Podcast appearances and mentions of grace stories

Have you ever gotten frustrated watching someone else receive a blessing you felt they didn't earn? In this first message of our new series Stories Jesus Told, Pastor Stephen Mizell unpacks the Parable of the Vineyard Workers from Matthew 20 — and what it reveals about God's scandalous, unmerited grace. Whether you've been following Jesus for decades or you're just now getting over, this message is for you. KEY TAKEAWAYS: God's kingdom doesn't operate on human fairness — it operates on grace Comparison transforms a generous gift into a perceived grievance You can keep score or you can experience grace, but you can't do both Late doesn't disqualify you in the Kingdom of God — it only invites you We serve not to earn God's love, but as an overflow of the grace we've already received The greatest danger isn't missing a reward — it's working in the vineyard and missing God's heart SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Matthew 19:27 — Peter's question: "What's in it for us?" Matthew 20:1–16 — The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard SERIES: Stories Jesus Told — a series through the parables of Jesus exploring grace, vocation, anxiety, purpose, forgiveness, and family.

Send a textWhat if the behavior that broke your heart was actually the brain asking for help?In this episode Rayna sat down with author and advocate Lori Jones to explore the hidden contours of Huntington's disease, where genetics, uncertainty, and everyday caregiving collide and uncover the small, human choices that change everything.Lori grew up in an HD family, later becoming a legal guardian for her father through care homes, hospital handoffs, and hospice. She opens up about the emotional math of pre-symptomatic testing, the weight of a 50% genetic risk, and why learning about CAG repeats and symptom variability can bring clarity without stealing hope. We also trace powerful parallels with Alzheimer's: early psychiatric shifts that go unnoticed, late diagnoses that miss the window for treatment, and the hard truth that behavior often reflects brain change, not character.The heart of this conversation lives in the stories. A care home director who said we get creative and meant it. A third-shift art student sketching while Lori's dad savored ice cream, reconnecting with the artist he once was. A retired neurology chair arriving with a paper bag of fries, earning trust one salty bite at a time and clearing a path for much-needed meds. These aren't grand gestures; they're precise mercies that honor personhood and make care sustainable.Lori also names the quiet undertow of relief: survivor's guilt after testing gene negative. Her way through was service- organizing Team Hope fundraisers, writing Spared: A Memoir of Risk and Resolve, and speaking anywhere to help caregivers find language and community. If you've ever felt isolated, triggered, or unsure how to de-escalate fear-driven moments, you'll leave with practical tools, compassionate reframes, and a reminder that you're not supposed to carry this alone.Listen now, share this with someone who needs it, and tell us: what small act made a big difference in your caregiving? If this conversation helped, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it on so more caregivers can find hope and practical support.

Room Enough For Grace: Stories Round the Table 3, written by Lily Cathcart and read by Laura Digan. To read rather than listen to this story you can go to our Sanctuary First blog post. We are delighted to feature: ‘Stories Round the Table; a series of five specially commissioned short stories by Lily Cathcart which explore how subtle moments around shared tables can change our lives forever. Each story will be published in text and audio on the Sanctuary First Blog. Lily will take us to a disheveled car, a crowded kitchen table, a busy train compartment, a bustling cafe, a cosy dining room, and a long conference table as we travel with her through each week of Advent (and even a bonus story for Hogmanay!) Music is ‘Silent Night’ by Jonas Kolberg and ‘Chasing the Light’ by Northern Heart, both licensed by Sanctus Media from www.Artist.io.

