Podcasts about scripture mentioned

Rebekah's WebsiteConnect with Rebekah on InstagramIn this honest and hope-filled episode of Truth Applied, we're talking about what it really takes to thrive in a season of starting over. Whether you're stepping into a new role, city, community, or calling—there's a deep vulnerability that comes with being new. It's easy to slip into insecurity, crave affirmation, or feel the pressure to be perfect right away.But it doesn't have to be that way.Join me as I share what God is teaching me about waiting on His affirmation, laughing at my mistakes, releasing perfectionism, and staying soft-hearted in unfamiliar spaces. If you've ever found yourself wondering, “Am I doing okay? Does anyone see me?”—this episode is for you.Scripture Mentioned in this episode:Psalm 139Proverbs 3:3–4Colossians 3:12Journal Prompts IncludedWhere in my life do I feel like a beginner right now?What part of me is being rediscovered in this uncomfortable season?How might God be inviting me to depend on Him more deeply through this?What fruit might grow from this hard place, if I don't give up?What does courage look like for me today—just today?Where am I tempted to look for affirmation right now?What would it look like to let God affirm me instead?What's one mistake or awkward moment I need to give myself grace for this week?What do I already know is true about who I am—even if no one else sees it yet?How can I stay soft in a season that makes me want to protect or retreat?

In this episode hosts Oren and Caitlin discuss the Resurrection in anticipation of Easter, including its significance and five things that are true because of it.   Part I: Introduction 00:00-02:50 Scripture Mentioned: 1 Corinthians 15, John 1:1-5   Part II: Why is the Resurrection important in our everyday lives? 02:50-12:01 Scripture Mentioned: Genesis 3:15, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Acts 9, Genesis 12, Acts 2   Part III: What are five things that are true because of the Resurrection? 12:01-25:53 His preaching and message are true  Our Faith is not in vain  We are no longer in sin  We are the most to be envied... our hope can't be taken away   Death will not be our end; it is a door to more  Resources and quotes: Athanasius, On the Incarnation “Our greatest enemy is death. Christ has defeated death, and so Christians need not fear it because death is not the end but the beginning of a new life in Christ” – Athanasius “Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime” – Martin Luther Scripture Mentioned:  1 Corinthians 15:12-20   __   Learn more about Watermark Community Church at watermark.org    Follow along with Watermark Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter 

In this episode, hosts Oren Martin and Caitlin Van Wagoner are joined by two of Watermark's worship leaders, Jon Abel and Davy Flowers, to discuss the importance of corporate worship, what it is, why we do it, and answering some of the most commonly asked questions.  Part I: 00:00-02:27 Introduction  Part II: 02:28-04:00 What is worship in the context of the church and where do we see it in scripture?  Ed. D.A. Carson, Worship by the Book Bob Kauflin, Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God Mike Cosper, Rhythms of Grace: How the Church's Worship Tells the Story of the Gospel Scripture Mentioned:  Exodus 15, Revelation 15  Part III: 04:00-06:02 Has congregational singing always been present in the church? David Peterson, Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship Scripture Mentioned: Ephesians 5, Colossians 3, Revelation 19  Part IV: 06:02-07:36 What makes corporate worship in the local church different from singing Christian music in your home or car?  Matt Merker, Corporate Worship: How the Church Gathers as God's People  Part V: 07:36-11:32 What are some misconceptions about corporate worship?   “Our hearts are like idol factories, seeking things to worship” - John Calvin. “True Christian worship addresses God not just merely as creator and preserver, or as the great Lord of the universe, but as one who is very near kin to us, our Father, beloved of our souls. It is the worship of a child towards a Father, feeling within himself a kinship with the Divine. It is a worship wrought in us by God the Holy Ghost because the Father has sought us out and taught us how to worship Him. It is a worship which is not outward but of the inner man, and occupies not hand, eye, and foot, but heart and soul and spirit. And it is a worship which is not professional and formal, but real, hearty, earnest, and so acceptable before God ” – Charles Spurgeon.  Scripture Mentioned: Romans 12:1, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Mark 12:30, Romans 1:21-23.    Part VI: 11:32-13:05 When we sing in church, why and to whom are we singing?  Part VII: 13:05-20:02 How do you think about the role of a worship leader?   Scripture Mentioned: 1 Peter 4:10.  Part VIII: 20:02-25:10 How do you choose the songs we sing on a Sunday? Why would you choose to not sing a song?    Part IX: 25:10-26:58 Why has Watermark started to produce its own music?  Scripture Mentioned: 1 Peter 4:10  Part X: 26:58-30:40 How have your own perspectives on leading worship changed over the years?     Part XI: 30:40-36:39 Quick Hits Watermark Music, “As Loud as He Is Worthy (Psalm 47).” The Worship Initiative, “All Sufficient Merit.” Herman Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics, 4 Volume Set. Scripture Mentioned: Psalm 47 

In this episode, hosts Oren Martin and Caitlin Van Wagoner are joined by Dave Bruskas, Watermark's Director of re:generation to discuss what "union with Christ" means, including how to live out of our identity in Christ.  Part I: 04:58-15:20What does it mean to be united with Christ? Scripture Mentioned: Ephesians 1:3-4, John 15:5  Extra Resources:  On the Incarnation, St. Athanasius  Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin   Part II: 15:21-19:14 Why is the concept of "union with Christ" important? Scripture Mentioned: 1 Corinthians 10:31  Part III: 19:14-27:18Where does the concept of union with Christ appear in the scriptures? Scripture Mentioned: Jeremiah 31:31-34, Genesis 2:23-25, John 15, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Colossians 2:20, 3:1-3, Ephesians 1:4, 5:31-32, Romans 6, Galatians 2:20  Part IV: 27:18-32:15What is the scope of our “union with Christ”–what does that mean for us?  Extra Resources:  What is Progressive Sanctification?  What is Positional Sanctification?   Scripture Mentioned: Colossians 3:4, Romans 5:12-21, 5:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 8, John 15:11  Other Resources: “The great temptation most of us face is to believe that very little has happened to us through grace” – Sinclair B. Ferguson  What is re:generation?  __ Learn more about Watermark Community Church at watermark.org Follow along with WatermarkInstagram | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter

