You Were Made for More

May is all about moms as we celebrate Mother's Day! In this episode, we hear from Sammie's friend & first time mom, Mandi Boreing, about her transition into motherhood this past year and how Jesus has worked in & through her in this season. Mandi married her husband, Andrew, a little over two years ago and since then they've lived in three houses in three cities, welcomed their first baby boy in April of 2024 and are expecting baby boy #2 in just a few months! As someone who has longed to be a mom for as long as she can remember, the reality of postpartum and parenting hit her harder than she expected. She credits only the Lord's strength for getting her through and reminding her that she was made for this.If you are someone who longs for a relationship, marriage, motherhood, or anything in between, we pray this conversation blesses you & encourages you to wait on the Lord and always trust Him and His timing. We chat about:- What motherhood has taught us about the Gospel - What advice we would give to moms-to-be or women wishing to be moms - Being in a season of waiting for marriage or a family - Resources for encouragement My own experience has been one of growth. It happens little by little. Day by day. Mundane moment by mundane moment. It happens by digging our roots deeper into God's Word and who we have known him to be. It happens by reaching up, asking him to sustain us in our weakness and limitations. And it happens by looking out, faithfully doing the next hard thing and trusting him to bring us “from strength to strength” (Psalm 84:7). May this episode serve as an encouragement to you in your own motherhood journey - He is with you and for you! Here are some things we mentioned in this episode: Risen Motherhood MinistryEvery Moment Holy (so good!) - InstagramBe sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

“I grew up my entire life going to church and never knew there was a pro-life movement. And if I would have thought there was one, I would have just assumed that the movement was picketers outside abortion clinics because that's all the media shows us. But the first time I was invited to a pro-life conference, I was blown away. I had no idea that there are thousands of organizations and people that are boots on the ground, helping women be brave and choose life in the most creative ways!" -Amy Ford, Author + President of Embrace GraceGoing through an unplanned pregnancy herself, Amy Ford knows what it feels like to experience shame and loneliness with nowhere to turn to for guidance, support and direction. You'll here her story in our conversation - how God intervened and saved her baby.She married her high school sweetheart, Ryan Ford, and they faced their unexpected pregnancy together. Looking back on that season of brokenness fueled their passion and desire to change things for young women with unplanned pregnancies. In 2008, Amy and her friend Salina, started a small group at her local church that met weekly with girls in that same situation providing support, friendship, guidance and love. A few years later in 2012, Embrace Grace was formed, a national non profit to equip churches all around the nation to have a pro-love focus and help women be brave and choose life.  Since then, thousands of women have gone through the Embrace Grace program and were put back on a path towards Jesus. In today's episode, Amy and Sammie talk about what it means to be proactive and pro-life. Here are some things we mentioned in the episode: Help Her Be Brave - Take a quiz to learn how you can use your gifts to get involved in the pro-life movement! // And, find the book here. How Should the Church Respond? (Focus on the Family)Embrace Grace Website (especially if you're interested in finding or starting a chapter)You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

In today's episode, we have a conversation with Kristen Miele. Kristen has educated youth on the topic of sex for the last 15 years. She's taught in hundreds of diverse settings including 2 different countries with experience teaching ages 3 and up on content related to sex and sexuality. Kristen has a Bachelor's and Master's of Science in Community Health from the University of Illinois. She has also been a Certified Health Education Specialist (NCHEC) since 2016. The vision for Sex Ed Reclaimed came to her in November 2021 through prayer and it became an LLC in 2022. In today's discussion, we talk about setting a good foundation for your kids at a young age, creating a safe space for difficult discussions, how good sex ed prevents abortion (yes - you heard me right!!!), and how to let kids lead as they get older. Kristen's heart is aligned with the heart of Abundant Life: You Were Made for More and we have absolutely LOVED having her as part of the podcast family. If you have any questions for Kristen, want to sample her curriculum, or want to connect with her online resources, please visit her website.Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

January is sanctity of life month! As we celebrate life and what God has created to be very good, I think a key part in that is destroying some of the lies that exist in our culture surrounding women's health and pregnancy. Sorting through what's true and what's not when it comes to Planned Parenthood can be difficult - so that's what this episode seeks to do. We'll take a look at the reality of Planned Parenthood through debunking some myths and taking a closer look at the ins and outs of PP's daily functions.My prayer is that this January you would be reminded that God made each and every human to be VERY good - including you! May that Truth sink deep down into your bones. Love you guys. Happy 2025!Here are some links to dig into that contain vital info and stats mentioned in this episode:2020-2021 Annual ReportThe 4% Myth by Live ActionThe Abortion PillPrenatal Care & Planned ParenthoodBe sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

After an unplanned pregnancy, Christine Yeargin became passionate about the pro-life movement. Recognizing a need, she founded Be Their Village and works to connect women in unplanned pregnancies to resources in their area and uses the pro-life community she's built on social media to complete baby registries for women who reject abortion and choose life. She speaks at events, on college campuses, and to pregnancy resource centers across the country. She produces content with Students for Life, has been featured on the YouTube series Middle Ground, is a regular guest on national news programs, and consistently works with mothers and their babies.In today's episode, Christine and Sammie sit down and talk about how it can be simple to practically partner with women who actively are choosing life for their babies in your community! Some practical ideas we talk about include: Offering babysitting to momsMaking an expectant or new mom a mealBuying from their registry (or helping them create one!) - we may not have thousands, or even hundreds of dollars to donate to one person, but every single item that a new mom needs for her baby goes such a long way - like a pair of socks, a hat, or clothes for a thrift store! This is exactly what Be Their Village does on a larger scale through social media.Host a fundraiser with your youth group that benefits a new mom - think diapers, wipes, formula - all the essentials! Here are some things we mentioned in the podcast:Be Their VillageChristine's InstagramTogether, I hope this podcast inspires us all to do more - to be their village - and to help women choose life.Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

November is Adoption Awareness Month! To celebrate this, I asked my friend, Tera Swaney, to join us and share her testimony and journey as a foster parent (and soon to be adoptive parent!). Most importantly, I want to highlight why foster care and adoption, while different, are so similarly part of God's redemptive plan in the world to care for the orphan and the widow. Tera is currently a stay at home mom to her three boys, while her husband Jon is in full-time ministry. Their hearts are so clearly seen through the way they engage and love people where they've began to plant their roots as a family. I sincerely hope that their story will encourage you to boldly ask God, "could I be doing more?" and to listen for that answer.                                                                                                                                                       Here are some things we mentioned in the podcast:Tori Hope PetersenFoster the FamilyThe Connected ChildTera's Contact InfoBe sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

