Podcasts about Guideposts

What did you think of this episode?How effective is your brainstorming? Today's guest shares tips to help you tap into your creativity by brainstorming banana peels.Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I'm your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I'm so glad you're listening in. During this episode, you'll learn the Value of Brainstorming for Writers. My industry expert is Marci Seither. Marci started her writing adventure after her family-humor article was printed in their small-town paper. She has written hundreds of newspaper articles and articles for Focus on the Family, Guideposts, and WORLD magazine. She is a speaker and author of four books.Alright, let's head into our content for today… Value of Brainstorming for Writers series - Part One: To Connect with Readers This is a Free resource on Brainstorming Banana PeelsCheck out Marci's website to receive your copy of the Southern Christian Writer Magazine  You can find out more about Marci Seither below.Marci Seither websiteMarci Seither on FacebookMarci Seither on InstagramMarci Seither on AmazonVisit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024". Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

Jonathan Merkh is the President and Publisher at Forefront Books. Andrea Fleck-Nesbit, president of the Independent Book Publishers Association and a previous podcast guest, introduced Merkh to the host. Merkh previously served as vice president and publisher at Thomas Nelson Publishers, led Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, and Guidepost. Jonathan has published nearly 100 New York Times bestsellers. In 2023, Publishers Weekly recognized Forefront Books as the second fastest-growing publisher in the United States, and Inc. Magazine included Forefront Books among the nation's top fastest-growing companies. In this episode, we discuss the history of publishing, the need to have a platform as an author, the specialty niche that Forefront Books specializes in, and tips for writers of fiction and nonfiction. Learn more at www.forefrontbooks.com/

Jonathan Merkh is the President and Publisher at Forefront Books. Andrea Fleck-Nesbit, president of the Independent Book Publishers Association and a previous podcast guest, introduced Merkh to the host. Merkh previously served as vice president and publisher at Thomas Nelson Publishers, led Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, and Guidepost. Jonathan has published nearly 100 New York Times bestsellers. In 2023, Publishers Weekly recognized Forefront Books as the second fastest-growing publisher in the United States, and Inc. Magazine included Forefront Books among the nation's top fastest-growing companies. In this episode, we discuss the history of publishing, the need to have a platform as an author, the specialty niche that Forefront Books specializes in, and tips for writers of fiction and nonfiction. Learn more at www.forefrontbooks.com/

In today's episode, I am chatting with my friend, Kate Battistelli, author of The After Party of the Empty Nest. Kate shares her inspiring journey of faith, obedience, and the unexpected joys that come in the later seasons of life. With a background in Broadway and a career in the arts, Kate's life was turned upside down when God called her to lay down her dreams and step into a new season of family and ministry.After navigating personal challenges, including having an abortion at 18 and an unexpected season of infertility, Kate found a renewed sense of purpose. Now, in her book, The After Party of the Empty Nest, Kate helps guide women through the emotional journey of the empty nest and what it means to rediscover purpose in this next season.Key Takeaways: 1. Obedience Over Comfort – Kate shares her journey of surrendering her career in the arts to pursue a calling from God. When you listen for His voice and obey, God honors that obedience, leading you into new seasons of blessing and purpose. 2. Embrace the Empty Nest – The empty nest doesn't have to feel like the end of your purpose. Instead, it can be the beginning of a new chapter, filled with opportunities for growth, travel, hobbies, and connection. 3. The Power of Gratitude – Whether you're facing infertility, anxiety, or relationship struggles, learning to be grateful in the midst of hardship allows you to see God's purpose and blessings, even in the toughest moments.Kate's story is a powerful reminder that even in the most unexpected seasons of life, God's plan for us is full of purpose and promise. She demonstrates how God can take our most difficult moments and turn them into a foundation for new beginnings. Her story encourages us to listen for God's voice, trust in His timing, and step into the fullness of what He has for us in every season. If you're in a transition or looking for guidance in your next chapter, Kate's message is a beacon of hope and inspiration. Remember, the best is yet to come.Bio:Kate Battistelli is the author of The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom is Not Your Only Name, the bestseller, The God Dare: Will You Choose to Believe the Impossible, and Growing Great Kids: Partner with God to Cultivate His Purpose in Your Child's Life. She is a contributing writer to the (in)courage Bible for Women and The Spirit-Led Woman's Bible, and her writing has appeared in Guideposts, The Joyful Life magazine, The Better Mom, Mici magazine, and more. She is one-third of the popular Mom to Mom Podcast. In addition, she is an honoree with She Leads Tennessee. As a young actress in New York City, Kate had a life-changing experience, going from understudy to starring as Anna in the Broadway National Tour of The King and I opposite Yul Brynner for more than 1,000 performances. Kate and her husband laid down their careers in the Broadway theatre in answer to their first “God Dare,” moving out of New York City and into a life of homeschooling and home business. She lives in Franklin, TN near her daughter, contemporary Christian recording artist Francesca Battistelli, and seven precious grandchildren. Kate serves women by encouraging them to step out of their safe space and into His irresistible future.Anchor Verses:Psalm 16:5-8Connect with Kate:Website: https://katebattistelli.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/katebattistelli/LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/katebattistelliGet the introduction and first chapter of her book by texting “AFTERPARTY” to 44144!***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