Is anyone too sinful to be saved? No! Long ago, when John Newton was thinking about God's grace in his life, he a hymn. Tune in today with Brianna and Kyle to hear the incredible story behind one of the most popular hymns of all time. U-Nite TV Uniting kids with the God's Word in a fun, engaging way to help kids understand and apply biblical truths to their lives. Stream animated adventures, music videos, missionary stories, and more! Available on Android, iOS, Android TV, and Apple TV. https://www.cefonline.com/unitetv/ U-Nite Kids App Uniting kids in with God's Word to help them grow in their faith through personal devotions. Play adventures that teach truths from the Bible, complete daily devotions, earn achievements, memorize God's Word, and get answers to common biblical questions. Available on the Apple Appstore, Google Play, and the Amazon Appstore. https://www.cefonline.com/unitekids/ Copyright © 2025 Child Evangelism Fellowship Inc. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Sarah Grace shares incredible stories of her 15 year journey as a psychic paramedic, in the busiest 911 system in Los Angeles. As a child she was able to see and feel energies beyond normal senses. This ability led her to help countless people through their most critical moments in life. When it comes to life and death emergencies, Sarah has seen it all -- from violence and injuries to suicide and death. She brings her positive energy to the show to discuss Living Fully. Sarah talks about ways to help you pull your life out of the ditch no matter how severe the situation.FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/ASMALPodcastVISIT OUR WEBSITE: http://www.asmallmediumatlarge.coEMAIL: asmallmediumatlargepodcast @gmail.com Show Produced by Green Valley Production StudioMusic by DJ Booda: http://www.djbooda.com

Imagine you've reached every expected height of success before you turned 25 and then God tells you to leave it behind. How would you respond?Dylan Wilk experienced incredible entrepreneurial highs at a young age. He flew to work in a helicopter, traveled by private jet, and kept Ferraris and Porches in his garage.And then, one day, a tragedy caused him to take a long look at his life. God called him to walk away from the business that had given him worldly success so that he could experience true grace, freedom, and love. His life was changed by a trip and eventual move to the Philippines where God has called him to extend the same grace, freedom, and love he has received to every employee, customer, and individual he encounters through his new business: Human Nature.Hear the story of radical transformation that took Dylan from Greed to Grace in this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast: Stories of the Movement.

Join us for Grace Stories as we delve into the powerful testimonies from members of Gratis Church, sharing stories of transformation, faith, and the enduring grace of God. Learn more and give online at gratischurch.com.   

Let me share with you the strength I found within our church family, a beacon of support that has remarkably seen us all through personal trials and communal triumphs alike. This episode is a tapestry woven from threads of gratitude, spiritual deepening, and the transformative journey of faith that each one of us treads. We reflect on the poignant beauty of our acapella worship service, the success of our Brown Bag Diner initiative, and how these experiences reinforce our church's bond with the wider community. With the new year looming, we look forward to the self-improvement resolutions that beckon, inspired by the drive that powers successful enterprises like Planet Fitness, and we embrace the fresh start that 2024 promises to each of us.Gracing this episode with their presence, our guests guide us through a historical labyrinth, from the streets of ancient Crete, we highlight the profound impact of grace on a believer's life. We navigate the moral aspirations of living a life reflective of God's goodness amidst our human frailties and ponder the magnetic pull of grace that persistently calls us to transformation. I get personal, recounting the pivotal moment at fifteen when I surrendered my life to God's direction, a testimony to the idea that it's never too late for a second chance. As we prepare to bid farewell to the hardships and missteps of 2023, we do so with a message of hope, renewal, and the unwavering opportunity for a new beginning, no matter where we are on our spiritual path. Join us as we explore how embracing grace at our most undeserving moments can lead to a life of profound change and fulfillment.

Growing up in New Jersey in a Catholic family, Gary McNally, never really understood the gospel, but was inquisitive. He loved his ocean diving charter business, and he loved beer with his friends. One day he picked up a Decision magazine by Billy Graham and some lights came on. He finally understood that salvation is a free gift. This put him on a path to ministry training at Dallas Theological Seminary and Western Seminary. Then he planted and pastored a church in New Jersey and later, pastored a church in Pennsylvania. Today, Gary is semi-retired, because he helps his wife, Janine, in her children's resource ministry, Grace4Kidz.org. (Some of her material is also available on the Gracelife App!) Be sure to get Janines new book on Generation Alpha, When You See Fireflies. Listen to Gary's liberating story and share it to liberate someone else.  

We start this conversation with L. E. (Bud) Brown talking about some of his exploits on his sailboat with his wife, Lea. But the real story begins when as a young man, he was able to break through his religious traditions and finally realize how to have eternal life. He was saved by grace, but found that he needed grace more than ever because even though the eternal battle was won, his internal battle with pride, competitiveness, and a negative self image kept him sailing against the wind on rough waters. Bud came to realize the love and acceptance that grace brings and found peace. After graduating from Western Seminary and Dallas Theological Seminary and pastoring two churches, he helped start a ministry called Turnaround Churches. He also has an excellent book on the importance of prayer in the church, Lifelessness to New Life: Biblical prayers to resurrect the lifeless church. Bud has other books and ministry projects in mind that we hope to hear about later. You can contact him at Bud@BudBrown.net and find his books on Amazon under L. E. Brown and at TurnAroundPastors.com.  