In this episode, Sammie sits down with her sister, Michelle (or Meesh as everyone calls her) to discuss how to teach kids from a young age to honor their bodies, who God made them, and to understanding the Gospel. Meesh is the kids director at their church and has an extensive background in ministering to kids of all backgrounds and multiple age ranges. This is such an important conversation as we head into the thick of a new school year, new beginnings, and new transitional periods for a lot of families. We pray that it blesses you and encourages you!  Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

Happy Summer, everyone! We've been in the full swing of all the summer activities in my house, but I wanted to take the time to share an online message I shared with parents, grandparents, youth leaders, and students in our larger church community, in an effort to encourage and equip them in whatever their role in relationship education is. It has been encouraging to me as I have been in this line of work to see that contrary to all the digs at evangelical purity culture over the years, God's way of doing things actually works. This should not surprise us. On of my favorite quotes is from C.S. Lewis. He says, “God made us: invented us as a man invents an engine.” This makes Him preeminently qualified to tell us how that engine functions best.  Join us as we highlight where our current culture is regarding relationships, sex, intimacy, and ultimately life. We want to equip YOU as you head into a new school year next month to really do what God has called each and every one of us to do... To share His word and make Him known. Here are some things we mentioned in the podcast:You Were Made for More Resource Page What to Say and When To Say It Uprooting Lies and Planting the TruthBiblical Critical Theory Lila Rose Appearance Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

Sexual integrity is often not modeled in today's culture. As your child's parent, you have the unique opportunity to share the truth and model what it means to pursue sexual integrity and live a life of purity. In today's episode, we sift through the definition of what sexual purity exactly means and how to give the kids & students in our lives practical tips to pursue it. Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

Travis Deans and his wife Judy are from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Both Travis and Judy are graduates of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Travis has been in full-time youth ministry since 1996 as a youth pastor, campus ministry director, and youth network coordinator - that's 28 years! Through his role he mentors youth workers, consults for churches, assists youth workers to collaborate through evangelistic outreaches, equips students to share their faith, shares strategy for students to form campus ministries in their schools, and organizes youth ministry conferences. Travis has been an integral player in the Pittsburgh youth ministry scene for years, which is how he and Sammie originally connected. In today's conversation, we're going to chat about why creating a safe space for teens to ask questions and ponder theological ideas is so important. Questions are most definitely okay - and knowing how to shepherd them as a youth leader or parent is equally important! I'm truly so excited for this episode to encourage and spur you on in the work that the Lord has called you to. Buckle up and join us! Here are some things we mentioned in this episode: Travis and Judy's Ministry Page 9 Month Mission Trip You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

Many of the ethical issues our culture is wrestling with have an underlying issue in common. The growing confusion we see around us on matters such as abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, transgenderism, and sexual promiscuity all flow downstream from our lack of understanding of what the human body is and means.One person who has sought to account for this confusion and to offer a corrective is Nancy Pearcey, professor of apologetics at Houston Baptist University, where she is also a scholar in residence. Many will be familiar with her previous books, such as Finding Truth and the award-winning Total Truth. Her book, Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality, addresses the worldview that lies behind the huge cultural shifts we have recently experienced in the West—and provides a biblical account of what it means to be made in God's image as men and women.There is a reason the Ten Commandments start with the command to love and worship God above all other things: when our hearts are centered on God, only then are we empowered to fulfill the rest of the commandments that deal with behavior—what we do with our bodies. In this conversation about honoring our human bodies, Sammie and Nancy explore tough questions that Christians face as we navigate what this means in light of our identities.Professor Pearcey is the author of Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality, as well as The Toxic War on Masculinity, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and two ECPA Gold Medallion Award Winners: How Now Shall We Live (coauthored with Harold Fickett and Chuck Colson) and Total Truth. Her books have been translated into 19 languages. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. A former agnostic, Pearcey has spoken at universities such as Princeton, Stanford, USC, and Dartmouth. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."Here are some things we mentioned in the episode: Love Thy Body - link to purchase! Professor Pearcey's WebsiteYou Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

It's true that if we don't seek to understand before we seek to equip and mentor, all our efforts will fall short. In today's episode of the podcast, Sammie covers some myths and relationships that this current generation of students tends to lean toward and believe.  Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

Dr. Christina Francis discusses the importance and need for life-affirming healthcare for both the patient and the physician providing the care. She reviews the various ways reproductive health issues are impacted by policy, education, research, and the Hippocratic Oath, and why we must help protect healthcare providers right to conscientiously object to providing treatment that goes against their values.Dr.  Francis is a board-certified Ob/Gyn who currently works in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Dr. Francis completed medical school at Indiana University in 2005 and completed her Ob/Gyn residency at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis in 2009. She is chair of the board of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG) and a board member of Indiana Right to Life. As a professional speaker, Dr. Francis offers her medical expertise, knowledge of bioethics, and pro-life reasoning both here in the U.S. and around the globe. She has always had a passion for human rights, spending a significant portion of the past 10 years in various countries working tirelessly on behalf of women and children. Dr. Francis spent time working with orphans in Romania and Burma, discussing the importance of life issues with university students in Israel, and working for three years as the only OB/GYN at a mission hospital in rural Kenya. Dr. Francis left Kenya in 2014 to work on behalf of women and children in her home state and beyond who are often victims of the abortion industry, and to educate people on the greatest social injustice of our time.Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

As a former Planned Parenthood Director, Abby Johnson shares her testimony and discusses how we as a movement can better serve the needs of pregnant women amidst the new realities of living beyond Roe in America. She talks about how you can model God's mercy to those who seem undeserving, and respond with grace when others err or offend, while bearing witness to God's unrestrained compassion so that others may know Him.Abby Johnson has always been fiercely determined to help women in need. This desire is what led Abby to a career with Planned Parenthood, our nation's largest abortion provider, and caused her to flee the organization, becoming an outspoken advocate for the pro-life movement.During her eight years with Planned Parenthood, Abby quickly rose through the organization's ranks and became a clinic director. However, Abby became increasingly disturbed by what she witnessed. Abortion was a product Planned Parenthood was selling, not an unfortunate necessity they were fighting to decrease. Still, Abby loved the women that entered her clinic and her co-workers. Despite a growing unrest within her, she stayed on and strove to serve women in crisis.All of that changed on September 26, 2009 when Abby was asked to assist with an ultrasound-guided abortion. She watched in horror as a 13 week baby fought for, and ultimately lost, its life at the hand of the abortionist.At that moment, she fully realized what abortion actually was and what she had dedicated her life to. As it washed over Abby, a dramatic transformation had occurred. Desperate and confused, Abby sought help from a local pro-life group. She swore that she would begin to advocate for life in the womb and expose abortion for what it truly is.Planned Parenthood did not take Abby's departure sitting down. The organization is fully aware the workers who leave are their greatest threat. They took immediate action to silence Abby with a gag order and brought her to court. The lawsuit was quickly seen as the sham it was and it was ultimately thrown out of court.The media was, and continues to be, intensely interested in Abby's story as well as her continued efforts to advocate for the unborn and help clinic workers escape the abortion industry. She is a frequently requested guest on Fox News and a variety of other shows. She is also the author of the nationally best-selling book, Unplanned, which chronicles both her experiences within Planned Parenthood and her dramatic exit.Today, Abby travels across the globe sharing her story, educating the public on pro-life issues, advocating for the unborn, and reaching out to abortion clinic staff who still work in the industry. She is the founder of And Then There Were None, a ministry designed to assist abortion clinic workers in transitioning out of the industry. To date, this ministry has helped over 630 workers leave the abortion industry. Abby lives in Texas with her husband and eight precious children.Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

