a comfortable home and driving a fancy car to bankruptcy. At his lowest point, he was living in a room provided for him by a woman who was on welfare herself.  But, as is often the case, the big God we serve has big plans for our lives. God was just preparing the way for something even better for Cameron. You'd think that to stand on principle the way he did, Cameron must have been a very devout Christian. He tells me he really wasn't. Growing up in Haiti, he was raised with a Christian veneer; however, there was also a heavy dose of Voodoo to go with it. But as a child, his mother had always made him read and memorize the book of Proverbs. He credits this early scriptural grounding with providing his moral direction. He didn't realize it at the time, but now he understands it was Jesus using Proverbs to draw him to Himself and divert him from evil. Cameron walked away from acting for many years. He choose, instead, to work in ministry...thinking he was done with the entertainment business. Then, through an unbelievable series of events, he moved to Georgia and married a Godly woman with whom he owns a production studio. Oh, and by the way, he's also staring in the new Kendrick Brothers' movie, "Overcomer." This seems very appropriate, because if anyone is an overcomer, it's Cameron Arnett. Cameron's entertainment world odyssey is a fascinating tale of highs and lows and of how he allowed himself to be restored by Jesus. Cameron shares his story, but he also has a lot to say about the movie industry, especially the Christian movie industry, and our need as believers to support Christian filmmakers. He is very encouraged by what he sees as ample opportunity for Christians in film. One of the things I love most about interviewing guests is the uncertainty of what they will tell me. It doesn't matter how much show prep I do, guests always manage to tell me something completely unexpected. Sometimes it's after we've stopped recording and I'm like, "Man, I wish we'd had that on tape!" But just as often, it happens in the interview, and I love when I get a real surprise. Listen closely to the interview with Cameron as he tells us about his wife. It's a "Wait! What? No Way!" kind of story.

There is a really old saying about how big things sometimes come in small packages. Nowhere is this more evident than in the package that is Glenda Anderson Leonard, president and co-founder of the Paul Anderson Youth Home. But before I tell you about this amazing woman, I need to share something with you about preconceived notions. I knew when we booked the interview with Miss Glenda that she was a South Georgia grandmother in her 70's. Being from South Georgia myself, I sort of had an idea of what "that type" looks like. Let me just say, that image IS NOT the woman who walked into my studio! This petite, genteel Southern woman, who might be 100 pounds soaking wet, came in dressed way more stylishly than me. (My producer told me she'd donate a kidney to have hair as beautiful as Miss Glenda's.) So I was really excited to be interviewing this super cool, Godly woman who looks and talks like a woman a generation younger than she really is. Ok, now that I have the backstory covered, on to why you want to know more about Glenda Anderson Leonard.... As I mentioned earlier, Glenda is the president and co-founder of the Paul Anderson Youth Home, a facility which provides a second chance to hurting young men ages 16-21. Many of the boys who come to the home are there as an alternative to incarceration in a youth detention facility or are there trying to get clean from substance abuse. The home is the brainchild of Glenda's first husband, the legendary strongman Paul Anderson. Paul earned Olympic gold medals for weight lifting and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the World's Strongest Man.  He toured the world doing weightlifting exhibitions and even went to the former Soviet Union - during the height of the Cold War - when virtually no one from the United States was allowed to go there. Paul eventually went back home to Taccoa, GA, and it was there he met and married Glenda. It wasn't long after their marriage that Paul felt the calling to help boys who needed a second chance. Paul had been a Christian for years and sharing his testimony was always a part of his speaking engagements - many of which were at prisons and youth detention facilities. It was his encounters with these hurting young men that gave rise to the idea for the boys home. However, the idea didn't come with funds to build the home. Glenda said she would often travel with Paul on his over 300 speaking engagements each year, in fundraising efforts on behalf of the boys home. The Anderson's however, were faithful and the funds started to come in. Truitt Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, was an early supporter of the home. They settled on a location in Vidalia, GA, and they were able to help dozens of hurting young men and their families get a second chance. PAYH is able to provide individualized programs for each boy, depending on their situation, but all receive high school educations, counseling, and if necessary, drug treatment. Most importantly, they receive it all in a Christ-centered, loving, home environment. Paul Anderson died in 1994, but his dream to make a difference in the lives of troubled young men lives on in Glenda and their daughter, Paula Schafer, who also plays an integral role in the operation of the home. You may be saying to yourself, "that's all great, but my kids are fine. Why do I want to hear about a home for troubled youth?" Let me tell you why you want - no, actually NEED - to hear what Glenda has to say. I asked her this very question. Her answer shocked me. She said the majority of the families she talks with - parents whose kids have gotten into drugs or are engaging in criminal activities - never thought they would be in her office. Glenda offers up some great wisdom on how we, as parents, can do things better, as well as signs of trouble we need to be on the lookout for. I have no doubt you will enjoy hearing Glenda's story. She is a small lady in size; and while she couldn't lift a thousand pounds like her husband could, you'd be hard pressed to find a stronger person than Glenda Anderson Leonard.

