The Notice

Have you been wrongly accused? Is there such a thing as an accusatory spirit? Listen in as we explore this tactic of the enemy and how God takes notice of us even when wrongly accused.

Do you find yourself on a path you didn't expect? Are you wondering what happened to the dreams you had for your life? If you are someone who serves in the home, at work, in church, or in ministry, you'll want to listen to this conversation I have with Julie Eickenroth, Director of Freedom Farm Ministries here at Maple Ridge Place. We discuss passions, how God guides our pathway to our passions, and how to best offer those passions wherever we find ourselves

Has anyone ever told you to mind your own business? Or perhaps you have wanted to say that to someone?  Listen to this episode, where we discuss what it means to mind our own business, the ways we can live quietly, and how to take notice of God and others when we do.

Are you someone who works so hard but wonders why you haven't achieved what you hoped or planned for? Maybe you feel no matter what you accomplish, you're not enough. Join me for this episode where I talk with Rachael Jenneman about her new book Underachiever. Listen in as we discuss our desire to achieve, how it gets out of control, and new ways to rest, wait, and take notice of God. 

Do you find yourself trying to understand why your life ended up the way it did? Maybe you are waiting for something to change or to figure out what to do next. You'll want to listen to this episode of THE NOTICE, where I talk with Solé Wright, author of the book After Some Time.  We talk about her remarkable story, her book, and how healing does come - after some time

Feeling stressed? How do you spell RELIEF? Join host Susan Hoekstra as she talks about some causes for stress, how to manage it, and how to take notice of God in the midst of it. 

Are you a Christian woman who leads or serves in the home, work, ministry, or church? Do you find it challenging to discuss issues that come up or are your leadership abilities questioned?  Join me in a conversation about women in leadership with Julie Eickenroth with Freedom Farm Ministries. We talk about what it means to be a leader, take a look at some of the women leaders in scripture, and discuss the challenges women face as they take notice of God when leading. 

Have you noticed when you're sick you turn into someone else? Or maybe you long to have others take notice of you. Listen in, as we go through the 10 ten things I noticed while being sick. We'll talk about wishes, irritability, gratefulness, and endurance as we take notice of God while being sick.

Are you a Christian artist who sometimes feels like your art doesn't fit in the typical church or ministry setting? Or maybe you wonder why Christian artists aren't showcased. Join me as I talk with filmmaker Scott Magee and actress and singer Anne Miranda, creators of the documentary series, Creative Icons. Listen in as we talk about our God-given creativity, how God is bigger than any box, and how we were created to create.

Perhaps you've heard the phrase, “lets agree to disagree.”  But does that really work? In this ever-changing world of perspectives and values, how do we represent God even when we disagree? Join me for this episode where we discuss how to lovingly disagree with excerpts from Mike Donehey's book, Grace in the Grey. We explore curiosity, self-awareness, humility, and being open to new ways of noticing God during disagreements.

Do you or a loved one struggle with your mental health? Do you find yourself wondering how to support others who do? Listen in as I talk with Mental Wellness advocate Amy Zabel. Join us as she shares her personal struggle, how easy it is to be misunderstood, and how to take notice of God's presence on the path to mental wellness.

What do I need to make it through the transitions of life? Where is God during difficult seasons? How do we remain encouraged while things change all around us? Listen in as guest Julie Eickenroth from Freedom Farm Ministries and I discuss different seasons, how we can experience God through the changes of life. You'll hear about this theme for our upcoming retreat at Maple Ridge PLACE.  

Mother's Day is a special day to celebrate! But sometimes this day brings painful memories of lives lost, strained relationships, or struggles with expectations. Listen is as we talk about the history of Mother's Day, how enjoyable and hurtful this day can be, and how in the midst of it all, God takes notice.

Gratefulness.  Can we really live thankful?  Join me as I talk with Jane Cavender, radio host and new author of the devotional Living Thankful Today. We talk about what it means to be thankful, the challenges of living grateful, and how important it is to “take notice”. 

Have you ever accomplished something, but felt undeserving? Maybe you ignored a warning because you "already know," or brushed off criticism because you felt you knew better? Join me for this episode where we share musings about “the smartest person in the room” and how taking notice helps us mature in our relationship with God, self, and others.

Listen in for a discussion with Cheryl Beery, a prodigal parent, about the challenges of watching and waiting for prodigals to return.  We discuss what happens in our hearts, how to disengage when necessary, and how to take notice of God as we wait.

Have you ever been frustrated with the various roles our culture places on women? Do you often feel like you're in a battle to find your place? Join me for this episode with Rachael Jenneman, author of the book, The Real War on Women: Overcoming Culture's Lies to Freely Live Out Your God-Given Purpose. We discuss this underlying battle and the victory we have when we notice what God calls us to do and begin to live out our purpose.

What does the bible mean when it says "do not judge"? Is there a difference between judgment and observation? Join me as I talk with Julie Eickenroth, Executive Director of Freedom Farm Ministries Grand Traverse. Julie is passionate about helping others understand how judgments can infiltrate our thinking and cause us pain in our relationships. Join us as we discuss how to take notice of God and enhance our relationships with others as we understand judgments as God intended.