Once we understand the depth and breadth of the problems we face as the Church in defining the value of humanity, Dr. Trueman will share strategies and tools he believes the Church can employ to respond to the cultural upheaval we encounter daily. He will discuss how understanding what it means to be a created human being, and employing the creeds, the Anglican Catechism, and the counsel of God can equip believers to respond with love to our neighbors with different worldviews.  Both Keynotes will feature time for Q & A.Carl is a Christian theologian and ecclesiastical historian. He was Professor of Historical Theology and Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary, where he held the Paul Woolley Chair of Church History. In 2018 Trueman resigned his position at Westminster to become a full-time undergraduate professor at Grove City College, serving as Full Professor in their Department of Biblical and Religious Studies.Among Trueman's books are John Owen: Reformed Catholic, Renaissance Man, The Creedal Imperative, Fools Rush in Where Monkeys Fear to Tread: Taking Aim at Everyone, and Republocrat: Confessions of a Liberal Conservative.In 2020, Trueman published what is probably his most popular and widely read book: The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution. His most recent book, Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution, is a condensed version of his previous book. He contributes to First Things (Journal of Religion and Public Life) blogs regularly at Reformation21 and co-hosts the Mortification of Spin podcast.Trueman is also an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

Less than five years ago, questions like; What is a Woman? or What Does it Mean to be Human? had obvious and easy answers. But with the advent of artificial intelligence, abortion through birth, technology, the right to euthanasia, and a plethora of genders – defining and understanding the truth that human beings are sacred and made in the image of God got more than complicated! In this keynote address, Dr. Trueman will trace the evolution of the sexual mores and psychological identities that got us to where we are today.Carl Trueman is a Christian theologian and ecclesiastical historian. He was Professor of Historical Theology and Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary, where he held the Paul Woolley Chair of Church History. In 2018 Trueman resigned his position at Westminster to become a full-time undergraduate professor at Grove City College, serving as Full Professor in their Department of Biblical and Religious Studies.Among Trueman's books are John Owen: Reformed Catholic, Renaissance Man, The Creedal Imperative, Fools Rush in Where Monkeys Fear to Tread: Taking Aim at Everyone, and Republocrat: Confessions of a Liberal Conservative.In 2020, Trueman published what is probably his most popular and widely read book: The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution. His most recent book, Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution, is a condensed version of his previous book. He contributes to First Things (Journal of Religion and Public Life) blogs regularly at Reformation21 and co-hosts the Mortification of Spin podcast.Trueman is also an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

On today's episode of the podcast, we hear from Lisa Rowe as part of our first series of Summit talks from the January events that Anglicans For Life puts on in conjunction with the March for Life! Stay tuned for all of them - seriously, I know they will bless you and educate you - and hopefully inspire you - in the next few weeks!  One in four women and one in five men experience abortion by the age of 45, and more than half identify as Christians. Both may experience grief, depression, and other painful emotions after abortion, and both can find healing and forgiveness when they are understood and have help navigating their feelings. Churches can help by focusing on the individuals who have been impacted by abortion, being the compassionate heart of Jesus for them, and connecting them to healing, so they find hope and forgiveness. Lisa will share a simple four-step process for compassionately and effectively talking with someone who has experienced or been impacted by abortion. She will also discuss who has abortions, risk factors, and lived experiences that often play a role when facing unintended pregnancy.Lisa Rowe, who is at the forefront of the Abortion Healing movement, is a LCSW in private practice, co-author of Unraveled Roots, and CEO of Support After Abortion.  Lisa has spent the last two decades equipping and empowering thousands of at-risk children, hurting adults, and broken families to find hope, healing, and restoration. Her areas of expertise include healing from foster care, teen parenting, unexpected pregnancies, abortion, addiction, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, codependency, and divorce. Lisa's passion for revealing the root of dysfunctional behavior and helping people find freedom from early childhood trauma is evident in her own life, the lives she helps lead, her public speaking engagements, and the program model she has and continues to build to serve clients. Her clinical experience, coupled with her organizational leadership, has assisted government, nonprofit, and private organizations to grow their impact, increase their sustainability, and leave a national imprint.Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

In today's episode, we talk to our friend Graham Zeiders about why he has chosen to make the trip the National March for Life for several years and how the March has inspired him to be active in his own community since returning home from the January pro-life events last January! Graham's dad is a Rev. in the ACNA at a church in Virginia and he is a 17 year old senior. Graham is a competitive equestrian who was born into a Christian family - since he has gotten older, he's become more active in the pro-life movement, volunteering and becoming involved with his local pregnancy center. We encourage you to follow our website https://www.afllifesummit.org/ for all the information on our January pro-life events and plan to join us next year! There is something for EVERYONE - students, parents, youth leaders, groups, and even people who are new to learning about the pro-life movement. We'd love to have you join us! Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

