Podcast appearances and mentions of Matthew West

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MY 1,000TH EPISODE!!!Good Morning! Today's Witness is about me and my journey with this podcast. Today is my 1,000th episode. I can hardly believe it! Back in 2019, I decided I wanted to change my career. I had my undergraduate degree in psychology and my Master's degree in Special Education. I was a teacher at a DoD school in Turkey for 2 years when our son Sam was born. Tony and I had both decided before having kids that I would stay home with them when we did have them. So, from Turkey we moved to New Jersey, where we stayed for 5 years, and we had two more boys, Noah & Ryan. I stayed home with the boys through our stay in New Jersey, our move to Germany, and our move to England. When we moved back to Massachusetts, our boys were in 6th grade, 4th grade, and 2nd grade. I decided to try to go back to work.I was a licensed teacher in NJ, but needed to take the tests in MA to get my license. While I studied for the tests, I decided to substitute teach. Once I got my license, I applied for a few jobs, but all of my teaching experience was now at least 10 years old. I also realized that although our boys were in school they were struggling with things and I couldn't really get a traditional teaching job because I never knew when I would have to go to school to pick our son up from school, or when one of our kids would refuse to go to school and I would need to stay home to watch him.I started trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I had done a lot of personal development stuff in the years from 2015, when we moved back to the states, to 2019, when I decided what I wanted to do besides being a wife and mother. I had been talking to a lot of people who were unhappy with some aspects of their lives, and yet they felt stuck. They felt like there was nothing they could do about it. I knew this wasn't true. I knew there was always something you could do to either change the situation you are in or change who you are in the situation. I decided to become a life coach so I could help people get unstuck. I wanted to help them overcome their challenges so they could live a happy and fulfilling life.I looked through several programs. One day, I found the Life Purpose Institute. They had a program where you could become a life coach and a spiritual coach. This was perfect for me as my heart really lies in the spiritual coaching, but I also still wanted to help people who were stuck with life issues as well. The program consisted of 60 hours of training. I took the 5-day intensive with four follow-up classes. After doing peer coaching, practice coaching, and taking a final exam, I was finally certified in December of 2019. I made my marketing plan and I was all set to go out and do workshops at local churches and local libraries. I was all set to build this business, and then three months later Covid happened and we were all stuck inside. No workshops, not speaking engagements, my marketing plan went out the window.It was also difficult because as I was learning how to have my own business and work from home, I also had my husband and three kids at home with me. I figured it out, I got some clients, and I was on my way. In June of 2020, I started a blog. Each week, I would write an article, sometimes about life coaching, but they mostly turned out to be Spiritual in content. I found out that writing about Jesus and my faith came pretty easily to me, much to my surprise. I say I was surprised because just a few years earlier, I was asking the Lord why I was the only person in my family who couldn't write. My siblings are all great writers. I have two siblings who have published books. My younger siblings are all really good at writing poems. It was just me who felt like I couldn't write. Either God changed that, or I just hadn't found what I liked to write about yet.In 2020, in the month of May, I decided to go on Facebook Live every day. I thought if I can't go out and get the word out about my business, maybe I could do it on Facebook. At this time, my brother Danny reached out to me and said if I wanted to speak in Public, I should join the Toastmasters Club, which teaches people how to do public speaking and also gives you lots of opportunities to practice. I was nervous, but I decided to give it a try and found out I really liked it. I even won awards in their annual speech contest three years in a row.For Christmas in 2020, my brother Danny and his wife Jess gave me a Blue Snowball iCE microphone so that I could have it if I wanted to go online or if I wanted to do a podcast. I was so excited. I spent the next few months trying to figure out what to call my podcast, what type of podcast it would be, and so on. My friend Kim helped me come up with the logo for it. I was so excited to see that it was actually happening. At this point, I have been listening to the Big Life Podcast with Pamela Crim for over 3 years now. She does a daily devotional podcast, and it is amazing. You should definitely check it out. I decided that I wanted to do this too. I decided each day  I would take a scripture verse and relate it to real life somehow. I was all set to go.Except for the fact that I had no idea how to start a podcast. I didn't know what website to use, what program to use to record it or edit it, how to upload it, or get it out to all the podcasting websites. Luckily, my brother John and his wife Rebecca had been doing a League of Legends podcast for about a year at this point. They actually had another podcast about movie reviews. So, I asked if they could get on a Zoom call with me and teach me. They were happy to help. So, after some help from them, I was able to find some free music on the internet to use to begin and end my podcasts. I wrote my intro and outro, and I was ready to go.My first episode was released on June 16, 2021. That was a Wednesday. It is funny looking back because I remember thinking I should start on a Monday, but at the same time, I didn't want to wait any longer. I just wanted to start. Now, almost four years later, I have reached my 1,000th episode. It has been such a fun journey. The podcast has evolved over time. During February 2022, my prayer group decided to do an online Life in the Spirit Seminar. The people who attended said that what they liked best about the seminar was listening to everyone's experiences about certain topics.This is when I decided to add “Witness Wednesdays” to the podcast lineup. Every Wednesday, I was hoping to get a different person who would talk about how God was working in their lives. At the beginning, I got a lot of different people. I have also given a lot of the witnesses myself, which was great because it helped me to look at the various events in my life and see how God was working in all of them! Then I discovered the PopWe website from Matthew West and his Father, along with the Global Awakening website and the Encounter Ministry's website. God is definitely still working powerfully in this world, and so there is no shortage of testimonies out there talking about it.The next change came when I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to add the words of prophecy that we receive in my prayer group to the end of each episode. I felt like the Lord wanted me to get His word out to more than just those in our prayer group. I also hope that if we get used to hearing what the Lord's voice sounds like and the types of things he usually says, we can better discern when it is not the Lord's voice speaking to us. We will hopefully be able to block out or ignore the enemy's voice more easily. If you want to receive a daily email with these Words from the Lord, email me at Catherine@findingtruenorthcoaching.com. They really are amazing. It really helps us to get to know the Lord in a different way. It helps us to see him in another light. It also usually happens to be just what you needed to hear that day.I want to take this time to thank every single person who has listened to even just one of my episodes. It means the world to me that you would take the time out of your day to listen. Thank you to those who have reached out over the years to share your testimony for Witness Wednesday or have just reached out to encourage me and let me know you like the podcast. I am so grateful to God for each and every one of you. Sometimes I will write a podcast, and I think it doesn't even make any sense, and then someone will reach out and say that the podcast really spoke to them. The Holy Spirit is good like that. He knows what people need to hear and speaks through me. I am well aware that it is not I writing these podcasts alone. I am aware that the Holy Spirit is working through me, and I am so grateful that God is willing to use me.My goal when starting this podcast was that I could help those who listen walk more boldly in their faith. My goal is to help everyone learn more about what it means to have the Holy Spirit living inside of you. I want everyone to discover the power they have living inside of them. The devil doesn't want you to know. He wants you to feel alone and weak. This is not the case. You are never alone as God never leaves your side and you are not weak. You have the same Holy Spirit that Jesus had living inside of you. The same one that empowered Jesus to do all of the miracles. The same one that raised Jesus from the dead.Did you know that Jesus didn't do any miracles before He was baptized? That is because He chose to only use the human part of himself, along with the Holy Spirit to do miracles. That means that you have that same power living inside of you! What are you doing with it? How are you using it? How could you be using it? John 14:12-14, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.  And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”Did you hear that? “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” Think of the most amazing thing that Jesus did. That thing that you just can't believe He could do. Then reread that verse. Do you believe in Jesus? Yes, then you can do the things he did and even greater things. This is the whole point of this podcast. I hope that if you have been with me for a while now, you are starting to realize this to be true. I hope you are starting to understand how powerful you really are. The enemy doesn't want you to know this, and I am hoping that enough of us start using the power the Lord has given us, and then others see us and they join in, and before we know it, we are all living in the power of the Holy Spirit. Can you imagine how different this world would be if we were all aware and living in the power that the Lord gave us?I love each and every one of you. I am beyond grateful for your support. If you are listening and I don't know you, I would love to get to know you. Please reach out to me through email at catherine@findingtruenorthcoaching.com. If you would like to give your testimony, send me an email. It really doesn't take a lot of time and could really help someone else out. If you would like prayers, send me an email. It would be my pleasure to pray with you over the phone or add your prayers to my list of prayer requests. Thank you again for listening and for celebrating this momentous occasion with me!! www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Today's witnesses are from Matthew West's website, called popwe.org. If you don't know who Matthew West is, he is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller. This website is for the non-profit that he has with his father, a pastor. Matthew and his father encourage people to share their stories. They have various categories of stories. Today, I chose two testimonies from the Marriage/Family Category. Satan is attacking our families, and I think it can help us to see that God is looking out for us. Satan wants to destroy families, but God wants to preserve them. Often, we can hear our own story in someone else's story. When we listen to others tell their story, it helps us see that we are not alone. When we hear how God worked in their situation, it gives us hope that He will work in ours, too! I pray that when you hear these testimonies, you get the faith and hope to believe that miracles can happen in your situation, also. I pray you know that God wants to be there with you, and if you invite Him into your family issues, He can help.Zachary: 2016 started out as one of the most exciting years for me and my wife, Amanda. We were living in Calcutta, India; working at Calcutta School of Music and starting our own company to support local artists and musicians in the city. Amanda was expecting our first baby, Chloe West Ray, and she was due to arrive at the beginning of December. Amanda was in her third trimester when she became very sick one night. We admitted her into the hospital in Calcutta, India on a Monday night. Tuesday morning Amanda was feeling better and Chloe seemed to be doing ok too. Wednesday morning, before we were about to leave the hospital, we went in for one more ultra sound. I can still hear the doctor say, “We can't find a heart beat” as if it was today. We found ourselves sitting in that hospital room broken and confused, with no idea of what the next steps would be.There were very few words of comfort that helped. Although people were praying and offering their words of comfort, it felt like a season of being abandoned by God. The dreams of holding our little girl were stolen and shattered. Grief is a funny thing. The initial sting and pain becomes dull over time, but the memories and dull ache continues. I don't think our hearts are created for this world to overcome “grief” from tragedies or loss of loved ones; it becomes a part of our story, our life. We become a different person. The beautiful thing is that God stays the same and meets us where we are. I can honestly say God tangibly became my refuge in one of the darkest times in my life. He brought a healing into my soul like no earthly person could. We may never be the way we were before, but He shapes us into a new and often stronger person. I don't think we get over grief until we leave this world.We found out the following year that we were expecting another baby. Due to the loss of Chloe, it was difficult to not allow our fear and worry to overwhelm our joy. We simultaneously jumped for joy, and breathed a sigh of relief when our son was born. Karina: When I think of my story, I think of pain, grief, overwhelming sadness, hurt, and betrayal. Then I think of hope, redemption, love, grace, miracles, and my salvation in Jesus.Five years ago, my entire world turned upside down. I experienced betrayal in my marriage after 12 years. I was in so much pain. My life seemed to have been one episode after the next of unfortunate events.I was so broken and so alone. I was in severe depression and taking depression and anxiety meds and using alcohol with it. I was doing anything I could to dull the pain I was in.I'm so thankful that God loved me so much that He pursued me in ways I'd never experienced before. I was blessed to become a part of a church. At a time when I was deeply hurting, I was shown the love of Christ over and over again. My pastor would say during his messages (and he still does) that I MATTERED to GOD. Honestly, I didn't even know that I did. God never left my side and He revealed Himself and His love to me. I had never known love like this before and he poured it out on me in waves and waves. He walked with me through the trials and the storms and he saved me and restored me. Then God led me to become a part of a women's group that has encouraged me, prayed with me and laughed with me. These women have become my sisters. We've shared a bond stronger than any blood relationship I've ever had. Words can't describe the love in my heart that I have for each of them. God has healed me in ways I couldn't see possible five years ago or even three years ago. He resurrected my dead marriage which is a miracle in a way because there was no way I could see this being restored or if reconciliation was even an option. That's the God I serve. He is full of compassion, LOVE, mercy, and GRACE… He pursues us even when we turn our backs on Him. He loved me even when I didn't love myself; He showed me I was His, that I was never forsaken; that I was chosen, a daughter of the One True King. He healed my heart, renewed my mind and made me brand new! The only way I can end this is by saying “Thank You, JESUS” ❤️Thank you all so much for sharing your stories. I pray you continue to rely on the Lord and that He continues to bless your families. I know it can be hard to share your story with the world, and yet when you do, it helps others see God working in their life as well.  Thank you again! www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

He rocked the American Idol stage and topped the Christian charts with hits like "Build a Boat," but Colton Dixon never expected his next project would be... a children's book! Fresh off the Winter Jam tour, Colton sits down with Matthew West to talk about his surprising new book, also titled "Build a Boat," inspired by his smash song and his four-year-old twin daughters. Let's go to the Story House!