 What happens when you get too dependent or too attached to the opinions, the feedback, or expectations of others? I've often spoken of people pleasing, but what about when we take things personally? Welcome to this new season of Adoptees in Arms where we help adult adoptees find hope and peace in God's word. Join me in this episode where I simply encourage you to not take it personally.   Scripture Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremiah 17:5 NKJV   Other Resources: Our Website: AdopteesinArms.com Known and Loved - YouVersion Bible Reading Plan

Oren Martin, Caitlin Van Wagoner, and guest Blake Holmes finish out our 2-part series on the Church by discussing what scripture says about what makes for a healthy church and how we apply those principles at Watermark. Part I (01:19 - 24:18)What characteristics make up a healthy church? Preaching of the Word, membership, discipleship, elders, serving, church-discipline, evangelism, ordinances Expositional Preaching Dallas Willard's definition of discipleship: Discipleship is the process of becoming who Jesus would be, if He were you. Scripture Mentioned: 1 Timothy 3: 1-13, Titus 1, 2 Timothy 4:2, Matthew 16 and 18, Ephesians 4:11, 1 Corinthians 5, Hebrews 12:5-6, Matthew 28, Matthew 21 Part II (24:18 - 47:45)How does Watermark try to apply these characteristics? Membership Baptism Community Groups How to Determine Your Spiritual Gifts Book on Baptism: Going Public by Bobby Jamieson Apostle's Creed Ministries Mentioned: Join the Journey Equipping Opportunities Re:Generation Student Ministries Marriage Ministries Great Questions Scripture Mentioned: 1 Peter 4:10, Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Peter 5:1 __ Learn more about Watermark Community Church at watermark.org Follow along with WatermarkInstagram | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter__ Looking for resources from Nathan Wagnon? Check out the Eden Project.

Have you ever struggled with insecurity and found yourself searching for significance? My guest this week is Rachael Adams, and she can relate. She's passionate about reminding women that their lives matter and that, as children of God and followers of Christ, our lives are significant. We talk about living a life of significance & purpose. Rachael is the author of A Little Goes a Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life. She shares how our little lives and what we have to offer are in God's hands, and He takes them a long way. I know what Rachael shares will encourage, inspire, and challenge you! Please share this episode and listen in while I have a chat with Rachael Adams. Favorite Quotes from Living a Life of Significance & Purpose "... our identity--our value is secure in Christ, not because of anything that we do, but because of Him inside of us ... We have that inherent significance apart from anything that we do." "Our little lives in God's hands--it's Him who takes it a long way ... " --Rachael K. Adams Connect with Rachael and learn more about living a life of significance & purpose ... You can connect with Rachael at rachaelkadams.com and find more about the book A Little Goes a Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life and all of her social media links. Scripture Mentioned in "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin ..." Zechariah 4:10a More about Rachael ... Rachael Adams RACHAEL ADAMS is the author of A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY. Like many women, Rachael questioned her significance and contributions as a wife, mom and a child of God. Her book offers how God uses the little and modest and can multiply for His will - some biblical examples five loaves of bread and two fish, David' five stones, the jawbone of a donkey, the widow's pot of oil, Gideon's army and a mustard seed. In our daily lives, little things can make a difference - a little work. a little conversation, a little effort and a little forgiveness. She shares how growing up in a divorced family impacted her perception of God and trust in others. Love Fierce Calling? If you love Fierce Calling, please leave a rating and review on Podchaser or wherever you are listening to this podcast. And... Do you need a speaker for your next women's event? Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let's talk about me speaking at your next women's event... I love speaking God's truth into the lives of women! Free Gifts for You... Grab one of my free downloads by scrolling down to the bottom of the page! Love & God's Perfect Peace to You! Doris

For a minute, imagine what you would look like eating without a proper diet plan or not eating at all, wearing tacky clothing, and mixing yourself up with criminals and people with questionable characters. It's a gory image to behold! The Bible says in Rom 12:2, "be ye not conformed to the things of this world, but ye be transformed by the renewing of your mind…". It is important to live our life with a biblical mindset; this sets us apart and directs our daily path. I understand how difficult it is, so here are 3 steps to implement a biblical mindset in our everyday life. • Consume the world of God every day. One major contributor to growth is food. Eating God's world from the Bible enhances spiritual growth. Good spiritual growth would show itself physically, so don't expect to grow when you starve your spirit, man. • Be prayerful. Are there things causing you to struggle? Take it to God in prayer. We raise our fears, weakness, and vices to God through prayer. It is also a channel through which we communicate with our Father. Not praying is like building a wall around you but constantly putting you in sync with God, and your thoughts would be continuously wired to His plans for you. • Be intentional about relationships. On your journey to having a biblical mindset, you must be extremely mindful about who you give access to. Some people are not meant to get too close to you because that would mean being carried away by distractions and losing focus on your purpose. Whether you like it or not, an enemy is watching and waiting for an opportunity to make you swerve off the right path so guard your space as you try to implement a biblical mindset in your activities. Scripture Mentioned • 2nd Timothy 3:16 • Philippians 4:6 www.Destinypickens.com Audio engineering by Christopher Pickens --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/destiny-pickens7/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/destiny-pickens7/support