In today's episode of the You Were Made for More podcast, Sammie chats with husband and wife duo, John and Catherine O'Neill from Students for Life! John serves as the Diocesan and Church Outreach Coordinator at Students for Life of America, while Catherine spent a few years as the Executive Assistant to the President, Kristan Hawkins, and now works in development for SFLA while pursuing her master's degree. Both John and Catherine have different stories that led them to not only be pro-life but to commit their lives to advocating for life. John and Catherine got married this past April 15th and are expecting their first baby in March of 2024! What I love about their stories is how God has woven them together - individual and unique, but yet together and one.We talk about how to speak up about your pro-life beliefs in today's culture - all while giving you practical resources to get equipped and go have those conversations in your own communities. You'll hear us say this in the episode, but we truly believe it is so much more authentic to be living the Truth than to go along with what is popular or accepted - that's our hope for you after listening to this episode - that you would feel empowered to believe the Truth and communicate it well. Each and every one of you is called to MORE.Here are some things we mentioned in this episode:John's Email Address: JONEILL@STUDENTSFORLIFE.ORGwww.StudentsforLife.org/Start: This page features a step-by-step guide to starting a Students for Life group, beginning with an introductory email to Start@StudentsforLife.org.www.StudentsforLifeHQ.com: A digital pro-life resource library, Students for Life HQ is an excellent starting place for students and adults alike to become virtually educated on a wide range of pro-life topics. All of SFLA's trainings, webinars, and many more videos are uploaded to this site and available by making a free account.www.StudentsforLifeHQ.com/FreeTraining: This is the digital form to request a free, in-person (or virtual) pro-life speaker through Students for Life.Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

On this episode of the podcast, we welcome Johnston Moore, who serves at Anglicans for Life as the Adoption/Orphan Care Consultant. He joined us last year on the podcast to discuss adoption, but this year, we're going to focus more on foster care ministry.We talk about the current state of the foster system and the heart behind why pro-life ministries and foster care should inherently be linked. We even discuss how students can become involved. Here are some things we mentioned in the podcast:Johnston's Episode 2022 The AFCARS Report 2021-2022Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

Hey, friends and listeners - we're so glad you're here joining us on the You Were Made for More podcast! On today's episode, I really wanted to pop in and tell you about our January plans this year to honor and protect Life. We're switching it up from previous years and excited for the new opportunity that we've been given to partner with another pro-life organization to really understand why God Himself values life. This year, in conjunction with the March for Life, we're inviting youth groups and families to join us at OneVoice D.C. on January 18, 2024 at the Westin, D.C. Downtown Hotel.  Unsure of what OneVoice D.C. is? Join us on your favorite listening platform for today's conversation and learn more about how you, your family, and your youth group can get involved with The Radiance Foundation, Anglicans for Life, and the March for Life.Here are some things we mentioned in the podcast:AFL Summit WebsiteThe Radiance FoundationDr. Christina Francis' episode of the YWMFM podcastOneVoice D.C.'s Facebook page Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

In today's episode of the podcast, Sammie interviews one of the creators of a pro-life club on Waynesburg University's campus about what you can do to change the landscape of your school or campus. It can take courage, boldness, and perseverance to step out into the current culture (even at a Christian university!) and stand for life, and Anna Rape has done it with grace. We're so excited to hear her testimony and about how God is using her where He has placed her! Anna is a junior at WU who is studying psychology with a minor in biblical ministry studies. During her time at WU, she helped start the pro-life club from the ground up. She is the  one of six siblings, just got engaged to her fiance, Seth, and is passionate about loving God and loving others! Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

“Dating intentionally.” If you are a single Christian, it's something that you've probably heard mentioned at some point, and held up as the right way to go about dating. But what does it mean, and how do you go about dating intentionally? Even on our podcast, we talk about that phrase a lot… because as Christians, we should be super intentional - or thoughtful - about the way we interact with others. On this episode of the podcast, we're going to take the time and dissect what it can look like to be INTENTIONAL, without being INTENSE while you're navigating dating. Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

Anglicans For Life believes it is important to engage people (both students and adults) in educational opportunities that equip them to speak the truth about the Sanctity of Life in a culture that uses misinformation to mislead people about abortion. Today on the podcast, Georgette Forney, President of Anglicans for Life, is joining us to talk about where the pro-life movement is now, a year or so after the Dobbs decision marked the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and how you can get involved. Don't forget to check out our Uprooting Lies and Planting the Truth initiative here! Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

Today's episode focuses on one of our favorite topics: motherhood! In a culture that continually discusses motherhood as a “less than” role in society and oftentimes makes it difficult to think of motherhood as the sacred role that it is, it can be even more challenging to truly live out the pro-life ideals that you may have. One of our staff members at Anglicans for Life, Sydney, experienced this first hand as she faced an unplanned pregnancy as a teenager; here's what she says about how becoming a mom has impacted her life and faith: “Patience and understanding are mercies I experience every day as a mom. Before Lydia, I had neither, but motherhood forces you to slow down and look at all angles of a situation. My kids ( Lydia and Manny) teach me something about myself every day.(When it comes to my oldest) The Lord has blessed me with my best friend. At the time, when I found out I was pregnant, I thought my life was over. But when Lydia came into the world — everything changed for the better. She gave me a completely different perspective on life that I am genuinely grateful for. God always knows what we need, and Lydia is proof of that.”Sydney has years of experience within the communications and digital marketing space. She has worked in various industries such as government contracting, private security, and healthcare. She has helped organizations reach their target audiences and grow their online presence through purposeful content. In her spare time she coaches girls' soccer and enjoys spending time with her family.Despite all of the negative aspects you'll hear from the culture about motherhood, our goal today is to highlight some of the positives. The organization ZERO TO THREE conducted a study with 2,200 parents and found that...91% say parenting is their greatest joy.70% say they feel their life started when they became a parent.90% of dads say being a parent is their greatest joy.73% of those men say their lives began when they became a dad.It's completely possible to LOVE being a mom of small children. But it takes intentionality - our prayer is that this episode would convict OR  encourage you about what motherhood in today's world is meant to look like.Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

On today's episode of the podcast, Sammie sits down with her husband to talk a little bit about what it looks like to follow the Lord in a Christian marriage. While no relationship is perfect, our hope is that by sharing our story on the podcast that it will allow other couples to apply what Scripture says about marriage to their own relationships in order to create healthy communication and systems to thrive as God intended male and female to do.This is Ephesians 22-33. It says:“Wives, submit to your own husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church, his body in his himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies, he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I'm saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