Episode Summary: In this episode of Your Hope-Filled Perspective, we are continuing the Sacred Scar Story Series during which I’ve had the blessing to interview many people who have experienced some very painful wounds, but then saw God heal and do a redemptive work and bring about beautiful sacred scars. Maureen Miller shares about her devastatingly painful wound when she had dreamed of becoming a mother since early childhood only to have doctors report that short of the miraculous, she would be unable to conceive. She shares how she coped with her pain and her grief, and how God ultimately fulfilled her dream of motherhood through adoption. Quotables from the episode: Everyone has a story about something that has wounded them and caused pain. My scars have been more emotional scars having to do with the loss of a dream since I was a little girl, of being mom and so looking forward to having children and being able to do all the things that moms love to do with their kids. I married my high school sweetheart and not long after that we realized we were going to have difficulty conceiving. It was painful to hear a doctor say that short of the miraculous, you will never have children biologically. Those words felt like the death of a dream and cut very deeply. Having been raised in a Christian home, and having a good grounding in biblical truth and God’s promises, it wasn’t long before I really began seeking the Lord and asking him how he might use this pain for something good and bring something beautiful out of my broken body. I mourned and I grieved the death of that childhood dream that I had held onto so tightly. There was a season when I shook my fist at God, but it wasn’t a long season. As I began to delight myself in the Lord, and be real with him, and at times even shake my fist, he can not only handle all my doubts and fears and anger, but he can even pry open my hands that were clenching that dream. He began to show me that as I prayed with my hands up and open, he could either take that dream away and replace it with something better, or he could grant me that dream in some miraculous way. As I meditated on the scripture and began to delight in the Lord, it didn’t mean that God would always answer our prayers in the way we wanted them answered, but he would actually fill our hearts with the dreams he had for us first and those would become our dream. As I mourned then sought the Lord and delighted in Him first, He began to show me that it was his dream for me to be a mom—it just didn’t look like I thought it would. We have the choice when we are wounded to either turn toward God and seek him or turn away and walk in the other direction. There was shame because I had to really remind myself that my identity as a woman was not wrapped up in me being a life-giver. My identity came in Christ and who he created me to be. The Lord confirmed for me that I was “blessed in my barrenness.” Our pain became a catalyst for me to offer sympathy, comfort, and help for those he places in our paths. I realized I had the ability to minister to birth mothers who chose life for their children, carry them for 9 months, and then give others the greatest gift of life they could ever give. When God impressed upon me that I was “blessed in my barrenness,” I realized my condition wasn’t a mistake and that God had given me a heart to sympathize and empathize with those who are hurting. Over time we were able to adopt three children, but we also experienced the pain of two failed adoptions that have their own sacred scars and round out our story. It’s a beautiful thing when we’re able to hold up our dream and offer it to God and say “Take this dream if it’s not yours, and you have something better, or if it is your dream, confirm it so I can walk it out in faith and joy knowing it’s according to your will.” Delight yourself in the Lord. Spend time with Him in His Word. Spend time with God in prayer. Surround yourself with Christian brothers and sisters who can really speak into your life and confirm the truth. Know your identity in Christ and surround yourself with people who will remind you of that. Trust that according to Romans 8:28, God will work all things together for good for those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. Journal so you can go back and look at the “stones of remembrance” and you can remember how God answered prayers. Once I surrender my will and my way, God has the freedom to work His perfect will, in His perfect way, and in His perfect timing. Scripture References: Psalm 37:4-6 NIV “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.” Romans 8:28 NIV “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Recommended Resources: Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Maureen Miller: Website / Facebook For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Guest: Maureen Miller has been married to her childhood sweetheart Bill for 35 years. Together they have three born-in-their-hearts children and three grand-girls and share life on Selah Farm, a hobby homestead in western NC. She writes for Guideposts, her local newspaper, and several online devotion sites, and her debut novel, Gideon’s Book, is due to release later this year. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hey listeners! I'm popping into you podcast feed with a surprise! Starting now, I'll be releasing solo episodes every other week to share some of my life experiences and Jesus moments with you! I'll still be doing interviews but thought it would be fun to be able to talk directly to you about my struggles and triumphs. And I'm calling these episodes The Kitchen Table. So why the kitchen table? I'm so glad you asked! I believe the dinner table is an important ingredient in the glue that helps us build strong families. My siblings and my children would agree. And so, these solo episodes that I'll bring to you, hopefully every 2 weeks, will be short stories of how I've seen God work in my own life through sometimes mundane, and other times amazing, experiences and how those experiences have grown my faith. Just like if you came to my house and we sat around my kitchen table enjoying a snack and a cup of coffee (or hot tea for me!). I may even share some things I'm learning in the Word that might encourage you. And since we're talking about the dinner table, you might have heard that one of my favorite recipes to make for a crowd is baked spaghetti. It's the meal my husband and I shared the first time we met, at a church youth group progressive dinner on New Year's Eve, 1979. My mother-in-law shared the recipe with me years ago and I've always made this my go-to meal when I need to feed a lot of people, especially when I had lots of kids over for youth group events or parties. Guideposts magazine picked up our story and even printed the recipe for the baked spaghetti that has kind of become my trademark. So, if you'd like to receive that recipe, go to the link below and sign up and you'll receive an email where you can download it. You'll also receive weekly updates about podcast episodes as well as any other events that might be happening and maybe even some of my thoughts on faith and family. You'll also be able to see a few Instagram posts from recent days. So, let me know what you think about this Kitchen Table episode and if you have a question or an idea about something you'd like for me to discuss, please don't hesitate to email me at buidingstronghomes@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you! I'll have a link to that in the show notes. Show notes and link to baked spaghetti recipe CarolRoper.org/podcast