 Rayna Neises, your host, welcomes Leslie McLeod. Leslie is a writer, artist, mom, and co-owner of a tech company. She has a passion for building up  relationships, especially among families with aging parents. Leslie and her siblings rallied together to care for both their parents simultaneously. Based on that experience, she is writing a book to help families survive their season of caring without the added burden of preventable relationship damage. Leslie shares the following insights: [4:02] There is no precedent for this season for most of us. [6:13] Part of the caregiving component is independence vs. the need for care. [7:06] An important part of the communication piece is denial and avoidance. [08:09] An area of conflict is the money piece. [9:47] Another issue is crazy grief (emotional reactions that are anticipatory). [12:53] Being deliberate in communication is important. [14:37] Appoint a gatekeeper. [16:52] Be proactive. [17:34] Build bridges and do not divide us versus them. [18:25] Take advantage of resources. [19:10] Don't pass up a hug. [19:22] Capture memories. [19:38] Do it together with love and grace.  Visit Leslie's website at www.lamcleod.com to see her beautiful artwork, get her newsletter to stay in touch, and receive updates on her new book. This episode has been brought to you by Content Magazine online, electronic magazine, available quarterly to offer you hope and encouragement through your caregiving so that you may find God even in the middle of your caregiving season.

Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Phylis Mantelli.  Phylis is an author, coach, podcaster, mentor, mom, wife, and grandmother. Phylis' book is titled, “Unmothered: Life with a Mom Who Couldn't Love Me”.  She is currently writing her second book, “Six Life Lessons of Growing up with a Dysfunctional Mother.”  Phylis shares the following insights based on her long caregiving journey with her mother.[3:19] Caregiving can help you learn about grace and forgiveness.[5:18] Learning to set boundaries is important.[8:55] There is a fine line between what you can handle, what is good for the family, and what is good for the one being cared for, and you must look at it from all angles. [12:27] At times God encourages us to stay the course, hold on, and be in the moment.[18:05] Listen to the stories of the past.[23:39] Hold on for one more day. Tomorrow might look different.[25:51] You could be called to care for one parent, but not both.[27:40] Support caregivers are just as important as the primary caregiver.[29:34] Be kind to yourself and take care of yourself first.Learn more about Phylis Mantelli and her books at her website www.PhylisMantelli.com.This episode was brought to you by Content Magazine, an electronic quarterly magazine to help you find God during your caregiving season. The Spring edition launches April 1st, so pre-order now! Visit www.ContentMagazine.online to learn more.

The most fertile people for evangelism may be under your roof or in your church. They are called Generation Alpha, those 13-years old and under. They are open to the gospel and spiritual truth, but who are they? How can we share the gospel clearly with them? Our guest, Janine McNally, has a lot of experience in children's ministry with theological training to back it up (Bible college, Dallas Theological Seminary,  D.Min student at Grace School of Theology). She has a ministry called Grace4Kidz which has excellent resources that reflect her passion for a clear gospel. Listen and learn about Generation Alpha and how to reach them.      

This episode tells the story of a devoted Catholic woman who tried to check all the right boxes of her religion, but never felt that she measured up. Then she did something radical--she read the Bible. As she studied it, she began to see the truth she had never heard, that she could be saved by God's free and undeserved grace through simple faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. Susan Pooley would never be the same. As hard as it was, she left the Catholic church and joined a new church where she is active in ministry and missions. Best of all, her relationship with God is not a burden; she is free.  