"In a world where we are so polarized… We ought to be really pro-options." - Dr. John BruchalskiDr. John Bruchalski is the Founder of Tepeyac OB/GYN, a pro-life, faith-based practice in Fairfax, Virginia serving women in the D.C. metropolitan area for over 25 years. Tepeyac's unique model is the first of its kind to provide patients, including those who are uninsured or low income, with quality medical care of the highest life-affirming standards. With many patients crossing state lines to receive care from Tepeyac's team of board-certified physicians and midwives, Dr. Bruchalski and his team at Divine Mercy Carehelped create the Pro-Women's Healthcare Centers (PWHC) network in 2018, which now consists of 12 certtified PWHCs in the United States. Dr. John Bruchalski received his M.D. from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile, AL in 1987. He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Eastern Virginia Medical Center and the Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine in Norfolk, Virginia in 1991. He received board certification in 1993.During his training, Dr. Bruchalski performed abortions believing he was helping women. After a spiritual awakening, he realized abortion was not achieving freedom, health, and happiness for women. Dr. Bruchalski stopped performing abortions, returned to faith, and felt God's call to start a medical practice that truly helped women.Dr. Bruchalski's story represents the struggle many Christian medical professionals face: the decision to go along to get along or to boldly stand out. His journey reveals the dark side of getting caught up in the OB/GYN status quo, the evils hidden in plain sight, and the dangers of remaining lukewarm in your faith. His memoir, Two Patients: My Conversion from Abortion to Life-Affirming Medicine (Ignatius Press) was released in October 2022.Dr. Bruchalski is the proud recipient of the 2017 Life Hero Award and the 2022 Notre Dame Evangelium Vitae Medal. He now believes that there are two patients in the line of work that he does, and in our conversation we'll hear how he went from performing abortions to practicing life-affirming medicine. Here are some things we cover in our conversation:What is perinatal hospice and what is its purpose? How do we partner with those experiencing infant loss? Resources for those seeking life-affirming OB care Here are some things we mentioned in the podcast:Benotafraid.netSufficientgraceministries.orgPerinatalhospice.orgEmbracinggraceva.org (VA residents)NowILayMeDownToSleep.orgPerinatal hospice comprehensive care for the fetus with a lethal condition (Journal of Reproductive Medicine) Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

"Parents have the constitutional and God-given rights to direct the moral, ethical, and religious upbringing of our children. Parents are the first and most important teachers. We simply want a seat at the table, and for our principles to be treated with the same respect as all others." - Julia PageIn this episode of the podcast, Sammie interview Tiffany Justice, one of the cofounders of the organization, Moms for Liberty. Tiffany is a wife and mom of four school-aged children. In 2016 she stepped up to serve for 4 years on the School District of Indian River County, FL School Board. She and Tina Descovich founded Moms for Liberty with the main goal of unifying parents and addressing concerning issues and hold people accountable at all levels of government. They firmly believe in fundamental rights, stand for truth, empower others, and build relationships.You'll hear us discuss what the mission of Mom's for Liberty is, what kids are facing culturally when they're in school, and why standing up for our children is a core element that is needed to keep families thriving, as well as what to do if you want to get involved. Tiffany encourages parents listening to this episode that "love is an expertise," and we have a responsibility to stand firm in what we believe for the sake of our children and their best interest.Here are some things we mentioned in the podcast:Moms for Liberty Website Moms for Liberty - Chapter FinderClay County CaseBe sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

This month, we're bringing you the ySUMMIT talks on the podcast! You'll hear from speakers who spoke to students who attended the March for Life in Washington, D.C. in January 2023. The second episode featured this month is surrounding a topic that is frequently used as an argument in the pro-choice movement: what if the woman who wants an abortion was raped? It absolutely should be justified then, right? I'll admit, even for me, this is such a sensitive and difficult topic to breach because it involves real people, many times in the trenches of deep and raw pain. Rebecca highlights why babies conceived in rape are just as worthy of life as the rest of us beautifully. Rebecca Kiessling is Founder and President of Save The 1, and co-founder of Embryo Defense. She has been an international pro-life speaker and adoption speaker since 1995. She's helped pregnant rape victims all around the world to choose life for their children. She's also an attorney and mother of 5 (two oldest are adopted), lost 2 additional babies to miscarriage, and her 33 day-old, adopted daughter Cassie, who was born with special needs. She's also featured on a poster for Feminists for Life's ad, “Did I Deserve the Death Penalty.” Here are some things we mentioned in the podcast:Rebecca's WebsiteBe sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

This month, we're bringing you the ySUMMIT talks on the podcast! You'll hear from speakers who spoke to students who attended the March for Life in Washington, D.C. in January 2023.This first episode features Laura, whose talk was split into two parts. One about doing life our own way, and one about doing like God's way (this episode is a cohesive blend of both her talks!). The gist of what she hits on is why it is so important to think deeply and rely on God's guidance about the choices we make; without the guidance of God and the Holy Spirit in our lives, we wander into unhealthy relationships, selfish behaviors, and because of our sin nature we make choices that end up harming us more than benefiting us. The second part of her talk features the "redemption" of leaning into relationships the way God would call us to AND practical ways to do this.  Laura was the Director of the Pittsburgh Essential Speakers program at Women's Choice Network, Pittsburgh, PA before the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep getting the “Healthy Relationship” message out to teens during COVID, she authored the video curriculum REAL TALK, which is a video series designed to equip young people with the skills to combat relationship challenges they face in adolescence. She is a native Pittsburgher, graduated with a BS in Psychology/Business from Penn State University, and in her more ‘youthful' days, she was a resident archery athlete at the US Olympic Training Center in CO, made the USA World Archery Team, National Team, and was Archery's Athlete Representative to the US Olympic Committee. After raising two daughters and working in the family manufacturing representative business, she continues to be active in her church and follows closely the sexual challenges teens face in today's culture. Her passion for the abundant life that Christ calls us to is evident in who she is AND the work that she does. Here are some things we mentioned in the podcast:What is the ySUMMIT?Essential Speakers & Real TalkBe sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

"You've got fantastic intuition and need courage to act." Ashley Bush, Unplanned Mom SchoolI'm so excited to introduce you to my friend Ashley! Ashley is a passionate woman, mom, and business leader who wants you to know... you are meant to be here. The message that she has spent her life walking out and now spends her life cultivating within a mission of her business is VITAL if we are going to partner with moms of unexpected pregnancies. A little about the Unplanned Mom School:A new kind of mom community that is inspiring women to live their best livesWe are building a community of unplanned moms who have embraced motherhood by surprise No matter what situation you are faced with, we're all on this journey together called motherhood!Ashley offers coaching and guidance to walk through unexpected seasons of life because she walked through an unplanned pregnancy herself.  Here are some things we mentioned in the podcast:Ashley's WebsiteAshley's Tik TokOphelia Speaks BookBe sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