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Brenda Yoder as she shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming food addiction, battling reactionary emotions, and learning to live authentically. Brenda opens up about her struggles with anorexia and bulimia, how she found healing through her faith, and the transformative moment when she realized she needed to break the cycle for her daughter's sake.We also discuss:✨ The importance of recognizing unhealthy coping mechanisms✨ How 1 Corinthians 10:23 & 10:13 shaped her journey to freedom✨ Learning to regulate emotions instead of reacting✨ Finding healing through faith and intentional choices✨ The power of authenticity, humility, and setting boundariesBrenda also shares insights from her book, Uncomplicated: Simple Secrets for a Compelling Life, specifically her chapter on humility and authenticity. We talk about the challenge of being genuine in a world that often rewards curated images and highlight reels. How do we balance what we share? How do we stay true to who we are, whether we're in public or behind closed doors? Brenda gives practical wisdom on how to set healthy boundaries while remaining real and relatable.If you've ever struggled with addiction, unhealthy habits, or the tension between transparency and privacy, this conversation will encourage you to seek God's freedom and take steps toward healing. Bio:Brenda L. Yoder, LMHC, is a counselor, speaker, author, and educator. She is the author of Uncomplicated: Simple Secrets for a Compelling Life; and Fledge: Launching Your Kids without Losing Your Mind. She's the cohost of the Midlife Moms Podcast and Facebook community. She also hosts and writes the Life Beyond the Picket Fence podcast and blog, covering a variety of topics on faith, life, and family beyond the storybook image.Brenda writes for Guideposts, Mornings with Jesus, and has been featured in: The Washington Post, Publisher's Weekly, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Every Woman's Bible, For the Family, and For Every MomAs a teacher, Brenda twice received the Touchstone Award for teachers. Brenda is currently a part-time elementary counselor and therapist in private practice. She and her husband, Ron, are parents to four adult children and two daughters-in-law and grandparents to three grandsons with whom they love creating new memories. Brenda and Ron live on a farm in Shipshewana, Indiana, where she loves gardening and spending evenings sitting on her front porch rocker.Anchor Verse:1 Corinthians 10: 131 Corinthians 10: 23Connect with Brenda:Website: https://brendayoder.comEmail: brenda@brendayoder.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendayoderspeaksFB: https://www.facebook.com/brendayoderspeakerLinktree: https://linktr.ee/brendayoderspeaks***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

Grief isn't just about losing a loved one or experiencing life's biggest losses. In this episode, I sit down with Natasha Smith to explore the often-overlooked grief we carry in our everyday lives. From unmet expectations to life transitions, we discuss why acknowledging these losses matters and how we can find healing in the small moments. Whether you're navigating a major loss or simply feeling the weight of unspoken grief, this conversation will help you give yourself permission to process, heal, and move forward with grace. Natasha Smith is a certified grief educator, advocate, wife, mother, and former engineer turned homeschooler. Now a two-time published author and a native of North Carolina, she is also a speaker and podcaster, sharing stories on faith, family, and grief. Natasha's work has been featured in Propel Women, Influence Magazine, Her View from Home, Focus on the Family, TODAY Parents, and other online publications. She has contributed essays to books with Guideposts and in So God Made A Grandma, a new release from Her View From Home. Natasha's books, Can You Just Sit with Me: Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life (September 2023, IVPress) and Black Woman Grief: A Guide to Hope and Wholeness (February 2025, IVPress), are available wherever books are sold.  Connect with her on social media @imnatashasmith. BOOK INFO: https://www.ivpress.com/black-woman-grief PRESS KIT: https://www.ivpress.com/Media/Default/Press-Kits/A0964-press.pdf EXCERPT: https://www.ivpress.com/Media/Default/Downloads/Excerpts-and-Samples/A0964-excerpt.pdf BIO: https://www.ivpress.com/natasha-smith Listen to her podcast and read her blog at imnatashasmith.com. Follow her on Twitter: @imnatashasmith     Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website

Wednesday March 5, 2025 Guidepost Solutions Chosen as TD Bank Monitor

God's power can help us to lead out, solve problems, nurture humanity, and strengthen relationships. One way we can access His power is in temple worship. In fact, President Nelson promised us this in his most recent General Conference address: “Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple. You will find His mercy. You will find answers to your most vexing questions. You will better comprehend the joy of His gospel.” And as women of faith, this is what we want! More Jesus in our lives. Because with Him, all things are possible.    Rosemary Wixom joins Brooke Walker in this episode as she shares three spiritual guideposts that have helped her find Jesus in the temple.   Join us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter!