Spiritual growth is essential in our walk with God. Without it, we are deprived of the benefit of advancing in God's kingdom. The previous episode explained the need for spiritual growth, so if you have yet to listen, I recommend you do so. In this episode, I will share with you 4 distinct stages of spiritual growth. Scripture Mentioned: 1st Cor 3 Hebrews 5:13 Ephesians 4:14 1st John 12:14 John 8:10 Philippians 3:15 Hebrew 5:14 Links Episode 45: Click Here You can connect with me at www.destinypickens.com Please click here if you are inspired by this episode and wish to support the show. My membership is open for enrollment! Sign up at www.bloomedingrace.com Please leave a review, like, subscribe, and share this episode. Audio engineering by Christopher Pickens --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/destiny-pickens7/message

Amy and Missy are talking about apologetics, what it is and why we need to be prepared to explain why we believe and what we believe when presented with the opportunity. ----- Find us on Facebook and Instagram Sign up for our newsletter here Send us a message to openthewordpodcast@gmail.com ----- Scripture Mentioned: 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect Jeremiah 29:13-14a You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord Resources Mentioned: Why Do You Believe That? by Mary Jo Sharp Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis The Reason for God by Tim Keller

Entry 2 - The Fit After 40 Journey, Days 1 - 7. This week as well as the previous week has been an eye opener. For those of you who have been listening for some time know that I was reflecting before I started this journey. My reflections started the previous week during my respite week from work. I realize some things that will help me and maybe you if you are on your own fitness journey. This is my Week 1 and now that it is completed I know I won't stop until I reach my goals because my feelings of hating where I am at will help me to change. Listen in and I will explain what I mean.  Scripture Mentioned: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 I love to hear others praise GOD and share their testimony!!! Here is my contact information below. Send me a voice message sharing your journey at anchor.fm/theabsolutequeen/message Email me at TheAbsoluteQueen@gmail.com with the subject line as (TAQ or This is TheAbsoluteQueen). YouVersion Bible App: To add me, my account for the app is @Deborah Lee Dee-Dee IG (Instagram): TheAbsolute.Queen Snapchat: thisistaq Clubhouse: d.absolutequeen TikTok: @theabsolutequeendee This is TheAbsoluteQueen on TikTok Google Voice Podcast Number: 773-242-9607   

The more your kids understand their God-given purpose in life, the more likely they are to stay grounded in their faith into adulthood. As parents, we have this incredibly unique position in our kid's lives. We are literally front row center for most of the first two decades. We are, hands down, the most important influence on our kids during their formative years. We have not just the ability, but the responsibility to uncover those spiritual gifts in our kids' lives, and to cultivate them. You could say that we are the chief gardener in their lives. How well those little seeds do is, in a large part, up to us. “God gave you your kids for a reason, your specific kids. That's because you hold the key to unlocking who God created them to be.” *** Tips for Cultivating Your Child's Spiritual Gifts: 1. What do you see in your child's life that isn't like your other kids, or other peoples' children? When you see a gift – feed it. Call it out and encourage it. Water that gift and watch it grow. 2. Don't compare your parenting or your kids to other kids. God specifically chose you to parent your children. What your kids need is quite simple: they need you. And God will meet all the needs you have as you parent them. *** Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Pass the Baton (blog) Blogcasts at CatherineSegars.com The Mere Mother Blogcast on Apple Podcasts Evangeline's Faith Testimony in Episode 14 Sing to Me (blog post) *** Scripture Mentioned in This Week's Episode: Jesus at the Temple: Luke 2:41-52; Philippians 4:19 *** Follow Catherine: Instagram | Facebook Episode Image Credit: Getty/Olha Khorimarko

Choosing a partner is about more than chemistry. Two uniting as one, the way scripture states, with the husband as the head of the household provides the more stable, long-lasting, more fulfilling relationship for everybody. This type of relationship invites a partnership where the woman will feel safe, valued, secure, and loved. In turn, she will respect her husband, and trust him to take of her and the children when things get bumpy. The groom, the husband, represents Christ. The 50-50 concept that's floating around today, it's a complete and utter fallacy. It's sheer nonsense. It doesn't work. Scripture Mentioned in this Episode Ecclesiastes 4:12 (https://bit.ly/3zFtIPR) And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. https://bit.ly/3zFtIPR Remember, there are two kinds of fire in the world: One that burns and consumes and one that burns and empowers. May God's word and God's love burn brightly in you, giving you the strength to face any fire. Until next time, little embers! Thru the Fire is a production of Family Vision Media, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents discern the truth in a culture of lies. Contact the Seltzes: Candescent Counseling and Coaching: https://cccc-usa.com/ By phone: (657) 325-8635 Lutheran Center for Religious Freedom: https://lcrlfreedom.org/ Connect with Family Vision Media: www.FamilyVisionMedia.org www.Facebook.com/FamilyVisionMedia www.Twitter.com/FamVisionMedia

This past month, the Supreme Court ruled 9-0 that a Catholic Foster Care organization could keep helping needy children. What was their "crime?" The actions that caused them to almost be litigated out of business? The fact that they believe and teach that marriage is to be between a man and a woman for life. That's it. Yes, increasingly the moral teachings of the Bible are not merely dismissed, they are being made illegal. How did we get to the point where 9 justices are now making or remaking the fundamental moral teachings of our culture, our communities, our education, even seeking to determine the teachings in our homes and in our Churches? How indeed. The 9-0 Fulton Case may be a "victory" for now, but the work to proclaim the moral teachings of the Bible for all is going to get harder in the days to come. Time to roll up our sleeves, especially amidst the small victories of the moment. Scripture Mentioned in this Episode Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=judges+21%3A25&version=ESV Resources Mentioned in this Episode As Christians, we have to decide: re we going to be people who honor the teaching and moral directions of the Bible, the wisdom from God, or not? Who do we believe is the highest moral authority, God, or ourselves? https://www.christianpost.com/voices/philadelphia-youre-making-foster-care-crisis-worse.html by Dr. Greg Seltz A Narrow Victory for Religious Liberty https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2021/06/a-narrow-victory-for-religious-liberty by Mark Movsesian Colorado Court Rules Against Baker Who Refused to Make Gender Transition Cake https://www.nationalreview.com/news/colorado-court-rules-against-baker-who-refused-to-make-gender-transition-cake/ by Zachary Evans Remember, there are two kinds of fire in the world: One that burns and consumes and one that burns and empowers. May God's word and God's love burn brightly in you, giving you the strength to face any fire. Until next time, little embers! Thru the Fire is a production of Family Vision Media, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents discern the truth in a culture of lies. Contact the Seltzes: Candescent Counseling and Coaching: https://cccc-usa.com/ By phone: (657) 325-8635 Lutheran Center for Religious Freedom: https://lcrlfreedom.org/ Connect with Family Vision Media: www.FamilyVisionMedia.org www.Facebook.com/FamilyVisionMedia www.Twitter.com/FamVisionMedia