"In all the ways that we are broken, God is not that. He is completely different and BETTER than us in every way." - Bp. StevenOn this episode of the podcast, we get to hear a conversation with the Rt. Rev. Dr. Steven Tighe of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA)! Steven was recently consecrated as Bishop in the Diocese of the Southwest. Previously he served as the Canon for Youth Ministry for the Anglican Church in North America, having been involved with youth ministry since leaving college. He graduated Rice University, with two degrees in Electrical Engineering and did computer research in Austin before attending Trinity School for Ministry (TSM) and taught youth ministry there while on staff with Rock the World Youth Mission Alliance.  Steven has an Mdiv from TSM and PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. Steven currently lives in El Paso, TX with his wife, Tricia. Steven gets most of his exercise mountain biking in the El Paso hills. He reads a lot, plays computer games, writes songs, is an accomplished sand sculptor and has recently taken up kite surfing. During the season of Advent, we're reminded of how sacred Christmas really is - Jesus, coming to earth, God with us, so that we may have a relationship with the Father. So, how do we carry that sacredness with us for the rest of the year? Steven and I chat about what holiness is and how we trust God in the midst of difficult circumstances because of who He is. We hope this episode encourages you in your own walk with the Lord! Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

November is Adoption Awareness Month! On this episode of the podcast, we welcome Johnston Moore, who serves at Anglicans for Life as the Adoption/Orphan Care Consultant. Johnston has been married to his wife, Terri, since 1988, and together they have seven children, all of whom were adopted through the Los Angeles County foster care system. He is a strong believer in and vocal advocate for permanency and justice for children, having witnessed the impact that both have had on his children. John enjoyed a career in Hollywood in film/TV production and as a screenwriter before becoming fully immersed in adoption and foster care ministry, first through his employment at Hope for Orphans, and then at Home Forever.Currently, Johnston is living with his family in Virginia, where he is a regular speaker at Focus on the Family's Wait No More Adoption Conferences. They attend Redeemer Anglican Church in Richmond, VA and are passionate about seeing the greater Church be a part of what God is doing through the foster care and adoption movement.In this conversation, we talk about the "in's and out's" of adoption and creative ways in which you can get involved depending on where God is calling you to use your time, resources, and gifts. Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

What does it look like to be marching into the post-Roe America? I wanted to pop into your feed this month and personally invite you each to join us this January for the 50th annual March for Life and our event, the ySUMMIT!The ySUMMIT is the event Anglicans for Life holds every year in conjunction with the March for Life. Through worship, fellowship, and engaging speakers, we'll connect the Gospel with how to affirm life, so that we can make a difference for His Kingdom here on earth by being the light in the post-Roe world. While the Dobbs decision in June was a historic milestone for those who believe that every life is sacred, we will not rest until legal protection is provided from conception to natural death for every human being. Since 1983, Abundant Life's parent organization, Anglicans for Life has worked to uphold the Sanctity of Life by working to make abortion unthinkable and unnecessary, and we won't give up until we have that victory. Here is how to find out more about the ySUMMIT registration: ySUMMIT websiteBe sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

We're so excited to have Dr. Christina Francis with us on the podcast today! Dr. Francis is a board-certified Ob/Gyn who currently works in Fort Wayne, Indiana, after completing medical school at Indiana University in 2005. She is chair of the board of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG) and a board member of Indiana Right to Life. As a professional speaker, Dr. Francis offers her medical expertise, knowledge of bioethics, and pro-life reasoning both here in the U.S. and around the globe. She has always had a passion for human rights, spending a significant portion of the past 10 years in various countries working tirelessly on behalf of women and children. Dr. Francis spent time working with orphans in Romania and Burma, discussing the importance of life issues with university students in Israel, and working for three years as the only Ob/Gyn at a mission hospital in rural Kenya. Dr. Francis left Kenya in 2014 to work on behalf of women and children in the United States who are often victims of the abortion industry, and to educate people on the greatest social injustice of our time.This episode is all about debunking some myths you may have heard since Roe v. Wade was overturned in June. Since abortion rights have been sent back to the states to decide, there has been a ton of misinformation circulating that women facing high-risk pregnancies and ectopic pregnancies will not be able to receive care for life-threatening conditions if abortion is illegal in that state. Dr. Francis shares her expertise with us, and trust me, you do not want to miss this! We answer questions like:Is abortion really essential to healthcare? What are ectopic pregnancies? Does post-Roe state legislation outlaw/criminalize treatment for ectopic pregnancies?We hope this episode encourages you to speak up against the false narrative that abortion is healthcare and to educate yourselves about women's health before posting or sharing.Here are some things we mentioned in this episode:AAPLOG's websiteAAPLOG's InstagramDr. Francis' WebsiteBe sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

In this episode of the You Were Made for More Podcast, Alexa (or Lex as her people call her!) is joining us today for a conversation about being proactive about creating a healthy marriage relationship. Lex is a wife, mom, and has a background as a mental health counselor who is dedicated to promoting client welfare, dignity, and wellness. Through her education, she has been trained in individual therapy, group therapy, managing cases, and treatment planning, as she holds a Masters of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Waynesburg University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Political Science from The Ohio State University. I asked Lex to join us for this conversation because I know her professionally AND personally, and I've seen her live out her values in her own relationships as well as helping clients walk through tough relationships and navigate hardships. As we mentioned, this episode will focus on a how to be proactive about creating a healthy marriage & what it looks like to heal from and confront our own trauma to make our relationships better. God created marriage and it is good, but there can be so much brokenness surrounding the idea of being with another broken person forever - but through hard work, humility, and honesty, marriage can be one of the most life-giving gifts we're given on this side of Heaven. Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

In this episode, Brooke talks to us about what it looks like to have healthy relationships and how we can date "well," even though the Bible doesn't explicitly talk about the topic of dating. Sammie met Brooke when they were both serving on the Pittsburgh Essential Speakers team in high schools around the city of Pittsburgh! They both have a passion for helping teens navigate through the tricky waters of dating in today's culture, while also trying to be faithful and follow the Lord. Brooke Farrell currently serves as the Middle School Director at North Way Christian Community in Wexford, PA. Brooke grew up in the Pittsburgh area and is a graduate of Geneva College with a degree in Communications and a concentration in Public Relations. She enjoys time with her two small kiddos and husband, and enjoys her side business of impersonating the Disney character, Elsa, from "Frozen" at birthday parties! You will regularly find Brooke with her nose in a book or laughing with her four sisters. Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

Contentment. Contentment is trusting that God has the best in mind for you no matter where you are in life.Sarah Parker is a 34-year-old professional living in Columbia, South Carolina. She graduated from Clemson in 2011. She owns a small business and loves serving her hometown! Covenant Services is a female-owned and led business, with a fully-female staff. She is an aunt to three nephews and a niece who she adores. Sarah Parker is passionate about Jesus and showing others that the “not yet married” life is not second best. She loves people, all things Clemson, her German Shepard Attila, and her double name! This conversation with Sarah discusses topics like singleness, living out God's call on your life, and how to trust God in seasons where you can't really see Him working. We loved having Sarah Parker on the #YouWereMadeForMorePodcast and we're so excited for you to hear our chat!  Here are some things we mentioned during this episode: Singled Out For GoodSarah Parker's BusinessSarah Parker's Instagram (You'll want to follow her! Promise!)Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