Today's witnesses are from Matthew West's website, called popwe.org. If you don't know who Matthew West is, he is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller. This website is for the non-profit that he has with his father, a pastor. Matthew and his father encourage people to share their stories. They have various categories of stories. Today, I chose two testimonies from the Anxiety/Depression Category. I know so many people who are struggling with anxiety and depression right now. Suicide seems to be increasing as well. Often, we can hear our own story in someone else's story. When we listen to others tell their story, it helps us see that we are not alone. When we hear how God worked in their situation, it gives us hope that He will work in ours, too! I pray that when you hear these testimonies, you get the faith and hope to believe that miracles can happen in your situation, too. I pray you know that God is there with you, and if you invite Him into your anxiety and depression, He can help.Blair: Every story has a beginning. Even God's Word says “In the beginning” Genesis 1:1. So here's how my beginning led me to where I am now. I was born into a “Christian” home. We went to church, we went to Youth Group, and we participated in missionary activities at the church. But there was not a Bible to be seen in our whole house. I'm the first of three children, the Type A, do everything right, be the perfect kid. That's great, but try being that way with a mother who was emotionally, psychologically, verbally, and sometimes, very rarely, physically abusive.I didn't have a traditional mother-daughter relationship doing things together. I was a good student- no- I had to be a perfect student. When my brother was born, the last child, it was made very clear who the favorite child was. My sister and I were knocked out of place because we were girls. So, in the beginning, I was not the gender my mother wanted me to be. As the years went by, it was more of the same treatment with little in the way of any faith journey or building a relationship with Jesus. When I began having children, the stress of that sent me over the edge. The depression and anxiety were debilitating. I felt like I was in a valley and didn't know how to climb out. My husband was a pastor and even then my faith was very shallow.Things continued to spiral out of control and I ended up in the psychiatric ward of the hospital three times. Sadly, some of those times were because of suicide attempts. The whole of 2011 I basically spent in bed. I felt hopeless, useless, exhausted, unworthy, scared, anxious, and I could go on. I finally got a doctor who tweaked my medication so that I could go about “normal” life. Two weeks after my last stay in the hospital, my husband of 18 years passed away at the age of 44 on Christmas Eve. My boys were 17,15, 11, and 9.This is where the story of my new life in Christ began. Just like there were medication changes, there were also church changes that led to soul changes. I could actually hear God. I wanted to learn everything about Him. The more I began leaning into Him, the more He leaned into me. I lost my dad two years before my husband and my mom three years after my husband. But I was as ok as ok could be given the circumstances life has, is, and will be. That's life. I am so thankful for the valleys because then I was able to enjoy the mountain tops. God has a reason for me being here. Understand that my life still hasn't been perfect. I've had many financial difficulties. I've had difficulties being a man to four boys not knowing what it means to be a dad. But I know 100% that all of these “tragedies” and “valleys” led me to “triumphs” and “mountain tops” because God has a plan that I can't see. He is with me ALL the time. He puts people in my life that help me grow- friends, pastors, and family. He inspires me through music. The words hit me in just the right place and at just the right time. I'm thankful for the music of Matthew West, Chris Tomlin, Mercy Me, Toby Mac, Zach Williams and so many other talented musicians that bring God to me. I love music but I love my Savior even more. And so my story continues until God takes me home to live with Him in glory. My past doesn't dictate my future and my past doesn't change my relationship with Jesus Christ. I'm so very loved by a God who loves me unconditionally. Guess what? He loves you that much, too.Jenna: I grew up in a Christian family. We went to church every Sunday and Wednesday and were a part of almost everything; Awana, Elevate teen group, and even school there. Two and a half years ago, I lost someone who I was close to because she felt the need to commit suicide. I was heartbroken and I felt like I lost everything. 2022 was a challenging year for me. I had daily panic attacks and felt like I was worthless. My eating habits went down significantly, and I was stressed all the time. As exams neared, I was super stressed and ended up passing out.Months passed and I still felt worthless. I planned to commit suicide when I got a text from a friend, and it was like a text from God. She said she heard I was going to camp and hoped to see me there. I thought if I waited til after camp, and then committed suicide it would be okay. So I went to camp and it changed my life. I met so many new people and was able to share my hurt with my church and they told me that I was not alone. Camp was my blue couch moment as I sat there in service Thursday night, I realized that I needed God in my life more than ever. I had already been saved, but I realized I hadn't been living like Christ wanted me to. I have had friends come and go in my life some that have stuck around for a while God will not let you down and he will always have someone in mind who will help you grow in faith and support you through it all. They can also help you overcome the hardships in your life.I still deal with anxiety and eating habits, but they have gotten so much better since camp and I am so thankful for all that my church has done for me. Also, I have my three closest friends with me right by my side and the Lord has blessed me with an amazing boyfriend who I love and who has helped me through a lot.GOD'S NOT DONE WITH YOU OR YOUR STORY! HE STILL CARES A LOT AND WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU. YOU HAVE A PURPOSE – TURN TO GOD TO FIND THAT PURPOSE AND YOU WILL BE FOUND.Thank you to Jenna & Blair for sharing their stories with us. I know it can be hard to be vulnerable and share your story; however, when you share your story, you are showing someone else that God is there and that if He worked in your life, then He can work in their life too. You are showing them that if you could make it through the hard time, they can too. Thank you so much for sharing!  www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Pull up a chair for a heartfelt and hilarious conversation as Matthew West welcomes his wife of almost 22 years, Emily West, back to the podcast! They dive into the real-life ups and downs of marriage, parenting young adults, and the constant journey of trusting God.Emily shares insights from their recent trip visiting their daughter Lulu at YWAM (Youth With A Mission) in Hawaii, witnessing incredible faith in the next generation while wrestling with the parental challenge of letting go. Hear Emily's powerful reminder for anyone worried about their kids: "In His will is the safest place for all of us to be".

Today's witnesses are from Matthew West's website, called popwe.org. If you don't know who Matthew West is, he is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller. This website is for the non-profit that he has with his father, a pastor. Matthew and his father encourage people to share their stories. They have various categories of stories. Today, I chose two testimonies from the Marriage/Family Category. Satan is attacking our families, and I think it can help us to see that God is looking out for us. Satan wants to destroy families, but God wants to preserve them. Often, we can hear our own story in someone else's story. When we listen to others tell their story, it helps us see that we are not alone. When we hear how God worked in their situation, it gives us hope that He will work in ours, too! I pray that when you hear these testimonies, you get the faith and hope to believe that miracles can happen in your situation, too. I pray you know that God wants to be there with you, and if you invite Him into your family issues, He can help.My name is Becky, and I want those struggling to know there is hope where there is faith, even if it's a small flicker of faith. I always believed in God, but didn't go to church. When my son was in his teens, he was in an accident and injured his back. Fast forward to his late 20s, he was given pain medication and eventually progressed to stronger pain medications, leading him to addiction. His addiction became my addiction in the fact that I kept trying to help, but was only enabling him. He went through several treatment programs only to relapse, but I was always there for him, good or bad, and there was a lot of bad. He was my son, and I loved him unconditionally, just as God loves us unconditionally.I remember picking him up one time, and I was afraid to be in the car with him, so when we stopped for gas and he was done pumping, I drove off and left him there. I will never forget the look on his face when I looked in the rearview mirror and drove away. What kind of mother does this? I drove straight to the church by our house and just went to sit inside and talk with God. A pastor came up to me, and I broke down. He sat with me and prayed. I was a complete wreck. On the way home, I heard Matthew West's “Truth Be Told,” and I couldn't stop crying. This was me, saying I was fine and I wasn't. Things were definitely out of control. I believe God spoke to me through this song. I played the song for my husband, then I spilled my faults and all the things I had done to try to get our son sober to my husband. Later, even though God heard me with my husband, I confessed the same to God privately, and then some.I was broken and ashamed. I read scriptures, started going to church, and created a Christian playlist. My son got to a point where he did get sober, went to church, and Bible study with his daughter. He was baptized as a baby, but chose to be baptized as an adult, making a conscious effort to follow God's plan in April 2021. On June 7, 2021, I left for work, hugged him, told him I loved him, and was glad he was my son, not realizing this would be the last time. He relapsed that day with an accidental overdose that turned out to be 100% fentanyl. We had to make the decision to remove him from life support on June 12, 2021. In the beginning, I questioned why God would allow this, but I know in my heart God knew that if my son had survived, he would have been back suffering again, and that was not His plan. My son always said if anything ever happened, not to blame myself, that everything I had done, both good and bad, had kept him alive longer than he had anticipated. I was planning his 40th birthday, but he never made it. I gained some comfort that he was able to donate his kidneys- one to a 70-year-old grandmother and one to an 18-year-old named Luke, who wrote the most beautiful letter explaining his gratitude and sympathy for our loss. My depression spiraled the remainder of 2021, and the only thing that kept me going was the songs from Matthew West and my fumbled prayers with God. I am not perfect, I make mistakes, I fall down, but I get back up. I tell God I am not perfect, I neglect to pray some days, but I try to be sincere and get back on track. I recognize when God puts people in my life to share my story and experience. To this day, the words of “Truth Be Told” remind me of where I started and how far I have come on my journey. I am forever grateful.I just listened to your song “Untold” and was greatly moved by emotion. As a young girl, I was raped at 18 by the boy I was dating (whom I met at church). I was so naive, I didn't even know what was happening to me at the time. It took me four months and a few trips to the library to figure out I was pregnant. My greatest fear was having to tell my parents. When I did, my father refused to speak to me for weeks. I never told anyone the circumstances of the pregnancy, and my father never let me forget how I shamed the family.Since my mother made it clear that I could not stay at the house if I chose to keep the baby, I thought I would give it up for adoption, but by that far in the pregnancy, I began to feel the baby move. I had always wanted to be a mother, just not so soon. So, I decided to marry the person who did this to me so I could keep my baby and save embarrassment. Abortion was not an option. I had always supported the pro-life movement and never wavered from my stance, even in my current condition.After five years and a second child, we split. Shortly after, I remarried and had two more children, but marriage to an abusive alcoholic proved impossible. At 29, I was single with four children, but I was committed to raising the best children possible. That one decision to keep my baby laid the path for a life of struggle, but with blessings along the way. I have never regretted that decision. I gave birth to a strong-willed, independent baby girl who became a teacher, principal, and leader who has affected the lives of so many people, particularly children. She says she wouldn't change our life of financial struggles and other challenges, as it has made her the person she is today. She has greater compassion for other children experiencing similar challenges in their lives. I often think of what life would be like for the many if she hadn't been born. She is a strong Christian continuing to affect lives all around her.This decision was so much better to live with than if I had terminated the pregnancy.  Life IS sacred, from the moment of conception. Creating and bearing a child is one of the greatest gifts God has given women. And for a female friend of mine who couldn't carry a child, I did it for her.Thank you both so much for sharing your stories. Thank you also to Matthew West and his Father for creating a website where people can share their stories with others. It is always so nice to hear other people's stories because we know we aren't alone. No matter what it is you are going through, I guarantee someone else has been through it and they have made it to the other side. Once we know we are not alone, it somehow makes it easier for us to get through it. So, thank you both again! www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Today's witnesses are from Matthew West's website called popwe.org. If you don't know who Matthew West is, he is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller. This website is for the non-profit that he has with his father, a pastor. Matthew and his father encourage people to share their stories. They have various categories of stories. Today, I chose three testimonies from the Broken Chapter Category. We all have times in our lives when things don't go as we thought they would. I think we have all had tragedy strike in one way or another. Some are worse than others but I don't think anyone has had a tragedy-free life. The witnesses today are no different. They have had some truly terrible things happen and yet they are able to testify to how God was with them through it. Often, we can hear our own story in someone else's story. When we listen to others tell their story, it helps us see that we are not alone. When we hear how God worked in their situation, it gives us hope that He will work in ours, too! I pray when you hear these testimonies, you get the faith and hope to believe that miracles can happen in your situation also. I pray you know that God is there with you, and if you invite Him into your situation, He can help.April: I was saved when I was 10 years old. There have been times in my life when I was walking closer to Jesus and times when I have drifted from Him.I've done a lot of things in my life that I'm ashamed of and I have a lot of regrets. I've felt that God has punished me for my sins, especially on the night of September 24, 2021.My oldest son Cole was killed by a drunk driver. Nothing “bad” ever happened to my family and this was totally unexpected. My husband and I were doing everything “right”, raising our kids in church and feeling like we were leading them in the way they should go.When Cole was killed, it was and is still the worst pain I've ever experienced. I felt it was my fault. I felt God was punishing me for all the shameful things I've done. I still struggle with this.I know Cole is with Jesus because God shows me and tells me all the time that Cole is with Him. He does this in many different ways. I've learned to be looking for Him and listening to His voice, because if I don't I start to believe the lies of the enemy.I know that what happened to Cole isn't my fault because Jesus took my punishment for me when He died on the cross. I've asked God so many times “why did you let this happen? “Why did it have to be my Cole?” “Why not me?” Well, the answer is that as Christians, we're not called to understand why. We're called to trust. I choose this every day.My faith has grown stronger since Cole went to Heaven. I have more joy in my heart than I had before. I know that sounds weird and I do wish that my Cole was still here with me, but I know that given the choice to come back here, Cole would say “no.” It gives me joy knowing that Cole is with Jesus and that one day I will be there too.I am working on forgiveness, forgiveness for the man who killed Cole. I don't want to live in a cage of anger, so I have to choose forgiveness. It hasn't been asked of me by this man, but it has been required of me by God. “Father forgives them, for they know not what they do.” Please pray for me to forgive as my Father forgives me.Many times, when I'm driving down the road I will be crying and feeling sorry for myself and then “Don't Stop Praying “will come on the radio. This is not a coincidence; it's God telling me to keep trusting in Him and to continue to bring everything to Him and lay it at His feet. He goes before me. If He is for me, who can be against me?Thank you, Matthew, for being obedient to what the Lord calls you to do. Your songs are reaching many people for Jesus and giving Him all the glory. Robin: My entire life is one broken mess after another. I grew up abused and broken and then I married someone who left me even more broken. I have struggled with depression and anxiety and often thought that the world would be better off without me. And so would my kids. I never wanted them to walk away even a little broken; if I was not there, I couldn't hurt them. I was on the edge and ready to break and I just stopped and gave in. For years people tried to lead me to God and all his promises and I would not, could not believe them, no one had ever kept a promise before and God doesn't have time for this broken-down sinner. I looked at my aunt and sister-in-law and saw the peace and love I longed for. So I gave in. I listened. I prayed for really the first meaningful way. Then I understood. I am not broken, just cracked but I was still whole. I picked myself up and God led the way to my next chapter. I am still cracked and I always will be, but now I know I will not fall apart. Wendy: When I was 17 yrs old, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life so I took a year off from college to volunteer while I figured it out. I found a mission organization out of San Diego called Amor Ministries that takes youth groups into Tijuana, Mexico to build homes for families there. I found what I wanted to do for life there!! It's my favorite thing to do. I volunteered for years. Even when I went back to college, I took time off to go every year. After I got married, my husband came with me a couple of years, but we were broke and he only got a week's vacation each year, so I had to stop for a few years. It was heartbreaking for me to not go to help during their busiest seasons. Then after I had our second girl, I had a disc in my back burst and it was pinching a nerve to my left leg, so I was losing the ability to lift my foot. I thank God to this day for the spinal surgeon that was able to remove the disc from my spinal canal. Those years after the surgery were depressing as the pain wore on and I was sure I would never get to go back to Mexico again. BUT God!! When my girls were 2 and 3 yrs old I was finally able to start going back to volunteer again. My husband and parents took care of the kids every year so that I have never missed a year again except for when Covid closed the borders. This last year I was honored by the organization and given a staff shirt for all my years of volunteering. I started taking both my girls with me to volunteer about 8 yrs ago as well. I leave in March for my 30th year volunteering! Your song “Do Something” is my anthem for life.Thank you all for sharing your testimonies. When we share how God is working in our lives it helps others. It is not easy to be vulnerable and share about a time when things were so hard. We appreciate you opening up and sharing you struggles. It is really important that we all know we are not alone. Thank you! www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