As 2022 ends and 2023 begins, the new year often causes us to stop and reflect.  Yes, reflect on what's happened, but also reflect on what we hope will happen. On this episode, we will talk about how important reflection is, how we sometimes avoid it, and ways we can change our attitude towards it. Listen in, as we take notice of God through reflection. 

Have you experienced a traumatic life event which completely changed you? Maybe it was a sudden illness, death, or accident. On today's episode, we are going to talk with pastor and author Anthony Weber. About six years ago, he unexpectedly suffered a heart attack that not only changed his perspective but helped him realize how much God takes notice.

What does it mean to be creative?  What does it mean to reflect the creator?  You'll want to listen in on this conversation about creativity I had with singer-songwriter, teacher, and worship leader Justin Reid. We discuss God as creator, how we reflect God through creativity, and how God notices and delights in our creativity. If you are someone who is creative or loves a creative, you'll want to give this episode a listen.

Boundaries. Is this all about self-help, or do boundaries really work? Are boundaries even Christ-like? Join me for this episode where we talk about those boundaries, how we set them, how we violate them, and how to take notice of God as we figure them out.  

Are you satisfied with how you spend your time? Especially, at work?  Do you ever wonder what God has CALLED you to do?  What does it mean to live a life of purpose?  Join me as I talk with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford, co-author of the book, YOU ON PURPOSE as we talk about the common myths related to calling and how we can take notice of what God is telling us about our purpose.   

Don't you love a great DIY project? Or maybe you're an HGTV junkie? Join me for this episode where I talk about those home improvement projects. We discuss our approach to them, what they teach us about ourselves and others, and how they inevitably help us take notice of God.   

Is it possible to pray specifically for something and have an answer within hours? Join me for a conversation about George Mueller with Julie Eickenroth, Executive Director of Freedom Farm.  We talk about how adapting this pastor's principles for prayer and giving flourished into our real life example of the goodness of God and the beautiful gift of Maple Ridge Place, a 14 acre property in Traverse City. You won't want to miss how God takes notice!  

Have you prayed for something down to the last detail?  How was that prayer answered?  Did God take notice?  Join me for this episode where I talk with Julie Eickenroth, Executive Director of Freedom Farm Ministries. We discuss our mutual mentor, George Mueller, evangelist and founder of multiple orphanages in England in the 1800s, and how through his 70+ years of ministry, he learned to trust God through prayer alone to provide for the support of thousands of orphans, and the way he inspires us today to take notice of God. 

Do you have true, authentic Christian friendships?  Does comparison and envy get in the way?  Listen in to a conversation with Jennifer Dugger, author of the book Sister Talk, as we discuss the importance of friendships and how they help us take notice of God.  

How many hours a day are you in front of a screen?  Do you have trouble pulling yourself away from your phone?  Listen to this episode where we discuss the good, bad, and ugly surrounding technology and how we can take notice of God while being in front of a screen.

Don't you love to cuddle up and read a book to a child? Reading together builds such a strong connection and children's books are full of colorful illustrations with underlying adult messages. Join me for this episode, where I talk with Karen Condit, children's author. We discuss how much she loves reading to children, her journey as a children's author, and how God took notice of her through - yes - a turtle, who stopped her in her tracks.  

Moving.  Have you ever heard anyone talk about moving with enthusiasm?  Join me on this episode of THE NOTICE, where we talk about the stresses of moving, the reasons we move, and things God may be wanting us to take notice of when we move.s

Do you ever look at others and wonder how they ended up in their roles? Maybe you find yourself wondering what God is calling YOU to do, or perhaps question what your purpose is. Join me as I talk with radio host, pastor, blogger, wife, mother and podcast host Rachael Jenneman.  We discuss how God equips us, how to celebrate our uniqueness, and take notice of God as we live out our purpose. 

Happy 2022!  Or is it? As you think of the new year and your goals, do you find yourself struggling with regrets? Join me for this episode where we discuss those nasty regrets, how to notice God in all  circumstances, and how regrets can lead us towards a new level of self-awareness.

As you prepare for the holidays, would you enjoy unwrapping a gift every day BEFORE Christmas?  What if these gifts could alter your perspective?  Join me as I talk with Jennifer Elwood, author of the devotional book Counting up to Christmas. We discuss how to unwrap the gifts she describes from the gospel of Luke, how those gifts may change our view, and how we can take notice of God during Advent. 

Have you turned on the radio and a song they were playing touched your heart? Or perhaps you love listening to conversations about Christian Topics or the latest worship songs. Join me as I talk with Rebecca Verdugo, Morning Show Host and Music Director from Proclaim FM radio based in Toledo, Ohio. We discuss how she landed in radio, what she does behind the scenes, and how radio can be another way to help us notice God and how He is noticing us. 

With Halloween around the corner, does the “green eyed monster" ever show up at your house?  Listen in as we discuss how envy is harmful, how jealousy and envy differ, what happens when those unrealistic expectations get in the way, and how we can notice God when we put that "green eyed monster" aside.  