A Conversation on Grief and Honoring Your Emotions with Natasha Smith During this episode, we are learning how to trust God with the fullness of our emotions.ROMANS 12:9-15 ESVLet love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,[a] serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.MEET NATASHA SMITHNatasha Smith is a wife, mom, and NC native. She is a writer, speaker, and podcaster, who shares stories on faith, family, and grief. She has inspired others through her writing for over 12 years. Her work has appeared in Guideposts and Focus on the Family print publications. And Her View From Home, TODAY Parents, Pray with Confidence, and other e-publications. You can find her online at imnatashasmith.comRESOURCESConnect with Natasha on IGPurchase Black Woman GriefGrab Liv's Resource to Shift Your Shallow Bible Study to a Sincere One Connect with Me on IGGrab Your Copy of Selah hereFind the Complete Show Notes HereSELAH: A STUDY OF 1 AND 2 SAMUELPurchase your copy of Selah: A Study of 1 and 2 Samuel

Purchase Spring Sings here Discover the way ahead at Indiana Wesleyan University. Learn more here. Purchase What Will You Teach Me here Listen to the Happy Home Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Arlene's book, Making Marriage Easier: How to love (and like) your spouse for life is now available https://makingmarriageeasier.com/ How do you protect your marriage from the many temptations surrounding you? New York Times bestselling author Jerry Jenkins has found a way to protect his marriage of more than 40 years. He shares how husbands can love their wives and protect them by planting hedges - not in your garden, but in your heart. Jerry shares from his book, Hedges: 7 Ways to Love Your Wife and Protect Your Marriage. On today's episode, you'll learn: 2:50 Meeting his spouse… love at third site 9:06 How to “build a hedge” in your marriage 15:00 The difference between a male and female mindset 20:15 How do we help the younger generation appreciate the vow of marriage 23:23 Leaving the legacy of “building hedges” 27:00 How to keep loving your spouse, even when you don't feel like it Jerry Jenkins is the author of more than 195 books with sales of over 70 million copies, including the best-selling Left Behind series. Jerry's writing has appeared in Time, Reader's Digest, Parade, Guideposts, and dozens of Christian periodicals. Twenty-one of his books have reached The New York Times best-seller list (seven debuting number one). Jerry trains writers online at http://jerryjenkins.com/ Get Jerry's book, Hedges: 7 Ways to Love Your Wife and Protect Your Marriage https://www.amazon.com/Hedges-Ways-Love-Protect-Marriage/dp/164607128X Get Arlene's new book, Making Marriage Easier: How to Love (and Like) Your Spouse for Life https://makingmarriageeasier.com/ Get free date night ideas whether you have 15 minutes or one hour,...

What did you think of this episode?Are you struggling to get your writing started? Award-winning author Lori Hatcher shares five tips to help us increase our writing output. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I'm your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I'm so glad you're listening in. During this episode, you'll learn Five Tips to Increase Your Writing Productivity. My industry expert is Lori Hatcher. Lori inspires and equips others by sharing high-impact stories for spiritual transformation. A popular women's ministry speaker and writing/speaking instructor, Lori is an Advanced Communicator Gold and Advanced Leader Bronze with Toastmasters International. She writes for Our Daily Bread, Guideposts, Revive Our Hearts, and Crosswalk.com.Lori, welcome to Your Best Writing Life!Five Tips to Increase Your Writing Productivity Tip one – Write in order of priorities, not preferences. Release the tyranny of the urgent: at the end of the day, what is most important for me to accomplish today?Tip two – Use the four-bucket method, with either hard copies or digital folders. Notes app for iOS:Bucket of ideas: choose the one that resonates.Bucket of first drafts: write 500 words or one timer's worth (check this bucket first).Bucket of ready-to-edit: a complete piece (go to this second).Bucket of ready-to-submit: a go-to list of places to submit or in your book manuscript. Tip three: Use the Pomodoro method, intentionally moving up and down. Work for 25 minutes, then take 5 minutes off. Write in sprints (or more, perhaps 55 minutes on, followed by a 15-minute mental break during which you change locations and physical positions). Tip four: Create a page or word count goal for each chapter or element to ensure cohesiveness. This will also help you write tightly.Tip five: Pray before you write. God knows the words we need. Pray while you write, and pray after you write. Make time with God a top priority and release your work to Him. He always accomplishes what we need to do. Ask Him to give us His heart for our writing readers.LINKS A WORD FOR YOUR DAY: 66 DEVOTIONS TO REFRESH YOUR MIND, from Our Daily Bread PublishingLORIHATCHER.COM Visit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024". Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