"Most churches don't know what they believe, or don't believe what they know," so says our Grace Stories guest. He says his discovery of eternal security made him "the Rodney Dangerfield of Christianity"--he gets no respect. To know your salvation is secure forever may thrill you, but if you are not sure, it will/should threaten you. In this episode, Joe Clemons shares how his understanding of grace and eternal security made a difference to him and the gospel he preaches. He got so excited, he wrote a short book about it and other great gospel words called What Is Eternal Salvation?: A Big Lie or a Simple Truth? To get the book, visit amazon. Have fun listening to Joe rejoicing in grace. Please subscribe to the Simply by Grace podcast and leave a review or comment

In this grace story, Charlie speaks with Stephanie Hosey, who found the grace of God in Jesus Christ. She was born and raised within the Catholic church and didn't have an understanding that Christ died for her. She only understood the historical facts but didn't believe them for herself. It was through God's gentle nudging that she came to understand the power of God's grace in her life and ultimately why she was in need of a savior and what Christ had done for her.  From this new understanding her life changed from living a Christian life that was performance oriented, which is a form of bondage, into living a life by grace.  Be sure to checkout this Grace Story and others on the Simply By Grace Podcast.

There's no friend like an “old” friend. Charlie talks to one of his best and oldest friends, Larry Butler. You will be surprised to find how their lives intersect and now remain close. Larry's search for truth and meaning in life took him from Plato to Marx to Martin Luther King to King Jesus.  

When talking about grace makes you weep with joy, you know you have discovered the true grace of God. After he made his life-changing discovery, Bill Boggess spent his life telling others about his discovery of God's grace. He has gone through some serious trials, but you can hear and share his joy. Listen to him.

When you hear Butch Simmons's story, you may think of a warrior. Once a troublemaker, then a karate expert and teacher, now a Christian saved by grace. You'll see that grace exudes from this retired fighter and carried him through some difficult trials in life. He could break 18 inches of concrete block with his bare hand. Now he is just as strong in the Lord. ----more---- Grace Stories is a periodic podcast series where people will tell their stories about how God's love and grace changed their lives. We hope you enjoy these personal interviews and are encouraged by God's love for the lost. Make sure to share these with friends and family!

When everyone has abandoned you and you have nowhere to turn, who will hear a question like that? God was listening when Adriana reached the end of her rope. She was alone and hopeless, but that desperate cry for help was heard. What happened next will amaze you as well as how God changed her life and filled it with peace and purpose. When you hear her Grace Story, you will weep and rejoice with her. ----more---- Grace Stories is a periodic podcast series where people will tell their stories about how God's love and grace changed their lives. We hope you enjoy these personal interviews and are encouraged by God's love for the lost. Make sure to share these with friends and family!

Do you want to know what it's like to become a Christian in a hostile culture? We take a journey with Dr. Sukhwant Bhatia that begins far away in India, then on to the United States, and back to India where he leads a Christian college and seminary and Bible translation ministry. Though his path was not easy, He found that Jesus Christ's grace is sufficient. You will want to check out his web site at seekpartners.org https://seekpartners.org and watch a short video about his life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-M0qIylyMI before or after you hear his Grace Story.  

In this podcast Charlie speaks about giving joyfully. When we think of giving we often just think about money, which is good, but there's giving of oneself in service to others. Using your gifts and talents to serve others is an important aspect of the Christian life.  Some aspects of giving Charlie touches on include how giving is to be... ... purposeful, or planned (consistent).  ... done with a cheerful heart. ...generous. ...personal, confidential, and not seek praise.  ...motivated by love; love for God and people. So follow Charlie along in chapter 9 and stay tuned for several more upcoming episodes of Grace Stories!  

Most would see a brilliant student and star athlete. That is why everyone would wonder about the night she took a fateful leap into the unknown. But God had a different plan for her, and His grace saved her from herself. Ashlie Teely tells about a night that redirected her life into a new joy and purpose. You will be amazed by her Grace Story. ----more---- Grace Stories is a periodic podcast series where people will tell their stories about how God's love and grace changed their lives. We hope you enjoy these personal interviews and are encouraged by God's love for the lost. Make sure to share these with friends and family!

What changes a punk rocker into a pastor? Jeremy Edmondson's story takes us on a wild ride from a religious upbringing to rebellious teenage years, to a music career, to the tragic death of a friend, and finally, the pastorate of a vibrant and growing church. Grace made a difference in how he saw himself and his God. His story may make the same difference for you. ----more---- Grace Stories is a periodic podcast series where people will tell their stories about how God's love and grace changed their lives. We hope you enjoy these personal interviews and are encouraged by God's love for the lost. Make sure to share these with friends and family!