Do you wish there was a safe place you could share your heart without concern?  A place where you would discover you are loved, honored, and treasured by God? Join me as I welcome Mary Michel, CEO and Founder of Journey of the Heart, a one-on-one ministry in the Toledo, Ohio area. We discuss the importance of our one-on-one relationships in our faith walk, what it's like to provide a safe place for others, and how intimate discipleship helps us take notice of God.

Have you ever felt inadequate?  Or that what you have to offer isn't as good as someone else?  Maybe you avoid taking risks because you're unsure. Listen in to this episode where we talk about the trap of inadequacy, explore some Old Testament saints who struggled, and learn to notice God even when we feel inadequate

How do you feel when someone invites you into their home?  Maybe it's a party, or a dinner with just a few people, or maybe it's a one-on-one conversation where you really get to know someone.  Listen is to this conversation with speaker and author Sue Donaldson. We discuss hospitality in its simplest form, share stories about Bible characters and hospitality and how God notices us when we just open our doors.   

Well, it's summer and summer means what?  Warmer weather, outdoor activities, beautiful flowers, campfires, and yes, vacations.  Listen in to this episode where we talk about the purpose of vacations, how to be thoughtful in choosing how we spend our time, and how to take notice of God during vacation.

Are you a creative person who struggles to find a place to contribute to the local church?  Or do you wish more creative things were happening at your church? Join me as I welcome singer, actress, and casting director Anne Miranda, as we talk about the vulnerability creative individuals face, why it's challenging for churches to understand the creative mind, and how ultimately God affirms us.

Have you ever wondered how best to use your talents for God? Do you feel guilty if you don't use them? Is there a difference between talents and gifts? Listen in as we explore how we feel when no one notices our gifts, what the purpose of our gifts are, and ultimately what is eternal. Join me as we discover how God notices us through our talents.

Do you ever wonder if your story is worth telling? Or are you excited to share with the world what God has done?  Join me as I talk with author Sarah de Orlando about her memoir book Love Letters from Poland. We discuss how God blessed her on an extended business trip in Poland, how deep He wants to reach us, and how He touches us in the most intimate of places.  Listen is as we see how her story acknowledges what God has done and brings hope and encouragement that God takes notices. 

Have you ever had an idea that you thought would make a good book?  Or has God laid something on your heart to write about?  On this episode of THE NOTICE, my husband Dick, who spent many years as a journalist, will actually interview me about the book release of A Firm GRASP, Feeling validated in a notice-me world.  We'll talk about why I wrote the book, the process, and the upcoming launch parties as we take notice of God while releasing a book.

Do you often grumble, whine, and criticize people, situations, or ideas? Does it bring you joy?  With all the negativity surrounding us, is a cure for complaining even possible? Stay tuned for this episode where I welcome Kim Wahl, co-author of the book, The Complaining Cure. We talk about how we can become more aware of our words, develop new attitudes, find freedom from negativity, and take notice of God instead

Have you ever wanted an eyewitness to your life? Or wished you had a fan club?  Since God created us for community, we are naturally propelled to find someone, anyone to take notice of us, to cheer us on. But what if we don't have a fan club? On this episode of THE NOTICE, we get a sneak peek into one of the chapters in the book, A Firm GRASP about the significance of having a fan club and how God ultimately takes notice.

Maybe you have wanted to adopt but the financial cost squashed your dream. Or you have a family member who is considering adoption. Join me as I talk with adoptive parent Marcy Bursac, and author of the book, The Forgotten Adoption Option. We talk about what it's like for children to feel unnoticed, what it's like for the parent who wants to adopt, and how God takes notice of us through the process.

Are you experiencing a transition?  Join host Susan Hoekstra as she discusses noticing God in transitions in this special Easter episode.

Do you find yourself in roles where you support others behind the scenes? Sometimes “playing second fiddle” can give us joy unmeasurable, while other times, it can leave us feeling unnoticed. Join me for this episode where I talk with speaker, author, and three-time surrogate mother, Tiffany Jo Baker. We discuss the different supporting roles God has placed her in, the rewards and challenges of being behind the scenes, and how God ultimately takes notice.

Do you ever feel overstimulated?  Do you wish you could just get away from it all, breath in the fresh air, hear the waves, and connect with your senses? Join me on this episode where I discuss our senses and how our culture affects our sense of well-being. We talk a little about self-awareness and how taking notice of God just makes sense. 

Do you believe that Jesus offers us peace, joy, and rest, but struggle to experience those promises?  Is it that God isn't noticing us or do we find it challenging to trust? Join me as I welcome bible teacher, author, and vodcaster, Angie Baughman. We talk about our struggles to trust God, discover new ways to surrender, and how trusting and noticing go hand in hand.

What would it be like during a pandemic, to have to quarantine four times? Tune in for this episode as I welcome Lisa Ghilardi Hudson, author of the book Finding Blessings While Fighting COVID-19: Facts, Feelings, and Faith during My Quarantines.  We talk about what it was like for her husband to be one of the first people to contract the virus in the state of Washington, the lessons she learned by having to quarantine four times, and how God noticed her during the pandemic.