This week on More Than a Lumpy Jumper, Bobby revisits the mini-episode, “Cultivating Play and Rest… but Mostly Play,” from Christmas 2023. Inspired by Brené Brown's work and the National Institute of Play, she reflects on why play is essential for creativity, problem-solving, and leadership, how to rediscover play as adults (hint: it's not lost, just forgotten!) and the fascinating “Play Personalities” and what they reveal about how we lead and connect. Play isn't a luxury—it's the key to joy, alignment, and even better leadership. Ready to bring more play into your life? Take a listen to this mini of a mini now!  Links The Gifts of Imperfection: 10th Anniversary Edition: Brené Brown Infographic for the 10 Guideposts for Wholehearted Living by Brene Brown Stuart Brown: Play is more than just fun | TED Talk The Importance of Play for Adults - National Institute for Play The 8 Play Personalities that illustrate how we have fun Hook - Food Fight Scene

In this special episode of The Guidepost, guest host Nick Jones welcomes a true titan of the fly fishing world, Keith Rose-Innes. As the Managing Director and co-founder of one of the most renowned fishing outfits on the planet, Keith shares his extraordinary journey—from pioneering remote fisheries to championing conservation efforts in the pristine atolls of the Seychelles. Dive into Keith's decades of experience as he reveals the secrets behind targeting iconic species like Giant Trevally, milkfish, and Indo-Pacific permit. Keith discusses groundbreaking scientific projects like the Giant Trevally acoustic telemetry study and the challenges and triumphs of creating sustainable, world-class fisheries. Discover how Keith and his team have balanced adventure tourism with rigorous conservation, leaving a legacy of thriving ecosystems and unparalleled fishing opportunities...

A writer of faith by day and mystery by night, Patricia Raybon is a Christy Award-winning author and essayist who writes the Annalee Spain Mystery Series and authors devotional writing for Our Daily Bread. A newspaper journalist right out of the gate, Patricia turned to mystery fiction during the pandemic and hasn't looked back. Her debut novel, “All That Is Secret,” won a Christy Award for First Novel and was picked by NBA All-Star Steph Curry as a Literati Book Club selection. The series' second installment, “Double the Lies,” won the Christianity Today Book Award for Fiction. The third in the series, “Truth Be Told,” was a New York Times Book Review pick among “4 Great Fictional Detectives.”Patricia cut her writing teeth in high-pressure newsrooms and won multiple awards for feature writing during her years at The Denver Post, where she was editor of the Sunday Contemporary Magazine, and later at the Scripps Howard Rocky Mountain News. Mid-career she taught print journalism for 15 years to bright graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Colorado at Boulder.Her personal essays have been published in the New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, USA Weekend, Guideposts, In Touch Magazine, Christianity Today, the Washington Post, and for National Public Radio's Weekend Edition.A lifelong Colorado resident, Patricia lives near Denver with her husband Dan, a retired educator. With two grown daughters and five grandchildren, they enjoy movies, popcorn, college hoops, and Masterpiece Theatre historical mysteries on PBS. They also love spoiling their grand-dog Max and grand-kitty Mittens.https://www.patriciaraybon.com/ https://www.facebook.com/patricia.raybonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciaraybon/https://x.com/patriciaraybon*********************************************************Judy is the CEO & Founder of the Judy Carlson Financial Group. She helps her clients design, build, and implement fully integrated and coordinated financial plans from today through life expectancy and legacy.She is an Independent Fiduciary and Comprehensive Financial Planner who specializes in Wealth Decumulation Strategies. Judy is a CPA, Investment Advisor Representative, Life and Health Insurance Licensed, and Long-Term Care Certified.Judy's mission is to educate and empower her clients with an all-inclusive financial plan that encourages and motivates them to pursue their lifetime financial goals and dreams.Learn More: https://judycarlson.com/Investment Adviser Representative of and advisory services offered through Royal Fund Management, LLC, an SEC Registered Adviser.The Inspired Impact Podcasthttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/the-inspired-impact-podcast/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/the-inspired-impact-podcast-with-judy-carlson-interview-with-patricia-raybon-christy-award-winning-author-of-books-devotionals-and-novels

We're back after the Christmas/ New Year's break! Did you miss us much?  One of our first texts this morning made sure we didn't miss the Guideposts devotional for today which mentions the radio station.  We spent some time recap our time spent on the holiday break. Dave had plans to go to Louisiana but had to miss out when his wife needed to make another trip to the hospital.  Bill has missed going to the gym as he went through physical therapy. But now he needs an excuse...