This week on 20 The Countdown Magazine, WR3 takes you through the 20 biggest songs in Christian music — including a brand new #1! You'll hear stories behind the songs from artists like Colton Dixon, Leanna Crawford, and Matthew West, plus listener messages from around the world and our Station of the Week spotlight. We also have the winning Future Fan Favorite, artist news you need to know, and a special reflection for Palm Sunday as we head into Easter.20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit 20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

Every artist has a story, and Peter Burton's is one you need to hear. This episode is a deep dive into his journey of faith, resilience, and the power of music to heal. Peter opens up about his struggles with mental health, the pivotal moments that shaped his faith, and the inspiration behind his moving new song, "Where Would I Be." From a broken guitar to a renewed sense of purpose, Peter's story reminds us that God can use even our deepest wounds to bring hope to others. Let's go to the Story House!Connect with Matthew!Newsletter: ⁠https://matthewwest.lnk.to/emailsignup ⁠Facebook: ⁠https://matthewwest.lnk.to/FB⁠Instagram: ⁠https://matthewwest.lnk.to/IG⁠Website: ⁠https://matthewwest.lnk.to/website⁠YouTube: ⁠https://matthewwest.lnk.to/YT⁠TikTok: ⁠https://matthewwest.lnk.to/TikTok⁠Amazon: Ask Alexa to "follow Matthew West on Amazon Music!"

On this episode, I share how I began speaking to professional and college teams, starting with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2007 which led me to speak to the Atlanta Falcons in 2008 and countless teams and Training Camps since.   While visiting these Training Camps I learned a ton from the coaches. It was like a think tank where we shared and exchanged the best leadership, culture and team building strategies. I realized that not everyone can go to Training Camp and that's why I decided to bring Training Camp to YOU.  I want to invite you to join me for a one of a kind intimate gathering of only 150 leaders where you'll learn and interact with many of the best leaders in sports whose principles, strategies and lessons apply to leadership in every field and industry.   Never before have all these iconic and elite coaches been in one room together sharing their wisdom, stories, leadership lessons and faith. This event will be one of a kind and the only way to experience it is to be in the room.  It's happening May 15th in Ponte Vedra Beach, TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse. 

This week on 20 The Countdown Magazine, WR3 takes you through the top 20 songs in Christian music! We've got powerful moments from artists like Brandon Lake, Anne Wilson, Jamie MacDonald, and Jeremy Camp, plus the return of listener favorites like Katy Nichole and Seph Schlueter. You'll also hear inspiring behind-the-song stories, an encouraging listener message from halfway across the world, and an update on what Christian music artists are up to — including Phil Wickham, Jon Reddick, and Matthew West. We spotlight G2 Radio Network as our Station of the Week, and of course, reveal the winning Future Fan Favorite you voted for. Whether you've been with us from the beginning or just tuning in, this is a show full of truth, hope, and music that lifts your soul.20 The Countdown Magazine is listener-supported. Visit 20thecountdown.com to help us with our mission of spreading the Gospel around the world through music, one countdown at a time!

Episode 160 of the C-10 Podcast features a conversation with contemporary Christian music powerhouse Matthew West, recorded during our C You In The Major Leagues' 10th anniversary celebration in December 2024. In this special episode, Emmy Award-winning Fox 4 anchor Abby Eden teams up with CYITML Executive Director Matt Fulks to co-host an engaging Q&A with Matthew West. Eden, who later served as emcee for the evening's celebration, helps bring out unique perspectives in this meaningful conversation.As a five-time GRAMMY® nominee and recipient of ASCAP's 2023 Golden Note Award, Matthew has established himself as one of Christian music's most prolific songwriters, with an impressive 34 number-one songs to his name. But beyond the accolades – including an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, and multiple GMA Dove Awards – lies a story of persistence, faith, and the power of using your gifts to impact others.In this intimate session, which includes an audience Q&A, West shares personal insights about his creative process, the challenges of the music industry, and how his faith has guided his career. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his music, this conversation offers valuable lessons about pursuing your passion while staying true to your values.LINKS:For more information about the C-10 Mentoring & Leadership program for high school students, visit our website.To make a financial gift to give students life-changing one-on-one mentoring and to help families in crisis, visit our secure donation page.To listen to Episode 39, which features a previous chat with Matthew, go here.For all episodes of the C-10 podcast and ways you can listen, click here.If you'd like to make a comment, have a suggestion for a future guest, or your company would like to help underwrite this podcast, please visit our contact page.

Today we are discussing what it means to live Unashamed for Jesus. We will be diving into some great examples of how people around the country, college campuses, and sports leagues are proclaiming the name of Jesus. I hope this encourages you to continue to be bold in your faith and live Unashamed for Jesus in your everyday life. Let's go to the Story House!

Today's witnesses are from Matthew West's website, popwe.org. If you don't know who Matthew West is, he is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller. This website is for the non-profit that he has with his father, a pastor. Matthew and his father encourage people to share their stories. They have various categories of stories. Today, I chose a few testimonies from the Addictions and Deliverance Category. Often, we can hear our own story in someone else's story. When we listen to others tell their story, it helps us see that we are not alone. When we hear how God worked in their situation, it gives us hope that He will work in ours, too! I pray that when you hear these testimonies, you get the faith and hope to believe that miracles can happen in your situation, also. I pray you know that God is there with you, and if you invite Him into your situation, He can help. I hope you enjoy these testimonies.Jim: The story I have is 100% God!!!  In the darkest days of my opiate addiction, I went to jail.  Then, I received a three-year sentence.  I had never been in trouble as a teenager or a young adult.At one point, I overdosed and if God had not put air in my lungs, I would have died.  Nobody was around and nobody would have been there for days.God knows our hearts and I went to Greater Cleveland Teen Challenge and completed that phase.  Then, I went on to Cape Girardeau Missouri where I completed an additional ten-month program.Jesus Christ set me free from the bondage of drugs and alcohol!Thank you, Lord, for your sovereignty and for calling me out of the darkness and into Your marvelous light!Thomas: For years I was struggling with what everyone else thought about me. I was also struggling with a bad pornography addiction. But then I moved to Florida and during the North Florida Youth Revival I got saved.But after that, for years I bounced between that line of doing what God wanted me to do, and I wanted to do. I realized that I needed to stay on the path of righteousness.Then God brought my amazing girlfriend into my life. With her help I was able to crush my addiction and live a happy life with her and God by my side.But I also want to share a message we all need to hear and that is, God's not dead.He is alive. Through God anything is possible.Now I know at times it's hard to see it. But trust me God will do everything He promised us in time. We just have to be patient. God will do everything through his Son Jesus.Jennifer: I wanted to share some of my testimony, since Matthew's music has been a crucial part of my story. I met his father 3 years ago in Dallas and told him how much Matthew's song “Strong Enough” had an impact on my life. In November 2013, I was facing my 3rd DWI and time in prison. I constantly had this song playing because I didn't know what God had in his plans for me, but I didn't think I could handle prison. I would cry, work out, and praise God while listening to this song. I shouldn't even be alive with all the abuse I put my body through. But here I am, praising God through it.My attorney told me I was looking at 6-9 months prison time, and I had my 2 year-old son at home. I finally submitted to the Lord. While driving home from the attorney's office, I told God that if his plan was prison, then “Ok.” I completely submitted for the first time ever. Within 10 minutes of being home, my attorney called me and told me that he's not sure how, but the district attorney called him and said, he'd give me drug court, which meant tons of counseling and self work, but no prison time!!! I know now, that was GOD stepping in!!!This was the start of me changing EVERYTHING! I was able to become a sober mom, a sober wife, and a beacon of light for others who feel that darkness is all they can see. I started a blog and a website to help others and I now am over 6 years sober, with two sons and a wonderful marriage!!So many of Matthew's songs touch my heart as they talk about forgiveness, grace, and our amazing God, who saves us no matter what. Even when we feel like we are lost, He doesn't feel that way.Matthew, this is only a very, very small portion of my story, but I wanted to share how much of an impact you and your songs have made in my life. Thank you for expressing my heart and my words in all of your music. Now I can share your songs with my sons and they can feel the Lord through them as well. Thank you for sharing your heart and God's spirit in all you do.Brandy: My God moment was over 17 years ago. It started with a bad drug addiction my husband had to cocaine. He was so hooked that when he would finally come home, it was with no money left from his paycheck, and with people he owed money to knocking on our door. He had bad asthma, so when doing the drugs, many times he would have an asthma attack, until one day it was much worse.We had no house phone or cell phone, so I would have to go across the road to my neighbor's house to use a phone. This particular time he was having trouble breathing. He tried using the breathing machine, but he noticed it wasn't working. He said “call 911.” We had 3 little kids asleep at the time, so I took our littlest one with me across the road, beating on our neighbor's door. When I got back to my house, I saw my husband lying on our kitchen floor with the breathing machine still hooked to his face. His bowels had moved, he had vomited on the floor, and his lips were blue. “Scared” is an understatement, but I knew I had to push through the tears and pray for the Lord to help him. God stepped in and saved his life.The drug problem wasn't gone. Once again we would face this same situation. When the ambulance got to our house, they told my husband “if it wasn't for your wife standing out on the porch flagging us down, you probably wouldn't have made it.” I take no credit. I've always told him, and will continue to say it was God and God only. I wish I could say that was enough to get his attention, but it didn't. He just got better at hiding it.Part of our story is adultery, leaving, coming back, then making the decision not to leave again. I decided to trust God, and to fight for my marriage and deliverance for my husband. I started praying over him, sometimes when he was sleeping. I wasn't going to give up on something I knew God could do. It didn't come easy, but little by little he was set free from all drugs. In the process, God not only delivered him from drugs, but he also healed our marriage.Fast forward – we are in church, serving the Lord. Over the years, God has used what brought so much hurt and pain to encourage and show others that if God can heal, restore, and deliver us, He can do it for them as well.Thank you all for sharing your stories. I am sure your story is going to help others know that they are not alone and that wherever they are right now, that doesn't have to be their ending. www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Join us in this insightful episode as singer-songwriter Matthew West shares profound lessons from his journey, both personal and professional. He discusses how mistakes have led to wisdom he now imparts to his artists and children, the importance of prioritizing family, and the beauty found in every stage of life. With touching stories about his daughters, his commitment to mentoring young talent, and the balance of career and family, this is a heartfelt conversation you won't want to miss. Plus, stay tuned for some light-hearted moments with the Disco Ball of Fun!