This unique episode will feature a discussion on what it means to have a Biblical perspective regarding sexual purity, and we're so excited to let you hear this conversation.  Today's host will be Sammie's husband, Juan! You've heard Sammie mention Juan before, but a little bit of background on him is that he graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and now serves as an Admissions Counselor for Waynesburg University. After leaving South Florida in 2015 and spending some time in Philadelphia, Juan ended up in Waynesburg, PA in 2017 to serve as youth director, where he met Sammie on a mission trip. Juan has a passion for others knowing and following Jesus and is currently pursuing his MBA, while raising his daughter, Ofie. Brendan Byham studied Christian Ministry at Geneva College in Beaver Falls Pennsylvania where he received his Bachelor's in Christian Ministries. Since then, he has married his wife, Rhetta, received his M. Div, and has served as a pastor in Jefferson, PA. Brendan loves to experience God through the Scriptures, and he and his wife Rhetta are expecting a baby girl this summer.And finally, you'll hear from Mike Baily. For 18 years, Mike Baily has been helping businesses at Baily Insurance Agency and serves currently as a fourth-generation owner. Mike really strives to serve people in every aspect of his life - including his business. Mike has been deeply invested in the community of Waynesburg for years and spends his free time raising his eleven children with his amazing wife, Cari. That's right - 11 children - ages 7 months to 20 years old! He has discipled his kids faithfully and many of them are now following Jesus on their own. Mike and Cari have served as mentors to and are Sammie and Juan's dear friends.Here are some topics the men will cover in this episode: what the Bible says about sexual purity, sex and marriage, sexual sin, sexual attraction and orientation, and teaching kids about sexual purity.Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

At Abundant Life, we're passionate about equipping students to believe that they were made for more - that their identity changes everything - the way they live, the choices they make, and how they live into relationships. That they were made for more. Recently, an article was published by Caleb Morell critiquing how Christians often talk about identity, under the provocative title, “Stop Finding Your Identity in Christ.” Here's what we cover in this episode:1. Is “finding your identity in Christ" unbiblical? 2. How do we rightfully connect our identity with the identity of creation - in other words, how do we rightfully connect our identity with the Creator, without turning into a postmodern attempt at self-discovery?3. How should our realization of our identity in Christ change our relationships with other people?Some key takeaways from our conversation:We need to teach the creation story as if it is definitive about what it is to be human.WHAT DOES THE IMAGE OF GOD MEAN IN LIGHT OF THE LARGER STORY? That is the question we have to hone in on. For many, the "image of God" is a piece of trivia and not a deep reflection of Scriptural truth. John Stonestreet serves as President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview - the Colson Center exists to help you understand your place in God's story and serve God with clarity, confidence, and courage. John is the daily voice of BreakPoint, the nationally syndicated commentary on the culture founded by the late Chuck Colson. Before coming to the Colson Center in 2010, John served in various leadership capacities with Summit Ministries and was on the biblical studies faculty at Bryan College (TN). John has co-authored four books: A Practical Guide to Culture, Restoring All Things, Same-Sex Marriage, and Making Sense of Your World: A Biblical Worldview. John holds degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (IL) and Bryan College (TN). He and his wife, Sarah, have four children and live in Colorado Springs, CO. Connect with John at BreakPoint.org, or follow him on Twitter (@jbstonestreet).Here are some things we mentioned during this episode: The Colson Center Strange New World   by Carl R. TruemanJohn's response to Morell's articleBe sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.Deuteronomy 6:5-9  In today's episode, we have the opportunity to hear from Georgette Forney, the president of Anglicans for Life. She is also the co-founder of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, an effort to raise awareness about the physical, spiritual, and emotional harm abortion does to women and to let those who are hurting from abortion know help is available. Georgette had an abortion at age sixteen and later experienced healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation after going through an abortion recovery program. Through that, she developed a greater understanding of the negative impact abortion has on women and the need to highlight the issue as an abortion survivor.Georgette is going to share with her heart on why teaching kids about the sanctity or sacredness of life is important and practical ways to do so. You can read more about her organization (which is Abundant Life's parent organization) and her background by visiting the website below! Georgette has deep and intimate knowledge of what the Bible says about these topics and she's walked through them herself as a mom & wife. Here are some things we mentioned during this episode: Anglicans for Life websiteAnglicans for Life "Just Like Me" ResourceCharlotte Lozier Institute's Fetal Development Resource Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

This month's bonus episode features Dave Wright, who currently serves as the Coordinator for Student Ministries for The Anglican Diocese of SC. Dave has a rich history in youth ministry ranging all the way from Cheshire, England, to the suburbs of Chicago. Dave has led youth ministry training in the UK, Canada, and across the USA, and written numerous articles for youth ministry publications in the UK and USA. After seeing Dave's passion for intergenerational youth ministry and believing that it really adds value to the life of the Church, Sammie asked him to come on and join us to share how the church can foster these relationships and provide us with practical steps to do just that. There are many decisions in the life of the church that needs to be guided by the importance of these relationships, and it is only through education that we can start moving in the right direction. I'm so thankful for Dave and his wisdom. If you are listening and you're interested in connecting with him, his contact info can be found in the links below!Here are some things we mentioned during this episode: Dave's BlogEngage Website Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

In this episode, Sammie talks about what it can look like to create a biblical family culture and gives practical tips to implement these in your own home. We take the time to break down and define "family culture," "biblical family culture," and the hallmark between the two. "This is, perhaps, the greatest signature quality of a biblical family culture – willingness to flex and change as we are convicted by the Word and the Spirit." Here are some things we mentioned during this episode: Intergenerational Ministry Blog Jefferson Bethke's Book - Take Back Your FamilyBe sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

In this episode, you'll hear from Sammie as she talks to students who attended the March for Life in Washington, D.C. in January 2022. She gives a rundown about why our relationships, our sexuality, and every part of who we are were made by God - which is precisely why it matters so much how we live and what we stand for.If you're interested in learning more about the 2023 March for Life and ySummit - follow us on social media! We'll post all the info about registration and updates there. We'd love to have you join us! Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