Canceling our differences rather than seeking to understand one another, help one another, or honor one another is wrong. It shuts down communication, it shuts doors to understanding, it further divides us, it honors no one, it levies restrictions and empowers a few through propaganda to enable a minority to control the majority by using shame and emotions. Hitler used it, Franklin Rosevelt used it. We need to push back. Scripture Mentioned in this Episode Resources Mentioned in this Episode "I hope all Americans wake up to this we need both the right, the left, and also the center to stand united against censorship, against cancel culture, and in favor of the marketplace of ideas. We have the right to flip the channel if we don't like what's on Newsmax. Change the channel, but don't tell the carriers, the satellite carriers, and the cable carriers, to deny us the right to watch Newsmax. That is wrong." -Alan Dershowitz Source: Alan Dershowitz: All Americans Need to Fight Cancel Culture, The Epoch Times https://www.theepochtimes.com/alan-dershowitz-all-americans-need-to-fight-cancel-culture_3722191.html Propaganda, by Edward Bernays https://www.amazon.com/Propaganda-Edward-Bernays/dp/0970312598 Remember, there are two kinds of fire in the world: One that burns and consumes and one that burns and empowers. May God's word and God's love burn brightly in you, giving you the strength to face any fire. Until next time, little embers! Thru the Fire is a production of Family Vision Media, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents discern the truth in a culture of lies. Contact the Seltzes: Candescent Counseling and Coaching: https://cccc-usa.com/ By phone: (657) 325-8635 Lutheran Center for Religious Freedom: https://lcrlfreedom.org/ Connect with Family Vision Media: www.FamilyVisionMedia.org www.Facebook.com/FamilyVisionMedia www.Twitter.com/FamVisionMedia

Christ has risen! He has risen indeed! Hallelujah! Politics can't save us. It's only because of the power of Christ's death on the cross that we have the strength to face the evil and chaos in our world. Easter is not political, but its message is what makes liberty and freedom truly possible. It's a proclamation of what God did and is doing amidst the chaos of our world. Our relationship with God is the key to all of the freedoms we enjoy. Many Americans don't realize that the freedoms we cherish, that motivate us to vote, protest, and just go about our own business without fear flow from a belief about the world, about God, and about our proper place in it. The freedom we celebrate on the fourth of July is directly related to the notion of their being eternal freedom that Jesus won for the world on the cross and in His resurrection. Our nation's founders believed that if God wanted us to worship Him freely, we should have a government that protects and promotes that freedom! What can we do to protect religious freedom? Don't get caught up in the calendar and events of this world alone - look at things through God's Good Friday and Easter point of view. Get back to church! Don't let the pandemic steal our joy and worship. Scripture Mentioned in this Episode Romans 1 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1&version=ESV) Resources Mentioned in this Episode What's a Christian to Do as the World Sinks into Chaos? (https://aleteia.org/2014/09/10/whats-a-christian-to-do-as-the-world-sinks-into-chaos/) by Tom Hoopesis Thriving in Chaotic Times (https://www.focusonthefamily.com/contributors/ed-chinn/) by Ed Chinn Remember, there are two kinds of fire in the world: One that burns and consumes and one that burns and empowers. May God's word and God's love burn brightly in you, giving you the strength to face any fire. Until next time, little embers! Thru the Fire is a production of Family Vision Media, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents discern the truth in a culture of lies. Contact the Seltzes: Candescent Counseling and Coaching: https://cccc-usa.com/ By phone: (657) 325-8635 Lutheran Center for Religious Freedom: https://lcrlfreedom.org/ Connect with Family Vision Media: www.FamilyVisionMedia.org www.Facebook.com/FamilyVisionMedia www.Twitter.com/FamVisionMedia Find more encouragement and information on our blog: https://familyvisionmedia.org/category/fvm/ Questions? E-mail us! hello@familyvisionmedia.org (mailto:hello@familyvisionmedia.org)

Episode #20,  is a chat with my dear friend, Ronnica Chapman.  We talk about her teen years, the redemption God gave her, and she gives some great advice. She talks about finding your worth, and knowing you are beautiful, excepted and loved. I know you're going to love her encouragement and wisdom.Scripture Mentioned:2 Corinthians 5:17-18 AMPC You can  reach out to her at ronnicachapman@gmail.com or follow her @ronnicachapman

Episode 004 Josh and Mitch are joined by a Horizon Youth Grad who is currently as Sophomore at Westmont College. We talk with him about future, career hobbies and what does God want us to do with our lives. Something both Josh and Mitch have been walking through as long as they can remember. Scripture Mentioned in the episode: Psalm32:8 Colossians 3:23 Psalm 119:105

Episode 002 Mitch and Josh are joined by former Horizon Youth student Brayden who moved to Texas a couple months ago. Brayden left Torrey Pines High School where he was the starting Quarterback and moved with his family to the town of Aledo. There, Brayden won the starting QB spot at his new school and went on to win the state championship! We talk championship, locker room, witness and so much more about being a Christian Student Athlete. Scripture Mentioned in the Episode (NKJV) Isaiah 40:31 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Exodus 17:12-13