I realized after posting yesterday's podcast episode that I missed Witness Wednesday. I was away for the weekend, and coming back on Monday must have thrown me off. However, I didn't want you to miss out on Witness Wednesday, so I am just doing it a day late this week.  Today's witnesses are from Matthew West's website called popwe.org. If you don't know who Matthew West is, he is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller. This website is for the non-profit that he has with his father, a pastor. Matthew and his father encourage people to share their stories. They have various categories of stories. Today, I chose two testimonies from the Salvation Category. Often, we can hear our own story in someone else's story. When we listen to others tell their story, it helps us see that we are not alone. When we hear how God worked in their situation, it gives us hope that He will work in ours, too! I pray when you hear these testimonies, you get the faith and hope to believe that miracles can happen in your situation, also. I pray you know that God is there with you, and if you invite Him into your situation, He can help. I hope you enjoy these testimonies.My name is Cyndi. My broken story started before I was even born. I was the last of my bio mom's seven kids.  Unfortunately, she was an alcoholic who drank during her pregnancy, so I have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.When I was born in 1971, I weighed about 3 lbs. I was adopted at age 1. Unfortunately, the family I was adopted into was dysfunctional. I suffered all manner of abuse, including sexual abuse. This hurt me so bad that I wanted to die for many years.I was diagnosed at twenty with Bipolar Disorder. But I didn't take the medication because I just didn't want to. I got pregnant at twenty-one.  I literally had my son on my twenty second birthday.  I married his dad four months later.But my husband was abusive, mentally, emotionally, and verbally.  And because I had never dealt with my previous abuse, I believed his abuse was my fault. Not only did I stay with him and raise my son, but I also had another child, a daughter, when my son was six years old.Even though I thought our problems were my fault, I still knew how ridiculous that sounded because I knew I didn't really want to live like that. I separated from him when my daughter was three and tried to take the kids.He used lies and insinuation to get them back. I ended up being divorced and having visitation with my kids. It wasn't easy, but we managed to survive. You may wonder about my faith throughout all of this. Don't worry, I'm getting there!  I was raised Catholic but got into the Jehovah's Witnesses in 1996. I stayed that in that group until November of 2022, when I learned it wasn't what I had been led to believe.I was a lost soul for a little while but came back to Christianity the next November and have been loving it since. I'm quite happy these days. I do take meds. I have two spectacular kids and a wonderful granddaughter. I've been through more therapy than I care to admit and I'm still in it. But I've learned that it's okay to not be okay sometimes.Because I spent twenty-seven years not doing any holidays or birthdays, I take care to do them all and really celebrate them.  I really appreciate and enjoy my friends and family. So, I guess I have a pretty good ending to my broken story.But it's all because of Jesus. I do wish that my kids would love Jesus like I do, but they have to get to know him from a different perspective now. Just like I did.Ben:  I grew up in a Christian home going to church every Sunday, being involved in AWANA and Youth Group, and going to Bible camps based on the Bible. The broken chapters of my life started before age 14. I was a Christian then. I believed hard on God, He was my Savior and He loved me. In 2017, when I was in the 6th grade, the garage of my house went up in flames. That was really tough for me and my whole family to go through. I hated God through that. It was about a year of moving around, and not being in my own neighborhood.
Further into my life starting around age fourteen is when I fell apart from God.  I got introduced into pornography. That was my biggest struggle. A lot of changes happened. I hated God and felt like I didn't belong with Him. Satan took me over and I felt what he could do to me. Just to be living through that, though, is how I saw God. I became an addict to pornography and that was really harsh. Going though that, plus still going to church was a struggle. I believed that God didn't want me and that He left me. I hated God for writing my life like this. And yet, I prayed almost every day for Him to bring me out of this hell, out of Satan's world.Skipping forward in my life, I am now two months from my 16th birthday. In late February 2021, I moved from my hometown of Naperville, IL to South Nashville, TN. This was the biggest move of my entire life. I was confused and scared of moving so far away, but during this time I was doing better with God. I felt Him closer to me and with me more often. As life moved on during February, I came to realize that God has made my life for a purpose and He has drawn my path. So I just had to trust God that He knew what He was doing in my life. In June 2021, me and my family took a trip back up to my hometown to see friends and family and the community. About halfway through the trip, I was fishing at one of my favorite lakes and started to talk to God. I fished there that day for about 2 1/2 hours and during that time I was having a conversation with God. I felt really close to Him and loved Him. I poured out my fears and thoughts.During week three of the trip, I was in bed one night thinking of my strong fear of death. It scared me so bad, something happened between me and the Lord that I fell apart again. That time was one of the closest times I came to taking my own life, but I never did because of God. He came into my thoughts and blocked that idea. I was so scared of death, I couldn't do it.In week 4 of June, my family and I made our way to Gull Lake Ministries, in Hickory Corners, Michigan. The Friday of that week, I was out on the fishing dock at night about 10:30pm and was listening to my Christian music playlist and the song ‘Way Maker' came on. I poured out my heart to The Lord Jesus Christ asking for forgiveness. After that night, I asked God to come back to my heart.  I prayed and I cried happy tears knowing I had been saved.The week before school started, I joined my school's marching band…lots of hard work balancing that with my studies and with God. A month later, I was greatly in line with God. A month after that I met this girl who was in my instrument section for marching band. She is a very strong believer and a true Christian. She is one of the main people that brought me back to Christ. We prayed together and we both shared music, verses and Bible plans to know Jesus more. Finding a church is one of the harder struggles along with finding a youth group that can be of fit for me to be more connected.
One week, she invited me to her youth group and I liked it. I was able to become closer to the Lord and know that community.Two days later, the thought of killing myself and hurting myself came back. I fell apart from God again. I talked to my friend about this, and she seemed really worried. She tried to talk me out of it. She talked to her parents and gave me music and Bible verses about how God wants me, loves me, and knows me. This lasted about two weeks which is the longest I have had in my life yet. The struggle with the aftermath –going through that was the hardest. Reconnecting myself with God, I found this song by Matthew West called ‘The God Who Stays.' I put this song on repeat and listened to it about 100+ times. The lyrics of the song are really powerful and meaningful. After about a week, I grew closer to Christ, and during worship in a church service, I poured my heart out to the Lord. I felt him right next to me and knew that He was with me. Over the last couple months, I have been in line with Jesus, asking for forgiveness, talking openly to friends about Him, and being involved with church leaders. Now I see and consider myself a Christian, after three years of on/off with God. I am back.I got baptized on February 18, 2022. I love Jesus and I never want to lose Him again.  Amen!Thank you so much to both of you for sharing your stories. You have both had such a hard journey. I appreciate you being vulnerable and sharing your story so that others know they are not alone. It also shows them that if God got you through it, he will get them through it too! Thank you so much for sharing!  www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Today's witnesses are from Matthew West's website called popwe.org. If you don't know who Matthew West is, he is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller. This website is for the non-profit that he has with his father, a pastor. Matthew and his father encourage people to share their stories. They have various categories of stories. Today, I chose two testimonies from the Healing Category. Often, we can hear our own story in someone else's story. When we listen to others tell their story, it helps us see that we are not alone. When we hear how God worked in their situation, it gives us hope that He will work in ours, too! I pray when you hear these testimonies, you get the faith and hope to believe that miracles can happen in your situation, also. I pray you know that God is there with you, and if you invite Him into your situation, He can help. I hope you enjoy these testimonies.Karen:  In 2004 my mom suffered kidney failure and started dialysis at 75. It was very hard on her while my older sister tested to be a donor and was ruled out. Then my older brother tested and was unable to donate. It's important to note that they are both biological children and I was adopted. I was also a single mom raising two kids at 37, so needless to say I was scared to donate, but I prayed and my growth group prayed with me. Come to find out, a man sitting beside me had donated his kidney to his daughter and was doing great 18 years later. I also kept seeing signs to remind me that “greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for another,” so I stepped up and was deemed acceptable but had to lose 40 pounds to do so.Mom was getting more drained by the day. I lost the weight in 8 weeks and surgery was scheduled for October, but mom suffered a hematoma and surgery was put off till February for her healing. The waiting was tough. It made me second guess but I still did it.  In February 2005, she was able to stop dialysis after I donated my kidney to her and my prayer was that God would take care of us. It's because of seeing the toll mom and my grandma went through on dialysis I knew I could never do that. Lesson learned. Never tell God what you can't do!Fast forward 14 years. I got kidney cancer and had a partial nephrectomy in September of 2019. Unfortunately surgery had complications and I had a collapsed lung, respiratory distress, and internal bleeding that resulted in a 34 day hospital stay including a medically induced coma for 2 weeks. My family was unsure if I would make it or not. I remember asking God to take me as I was on a ventilator and unconscious, but He said it wasn't my time yet, He had great plans for me. My kids still needed me so I asked Him to heal me. Within 2 days I was awake, and the next day the ventilator came out. A few days after that I left ICU for a regular room. That only lasted 2 days before being discharged to rehab for 2 weeks where I learned how to walk again.Unfortunately, my kidney never woke up after that surgery even though I still had 78% left, but they think the medications they gave me for the coma were too strong and could have damaged it further. Thus began my time on dialysis and boy was it miserable. Three times a week I would go in and be hooked up to a life-saving machine for 3 hours, then be exhausted after with muscle cramps, nausea, high blood pressure, headaches, and overall feeling miserable. I had numerous surgeries for peritoneal dialysis but it never worked. I had numerous hospital stays for high blood pressure, headaches, abdominal pain, and bowel obstructions. It was the roughest 33 months of my life.I was finally approved for a transplant in April of 2022 and on Mother's Day May 8, 2022 I got a new kidney! Praise God for only He could schedule that! After giving my mom a kidney in 2005, He gave me one on Mother's Day- amazing! It's now several months later and although it hasn't been a picnic I am so thankful to be on the road to health and healing. Blessed be the name of the Lord!We celebrated my parents 69th wedding anniversary this past Sunday and I'm so thankful for all that God has done and continues to do on a daily basis for me! To God be the glory!Emily:  Hello, I'm Emily. I'm a 10 time Breast Cancer Survivor. Yes, you read that right, ….TEN.It all began with a stomach ache in 2008. As I went to my doctor for a routine exam, she found the Cancer! Of course, I had to go through an ultrasound and mammogram first, but my doctor had saved my life by detecting this early, I thought.I was 33, had 3 kids, (ages 6, 2, and 8 months) and a full-time job teaching 1st graders at a public school. Cancer? Who has time for Cancer? I was told it is an aggressive form and difficult to treat, because doctors don't know much about it. I have Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I fought with everything I had through chemo, radiation and a lumpectomy.God and I spent a lot of time talking about how I was going to win this battle and with His help, I did, for 4 1/2 years.The Demon itself returned in March of 2012, just before my 5 year clear mark. I was devastated, scared, angry, frustrated and MAD at God. Why was this happening to me again? Why do I have to go through this again? This isn't fair! God carried me through the second battle, just as He did the first with just as much grace and comfort.Fast-forward to 2022. I've now had TWO double mastectomies, a lumpectomy, ten biopsies, a DIEP flap reconstruction surgery, 3 more rounds of chemo (78 total treatments), 3 different types of radiation (67 total treatments), and Proton therapy (35 treatments) to try and kill this cancer. It has reared its ugly head 10 times and this is going to be the last!!!Just a month and a half ago, I learned about a new drug that people were having success rates with. It was a Godsend and true miracle. An email delivered to my inbox revealed something we've been waiting for for 15 years!!!! The product is working and I will have another scan in February to hear that there is NED (No evidence of disease)!!! I am positive after reading the success stories!I tell my story to say this… God is the only reason I am still here!!!! Nobody survives Cancer 10 times without God. Period.  If you are battling Cancer of any kind, just know that God is on your side and He is the ultimate healer!!!! Without Him and our faith, we are nothing!! I'm still standing AND teaching for 15 years and 10 battles later!God is so good and Matthew West, you're my favorite!!! Your music inspires me and the children in my class from rough homes every single day!! Our favorite is “How Good Of God!”Thank you both so much for sharing your stories. I know it can be hard to be vulnerable and share your story with other. When you are able to do so though it helps other people see they are not alone. It provides hope to those who hear it. Thank you!  www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

If singer and songwriter Matthew West were to visit Israel—what would he most want to see—and why? What songs would he choose if he were asked to lead worship on the Sea of Galilee? On another note, how does he feel about the rise of Anti-Semitism in America—and across the globe? This week on The Land and the Book, Matthew West is in our studio to talk about…Israel, music, and more. Don’t miss this fabulous conversation…on The Land and the Book.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/landandthebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I Am A Child of God (Identity Series)1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”This verse is so powerful.  What great love the Father has lavished on us, isn't that powerful?  Can't you just picture the Father lavishing us with Love?  Or maybe you can't.  Maybe you struggle to believe that you are a child of God.  Maybe you struggle to believe that the Lord loves you, and the thought that He lavishes love on you is something that you just can't wrap your head around.  If this is you, you are not alone.  Love in this world is so complicated, and a lot of things can get in the way of us loving and feeling loved.  There is a song by Matthew West called “Hello, My Name Is.”  This song has the beginning line of the verse above in the lyrics, along with some reasons why we can't feel this love.  I want to go over some of those lyrics with you.  Also, there is a link to the song in the show notes if you want to listen to it.The song starts out by saying:Hello, my name is RegretI'm pretty sure we have metEvery single day of your lifeI'm the whisper insideThat won't let you forgetThis is true for so many of us.  We struggle to feel God's love because we have so many regrets.  Regrets over things we have done or things we have said; regrets over things we didn't do and didn't say.  When we have regrets, the enemy takes those, and he whispers them to us over and over again so that we feel like we aren't worthy of God's love.  The enemy doesn't let us forget about them.Next, the song goes on to say:Hello, my name is defeatI know you recognize meJust when you think you can winI'll drag you right back down againTill you've lost all beliefDoes this sound familiar?  Things are going well and then we start to get a voice in our head telling us that things will go wrong.  Sure, it seems like all is going well, but things always get messed up in the end.  Things have gone wrong so many times in the past that you start to think you don't deserve to win.  You don't deserve the happiness or the love that God has planned for you.  When this happens, we can start to self-sabotage.  We don't even know we are doing it.  The enemy just keeps telling us that we have failed in the past, so we will fail again.  He drags us back down over and over again until we have lost all belief in ourselves and sometimes in God.Then the song goes on to say:Oh, these are the voices; oh these are the liesAnd I have believed them, for the very last timeHello, my name is child of the One True KingI've been saved, I've been changed, I have been set freeAmazing Grace is the song I singHello, my name is child of the One True KingThis is a verse that we may want to write down and read often.  I know I say this about a lot of verses from scripture, and you may have a lot of Post-it notes or index cards.  I really think this one could help us all when we are feeling defeated or when the enemy is telling us lies.  As much as we want to believe that God loves us and that we are His children, sometimes, the things of this world get in our way.  Sometimes, we let the enemy's lies get to us and convince us that we are not worthy, that we are not loved, that we are unlovable, and so many other things that are not true.  For me, when I heard this song, I loved it.  I have listened to it a million times or so.  Well, that may be a slight exaggeration, but I have listened to it a lot. And guess what?  Now I hear this chorus run through my head when I need it to.  When I start to feel down on myself, I literally tell myself, “Catherine, you are a child of the one true king!”  When I hear this, I can't help but smile.  When I start to doubt myself, when I start to have regret, or when I feel any of the enemy's tactics, I tell him, sorry, but I am a child of the one true king.  You've got nothing on my God; He is my one true king.  I have even started saying this to my friends when they are struggling.  When they are feeling down and also when they are feeling attacked, I remind them who they are and who they are.  They are a child of God, the one true King, and He won't let the enemy hurt them.  He won't let the enemy win.The song goes on to say:I am no longer definedBy all the wreckage behindThe One who makes all things newHas proven it's trueJust take a look at my lifeWe all have things in our past that we are not proud of.  We have all said and done things that weren't great.  Whether we did them on purpose or not, none of us are perfect.  We live in a broken world, and this means that we hurt people sometimes.  Regardless of what you have done in your past, you do not have to be defined by it.  I think it is good to reflect on any areas that you are not proud of.  If there are things you regret in your past, then take stalk of them and hand them over to the Lord.  Ask Him to help you forgive yourself.  Ask Him to help you move past them.  We can not change the past, no matter how much we want to.  If we want to find peace with our past mistakes, we need to turn them over and ask God for help.  As these lyrics say, He is the one that makes all things new.  I also like how the lyrics say that he Has proven it true: just take a look at my life.  I think if we all took a look at our lives over the years, we would see plenty of examples of how God showed us His love, how He protected us from things, how He saved us from things.The song ends with:What love the Father Has lavished upon usThat we should be called His childrenHello, my name is child of the One True KingI've been saved, I've been changed, I have been set freeAmazing Grace is the song I singHello, my name is a child of the One True King, yeahThese are the words from the scripture verse above.  Can you imagine how much the Lord loves us to call us His children?  Think about how much love you have for your children.  Now, multiply that by a bazillion, and that is how much our heavenly Father loves us.  My hope is that when you start to doubt this, you remember this song, you remember this scripture verse, and you remember that you are a child of the one true king.  You remember that you've been saved, you've been changed, you have been set free.  You are not who you were, and you don't have to let your past mistakes define you.  God has saved you, changed you, and set you free from everything.  All you have to do is live in this freedom.  Don't let the enemy drag you back to your old self.  Anytime he starts to whisper lies in your ear, just tell him, “I am a child of the one true king, I am not listening to you.”  Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening to this episode today.  Lord, we are so grateful for all the love that you lavish on us.  We are sorry if we find it hard to accept it sometimes.  Please help us with this.  We want to accept all that you have to offer us freely.  We want to live in the freedom you have given us.  We don't want to live with any chains that the enemy tries to weigh us down with.  Please help us release anything that we need to release to live in your freedom.  You are so amazing and you give us so much, help us to accept it.  Help us to know that we are your children and that you love us.  Help us not to believe the lies of the enemy.  We are grateful for all you do for us, Lord.  We ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen.Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. I look forward to spending time with you again tomorrow.  Have a blessed day.Today's Word from the Lord was received in July 2024 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “The day is washed in Light, my children, washed and bathed through your hand, an extension of my hand. My hand is kind and full of compassion and love. You are all the extension of me. You are not separate from me. Never do you move alone. I am your guide.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