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Keaver Brenai. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus is our last scheduled episode for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Tyler Boss. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Dianne Jackson. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

After searching for a nicely shaped Christmas tree, our family decided to bring one home that represents the Colorado wilderness! Enjoy our favorite Christmas storybook, Why Christmas Tree's Aren't Perfect, and hear my kids' favorite Christmas memories.See our Ponderosa pine Christmas tree: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDXP83NRggm/Order your copy of Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Christmas-Trees-Arent-Perfect/dp/1501825836Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect was read and recorded with permission from Guideposts books.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Melissa Disney. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by James Seawood. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

On today's program, Chateauroux Fellowship claims to connect billionaires with Christian ministries…but we were not able to confirm with any ministries that they had received any of the funds. We'll have details.  And, a small reformed denomination commissioned a report by Guidepost solutions to investigate handling of sexual abuse cases…then it reversed its decision. We'll take a look at what happened. Plus, a new study finds that Christians are the most charitable…and the happiest. But first, California revokes Olivet University's approval to operate—but the school says it plans to stay open anyway. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Kim Roberts, Jessica Eturralde, Scott Bauer, Tony Mator, Heather Hahn, Diana Chandler, Brittany Smith, Christina Darnell—and you, Warren. A special thanks to Baptist Press and United Methodist News for contributing material for this week's podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.   MANUSCRIPT:   FIRST SEGMENT Warren: Hello everybody. I'm Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina, and wishing you a merry Christmas! Natasha: And I'm Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. And we'd like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast. Warren: On today's program, Chateauroux Fellowship claims to connect billionaires with Christian ministries…but we were not able to confirm with any ministries that they had received any of the funds. We'll have details. And, a small reformed denomination commissioned a report by Guidepost solutions to investigate handling of sexual abuse cases…then it reversed its decision. We'll take a look at what happened. Plus, a new study finds that Christians are the most charitable…and the happiest. Natasha: But first, California revokes Olivet University's approval to operate—but the school says it plans to stay open anyway. Warren: The California Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education has ordered that Olivet University's approval to operate be revoked. The order also requires the school to pay $64,432 to cover the costs of the investigation and prosecution. Because of this action, Olivet must cease enrolling new students and must propose a planned “teach out” current students. Natasha: What's the background to Olivet? Warren: Olivet, founded by controversial figure David Jang, was approved to operate by the state in 2005, but that approval expired in 2014 and has not been renewed. In March 2023, a complaint was filed against Olivet, seeking a revocation or suspension of its approval to operate. It included 14 reasons the state should revoke the approval, including failing to include a face-to-face instructional component, failing to provide all the courses included in the approval, failing to have necessary evaluations of faculty, and failing to demonstrate that Olivet has required financial resources. Last year, a group of former Olivet students sued Jang and the university, claiming they were part of an international labor trafficking scheme run by Jang and his disciples. According to reporting by Newsweek, Olivet University is also under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security for money laundering, human trafficking, and visa fraud. By the way, every time we write about Olivet University, we get emails asking if this is the same as Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois. It is not. The two schools are not related in any way. Natasha: What's our next story? Warren: If the plan of the Chateauroux Fellowship and its director Christian Thomas Lee comes to pass as promised, it would likely be the largest philanthropic initiative aimed at Christian ministries in American history. According to the group's own website,

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Edward Grinnan. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Bonnie Curry. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Lonein Lara. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this final episode in the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series, Suzanne Mattaboni discusses her debut novel, ‘Once in a Lifetime', and shares excerpts from the story. Set in 1984, where punk reigns and Andy Warhol rules, 20-year-old art student Jessica longs for a life beyond her reach. Dreaming of an avant-garde study program in London, she's stuck waitressing and navigating drama with her boyfriend Drew, who wants to date others. Life takes a turn when she meets Whit, a magnetic guitarist, and dives into a post-punk scene full of quirky characters—cheating waiters, mystics, a military drag queen, and a Svengali bouncer—all while grappling with the specter of AIDS. Jessica must decide if chasing her dreams is worth risking heartbreak and self-discovery. With a smart, edgy '80s vibe, ‘Once in a Lifetime' is a coming-of-age story exploring friendship, love, and ambition. Suzanne Mattaboni is a former Newsday reporter and a Pushcart Prize-nominated author of women's fiction, horror, and pop culture essays. She's also a retro podcaster and a past winner of Seventeen magazine's Art and Fiction Contest. Her work has also appeared in The Huffington Post, Chicken Soup For The Soul, Mysterious Ways, Guideposts.com, Seventeen, Child, Parents, Motherwell, Dark Dossier, Turtle, Humpty Dumpty's, Long Island Weddings, and LA Parent. She's had pieces featured in anthologies including Pizza Parties and Poltergeist (horror stories set in the 1980s), Writes of Passage, The Little Demon Digest, and The Running Wild Anthology of Stories.   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can't Stop” “Once in a Lifetime” by the Talking Heads “Catch Me I'm Falling” by Real Life “Purple Rain” by Prince “Sweet Dreams” by The Eurythmics “Once in a Lifetime” by the Talking Heads Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Suzanne's websites: https://www.suzannemattaboni.com/ and onceinalifetimenovel.com Suzanne on Facebook: facebook.com/suzanne.mattaboni Suzanne on X: @suzmattaboni Suzanne on Instagram: @suzannemattaboni80s Suzanne on TikTok: suzannemattabonibook ‘Once in a Lifetime' Spotify playlist Christy Alexander Hallberg's website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Rock is Lit on Bluesky: @rockislitpodcast.bsky.social Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Chloë Elmore. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jan Shaw King, 71, is a strong, resilient woman whose courage led her to create illustrative works that live on in all of our memories. Her first mentor was her grandmother who taught her to see colors and shadows and be brave enough to follow her path. You may remember Ranger Bob and How the Big Bad Wolf Saved Christmas. Children's stories make up a major part of her portfolio. Jan's company, Wyld Blue Entertainment, develops imaginative art for theme parks and major movie studios. "My impressionistic paintings of sea turtles are dedicated to the awareness of these magnificent endangered species." - Jan Shaw King What she is most proud of is beating an extremely rare form of cancer that only 3% survive. Her book, Life Lines, Verses for Reflection and Recovery is a treasured collection of inspirational verses of love and hope drawn from her personal healing journey as a 27-year cancer survivor. More recently, Jan has nurtured her love of sea turtles, all 7 species, and uses her creativity and activism to create public awareness of the plight of these creatures due to climate change.Connect with Jan Shaw King:Email: Jan@WyldBlueEnt.comWyldBlue Entertainment | WyldBlue Digitalwww.WyldBlueEnt.com | www.WyldBlueDigital.comWyldBlueProduction | www.WyldBlueProduction.comWyldBlue Digital PressWBDigitalPress@gmail.comwww.WyldBlueDigitalPress.comjan@SeaTurtleRock.comwww.SeaTurtleRock.comjan@JanShawKing.comwww.JanShawKing.comLIFE LINES: Verses for Reflection and RecoveryLIFE LINES: Metamorphosis of Change: Guidelines for Recovery Workbook