Episode 001 Pastor Josh Dyer and Pastor Mitch Botsford talk about why this podcast will be based in scripture. Why the Bible is so important to us as believers and how students should be trusting in and consulting the Word of God in every aspect of our lives. What evidence there is that the Bible is true and has stood the tests of time for over 2000 years. Scripture Mentioned in this episode (NKJV): John 1:1-4 1 Peter 3:15

If you need to be reminded that God is in the details of your life, that He is for you, and that He's always good, my friend Laura Cooksey is here to testify. We talk about career, family planning, infertility, adoption, you name it-- we covered it. And you are going to be so grateful for this woman's story and her heart. In this episode, we discuss: The process of learning to trust God when reality doesn't meet our expectations How to plan, prepare, and pivot when the Lord redirects your steps How even amidst loss and grief, we can have hope How practicing gratitude in all circumstances is life giving and transforming Scripture Mentioned:  Prov 16:9 Isaiah 55:8-9 2 Cor 4:17 Lam 3:21-24 Ephesians 3:16-21 Resources Mentioned: The Thoughtful Table Follow @thethoughfultable on instagram Follow @laurabcooksey on instagram to learn about her new music!  Episode Sponsors: 25 Days in Philippians The College Girl's Survival Guide My theme song and ad music is by my amazing friend, Shaylee Simeone. Check her out.

This episode of Faith Made Welcome is the second of a two-part discussion leading us into Halloween! Last episode we chatted through our general impressions of Hocus Pocus, our experiences with trick-or-treating, and some basic history of Halloween.  Where does this one take us?  Deeper into theology! Surprisingly enough: this one will take you from magic mushrooms to transubstantiation. How do we get from one to the other?  Perhaps with a bit of hocus pocus! It turns out Hocus Pocus is fertile ground for some unexpected topics. With the film as our cornerstone we ask: how do we decide what’s dangerous to faith?  what’s the relationship between belief and ritual?  what’s the relationship between science and the supernatural? how does fear shape how we maintain and negotiate our faith? While we don't answer these questions fully, we hope we give our listeners more than just a spooky narrative to contemplate on the dark evenings leading into Halloween this week. So, join Marty, Cheri, Paul, Kelley, Zak and Eric and see where Hocus Pocus takes them next!Nerd CornerIn addition to the usual scripture and pop cultural references, here are some notes about some of the nerdier topics we mention in passing this episode related to science, literature, and language:Paul mentions the Aminita Muscaria, a psychedelic mushroom featured in the Smurfs; he also calls it the Christmas mushroom. Why? It is said  to be the mushroom that helps Santa’s reindeer fly. Speaking of psychedelics, Paul also mentions Terence McKenna  again, because of course he does.Zak asks which famous author noted that “any advanced society will look like magic to a lesser society.” This saying is a reference to Clarke’s Third Law (as in Arthur C. Clarke), but other authors, including Issac Asimov (Foundation and Empire) and Agatha Christie (The Hound of Death) have written similar things in their work.Kelley notes that the witch trials of Salem were brought back to the American consciousness in the 1950s by Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, which weaves is an allegory for McCarthyism set in the times of the Salem witch trials.Zak notes that there is a Hocus Pocus book as well. Indeed, there is a book that was based upon the 1993 film and adds a sequel (it has a tagline of “Witch, Please!”).  Perhaps that will account for the plot of the promised film sequel? In the meantime, there is a Hocus Pocus reunion this Friday night!Cheri brings up the origin of the term “hocus pocus,” which John Tillotson, Archbishop of Canterbury between 1691 and 1694, believed was: “[i]n all probability those common juggling words of hocus pocus are nothing else but a corruption of hoc est corpus, by way of ridiculous imitation of the priests of the Church of Rome in their trick of Transubstantiation” (Oxford English Dictionary); this led to a discussion of other mis-heard phrases including “open says me,” which Eric mentions, and which is a parody of “open, Sésame” or “Sésame ouvre-toi” from Antoine Galland's telling of "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" from his version of The Thousand and One Nights.Scripture Mentioned this EpisodeAs with last week’s episode, there are a few indirect Biblical references in this one. Here’s where you can read more about the passages we discuss:Matthew 10:161 Peter 3:14-16Luke 12:48Exodus 32Genesis 18:22-33Pop Culture Mentioned this EpisodeThere are a number of pop culture references in this episode, including a few repeats from last week; here they are in the order of appearance:Hocus Pocus (obviously)Green DayDave Matthews BandCAKE Smurfs He-Man and the Masters of the UniverseThe Baby-sitter’s Club (2020)Back to the FutureMonty Python and the Holy GrailCursedDungeons and DragonsHarry PotterThe Witches Theological ConceptsIn this episode, Marty mentions Rev. William Barber’s notion of the moral center, which he talked about with The Guardian in 2018. It’s so important it’s worth quoting in full here:  “There is no religious left and religious right. There is only a moral center. And the scripture is very clear about where you have to be to be in the moral center – you have to be on the side of the poor, the working, the sick, the immigrant.”Hey, speaking of the Rev. Marty Anderson, he drops some theological truth himself in this episode when he says: “Christianity is not for you, if you’re scared of the grey.”If you want to dive deeper into the more high-church theological concepts we discuss in this one, here’s a list of those we mention:The Sinner’s PrayerApologeticsThe Apostle’s CreedThe Nicene CreedTransubstantiation The EucharistAbout This PodcastThis podcast was envisioned as means to foster spiritual growth and conversations about faith, both within and beyond the faith community at Commonwealth Baptist Church. At the open of this episode, we discuss what spiritual formation means to our CBC pastors and the role community plays in our concept of faith. Got a question or want to reach out to the Faith Made Welcome team?  You can reach us at faithmadewelcome@gmail.com.Faith Made Welcome is produced by Cheri Spiegel, Paul Fitzgerald and This Most Unbelievable Life.