WHAT IS OUR BASIC PROBLEM? Referring to the book Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions pg. 42, the Montyman and Roger discuss the importance of understanding the basic problems that individuals face in addiction. They share personal anecdotes, including a humorous segment on restaurant experiences, and delve into deeper discussions about the nature of addiction, the role of spirituality, and the significance of community support in recovery. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the acknowledgment of one's issues as a crucial step towards healing. In this conversation, Roger and Monty explore various themes related to recovery, including the importance of humor, the impact of diet on health, the necessity of community support, and the need for persistent action in recovery. They discuss how emotional deformities can hinder progress and emphasize the importance of acknowledging and addressing these issues. The conversation concludes with reflections on gratitude and purpose in the recovery journey. Closing Song: That's My Why by Matthew West. #higherpower #aa #na #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #addiction #bigbook

Today's witnesses are from Matthew West's website called popwe.org. If you don't know who Matthew West is, he is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller. This website is for the non-profit that he has with his father, a pastor. Matthew and his father encourage people to share their stories. They have various categories of stories. Today, I chose two testimonies from the God Stories Category. Often, we can hear our own story in someone else's story. When we listen to others tell their story, it helps us see that we are not alone. When we hear how God worked in their situation, it gives us hope that He will work in ours, too! I pray when you hear these testimonies, you get the faith and hope to believe that miracles can happen in your situation, also. I pray you know that God is there with you, and if you invite Him into your situation, He can help. I hope you enjoy these testimonies.Brande: I have been dealing with back problems for a while and couldn't figure out what was going on. I was overweight so I thought that maybe that was the problem. But the more weight I lost the worse my pain became.In April of this year, I had an MRI done and found out I have Degenerative Disc Disease, Arthritis and Spinal Stenosis. I also have a tear in one of my discs and my L5 is pushing on my S1.So, in July I had an injection, and it didn't work. I went back to the doctor in August, and he had set up another injection for Sept 20th. But a week before, the doctor office called and said that my insurance would not approve another injection until I see the nurse practitioner. After I hung up the phone that day, I was upset. We were busy at work, and I was in a lot of pain. After work, I sat in my car and cried, feeling defeated. I wanted to give up.Then, as I was driving home from work, “Don't Stop Praying” come on and I started bawling. I knew that was God telling me not to stop praying.I shared this at church, and someone there works for SSDI. She called me and helped me start the process of filling for that assistance.I know this is all an answer to my prayers. That song means more to me than anyone could ever imagine not just for this situation but others as well.My name is Suzie, and this is my testimony of God's strength.Three months ago, I was faced with a dark season. This is a season I never asked for and never thought in a million years I would ever have to go through. I was lied to, and almost broken. My heart was shattered, and I felt numb to everything. I had no clue how this could happen. How could someone who is supposed to be my life partner do something like this?Being a recovering alcoholic, I could have easily fallen back to drinking to forget everything that was happening. But instead, I choose to turn to God, my Bible, and my pastor. You could say I choose the high road instead of the lonely, dead-end road. I thought I was doing well, and I was trying my hardest to keep my head up and be as strong as I could. Yet, it hurt, and I was emotionally tired. In reality, I was spiraling and not doing well at all. I felt like I was in tunnel vision and couldn't get out. I then took the first step in healing by admitting to myself I needed help and reached out to talk with a counselor. Admitting out loud that I needed help emotionally and mentally and that I was not ok, was a huge step in getting through this. In all thisI was getting signs that I needed to let go of everything I was holding onto. Which I really thought I had done. But in truth I was not listening to what God was saying to me. Until one Saturday morning.  I got a message from a friend checking in on me to see how I was doing. After talking with her I felt God telling me I need to let go of everything I am holding on to so I could start to really heal. So, I said a simple prayer that morning before getting ready for the day. After saying the prayer, God started working in my heart. During different times throughout the day, I wanted to leave where I was. But God said “No, you need to stay put. You need to be with others around you.” I soon realized I was right where I need to be, and I am stronger than I realized.   I also realized that I was truly holding onto some parts, and I needed to let go and let God work through me to heal.I am blessed beyond words that I have an awesome support system that knows when I am having a rough time or trying to fake it. I realize that I don't have to be strong all the time. It's ok for me to show my emotions and show that I am human. And it's “ok” to not be “ok” and most importantly it's “ok” to have bad days.I am thankful to God and His guidance and the love He has shown me. He has put people in my path through all of this storm for one reason or another. I am grateful for the little reminders He is showing me to keep my head up. I know my path of healing is going to be a long journey and it is not going to be easy. There are going to be tough days and easy days. If it was meant to be easy, then it wouldn't be called a storm. I am ready to see what God has in store for me no matter how long it takes.Psalm 27:14 “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”Thank you all for sharing your stories. I know it can be hard to be vulnerable and share what you have gone through. Yet, when we do, it helps others who are in a similar circumstance know there is hope that the same can happen for them. Please continue sharing your story. www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Navigate the true meaning of Christmas, beyond the commercial distractions in this special Christmas edition of "One Little Candle" with your host, Rebecca Berschwinger. In this episode, titled "Be Amazed, Unwrapping God's Gifts To Us This Christmas", we delve into the profound significance of Christmas, examining it as a beacon of past, present, and future hope. Reflecting on key scriptures, from the first promise of a Savior in Genesis to the triumph of Christ's return in Revelation, discover how Christmas embodies love, joy, peace, hope and light, and learn how believers can shine this light in their everyday lives. Rebecca also shares five practical steps to unwrap the gifts God has given us through Christmas. Scriptures cited:2 Corinthians 1:20 Joshua 21:45 Hebrews 6:18 Titus 2:13 and 14 Titus 1 21 Thessalonians 4:13,14 1 Peter 1:3 Genesis 3:15 Revelation 21:4 Revelation 22:3 Hebrews 6:19 Matthew 28:20 Hebrews 13:5,8 Romans 8:38,39 Isaiah 7:14 Galatians 2:20 Ephesians 3:17 Romans 8:28 Matthew 26:64 John 8:12 John 1:5 1 John 1:5-7Https://onelittlecandlepodcast.com Click on the link below to listen to the song, The Hope of Christmas by Matthew West. https://youtu.be/K8Sh01stC3M?si=ZS06pti8x3-ADzF_

My friend Matthew West is here and I loved this conversation! We catch up about work, life, and his new book, Come Home for Christmas. I love that we get to continue our Advent conversations with friends we trust like Matthew and I'm grateful we get to walk into Christmas with the help of his pastoring voice.  . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . . Join our advent study at https://www.anniefdowns.com/advent Join our Patreon community Single Purpose League as we tackle the question: What is my single purpose and what is my purpose while single? . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp:  Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 10% off your first month. Our Place: Go to fromourplace.com and enter our code TSF at checkout to receive 10% off site wide. Lumen: Go to lumen.me/TSF to get 15% off your Lumen.  Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/thatsoundsfun. Aura Frames: Save on the perfect gift by visiting AuraFrames.com to get $35-off Aura's best-selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code FUN at checkout.  . . . . . If you'd like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As this episode was recorded, Matthew West has a new project out called "Don' Stop Praying".  Plus his first Christmas-themed-inspired book as well. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/what-else-with-corey-mann--5802358/support.

Don't Stop PrayingJeremiah 29:12 “Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.”I heard this song on KLOVE this morning called Don't Stop Praying by Matthew West. I was wondering if I should use it for my podcast this morning, and then I saw on Facebook the verse above, and I figured it was the Holy Spirit telling me you should use it. A week ago today, I did an episode about how we don't have to fear and we don't have to despair because God is always there for us. He will bring us back from faraway places, and He will bring our children back, too. I know this brought people some comfort as they are really struggling right now and that episode was definitely words of encouragement for them.This morning, when I heard this song, I thought that it goes well with the episode about not fearing as Jesus hears our cries and answers our prayers. He tells us this often: I think we just struggle to either hear Him or maybe we just struggle to believe Him. I am not sure which, but I think this song can help build us up especially if we are feeling down this holiday season. If this is your first holiday season without a loved one, then you are probably trying to figure out how to navigate feeling so many emotions at one time. Feeling happy for the holiday season with the family you do have but sad you can't share it with the ones you have lost. Feeling angry that they are not still here with you and yet grateful they get to be with Jesus. There can be so many other emotions as well.I thought this song seemed to touch on a lot of the things we may be feeling right now, so I wanted to share it with you. The song starts off by saying:What's your impossible? Your "I need a miracle"What's got you barely hanging by a single thread?What looks so hopeless now? What weighs down your heart with doubt? What is your impossible? What is that thing you are praying for that you just can't see a way out? You can't see a way through. You can't see any solution, and yet you really need a solution. What is that thing that you are looking at and saying, “I need a miracle.” What has you barely hanging on by a single thread? What are you so upset about that you are ready to give up? You are trying not to; you are trying to hold on, but it is getting too heavy, and you are afraid you will have to let go. What looks so hopeless, and what is weighing your heart down? We all have things in our lives that we struggle with. I do believe some have it harder than others, but none of us have it easy. We all have something we struggle with. We all have heavy burdens; some are just heavier than others.The song goes on to say:You beg for a breakthrough, but no sign of breakthrough yetWhen you've cried, and you've cried 'til your tears run dryThe answer won't come, and you don't know whyAnd you wonder if you can bow your head even one more timeIf this is you, know you are not the only one. God's timing can take a really long time sometimes. We beg for a breakthrough, and yet we don't see any signs of any movement in the situation. God is working in your situation; you just haven't seen it yet. It reminds me of the story of Bamboo. A Chinese bamboo tree is planted, watered, and fertilized daily, but there are no visible signs of growth for the first four years. In the fifth year, the bamboo tree grows rapidly, reaching heights of up to 90 feet in just six weeks. Sometimes, our breakthroughs are like that: there is no progress, and then all of a sudden, we have a huge breakthrough.Have you been crying and crying so much that you feel you can't cry another drop? Have you looked for answers, and yet they don't seem to come? Do you feel like you can't pray anymore? Like you can't even bow your head just one more time? Do you try to pray, and yet no words come? You are not alone. If this is you, don't give up. As the song says:Don't stop prayingDon't stop calling on Jesus' nameKeep on pounding on Heaven's doorAnd let your knees wear out the floor Even when all seems pointless, even when you feel like your prayers aren't being heard, don't stop praying. Don't stop calling on Jesus's name. Jesus promised us that whatever we ask for in His name will be given to us so that His Father in Heaven will be glorified. So, don't stop asking. We are told over and over again in the Bible: ask, and you shall receive. We don't know when, where, or how we will receive, but God promises us when we ask, we shall receive. I love how it says, “Keep pounding on Heaven's door and let your knees wear out the floor.” This paints the picture of someone who is desperate for their prayers to be answered. How badly do you want your prayers answered? Are you asking the Lord every now and then, or are you pounding on Heaven's door and letting your knees wear out the floor?Don't stop believing'Cause mountains move with just a little faithAnd your Father's heard every single word you're sayingSo, don't stop praying Don't stop believing, and He will come through for you. Don't stop believing he can move the mountain in front of you. Don't stop believing He can fix your situation or heal your pain, sorry, and grief. Don't stop believing He will find you that spouse you are looking for or give you that baby you are wanting so badly. You don't need a lot of faith, just a mustard seed size, so don't stop believing. I promise you God has heard every word you are saying. He hears you and He is working all things for your good in His timing. I know that is the hardest part, waiting on his timing, and yet His timing is perfect.The song goes on to say:He's close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spiritThe Alpha and Omega knows how your story endsWhen you've cried, and you've cried 'til your tears run dryThe answer won't come, and you don't know whyAnd you wonder if you can bow your head even one more timeOh, do it one more timeAnd don't stop prayingGod is close to the brokenhearted. I have learned recently that sometimes, when you feel the farthest from the Lord, it is actually when the Lord is closest to you. You may not be able to feel Him there for one reason or another, but He is right there with you. The Alpha and the Omega knows you, He knows how your story ends and not just in a general sense. The creator of the universe knows you so personally that He knows how your specific story ends. Sit with that for a minute and realize how amazing that is. God is close to you, even when you are brokenhearted. He is with you, don't stop praying!Don't stop praying for the prodigalDon't stop praying for the miracleHallelujah, hallelujah, and amenDon't stop praying that addictions endDon't stop praying for deliveranceHallelujah, hallelujah, and amenOh, don't stop praying for the sickness healedDon't stop praying for His power revealedHallelujah, hallelujah, and amenNo, don't stop praying for the Kingdom comeDon't stop praying that His will be doneHallelujah, hallelujah, and amenDon't stop prayingWow, how does Matthew West know exactly what you are praying for? I don't know about you, but I am praying for almost every one of the things listed here. I love this encouragement to keep praying, don't stop. No matter how pointless it may seem at times, you are making a difference with your prayers. Keep asking the Lord to intervene. He hears all your prayers and He loves persistence. He has at least two parables about persistence in the Bible.The verse for today's episode says, “Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.” God is promising us right here in this verse that when we call upon Him and pray to Him, He will hear us. God always keeps His promises. So, if we call upon Him and come to him and pray, then He will hear us. He will hear our prayers for our prodigal to come home. He will hear our prayers for the miracles we really need. He will hear our prayers for the addiction to end and our prayers for deliverance. He will hear our prayers for the sickness to be healed and for His power to be revealed. He will hear us praying for His kingdom to come, and His will be done. God hears your prayers; I promise you they are not falling on deaf ears, and He is not ignoring you. He is working in your situation in the perfect way and in His perfect timing. Don't stop praying!!Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening to this episode today. Lord, we want to keep praying, and yet we get weary sometimes. Can you help lift us up and put us back on our feet when we fall down? Lord, can you give us the strength and perseverance we need to keep praying even when we feel like we can't even bow our heads one more time? We love you; we know you can do the impossible, and yet, at times, the voices of the world drown out those thoughts and make us think our problems are too big. Help us to see you are bigger than any problem we might have.  We ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name. Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in June 2024 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “I surround you with my comfort. All you go through, I will use to help others. I hold your hand. I will not abandon you. Move forward. I will empower you.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