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Jennifer Clark. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Tyler Boss. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Janica Pilcher. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Johnathon Eltrevoog. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by James Seawood. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Guidepost, guest host Nick Jones dives into a captivating discussion with Matt DeLorme—a talented artist, accomplished angler, and passionate conservation advocate. Matt shares his journey from fishing the coasts of Maine and Seattle to blending his love for art and the environment through intricate relief prints. The conversation explores parallels between the patience and skill required for fly fishing and creating art, as well as the impact of advocacy projects, including a significant conservation victory involving river restoration. Matt also previews an exciting upcoming event at The Compleat Angler in Darien, CT, where art and advocacy unite to support striped bass conservation. Join us as we celebrate community, creativity, and the importance of protecting our fisheries.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Keaver Brenai. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“In October 1975, I was shot six times. And while I was on the hospital gurney, doctor told me I was going to die. I heard a very clear voice that spoke to me and said, you're not going to die. You're going to be a chaplain at San Quentin prison.” (Chaplain Earl Smith) Chaplain Earl Smith believes that ministry to the incarcerated is about so much more than rehabilitation. It's about regeneration. Using the power of his own story of transformation from gang member to pastor, Chaplain Smith has maintained a faithful presence and witness for many decades of pastoral service to the incarcerated at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, and now to professional athletes (including the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco 49ers, and the San Francisco Giants). Today on the show Mark Labberton and Chaplain Earl Smith discuss the moral and spiritual factors of prison chaplaincy and ministry for those on death row; the meaning of freedom and education; how he ministered to the leader of the Aryan Brotherhood; the difference that positive mentoring and coaching makes in young people's lives; and the transformative power of the gospel to go beyond rehabilitation to regeneration. About Earl Smith Born and reared in Stockton, California, the cycle of events in Earl's life came to a head in 1975 when he was shot 6 times while living the life of a minor gangster. Although expected to die, Earl's father's faith, prayers, and love seemed to bring him through. The words of his father have motivated him, since that event, “you are a rebel, but you are God's rebel, and God is going to use you to His glory.” In 1983, at the age of 27, Earl became the youngest person ever hired as a Protestant Chaplain by the California Department of Corrections. He is author of Death Row Chaplain: Unbelievable True Stories from America's Most Notorious Prison. Chaplain Smith currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Franklin Home, a Transition Living/Reentry Home for men and is the Team Pastor for the San Francisco 49ers' and the Golden State Warriors. From 1998 to 2006 Chaplain Smith was the Chapel Leader for the San Francisco Giants. Chaplain Smith has ministered to teams playing in NFL Super Bowls, MLB World Series and NBA Championships. In 2000, Chaplain Smith was recognized as the National Correctional Chaplain of the Year. Chaplain Smith has appeared on numerous broadcasts, including HBO, CNN, The 700 Club, Trinity Broadcasting Network and The History Channel. Earl has been featured in Christianity Today, Ebony, Guidepost, Ministry Today, Newsweek, People's Weekly, The African Americans and Time. Show Notes Get your copy of Death Row Chaplain: Unbelievable True Stories from America's Most Notorious Prison How Mark and Chaplain Smith met The value of education “I had to stop my education because of the execution schedule at San Quentin.” How Earl Smith got into prison chaplaincy “In October 1975, I was shot six times. And while I was on the hospital gurney, doctor told me I was going to die. I heard a very clear voice that spoke to me and said, you're not going to die. You're going to be a chaplain at San Quentin prison.” What San Quentin prison is like “We used to call San Quentin the Bastille by the Bay. The thing that really stood out for me was the fact that for 13 of the first 16 months I was there, the prison was locked down. The day I interviewed, two people were killed, so they stopped my interview twice. So I understood where I was. I understood the context of confinement. What I also went in there understanding was. It was not about rehabilitation. It was about regeneration.” “I believe that that's part of chaplaincy is not to allow the confines of the wall to dictate who you are.” A sense of liberty Fear and reality Earl Smith's ministry to the leader of the Aryan Brotherhood How faith shaped a capacity to be free from fear for the sake of love Mass incarceration and the new Jim Crow The drug epidemic and its impact on mass incarceration “How can you help us prepare these guys to come home?” “Whether you're on condemned role, if you have a life without the possibility of parole, or life sentence, or whatever it is, my job is still to share the same gospel message.” “Present your body as a living sacrifice.” Pastoral care in the prison system Calling prisoners by their first names instead of their numbers “When you've done it onto the least of these, you've done it to me, so there's a value in your presence.” Chaplaincy to professional athletes “The states that have the largest prison systems are also the states that send the most professional athletes in the pro sports.” Golden State Warriors and San Francisco 49ers The difference that positive mentoring and coaching makes in young people's lives “Every man wants someone to acknowledge there's something positive in what you're doing.” “They May Know Your Number, But God Knows Your Name” (Clifton Jansky, country western singer) God's way of paying attention to us; “how vested God is in our pursuit of being fully human” (reference to Marilynne Robinson) Performance and identity (reference to Ben Houltberg) Jerry Rice, #80 and “who wore the number before you?” Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes in Action “God is a relational God. … Sports is relational.” When did chaplaincy in sports become a thing? Pat Ritchie's chaplaincy Understanding the value and difference chaplaincy makes Documentary and Film Adaptation: Death Row Chaplain “A story not of rehabilitation but regeneration” “That's really what the story is about. Some of my yesterday, some of my today. And what I believe to be my tomorrow.” Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Dianne Jackson. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Melissa Disney. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Ben Little. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Tyler Boss. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Chloë Elmore. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Jennifer Clark. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by James Seawood. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Bonnie Curry. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Lonein Lara. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. This Mornings With Jesus will be one of our last scheduled episodes for this podcast. We have our Mornings With Jesus devotionals available in the Abide app. You can find them on the home page of our app, just scroll down a bit and you'll find them under the Devotional section. Please enjoy a free 30 day trial of our premium ad-free content, from your trusted friend for meditation, right here: https://abide.com/peace   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Join the Secrets for Infusing Every Part of Your Story with Emotion So You Can Satisfy More Readers, Create More Megafans, and Build a Fiction Empire workshop here: https://bit.ly/6FSWorkshop  