We are so excited to have you join us for the fourth episode of Time for Everything. In this episode we discuss arguing in relationships from a Christian perspective and how to practice healthy conflict. SCRIPTURE MENTIONED:1 Corinthians 3:3For you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? 2 Timothy 2:23-24Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.2 Timothy 4:2Preach the Word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.Ephesians 4:15Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in EVERY way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.Proverbs 15:28The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. Proverbs 29:22An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin. Our Prayer For You This Week:A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.Proverbs 15:1 We want to hear from you! Please send all prayer requests and questions to: IG: @timeforeverythingpodcast Email: timeforeverythingpodcast@gmail.com Business inquiries: timeforeverythingpodcast@gmail.com Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything here is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

With this episode, we wrap up the first series of Faith Made Welcome, a progressive podcast on faith brought to you by Commonwealth Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. If you’ve been listening since Episode 1, you know that throughout the month of August we recorded podcasts offering an opportunity for folks in our faith community to further discuss topics from a special sermon series at our church. That series, titled “What The World Needs Now,” invited guest activist preachers to give us their take on this theme. Today’s episode, which you can watch on our YouTube Channel, features Nichola Torbett, who argues that what the world needs now is a longing for life or, as she puts it, using the German word sehnsucht, or deep wistful longing.  In this episode of the podcast, pastors Robin and Marty Anderson are joined by both members of the This Most Unbelievable Life duo: Faith Made Welcome regular, Cheri Spiegel, and Faith Made Welcome’s sound engineer, Paul Fitzgerald. In this episode we take a look at what it looks like to truly long for life. We consider how abundant life and the longing of our hearts is necessarily tied to community, and we explore ways that the American Dream, American exceptionalism, and other transactional systems might keep us from living life fully alive. About Nichola TorbettNichola Torbett describes herself as a spiritual seeker, recovering addict, gospel preacher, podcaster, writer, resistance fomenter, dog-walker, nonviolent direct action trainer and abolitionist. She co-founded the Seminary on the Streets, a training academy for love warriors and Second Acts, a liturgical direct action affinity group. She is the co-editor of Respiscence: A Lenten Devotional for Dismantling White Supremacy, and she contributes to The Word in Resistance, a podcast from SURJ-Faith.  About Our Guest, Paul FitzgeraldDr. Paul Fitzgerald is a professor of Biology at Northern Virginia Community College, and is a 20+ year student, and teacher, of mindfulness and Vipassana meditation. A mid-westerner at heart and a dedicated spiritual seeker for life, he is a co-founder, along with Dr. Cheri Spiegel, of This Most Unbelievable Life, and a co-host of the associated podcast, This Most Unbelievable Podcast. Scripture Mentioned this EpisodeIf you’re looking to dig deeper, here are the scriptures mentioned this episode:Mark 10: 17-31Matthew 19: 16-30Acts 5: 1-12 Additional Materials Mentioned this EpisodeMia Birdsong:  We reference her appearance on Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow’s podcast Call Your Girlfriend as well as her book How We Show Up: Reclaiming Family, Friendship, and Community Joseph Campbell:  We discuss his concept of the Hero’s JourneyGungor:  We mention Gungor’s “One Wild Life,” which references the Mary Oliver poem below Mary Oliver: We quote her poem “The Summer Day”Richard Rohr:  We reference his devotional Wondrous Encounters: Scriptures for LentStar Wars:  We mention Star Wars, and we think you might not need a link to know about.They Might be Giants: Naturally, because Paul is a Paleontology PhD we reference their song “I Am a Paleontologist” About This PodcastThis podcast was envisioned as means to foster spiritual growth and conversations about faith, both within and beyond the faith community at Commonwealth Baptist Church. At the open of this episode, we discuss what spiritual formation means to our CBC pastors and the role community plays in our concept of faith.  Got a question or want to reach out to the Faith Made Welcome team?  You can reach us at faithmadewelcome@gmail.com. Faith Made Welcome is produced by Cheri Spiegel, Paul Fitzgerald and This Most Unbelievable Life. A Note on the Links in these ShownotesWhere possible the links to books mentioned in this episode direct to Old Town Books. We’re not sponsored by this bookstore; we just believe in supporting our local community! If you’re not an Alexandrian, we hope you’ll check these out at your local bookstore!

Christy offers an Easter Sunday meditation on the ways the coronavirus is pointing the world to our need of a Savior. As modern humans, we thought we were intelligent, sufficient, and independent. But a microscopic virus changed all that in a matter of days. Instead we have discovered that we are helpless, selfish, and afraid of death. Christy believes this time of brokenness is a gift from a loving God who knows exactly how to get our attention. Jesus Christ offers us hope, forgiveness, and eternal life in Himself if we will choose to trust Him. Scripture Mentioned: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NLT) John 3:14-18 (NLT) Related Blog Posts: https://christylynnewood.com/2020/04/12/a-virus-and-a-savior/

Hanna chats with her long-time mentor, Annie Hutton. Y'all are going to love this woman. Annie has a way of delivering truth in a way that you just remember. In this episode, we discuss: What do you say to the person who knows they're not "all in" or they're hanging onto something that they know is not what the Lord wants for them? As a woman, how did you decipher what God's priorities are for you-- to be a career woman, a wife, a mom, a homeschool mom?! How do I actually obey Jesus and live out God's will for my life? And then we talked about something Annie said to me the last time she was visiting me in Nashville that made me mad. ;) What scripture do you find yourself constantly reminding the women you disciple? Scripture Mentioned: 2 Corinthians 10:5 Proverbs 31:28 Phil 2 Romans 12 Colossians 3 1 Corinthians 13 Zephaniah 3:17 Isaiah 46:9-10 Hebrews 12:1-3 Resources Mentioned: Josh McDowell Lee Strobel