RESTING ON OUR LAURELS. In this episode of the Came to Believe Recovery Podcast, Tom, Alicea and the Montyman discuss the dangers of complacency in recovery and the importance of continuous growth and spiritual maintenance. The hosts also highlight the significance of surrendering to God and cooperating with the recovery process to foster personal growth and avoid resting on past achievements. Closing Song: The Hope of Christmas by Matthew West. #higherpower #aa #na #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #addiction #bigbook 

Witness Wednesday #139 More PopWe Stories (Healing)Today's witnesses are from Matthew West's website called popwe.org. If you don't know who Matthew West is, he is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller. This website is for the non-profit that he has with his father, a pastor. Matthew and his father encourage people to share their stories. They have various categories of stories. Today, I chose three testimonies from the Healing Category. Often, we can hear our own story in someone else's story. When we listen to others tell their story, it helps us see that we are not alone. When we hear how God worked in their situation, it gives us hope that He will work in ours, too! I pray when you hear this testimony, you get the faith and hope to believe that miracles can happen in your situation, also. I pray you know that God is there with you, and if you invite Him into your situation, He can help. I hope you enjoy these testimonies.Diane: I have been a Christian since the age of 16 when I accepted Jesus into my heart. I got breast cancer in 2009. I was having a lot of pain in my right breast, and I thought I was having a heart attack. My husband told me to make an appointment with my doctor he sent me for a mammogram. It came back that everything was okay, but I knew that it wasn't. The pain continued and grew stronger than ever. I called my doctor and told him that there was something terribly wrong with me. I kept praying to God to please let the doctors find out what is wrong. The doctor sent me to a surgeon who did a biopsy. He called me the next day and told me to come in and see him and bring someone with me. I knew it was bad.When my husband and daughter and I arrived, the surgeon told me that I had stage 4 breast cancer. We then went to an oncologist who told me I had 16 weeks to live and that I had to have surgery to remove my right breast. I also went through chemo radiation. I never stopped praying and believing in my God. I had a clinical trial and in 2011 I was told that my cancer was gone and I had reconstructive surgery.Now it's 2024 and Matthew West his songs helped me so much. I recently lost my husband and Matthew's song, “Don't stop praying” has brought me through.Diane: On April 2, 2024, I awoke at 5am, on the floor in terrible pain. I could not get up.  It felt as if my hip was broken. I laid there for 12 hours until my family came home. I was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Tests showed that nothing was broken. However, the muscles in my leg were all torn. They also discovered that my kidneys had stopped functioning. Also, my potassium was dangerously high and causing an erratic heartbeat. The doctors asked me if I wanted CPR if my heart stopped. But I refused three times. Each time I refused, I closed my eyes and prayed God's will over my life. I was filled with peace that truly is beyond understanding. The doctors have no explanation for me surviving that night. Six days after my fall, I returned home. My kidney function's higher than it had been in the past three years. I know God spared me. I have work to do for His kingdom!Honey: My husband was hospitalized in 2021 at the age of 40 for severe COVID. He nearly died. We have 3 children who were at the time 13, 11, and 4. He was in the hospital for 3 ½ months. Fortunately, I was the only one working at the time, so we didn't lose income.  However, driving to see him 60 miles every other day used a lot of money.And since I was basically a single parent, any time my kids had appointments or got sick I had to miss work. God in His infinite wisdom had blessed me with a job at a Christian school, so I didn't have to worry about losing my job. But He didn't just stop there. Throughout the almost 4 months of emotional struggle, God provided for our every need. God provided Christmas by having one of the members of our church take me to the store and told me to pick out 3 gifts per kid and stocking stuffers. God provided tires by having someone gift me a $300 Walmart gift card just before my tire went flat. But He didn't just provide financially.I live in rural Kansas where hitting deer at night is a very real issue. Neither of our cars would have survived if we had hit a deer. But God protected me the entire time by always allowing me to see the deer and stop in time with no damage to me or my vehicles. He protected me from speed traps and tickets by either slowing me down or having the cop busy with someone else when I passed speeding by to get back home to my children.He strengthened me day after day and showed me almost every day that He was with me through the darkest time of my life. My husband's miracle is his healing, but my miracle was an everyday occurrence. I never would've had the strength to go to work every day, go to the hospital and hear bad report after bad report, and be home present and active with my kids if it weren't for God's never-ending strength and peace. He showed me His presence in songs that played, friends at church, kids at work, strangers in my town, sunsets, and His perfect timing in all things.While I was in it, it would at times feel overwhelming and I had to hold so tightly to each loving reminder no matter how small just to get up and get going. But after my husband came home, God allowed me to feel some of what He has protected me from. The weight of the ordeal would hit me in tiny bits here and there and I would praise God that He had protected me from that while I was in it. He has allowed me to process the grief and anxiety in snap pieces that I could handle. After seeing how He loves me, I know now that even if my husband had died, God would've taken care of me.Thank you all for sharing your stories with us! It is not always easy to be vulnerable and share your story, and yet when you do, it helps so many other people. May God bless you and keep you healthy. www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Ryan plays 'Thank You' by Dido returning from a break and Dan is inspired to add it to his romantic playlist for Aimee. Dan mimicks 'Gobble Gobble' and it was good enough fro Ryan to find the song by Matthew West online. Also, a flashback to 2010 and Rush Limbaugh telling the real story of Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock.

HAVING GRACE FOR THOSE WHO FALL. In this episode of the Came to Believe Recovery Podcast, The Montyman, Alicea, and Tom discuss the theme of grace for those who fall, inspired by an email from Kyle M. They explore the impact of relapse on leadership within the recovery community, the importance of accountability and forgiveness, and the human tendency to categorize sin. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding in the face of mistakes, while also addressing the consequences that come with leadership roles. This conversation delves into the complexities of reintegration for individuals who have served time in prison, exploring themes of redemption, second chances, and the societal perceptions that accompany these journeys. Closing Song: Truth Be Told by Matthew West. #higherpower #aa #na #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #addiction #bigbook

Today's witnesses are from Matthew West's website called popwe.org. If you don't know who Matthew West is, he is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller. This website is for the non-profit that he has with his father, a pastor. Matthew and his father encourage people to share their stories. They have various categories of stories. Today, I chose three testimonies from the God Stories Category. Often, we can hear our own story in someone else's story. When we listen to others tell their story, it helps us see that we are not alone. When we hear how God worked in their situation, it gives us hope that He will work in ours, too! I pray when you hear this testimony, you get the faith and hope to believe that miracles can happen in your situation, also. I pray you know that God is there with you, and if you invite Him into your situation, He can help. I hope you enjoy these testimonies.Sarah-Jane: I've been going through many trails the past several months. I faced a breakdown in my marriage due to mental and financial abuse.  I was depressed and life in general was getting a hold on me. I started to shut down and isolate from people and life. Best to do things on my own, or so I thought.  But it didn't work out great.I eventually shared my struggles with my close friends and family. They were the ones who cared for me and loved me.  I was so ashamed and embarrassed of the situation that I was in.But I am fortunate to have a loving church community that has been on my journey with me. I have handed everything to God. I have forgiven people that have hurt me.I believe that since I've opened my heart more to God, He has filled me to overflowing with the Holy Spirit just at the times I needed it. Whether it was through a worship song, a sermon or a Bible verse. He has the spirit pour over me in the past few weeks.  One day at church, we were invited to come to the front before the mercy seat, I couldn't speak, but within seconds, I just lost it and was crying tears of joy and trembling with laughter.God has shown me so much mercy and grace and it is good to know that I'm never alone. I'm forever blessed to have such a loving God who has made me whole, and He has given me peace and comfort in my trials. If God wasn't in my life, I don't know where I'd be today. He has opened many closed doors.  He provided a nice home and my children visit often. He has helped my anxiety and depression to be manageable. I am a much stronger woman and I'm grateful for God's love.1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 – “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”Jenelle: I had the next chemotherapy treatment today. It was number 4. I had a PET-CT scan last week which showed that the metastatic ovarian cancer has reduced in size, and nothing new has grown since the last scan in June. This is the 7th time I have had chemotherapy in 13 years. It has been quite a journey.Because of my experience I can speak with authority to others who are experiencing metastatic cancer and encourage them that God has not forgotten them, and that He always has a purpose for us.Kathie, a fellow traveler, needs prayer. She has metastatic bowel cancer and is questioning not only her doctors, but God. I keep encouraging her to trust God. I have told her that most people don't consider what will happen when they die. I've sent her Bible verses to encourage her. We are the privileged ones because God has given us time.I've had 13 years to plan my funeral! This life is just the shadow. We look forward to the real world that will go on for eternity.For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain! For me, Kathie, and everyone who submits their lives to Jesus, cannot lose! It's definitely a win-win situation! And I for one cannot wait to get to heaven!Jon- My name is Jon, and I want to tell you a story about how the Lord challenged me to trust Him during trials where I frankly thought it would be easier to just end my life. About 15-16 years ago, I blew out a disc in my lumbar spine. At the time, I had never experienced that type of pain, yet I didn't know it that God was giving me a practice session for what was to come. I was treated and it got better but then it came back with a vengeance, and I was taking pain medication like they were Tic Tacs, just to stay functional.I ended up having surgery and praised the Lord when I woke up, because the pain was gone… Again, the Lord was just giving me a break, before the big game started.Six months later, I was diagnosed with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was in a blue funk for a long time. RA is incurable. They don't really know what causes it and all the different medications were only to prevent more damage from happening.But God… He used this time to take someone who really had little patience with people and change that. God made me thankful for the blessings that I had previously not really paid a lot of attention to, and He compelled me to share those blessings. For a long time, my life verse has been Psalms 119:71 “It is good for me that I was afflicted, so that I may learn Your statutes.”Just recently, I was really depressed because I knew I was about to be laid off for the second time in a calendar year. That's when my wife introduced me to Matthew's song “How good of God.” We had been praying for direction in what to do when I found out that I was right and that I was laid off.But “How Good of God!” People I haven't talk to in years came out of the woodwork to help me find a new job. A lot of folks will say, “sure I'll keep an eye out,” but then never do anything. One person I had never met paid for a tool that helped me make my resume better. How good of God! More importantly, I'm saved! My wife is saved! My kids are saved! He has blessed me beyond measure, so I hope that if you're suffering or challenged that you'll remember how good God is. You may not understand but you can always trust Him.Thank you so much for sharing your stories. You may not think it is a big deal but the more we hear how God is working in other people's lives, the more we will see him work in our own lives. Your testimony is helping build the faith of others. Thank you! God is so good!! www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Today's witnesses are from Matthew West's website called popwe.org. If you don't know who Matthew West is, he is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller. This website is for the non-profit that he has with his father, a pastor. Matthew and his father encourage people to share their stories. They have various categories of stories. Today, I chose four testimonies from the Addictions and Deliverance Category. Today's witnesses are about how people who were addicted to drugs and, through the intervention of God, their lives were changed. I know people who are really suffering right now because of drugs or addictions, and so I thought these witnesses might give all those affected by addiction some hope and encouragement. God is not done in your situation or your loved ones' situation. If it's not good, God's not done! Often, we can hear our own story in someone else's story. When we listen to others tell their story, it helps us see that we are not alone. When we hear how God worked in their situation, it gives us hope that He will work in ours, too! I pray when you hear this testimony, you get the faith and hope to believe that miracles can happen in your situation, also. I pray you know that God is there with you, and if you invite Him into your situation, He can help. I hope you enjoy these testimonies.First we have Jim: The story I have is 100% God!!!  In the darkest days of my opiate addiction, I went to jail.  Then, I received a three-year sentence.  I had never been in trouble as a teenager or a young adult. At one point, I overdosed and if God had not put air in my lungs, I would have died.  Nobody was around and nobody would have been there for days. God knows our hearts and I went to Greater Cleveland Teen Challenge and completed that phase.  Then, I went on to Cape Girardeau Missouri where I completed an additional ten-month program. Jesus Christ set me free from the bondage of drugs and alcohol! Thank you, Lord, for your sovereignty and for calling me out of the darkness and into Your marvelous light!Next is Jane: God hears you when you cry out to Him, and I can tell you that it's true! When I was deep in the trap of addiction to alcohol and cocaine, I would cry out to God in desperation to remove it from me because it was literally killing me. He heard my cries, and in perfect timing, through a car accident, He released me from my addiction! The night of the accident, I wasn't under the influence of any substances, and the accident was caused by the other driver. We were both injured, but God took away my addiction that night and at that moment! It was a true miracle, and I hope that someone who has these struggles will be encouraged by my story. God is a way-maker, and He will remove your addictions if you keep crying out and believing in the power of Jesus! There have been many more miracles in my life, but I chose this one in hopes of helping a brother or sister in need!The third one there is a story of a girl whose family did not protect her.  I grew up in an abusive home where I was sexually trafficked by my mother to other family members. I told my pastor, my teachers, doctors, and nurses. No one did anything. So I grew to believe that I was unworthy, unlovable, and useless unless the person had an ulterior motive. I became seriously depressed to the point that I was diagnosed with medically-resistant depression. I was suicidal and thought of ways to kill myself daily. I sought counseling but it always failed to benefit me. I attended a depression and anxiety recovery program in November 2018. I had a gun in one hand and pills in the other and told God if He didn't get me in the program that I was done. I met a man named Paul with a ministry called “Straight 2 the Heart” who taught me about Jesus's suffering and being tempted with my negative thoughts. In the prayer process, receivers listen for God's still small voice and encouragement. So often that encouragement has come in Matthew West's songs as God reminds me of my identity and value. I've been sober and off of narcotic prescriptions and hard liquor for just over 2 years. Thank you for letting me share.Last but not least we have Karryn: I grew up in a good family, but I'd never felt loved. I didn't know why. I was also a very good liar since I was young, and I never understood why about that either. I have been listening to Matthew West's music since the first time I went into rehab in 2015. That was the first time I was introduced to Christianity. I was a bad methamphetamine addict. After rehab, I had my ups and downs. I had two beautiful sons, Jaz and Lucas, but I never put them first. In 2019, I went back into rehab, a Christ centered facility. But, I ended up leaving to be with my boyfriend, Dallas, whom I really loved. He was about 700 miles away from me. I got pregnant soon after we reunited, but we continued to use drugs. We lost everything. We were living in a tent, and were hurt both physically and mentally by the people in that scene. This is when I found out that Dallas had been raised in a foster home and his parents were strong in their faith. I began to pray. God opened up a door and we were blessed by St. Vincent's, a place here in Australia that helps those in need. That's where our lives changed, and I believe it was our Lord who changed all of this. I was still struggling with how to handle this pregnancy. The only thing keeping me from terminating the pregnancy was the fact that I had just begun to grieve a previous abortion.  On my Spotify, randomly the song “Unplanned” began to play. Dallas and I cried and cried. It was a massive turning point for us. We have been clean for months now.  We are off all substances. Our new son, Aleksandr, (Alek) has arrived and is a very healthy boy. We are just so grateful to the Lord and to Matthew for his music and especially for the song, “Unplanned.”  It was a moment in our lives that we will never forget.Thank you all so much for being brave and vulnerable and sharing your stories. So many others will receive hope just by hearing your story! I pray God continues to bless you along your journey! www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