Are you a left brain or a right brain kind of person? Personally, I am more of a left brain type. Although I work in what is normally thought of as a creative industry, I really line up more comfortably in the left brain camp. I am, for the most part, a more logical thinker; and I typically prefer to do things in a specific order. I like to make lists and do the first thing on the list first. When I have to make decisions about things in my life, I, for the most part, don't make them based on emotion or feeling. I'm the same way with worship. Emotion and feelings, however, are an important part of having a relationship with our heavenly father. While I know God loves me and He hears me when I call to Him, I'm not always sure how to hear Him and know when he's getting back to me. It's not like He's sending me a text! So how do we know when God is REALLY communicating with us and it's not just last night's enchilada? Lucius Malcolm, author of the book "The Word Speaks," did a great job in my interview with him of taking me through some baby steps to learn how to tell the difference between hearing God and...well...something else. Lucius begins by sharing the importance of getting quiet. That means turning off the phone, and all the other distractions in our lives, and actually getting in a place where we can focus completely on Jesus. Finding a place to be quiet is different for everyone, but you get the picture. Meditation is also important, but not the" clear your mind of everything" meditation. He suggests focusing on a scripture and then actually visualizing a place in your mind where Jesus can come and sit with you. Moment of total honesty here: At first I thought this was a little touchy feely, and I wasn't sure how comfortable I was with his suggestions. But as he explained it to me, and shared his own experiences and his personal testimony of how this worked in his life; I began to see how I could put his examples into practice in my own life. When I was reading Lucius' book, I couldn't escape the feeling that I had accidentally taken someone's journal off their nightstand. Lucius said that was exactly what he was hoping the feel would be. The book is Lucius' personal story of listening to the Holy Spirit, but it's also a "how-to" guide for readers to do the same. For Lucius, journaling was an important part of the hearing-from-God process, and he urges us to do the same. This serves two purposes: first, as a record of what you feel you heard from the Lord, but second, and most importantly, as a way to document and then take to another person for verification. The most critical part of this whole process is being grounded in God's Word. God will never tell you something that goes counter to his Holy Word.� Having others who are also deeply rooted in the Word verifying what you felt was God, can help you be certain the message is accurate. My take-away from my time with Lucius was that I need to push back all the stuff going on in my life. I need to spend time focused on the most important person and relationship in my life, and that's the one I have with Jesus. Learn more about how to hear and discern the voice of God in my podcast interview with Lucius Malcolm. If you'd like a copy of his book, it's available online at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.

Didn't you just love learning about sedimentary rocks, photosynthesis and the Scientific Method in school?  Yeah, me neither. To be totally honest, where science was concerned, I didn't graduate Cum Laude, I graduated "Thank ya Lordy!" So when I was approached with the idea of interviewing a scientist, I was a little skeptical. Thankfully, the scientist I had the opportunity to speak with is no ordinary scientist. His name is Grady McMurtry, Ph.D., and he is a creation world view scientist. He's actually a missionary, who travels all over the world teaching about creation from the Biblical perspective. He unwraps the scientific history of the Earth as explained in the book of Genesis - that our world was created in six literal days. He has made it his life's work to debunk the theory of evolution. He explains - using current research - how humans did not come about by random chance. Dr. McMurtry has been a scientist and teacher for a long time. I asked him when he first began teaching.  I thought he was kidding when he said he started when he was eight years old! He then shared with me his amazing journey of growing up in Berkeley, CA, the child of atheist parents, whose father taught evolution at UC Berkeley. He grew up in the paleontology lab; and it was because he was so well versed in scientific issues, that his third grade teacher asked him to teach the unit on dinosaurs. He new the material better than she did! Grady has a fascinating story of how his scientific, logical brain - in a search for truth - led him to realize the Bible is the definitive source for truth about how we came to be in existence. Realizing the Bible was true regarding creation, his mind was opened and he was willing to learn the Gospel and receive Christ into his life. As I mentioned before, I was not into science in school. I accepted the six day creation, because it's what I was always taught; and I didn't really care to delve into the matter any deeper. But I know for lots of folks, the age of the earth is a very big deal. So I asked Grady why it's so important for us non-science loving Christians to understand the science behind a creation world view. He told me the truth of the Bible begins with the truth of how the earth was created. It is foundational to all the rest of the truth presented in the Bible. Grady also shared with me some valuable information as to how believers need to proceed when talking to non believers who come from an evolutionary world view. He makes the point that these folks are not often moved by emotional arguments or feelings. You have to speak their language. That's why people like me, who don't care about science all that much, really do need to care about it! Talking to Dr. Grady gave me a new interest in, and better insight into, how folks who dig science think. But Dr. Grady shared with me that at the end of the day, whether you love digging into the details of how the earth was formed or you just aren't that into it, neither view matters when it comes to your salvation. To learn more about Grady McMurtry and his ministry, Creation World View Ministries, check out my podcast interview with this very fascinating man of faith.