As a child, she watched her dad come to the brink of death due to a rare liver disease. As a teen, she received the same diagnosis. My sweet friend, Ashley Traficant, shares her battle with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), 2 liver transplants, and how to hold onto hope even amidst the darkest seasons of life. In this episode, we discuss: How do you hold onto hope when you are physically drowning in sickness, pain, and ultimately dying? How do you continue to live with purpose when it feels like your life has been put on pause, while the rest of the world carries on? What do you say to the person who doesn't feel God, doesn't see Him, or doesn't even believe He's near? Scripture tells us that the hope of the Lord doesn't disappoint, but didn't you experience a lot of disappointment? What scripture did you cling to during these painful seasons? How can I be a good friend to someone struggling with a chronic or deadly illness? What encouragement do you have for the person who feels like their life is on pause or is experiencing physical suffering? Scripture Mentioned:  Romans 5:3-5 Psalm 42 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Psalm 27:13-14 Resources Mentioned: Download Ashley's manifesto and scripture PDF here

We’re having a serious identity crisis in the church today. We’re trying to be just like the world, rather than be the “set apart” people God has called us to be. Jesus declared, “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you”. When God chose you and appointed you, you became an ambassador—with the privilege to bear fruit for His glory and arrange your life to please Him! This month at MomStrong International, we’ll be digging deep in the topic of being an ambassador for the Lord Jesus. It’s a privilege to embrace! Transcribed version of the podcast is below Today’s Scripture Writing Challenge Verse * John 15:16-17 Resources Mentioned in Podcast * MomStrong International * Scripture Writing Challenge * My Events Calendar * The Busy Mom’s Guide to Daylight. Scripture Mentioned in Podcast * Corinthians 5:20-21 * 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 * Romans 8:13 * Ephesians 2:8 * 2 Corinthians 5:17 Join us at MomStrong International for our Bible Study and Scripture Writing! Submit your questions to MailBox Monday: podcast@heidistjohn.com Don’t Miss These! TRANSCRIPTION: Hey you guys, this is Heidi St. John. Welcome to the podcast. Today is Wednesday, September 4th—this is episode number 814 it is also the very first day of our study (at least at the podcast) at MomStrong International for the month of September. We’re going to be studying what it means to be an ambassador. I cannot wait.  Stick around, I think you’re going to be encouraged. How are you guys doing? It’s September 4th and you kind of ease and back into your schedule or like—yeah, September. Yeah, no? I’m getting some pushback. I’m getting a little bit of pushback from some of you guys. You’re like— yeah, no, nope, I don’t want to do that. I’m kind of with you on that. We don’t start here until after Labor Day, so we’re sort of getting into it around here. I will say though, the one thing that I really do like about September is it kind of brings some order to my life. I think my life could be rather chaotic without September. If I lived most of my life like I do in June, July, and August— I might actually lose my mind. So I’m working on a little schedule. We’re getting up earlier at our house which is kind of an important thing getting up earlier. We’re trying to just get back into routine.  So if that’s you, I just encourage you stay with it. The routine actually pays off. I told you guys a while ago, I wrote a book called The Busy Homeschool Moms Guide to Daylight. There is tons and tons of great information in there about how to create routine and schedule and why your kids need it, why you need it. It’s great whether you homeschool or whether you don’t. You can check that out probably on Amazon you can also buy it directly from me in my store. Just Google: The Busy Homeschool Moms Guide to Daylight. I also wrote a book on marriage, --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/heidistjohn/support

Just like a puzzle, our life has pieces that fit together as well. Today I want to share a message with you that I spoke at our church, One Church, regarding being in different seasons of life and that every piece counts no matter what season of life you are in. Scripture Mentioned:2 Timothy 4:10-11Colossians 1:15-20Isaiah 43:19Hebrews 13:5You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW-QxE-upg6RvW_Q29kv4KAHappily Even After is available NOW on Kindle and paperback: https://t.co/FeggSbsyCCSubscribe to my emails: http://eepurl.com/bRFyhXGo like my Facebook Page so we can stay connected throughout your week: https://www.facebook.com/crystalspark...Help me spread the word! If this spoke to your heart; do me a favor and share it on Facebook or Twitter!

How do we handle it when things are difficult and we want to be locked in a room with just a box of kleenex and ice cream? Arm yourself with preparatory measures–extra time in the scriptures, prayer partners, breaks–and prepare yourself for battle! God has specially chosen you to raise your world-changer—but that means you’ll need to be strong in the Lord. Join me today for a lesson from God’s Word in Christ-honoring courage! Scripture Mentioned * 2 Timothy 4 * Philippians 1:6 * Philippians 1:9-11 * Isaiah 48:10-11 * 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Join us at MomStrong International for our newest Bible Study and Scripture Writing! Submit your questions to MailBox Monday: podcast@thebusymom.com Don’t Miss These! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/heidistjohn/support

“WHY, MOM?” Have your kids ever challenged your authority? Turns out they’re not so unlike the Israelite’s! This week, I’ll be focusing on the last week of our study on God’s love for us which, mercifully, includes discipline. Learn how you can follow God’s example with your own children as you train them up to walk with God. Scripture Mentioned in Podcast * John 3:16 * Jeremiah 31 * Jeremiah 16:9-13 Join us at MomStrong International for our newest Bible Study and Scripture Writing! Don’t Miss This! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/heidistjohn/support

“Do not be terrified of them, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” These are God’s Words to His people—and yet, we are struggling to walk in them today. So what does it look like to be “strong and courageous?”  Today, we’ll take a look at courage through the lens of Scripture. Listen in and be encouraged! Scripture Mentioned in Podcast * Joshua 1 * Joshua 2 * 1 Peter 3:15 * 2 Timothy Mentioned in Podcast * Immerse Bible – the Bible we’re reading with our family right now.  I love it! Join us at MomStrong International for our newest Bible Study and Scripture Writing! Don’t Miss This! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/heidistjohn/support