It's never too early to talk about Christmas!   Christian singer-songwriter Matthew West joins Shannon for a conversation about how we can find our spiritual homes this Christmas season. In his new book, Come Home for Christmas, Matthew explains that our excitement about the magic of the holidays doesn't need to end with our childhoods, and that we can continue to find love, peace, and joy in our relationships with God. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show, we chat with 4 time guest, Matthew West! Matthew West is a five-time GRAMMY nominee, NSAI's 2022 Songwriter-Artist of the Year, ASCAP's 2023 Golden Note Award recipient and a multiple ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner. He has received an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, K-LOVE Fan Awards, GMA Dove Awards and has been named Billboard's Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year. A recipient of the Rich Mullins Impact Award, West also received a Primetime Emmy® Award nomination for Original Music & Lyrics for the title track for the feature film “The Heart of Christmas.” Dubbed “one of Christian music's most prolific singer-songwriters” (Billboard), West has been awarded RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications and notched 35 number one songs combined as an artist and songwriter.   In addition to his own recording career, he has co-hosted the K-LOVE Fan Awards seven times and has more than 250 songwriting credits to his name, including cuts by Anne Wilson, Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Mandisa, Danny Gokey, Casting Crowns and others. The release of Don't Stop Praying marks his 13th studio album. Composed of 12 inspiring tracks, West encourages listeners to commit to the power of prayer in 2024. West's most recent single "Don't Stop Praying" released earlier this year marks his biggest streaming single debut in his 20-year career.  Adding author to his list of accolades, West has written eight books to date: “Come Home For Christmas,” “Give This Christmas Away,” “The Story Of Your Life,” “Forgiveness,” “Today Is Day One”,  “Hello, My Name Is, “The God Who Stays” and his latest, My Story Your Glory 30-Day Devotional with one more slated for 2024. He is also passionate about providing hope and healing through the power of prayer and story. Along with his father, Pastor Joe West, they founded popwe, a non-profit ministry helping others to craft, share, and live a more meaningful life. Don't Stop Praying IS OUT NOW!  Matthew says, “EACH SONG IN ITS OWN WAY IS INSPIRED BY THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PRAYERS WE FIND OURSELVES PRAYING THROUGHOUT OUR LIVES. WE PRAY PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH WHEN WE ARE WEAK, PRAYERS FOR A MIRACLE WHEN WE NEED A BREAKTHROUGH, PRAYERS FOR PURPOSE WHEN WE FEEL LOST. MOST OF ALL, I WANTED TO MAKE A RECORD THAT ECHOED THE CALL I HAVE FELT IN MY OWN HEART TO HIT MY KNEES LIKE NEVER BEFORE AND NEVER FORGET THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT CONVERSATION I COULD HAVE TODAY AND EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE IS WITH THE ONE WHO MADE ME, KNOWS ME, AND HAS THE BEST PLAN FOR MY LIFE. I HOPE THESE SONGS INSPIRE YOU TO DISCOVER FOR THE FIRST TIME OR MAYBE REDISCOVER THE POWER OF A PRAYER.” matthewwest.com @matthewjwest christianmusicguys.com @christianmusicguys

Today's witnesses are from Matthew West's website called popwe.org. If you don't know who Matthew West is, he is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller. This website is for the non-profit that he has with his father, a pastor. Matthew and his father encourage people to share their stories. They have various categories of stories. Today, I chose a recorded testimony from the God Stories Category. Today's witness is about how two people met on an airplane and their lives were changed forever. God is so good when he orchestrates meet ups like this. Often, we can hear our own story in someone else's story. When we listen to others tell their story, it helps us see that we are not alone. When we hear how God worked in their situation, it gives us hope that He will work in ours, too! I pray when you hear this testimony, you get the faith and hope to believe that miracles can happen in your situation also. I pray you know that God is there with you, and if you invite Him into your situation, He can help. I hope you enjoy this testimony. We have all seen God working in our lives. However, we might not all be aware it is God working in our lives. This is why it is so important we start talking about it more. The more we share our experiences, the more people understand how God works and how much He truly loves us. If you would be willing to share any experience of how God has worked or is working in your life, please email me at catherine@findingtruenorthcoaching.com or click here. It won't take up much of your time, and your story could be just the story that someone needs to hear today. Prayerfully consider sharing. Everyone has a story, and the world needs to hear them. Music:"Adding the Sun" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ www.findingtruenorthcoaching.com CLICK HERE TO DONATE CLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring  CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emails CLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily life CLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Jerrad Lopes of Dad Tired and singer-songwriter Matthew West team up for a heartfelt and impactful conversation. The pair dive into fatherhood, faith, and how their journeys have shaped them as husbands, dads, and men of God. Highlights: Blending Two Worlds: Dad Tired Meets The Matthew West PodcastJerrad Lopes and Matthew West kick off the episode with a lighthearted exchange about their first-ever podcast crossover. They reflect on how they met backstage at one of Matthew's concerts and how their connection with mutual friend Micah Tyler led to this collaboration. The Birth of Dad Tired: Jerrad's JourneyJerrad shares the raw story behind the creation of Dad Tired, recounting the darkest season of his life when he was ready to walk away from ministry, marriage, and fatherhood. A moment of grace from his wife shifted everything, leading to a viral blog post and the start of the Dad Tired movement. Marriage in Crisis: How God's Kindness Saved ItIn a vulnerable moment, Jerrad opens up about the time he considered divorce, only to be stopped in his tracks when his wife shared how she had been praying for his heart to return to Jesus. This moment was the catalyst for restoring his marriage and reigniting his faith. Why Vulnerability Matters: Encouraging Dads to Be RealMatthew and Jerrad discuss the power of vulnerability, especially for men, and how sharing their struggles and emotional moments—like crying as dads—can create a deeper connection with their families and audience. They swap stories about shedding tears while dropping their kids off at school and the emotions that come with being a father. Handling Criticism and Staying Focused on the MissionBoth hosts reflect on their experiences with online criticism and cancel culture, particularly when stepping into sensitive topics. Jerrad shares his strategy for staying focused on the mission of pointing people to Jesus, despite the noise of negativity. Matthew recounts a time when he faced backlash for a song and how his family rallied around him. Raising Kids in a World Full of Lies: Discipleship and TruthJerrad shares his approach to discipling his kids in today's culture. He emphasizes the importance of teaching them to recognize truth according to God's design while also instilling joy in their hearts. Both hosts talk about how they strive to create homes filled with joy and faith, despite the challenges of parenting in today's world. Spiritual Leadership: Life-on-the-Go DiscipleshipJerrad explains his philosophy on discipleship, focusing on Deuteronomy 6's "as you go" approach. He encourages dads to look for everyday, spontaneous moments to disciple their kids, rather than feeling pressure to have polished, planned devotionals. Matthew chimes in, reflecting on his own experience of balancing ministry, family, and fatherhood. Exciting New Ventures for Both HostsJerrad and Matthew close the episode by discussing their latest projects. Jerrad announces his role as the new co-host of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger and his upcoming daily devotional podcast for men on the K-Love platform. Matthew reflects on the journey of balancing music, podcasting, and fatherhood, expressing his gratitude for the encouragement Jerrad gave him to keep his podcast going. Connect with Jerrad Lopes: Website: Dad Tired Instagram: @dad.tired Podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with Matthew West: Website: Matthew West Instagram: @matthewjwest Podcast: The Matthew West Podcast available on all major platforms. Resources Mentioned: Dad Tired Books (Available on Amazon) Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger Podcast This inspiring crossover episode is a must-listen for dads looking for real talk about fatherhood, faith, and staying true to their mission in life. Tune in for laughter, tears, and practical wisdom for everyday life as a Christian dad.

In this episode of Get Real, Caroline Hobby sits down with five-time GRAMMY® nominee and chart-topping songwriter Matthew West. In this exclusive conversation, West opens up about his roots in the church, the evolution of his faith, and how he navigates the world of fame as a Christian artist. He shares the emotional story behind his new song “18 Summers,” inspired by the bittersweet moment of sending his daughter off to college. We also dive into his latest album *Don't Stop Praying*, the challenges of balancing family life and a thriving career, and the secrets behind his strong marriage. Don't miss this heartfelt and inspiring episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's show, we chat with Leanna Crawford!Sharing songs that speak honestly about doubt and insecurity as well as the hope Christ offers in our darkest moments, Leanna Crawford's listeners find solace in her kind and wise words while tapping their feet along to contagious, pop-inspired beats. In her career to date, she has been writing, touring, and singing with some of the biggest names in the Christian music industry such as Michael W. Smith, Matt Maher, Matthew West, and Jeremy Camp, to name a few. While her music displays the vocal and songwriting talent of a star in CCM, it is her grounded and honest lyrics that make her feel more like a friend, more approachable than untouchable.Throughout her upbringing, Leanna has always put her trust in Jesus when it comes to leading her down the right path and navigating everyday worries. Leanna's faith keeps her grounded amidst the chaos of change and external forces; turning to Jesus when life becomes too much allows her to be honest with herself. Through her songwriting, Leanna is able to explore her feelings while praising God and putting her trust in Him.  Still Waters is out now! leannacrawford.com @leannacrawordmusic christianmusicguys.com @christianmusicguys

On this episode of Coffee, Country & Cody — we welcome Katie Pruitt and Matthew West!   0:00 - Welcome / What’s Coming Up 1:31 - Interview with Katie Pruitt 15:19 - Entertainment with Bill Cody 19:27 - Interview with Matthew West   Nothing gets a morning started better than “Coffee, Country and Cody.” The show’s namesake is Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Famer and affable television personality Bill Cody. Joining Bill is his producer/sidekick/sports guy/fellow brilliant conversationalist, Charlie Mattos. And rounding out WSM’s dynamic morning crew is Kelly Sutton, Nashville’s go-to entertainment journalist. Together, Bill, Charlie and Kelly start every weekday off with great music—country, bluegrass, Americana, Opry cuts, and live studio guests, the latest news, entertaining features, and more.   Coffee, Country & Cody airs LIVE Monday - Friday! You can listen on WSM 650 AM, and watch on Circle Country through the CircleNow app, and stream on Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Peacock, Vizio, Xumo, Redbox, Sling, and Fubo!   About WSM Radio: WSM is the most famed country music radio station in the world. Each day since it first signed on in 1925, the station has shared country, bluegrass, and Americana music, as well as the excitement of Music City with friends in Middle Tennessee and listeners around the world. Listen anytime on 650 AM, WSMradio.com, or our free mobile app.   Connect with WSM Radio: Visit the WSM Radio WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/650AMWSM Follow WSM Radio on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@wsmradio Like WSM Radio on FACEBOOK: http://bit.ly/WSMRadioFB Check out WSM Radio on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/WSMRadioInsta Follow WSM Radio on X: http://bit.ly/WSMRadioTweets Listen to WSM Radio LIVE: http://bit.ly/WSMListenLive Listen to WSM on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/live/wsm-radio...