Have you met my friend Benji before? You might know him from The Jayar Show and then on the weekends on The JOY FM.   And because you hear him on the radio, you probably already know that he's funny, talented, has an amazing heart, and... he's a little weird - like me! But what you probably don't know is that Benji has been down a dark road.  Often times, people in the public eye, especially in Christian circles, don't like to reveal the negative things they've been through. So I am honored that my friend Benji, who never speaks on air about his struggle with addiction, has been willing to share his testimony on The Jules Show podcast.  Benji grew up, for the most part, in a Christian home. His father wasn't a church-going man, but he didn't object when Benji's mom, aunt and uncle took him to church. Benji came to Christ as a young teen. Although he was saved, he never really developed a close relationship with Christ.  High school came and went without much change in his faith. But just a month after his graduation from high school, Benji's dad died of cancer. He went ahead with his plans to go off to college in the fall, but not facing his father's loss led him into some pretty destructive behavior. He started drinking, then got into drugs and his life took a turn down a dark road. Years later, after getting clean and sober, Benji realized that God had been with him and was actually pursuing him through it all. One of the greatest things about working at The Joy FM is the ability to hear from listeners who call in and tell us their stories of how God has used this radio station to help them through some very rough times. I'm humbled each time I sit behind a microphone and share something positive and encouraging with our listeners. But I sometimes feel like people in Christian radio ministry - just like church ministry -  think they have to give the appearance of never having had troubles. We are ashamed of our past and the mistakes we've made and think it will reflect poorly on our ministry if people know what we've done. This is why I am so thankful for the courage of my friend Benji, who by telling his story, can help others see how God uses every circumstance in our lives-even the bad and self destructive ones-to draw us closer to Himself. Sometimes rock bottom is the best place we can be because it allows us to hit our knees in submission to God's will.  Benji's story is of grief, addiction, and ultimately redemption. He went down dangerous paths, even denying God's existence at one point, but God never let go of Benji. And God will never let go of us, either. No matter how low we get. In those days when we think we're too far gone for God to love us, He chases after us like a parent chases after a toddler running toward the road. Thank God we can't outrun God! Listen to Benji's interview and learn his full story, as well as the scripture God has placed on his heart for this year.  You can hear Benji each afternoon on The Jayar Show from 3:00-7:00 pm and on weekends 3:00-7:00 pm.

If you're like me, you spend a lot of time looking out windows - the ones in the house, the ones in the car, the ones in the office - at things human beings have built. Other than some trees and maybe a flowering shrub or some plants at the mailbox, I'm hard pressed to see much in the way of nature living in the 'burbs. I guess the reason why people say "I need to get back to nature" is because they, well, aren't near it on a day-to-day basis. So when the opportunity to talk to a real safari guide, a guy who spends most of his time in the bush came my way, I had to have a chat with him. Fledge Fiamingo is, first and foremost, a teacher of the Gospel. His mission with Son Safaris is to take people on the trip of a lifetime - a safari in his native homeland of South Africa - to not only experience God's amazing creation, but to help them understand how all the beautiful creatures and plants actually fit together to tell the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Fledge has a colorful background and he shared with me his faith journey from professional naturalist and guide in South Africa, to his moving to Georgia and starting his safari missions ministry. One of the things I enjoyed most about Fledge was his incredible storytelling ability. He can take something as mundane as a spiderweb and turn it into not only a science lesson, but also an engaging and incredibly meaningful testament to the creativity of God and His love for us. Fledge is definitely the kind of guy you'd want to sit beside you around a campfire. You may be thinking, "Jules, I get the lesson part; but how is this a mission trip?" I'm so glad you asked! Part of the time you're in South Africa, you're learning, seeing and doing things related to nature. But for a significant portion of the trip, you'd be doing more traditional mission trip assignments like helping churches and working with children in orphanages. Son Safaris is providing a great opportunity to have so much more than just a unique adventure. They are providing ways to learn, grow in your faith, share the Gospel and serve others. Click on over and check out my podcast interview with Fledge Fiamingo, if for no other reason than to hear a great story from a guy with an accent even cooler than mine!