We meet you where you are — Abide is a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Start your day in a new positive way with this ‘Mornings with Jesus' devotional narrated by Tyler Boss. Each short devotional features an inspirational story with scripture to center yourself on the hope we have in Christ. Connect with God in a new way, anytime & anywhere, you can grow in Christ. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today we sit down with Heather Parady, the host of the top-ranked podcast Unconventional Leaders, to explore how outside-the-box leaders can scale their social impact in smarter ways. We dive into the art of storytelling, and why mastering this craft is your secret weapon. Heather shares how resistance, instead of being an obstacle, can actually serve as a guidepost in your journey. We also talk about the power of pivoting in your business, and why consistency doesn't always mean doing the same thing over and over—it's about being open to new approaches. Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond the surface and challenges conventional thinking. Takeaways Consistency doesn't mean doing the same thing over and over again. Data analysis is crucial for making informed decisions. It's important to pivot based on what the data shows. Testing multiple content series can lead to discovering what works best. Ideas should be nurtured and honored as living entities. Finding what lights you up is essential for creativity. Scripting helps in organizing thoughts and ensuring clarity. The order of information presentation affects understanding. Content should be recommendable to enhance shareability. Creativity often comes from connecting different ideas. Focus on the takeaway when creating content. Scripting can enhance the quality of your content. Storytelling is a craft that requires study and reverence. Chapters 00:00 The Power of Consistency and Pivoting 02:53 Data-Driven Decisions in Content Creation 06:00 The Importance of Organized Testing 08:54 Creative Ideation and Idea Management 11:51 Scripting for Success in Content Creation 21:57 Crafting Compelling Content: The Importance of Scripting 24:16 The Art of Storytelling: Developing a Reverence for the Craft 28:44 Creating Space for Change: The Power of Letting Go 33:43 Faith and Creativity: Reconnecting with God through Art 37:46 Understanding Resistance: A Guidepost for Growth