Today's witnesses are from Matthew West's website called popwe.org. If you don't know who Matthew West is, he is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller. This website is for the non-profit that he has with his father, a pastor. Matthew and his father encourage people to share their stories. They have various categories of stories. Today, I chose two testimonies from the Addictions & Deliverance Category. Our family has been touched by addiction and I don't think we are the only ones. One of my sons is desperately trying to quick vaping nicotine, which he was addicted to before he was really old enough to understand how addicting it is. I think these stories will offer some hope and encouragement. Often, we can hear our own story in someone else's story. When we listen to others tell their story, it helps us see that we are not alone. Hearing how God worked in their situation gives us hope that He will work in ours, too! I pray when you hear these testimonies, you get the faith and hope to believe that miracles can happen in your situation also.Adrienne:  In 2014, I began praying to God to remove these addictions from me. My life was a mess and all I cared about was my cigarettes and alcohol. God led me to the right resources, and I did manage to quit smoking and drinking (although not at the same time and I experienced some slips.)In 2018, with the help of God and a stop-smoking community, I gave up cigarettes for good. Then on June 23rd, 2020, God helped me once again and both my husband and I stopped drinking. The freedom and joy I feel from having both of these substances out of my life is amazing and like nothing, I've ever known. The “buzz” I get now from a life well lived is so much better than any buzz I received from cigarettes or alcohol.
I am so incredibly grateful to be free of those chains. If you are struggling with overcoming an addiction, my advice to you is don't give up on yourself and trust God. You may not break free immediately but with patience, perseverance, and the love and help of our Savior, you can overcome even the toughest addiction.With God, ALL things are possible!Chris: My name is Chris, I'm 32 years old and I'm from Houston, TX. I'm married to my wife, Keyla. We have 2 daughters Kaylee and Madison and a dog, Charlie Boy. As a child, I grew up in a loving home. I'm the youngest of 5 siblings. I grew up with mom and dad at home. We always had a tight bond. The thing is we didn't know Jesus. Our lifestyle was that of sinners. Alcoholism and drug addiction were creeping around my family. At the age of 7, I was molested by a family member who was on drugs at the time. Years later, he committed suicide. But I forgave him. Mentally and emotionally it messed me up. At the age of 13, I myself started using drugs. I tried cocaine in the 7th grade, then started smoking marijuana. This was the beginning of a drug addiction that would last for a period of 18 years. At the age of 17, I went into a restoration home by the name of Outcry In The Barrio, founded by Pastor Freddy Garcia. By this time I was now using pills. My father was an alcoholic, my older brother, Jr., was selling drugs and was also addicted to drugs as well as my brother, Jerry, and sister, Brenda. My brother, John, was the only one in my family (along with my mother) who didn't care for drugs or alcohol.So, I walked into this small duplex 1 bedroom house with about 15 guys living there. The leaders and the Pastor of the church told me Jesus would change my life if I would only surrender. As I began my journey of sobriety, every day for the next 6 months was hard and I wanted to leave. But I started to notice something- I noticed my family was coming to church. My brother, Jr., was the first in my family to give his life to Jesus and decided to make a change within himself. He was tired of the lifestyle he was living. Little by little my entire family got saved. By the fifth or sixth month, we were all getting baptized and living for Christ. As I graduated my program at the age of 18, I wish I could tell you that was it- that I have lived a clean sober life. But that would be a lie.The next 13 years were a battle, but it was no one's fault but mine. After meeting my wife and getting married and having children, I thought that would help. But unfortunately and sadly it didn't. I was selfish, stuck in my own ways, or addicted. My wife had enough. She moved out and went back to live with her parents, along with my daughters and Charlie Boy. By this time I couldn't keep a job and I lost my house. I wrecked my car, lost my job, and found myself homeless on the streets and now addicted to crack. I literally lost everything. I was alone, in the streets, at times cold, at times wet because of the heavy rain, I lived like this for 3 long weeks. During the last week, after 6-7 days straight without food or anything to drink, I found myself in a prodigal stage. I cried out to the Lord and said, “Lord!!!!! What have I done? Look at me!! I have nothing!!! I'm alone in the streets. I have a beautiful wife and 2 beautiful daughters and I'm not there for them.” This was the rock bottom point in my life. It couldn't get any lower than this. As I was walking, talking to the Lord it was late, sometime around 4 am. I began to tell the Lord I was tired and very hungry. I wanted something to eat. Before I could even end my sentence, I saw 2 birds picking at a fry and it was then that The Lord spoke to me and said, if I feed the birds of the earth, how much more you that I call my son? I wept and thanked the Lord because I knew I was about to get something to eat. A few hours passed. I walked into a restaurant by the name of Shuttle Burger and asked for a cup of water. The owner looked at me and said, “Mijo, are you hungry?” I looked down and nodded my head “Yes, ma'am”. Some tears ran down my face as I whispered in a soft voice, “Thank You, Jesus.”  Because I knew it was Him. After the meal, this lady sat next to me and said, “I've seen you walking around here lately. You're new around here, aren't you?”I said, “Yes, ma'am. I am. I've lost my way due to addiction, and now I'm in the streets.”She looked at me and said, “Well son, you know what you need to do. Surrender your life to Jesus and He can set you free!”I said, “Amen. He sure can. I've seen and tasted of His goodness before.”She said, “You can again.”As I left this restaurant, I walked a few more hours and was able to work up the nerve, humble myself, and call my brother, John. He answered, happy to hear my voice. I said, “Bro, I'm tired, I need help, man. I'm homeless and I don't wanna live like this anymore.”He said, “Okay, bro. Where are you? I'm picking you up.”He picked me up and took me back to his house. I showered, got some rest, and decided the next day to go to rehab. I was there for a month, got cleaned up, started working, bought a car, got an apartment, and my wife started to see the change in me. She and my daughters moved back in. I was attending church and everything seemed fine until I found myself getting tempted and falling into temptation. There's a scripture in the Bible where Jesus tells the disciples to pray they won't get tempted by Satan. That's exactly what happened. My prayer life was not consistent. The very next day, May 24, 2020, I got on my knees and prayed, asking God to please forgive me, to please give me another chance. I said, “Lord, I know what will happen if I continue. I'll lose everything and end up in the streets.”I finally surrendered my life to Christ on that day 5/24/2020 and praise God, I'm going on 18 months of sobriety!! I give Jesus Christ all the honor and glory for the salvation of my soul and the forgiveness of my many sins. I now live a life of prayer, consistently praying, thanking, and praising the name of Jesus. In these 18 months, many things have happened. My wife and I bought our first home, I've been able to keep the same job, and I'm now writing music for God. I've learned that surrendering your life to Christ really works. He really loves us and wants the best for us. So with all that being said, this is my story. I hope it encourages and brings hope to everyone who reads and listens to my music. Amen.Thank you so much for sharing your stories. I am sure it wasn't easy, and yet it will help so many people know that they are not alone. I hope that anyone struggling with addiction hears your testimonies and believes that God can help them just as He has helped you! Thanks again for sharing! www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE FOR RETREAT INFOCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Matthew West’s “Don’t Stop Slaying” – 00:26 TWS News 1: Crime Fighting Otters – 5:24 One Word Weekend – 7:47 Monday School: Pride Rock – 15:34 TWS News 2: Surprising the Janitor – 20:25 Hawaii Vacation – 23:32 The Scoop: Photo Burst – 27:53 TWS News 3: Things We Love That Slowly Kill Us – 29:55 Regretful Names – 32:34 Rock Report: The 76th Emmy Awards – 39:39 Yay Sports: Swifty Game Play – 43:46 Teachers Pet Game – 46:52 You can join our Wally Show Poddies Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/WallyShowPoddies

Today, Pastor Chad sits down with musician and songwriter, Matthew West, to delve into the heart of prayer. They'll discuss the inspiration behind Matthew's uplifting hit song, "Don't Stop Praying," and explore the deep emotional and spiritual battles that prompt us to seek God in prayer. Matthew shares personal insights and experiences, including how facing challenges like vocal surgery has deepened his reliance on God. Tune in to discover practical tips for a more intentional prayer life.

Ever had one of those days where everything goes hilariously wrong? Jennifer kicks off this episode with a wardrobe malfunction story that'll have you laughing out loud, especially when you hear how her church pastors reacted. Jeremy also sets the record straight about his comments on Matthew West, sharing a delightful dinner tale featuring Matthew and his wife, Emily. The laughs continue as we explore the ups and downs of raising teenagers, moving homes, and a treadmill mishap involving Sadie that you won't want to miss.Parenting teens and relocating are no small feats, and we tackle these challenges with a mix of humor and heartfelt stories. From the emotional rollercoaster of moving and selling a house to the financial gymnastics of finding a more affordable neighborhood, we offer insights and laughs in equal measure. Our conversation is all about striking that balance between serious life changes and keeping things light, making sure you walk away with both practical tips and a smile.The episode takes a deeper dive into the realms of intimacy, boundaries, and dealing with addiction. We get real about the struggles of growing up in a church environment, the journey toward spiritual growth, and the importance of true surrender. Personal stories reveal the complexities of setting boundaries and breaking free from societal pressures, ultimately emphasizing self-awareness and emotional presence. And if you're nostalgic for retro gadgets or curious about the quirks of credit scores, we've got you covered with some humorous trips down memory lane. Join us for an episode that's as enlightening as it is entertaining!

Today we are celebrating the 4 year anniversary of the podcast! Thank YOU for making this show part of your story! Let's go to the Story House!

As a parent, when did you realize how fast time was slipping through your hands with your kids? You're going to hear a song by Matthew West that talks about the 18 summers that flew by for him. Then, it's your turn. Maybe it hit you when you took your child to college—or that moment of letting go in the first grade. Don't miss the stories and emotion on Chris Fabry Live.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was the thought that counts for Dave when Mac Powell told him he would bring his canoe down to help him the next time he gets flooded in.  Carmen showed some appreciation for the thought and effort that her new doctor put in to her first visit.  Emily West is counting down the days until her daughter comes home from college for a visit and Emily's husband, Matthew West, has a song that counts through the last 18 summers.  Bill gave us the breakdown on the Olympic medal...

It was the thought that counts for Dave when Mac Powell told him he would bring his canoe down to help him the next time he gets flooded in.  Carmen showed some appreciation for the thought and effort that her new doctor put in to her first visit.  Emily West is counting down the days until her daughter comes home from college for a visit and Emily's husband, Matthew West, has a song that counts through the last 18 summers.  Bill gave us the breakdown on the Olympic medal...

It was every bit as much of a delight to have a conversation with Brandon and Siebe Heath as we knew it would be. They are two people we have both liked and respected for many years. And feel even more that way after getting to have this rich conversation with the two of them on Intentional Parenting. We're so excited for you to listen in on the wisdom and thoughtfulness of Brandon and Siebe Heath. If you enjoyed today's episode, you may also enjoy Episode 22: Creating a Playful and Welcoming Environment for Your Kids with Emily and Matthew West. If you missed last year's Music City Series we have a Spotify playlist created just for you! . . . . . Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Go behind the scenes and watch our podcast on YouTube! Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart. Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com. . . . . . A special thank you from our sponsor: KiwiCo: Get 50% off your first month on ANY crate line at kiwico.com with promo code RBG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.I need the reminder. I need the nudge. I get discouraged and feel the temptation to stop asking God for his __________________ (you fill in the blank). Matthew West exhorts us toward something the Bible says: "Don't Stop Praying." On a good day, I'll agree. On a bad day, I may whine, "Why should I?"That is the question we'll seek guidance from God's Word to answer.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Consult an outside resourceRead in contextMeditate on ScriptureRead the text out loudMake observationsStudy from various translationsPray ScriptureEpisode Guide"Esther" at Sight and Sounds Theater in Branson - Website LinkAn outside resource on prayer that changed my prayer life - "How to Pray" by R.A. Torrey - Amazon Paid LinkTraining yourself NOT to skip over Scripture in Christian LiteratureVerses that scream, "Don't stop praying!" Ephesians 6:181 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - see Episode 488 for more on this section of ScriptureExamining the "alls" in Ephesians 6:18From R.A. Torrey's book "How to Pray," why should you be in constant, persistent, sleepless, overcoming prayer? Because there is an enemy - Ephesians 6:12-13, Ephesians 6:18Because prayer is God's way for us to obtain things from Him - James 4:2-3Because the apostles modeled it as important - Acts 6:4, Romans 1:9, Ephesians 1:15-16, Colossians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 3:10, 2 Timothy 1:3Because prayer was important to Jesus when he walked this earth - Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12Because prayer is the most important part of Jesus' current ministry - Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34Because prayer is God's means appointed for our receiving mercy and obtaining grace - Hebrews 4:14-16Interceding for others by praying Scripture over them (try Colossians 1:9-12)Additional ResourcesLyrics - NewReleaseToday.comPrayer Hold Power - KLove Article"How to Pray" by R.A. Torrey - Amazon Paid LinkMy favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeMeditate on our focus verse, Ephesians 6:18, and study it in context to guide you to examine constant, persistent, sleepless, overcoming prayer throughout Scripture. Then, pick up the Episode Guide to walk you through six reasons for constant prayerChange your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

On today's episode of The Matthew West podcast, I'm sharing about some incredible experiences that have taken place on tour including a concert at a prison. I'll also be sharing a devotional that I hope will begin to prepare our hearts for Easter season. Let's go to the Story House!