In today's episode, we're talking about why our worth is SO important in determining how we live in our relationships, who we are, what we believe, and the decisions we make. Cynthia J. Wood, J.D., serves as the National Operations Coordinator for Feminists for Life of America - their goal is  to make sure every woman knows the truth - that they deserve better than abortion. Prior to FFL, she worked for the federal government for 35 years as a trainer for numerous workshops, including Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH), Effective Communication, and team-building and leadership workshops. Cynthia received a law degree from University of Houston Law Center in 1999. She has been a Bar Member of the D.C. Court of Appeals, Virginia, and Florida. She is married and has four children.Here's some things we mention in the episode:Feminists for LifePreamble of the Declaration of IndependenceLink to Cynthia's TeachingBe sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

On today's episode of the podcast, Sammie chats with Madison McQuary, who is a Christian, creator, writer, High School Family & Consumer Science Teacher, and a passionate fashion blogger! Madison shared an Instagram post that caught our attention and we couldn't help but reach out to her to be on the show. In today's episode, we talk about some "unpopular opinions!" Here's what we cover: -"Cancel culture" and the danger of censorship-Why open dialogue is important -Abortion, freedom, and practical ways to give women support, hope, and encouragement-Human trafficking -The real and scary nature of women's healthcare-Modern-day feminism and why it's harmful-Roe v. Wade and the sexual revolution - let's get educated about these! Here are some things we mentioned in this episode:Madison's Instagram (@missmadisonlynn)Madison's website Sharon McMahon's website - the best site for nonpartisan government facts, learning about controversial issues in order to form your own educated opinionsHuman Trafficking Resources Operation Underground RailroadExodus CryInternational Justice MissionLove146 Business of Being Born DocumentaryBusiness of Birth Control DocumentaryBook: Subverted: How I Helped the Sexual Revolution Hijack the Women's MovementMovie: Roe v. WadeBe sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

In this episode of the podcast, you will be #blessed to hear from my dear friend, Georgia Scott. Georgia and I met while doing the Pittsburgh Fellows program, but she currently is living in Sewickley, PA and is a graduate student studying at Geneva College. She was born and raised in Pittsburgh,  PA. She loves reading a good book, Jesus, chips and salsa, and spending time with the people I love. Her goal in life (which I love!) is why I asked her to be on the podcast! She desires to walk alongside people as they discover their path to flourishing, and in a world that can seem so very heavy on most days, I wanted her to encourage you in your own path to flourishing. Turn your volume up and enjoy our conversation - let's "have some fun & demystify mental health," as Georgia would say. ✨ Here are some things we mentioned in this episode:Georgia's blog and website Whole Sealing Healing Instagram: @wholesoulhealingcoGeorgia's post about body imageBe sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

"During my mission trip to India, I kept a detailed diary of the events, feelings, and experiences of my time. When I was writing I thought I would use the entries as notes for future blogs or maybe a book. So I wrote honestly and vulnerably, not expecting anyone to ever read it. But when I came home and years passed I realized that I would probably never take the time to write the blogs and I thought that would be the end of it. But this Spring I started reading my journal again and I realized that I wrote the entries as if I was blogging. They were blogs to God, and to myself. Some were prayers and some were lists. I realized that I didn't need to change what I originally wrote to make it beautiful, the beauty was already there because it was authentic. So I have decided to publish my journal. All the vulnerable and cringe-worthy parts as well. The value of that summer is the truth of what I saw, felt, and experienced without any filters or edits. So here is my heart from India, with all the raw and beautiful parts intact." -Lindsey's book descriptionLindsey is a dear friend from my time completing the Pittsburgh Fellows program,  a lover of Jesus, AND the interim youth director at St. Stephen's Church in Sewickley, PA. She has a heart for missions, people, and God, and it shines through in everything she does. I'm so grateful she is sharing the story of her book with us on the podcast today. Can't wait for you guys to hear it! Here are some things we mentioned in this episode:Lindsey's bookLindsey's blog and website Lindsey's Instagram: @lindseyreichBe sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

Melissa Giles is the Marketing and Development Coordinator for Human Life Alliance, a nonprofit, pro-life informational organization dedicated to creating a culture in which all human life, from the moments of fertilization to natural death, is respected and cherished. Distribution of HLA's compelling materials have reached 232.4 million people over the past 31 years in all 50 U.S. states, 88 different countries, and all seven continents.Missy graduated from Eastern Michigan University with BA in Entrepreneurship. She founded a professional wedding photographer company and most recently served as a missionary for a non-profit Christian organization at the University of Michigan.She also has a diverse background working as a professional wedding photographer, and nonprofit mission work with college students. Currently in her role at HLA, she leads students through asking hard questions like... “If you're pro-life, why? If you're going to take the stance of being pro-choice, can you back that up?” These are all important questions to ask ourselves, and we have to be able and willing to ask tough questions in order to be educated about cultural issues that can so easily divide us. We're going to chat with Missy about what it looks like to become educated on these issues and why we should be passionate about them. What I love about Missy's story is that she's able to see now how various jobs aren't “lost” - that there was purpose in her faithfully going where God called her for a certain season because there was purpose in each one. Let's dive into this conversation!Here are some things we mentioned in the podcast:Human Life Alliance Website (remember, they produce materials that can teach you 99% of the info you need to know about the culture of life! check it out today!)Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

“...now that I am a mother, I understand what Mother's Day is about: it's about looking through our lives and recognizing the act of mothering everywhere we see it, and more than that, recognizing that when any of us mother-- when we listen, nurture, nourish, protect--we're doing sacred work.” -Shauna Neiquest This episode is FOR moms, ABOUT moms, and HONORING moms. We're so grateful for all the mommas who mother us. I pray this episode encourages you no matter what your emotions about this day are - my goal is to honor everyone's story, to spur you on in healing, and to remind you that the Gospel is for you. Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

Easter is the reason we have hope; AND the reason we have access to Jesus. God has taught me so much through this Lent season and He impressed upon me that He is who He says He is. It got me thinking: what is Easter REALLY about and what does it mean to us? Not just on Easter Sunday - but all the days afterwards? I don’t want to forget what happened in those next 40 days after Jesus rose from the dead. He showed up in mysterious and miraculous ways, teaching and preparing his friends to do greater things than he did. “Jesus did countless things that I haven’t included here. And if every one of his works were written down and described one by one, I suppose that the world itself wouldn’t have enough room to contain the books that would have to be written!” John‬ ‭21:25‬ ‭TPT‬‬These post-Easter days are sacred days. My prayer is that this message would prevent us from moving on so quickly and missing out on what Jesus wants to do TODAY. Also, listen for an update on my (Sammie's) current season of life and some changes that you may see around here at the You Were Made for More Podcast! So thankful for you guys - we truly could not do this without you.