In learning about love this month, we’ve focused on several different kinds of love. Today I’m talking about how that works out in our every day relationships – even if the last thing we feel for someone is love! Scripture Mentioned in Podcast * Colossians 3:12-14 * Galatians 5:14 * James 3:17 * John 13:34-35 * Proverbs 19:11 * Matthew 25:23 Join us at MomStrong International for our newest Bible Study and Scripture Writing! Don’t Miss This! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/heidistjohn/support

The way we learn how to love people is to ask ourselves how Jesus did it. Listen in today as I touch on this month’s Bible Study at MomStrong International with a special emphasis on prayer and the Holy Spirit. Scripture Mentioned in Podcast * John 3:16 * John 17 * 1 Corinthians 2:7, 13-14 * Ephesians 1:16-18 * 2 Corinthians 3:16-17 Join us at MomStrong International for our newest Bible Study and Scripture Writing Don’t Miss These! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/heidistjohn/support

Today, I’ll be answering a weary mom’s common question in this technology age: should I give my 11-year old a smart phone? Listen in as I offer advice to this weary mom, and also tackle a question from a mom who is having a hard time controlling her tongue. You’re not alone, parents! Listen in and be encouraged! Scripture Mentioned in Podcast * John 14:19-21 * Proverbs 31:26 * Isaiah 55:11 * Proverbs 16:32 * Matthew 19:26 Join us at MomStrong International for our newest Bible Study and Scripture Writing Mentioned in Podcast * FPEA Marriage Cruise * Savory Butcher * Becoming MomStrong by Heidi St. John * Parenting in the Internet Age with Kirk Cameron * 7 Reasons Not to Give Your Child a Cell Phone Submit your questions to MailBox Monday: podcast@thebusymom.com Don’t Miss These! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/heidistjohn/support

What do drag queens and children have in common? Nothing—but that’s not stopping public libraries across the United States from hosting “Drag Queen Story Hour” (DQSH), an organization whose stated goal is the promotion of “gender fluidity” to children. Like it or not, your public library may soon be asking men in drag to talk to children about homosexuality and make sure your child knows he or she can “imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real.” Tune in today as I talk about this very troubling trend and offer insight into how you can stop it. Scripture Mentioned in Podcast * James 1:5 * Hebrews 13:8 Join us at MomStrong International for our newest Bible Study and Scripture Writing Mentioned in Podcast * Trans Activists Target Public Libraries * What’s Driving Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria from The Daily Signal * Pressure to conform from World Magazine * The Dangers of Transgender Ideology from Public Discourse The Journal of The Witherspoon Institute Don’t Miss These! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/heidistjohn/support

Welcome to the Simply Joyful PodcastEpisode #011 with Lisa-Jo Baker The Power of FriendshipShow Notes: KristiClover.com/011   Have you ever felt FOMO? That’s the Fear Of Missing Out. And in this day and age of social media, it not only makes friendships between women difficult...it can make them feel downright impossible. Even if you’re not on social media you can experience FOMO when you hear about friends getting together for playdates or coffee without you. That fear of being left can easily set in. FOMO is real!  Friendships can be difficult for a variety of reasons. We as women compare ourselves to each other and feel like we fall short. Many of us carry baggage and hurts from friendships that went wrong. I share in this episode about a little “friendship PTSD” I experienced when I was hurt deeply by a friend. It made me want to pull back from friendships entirely, rather than put myself at risk of experiencing that pain again. I still second guess myself constantly years after this happened. I’m always worried that something I’ve said might be taken the wrong way.    Well, my guest today, Lisa-Jo Baker, knows a thing or two about friendships between women. For the past 7 years, she has served as community manager for Incourage, a website devoted to encouraging women in their everyday stories of faith. Lisa-Jo shares with us from her brand new book, Never Unfriended: ///. She made me giggle when she described her stage of life as the “wonder years” since the kids can now get up, get dressed, and go to the bathroom by themselves…oh what a wonder that is!   On a “Simply” & “Joyful” side note… Lisa-Jo’s shares her biggest tip for keeping things simple, and what she requires of her kids to keep their evenings both simple and joyful.   ** Go to: https://kristiclover.com/freedownload to get a 30 day free trial of Audible — complete with a credit for a free audiobook download. **     In This Episode I so thoroughly enjoyed talking with Lisa-Jo in this episode!! We discussed how we as women thwart friendships, how we can look to Jesus for the true example of how to be a friend, and how to speak the truth to ourselves when our heart wants so badly to deceive us.  We also talk about the difficulty of developing and maintaining friendships between women, how the internet has affected that, and what we can do about it. Well, you are in for such a treat!! I just know you will be so blessed by my conversation with Lisa-Jo! I hope this episode inspires you to develop friendships with women, to encourage them through Christ, and to reach out even when it is difficult.   Highlights from This Show…   *Lisa-Jo talks about friendship PTSD and how it affects our ability to make and maintain friendships.  *Is it possible to invest in friendships in a culture where you can be unfriend someone with a swipe of your finger? “Eve is the original FOMO girl; she’s basically like, ‘Oh my goodness, God has left me out of something.’” — Lisa-Jo Baker   * I reference the first time that I heard the term “FOMO” being here on the podcast with Jill Savage. (Now I hear the term everywhere.) :) *Lisa-Jo talks about how coveting what our neighbors have has exploded with the invention of the internet, when the whole world is now our neighbor. We can be perfectly content with our life, then open Instagram and start scrolling and we aren’t content anymore.  *Lisa-Jo and I laugh about how moms will actually dress up when getting together with other women, yet don’t usually put as much thought into how we dress for the men in our lives. We feel such pressure to maintain appearances for other women.  *Lisa-Jo gives the world’s definition of friendship, “What’s in it for me?”, as opposed to Jesus’ definition of friendship, “What’s in it for you?” Lisa-Jo and I also discuss how Jesus came to be our friend and how He pursues relationships with us.   “It’s about saying to your friend, ‘How could I show up and be a friend to you?’” — Lisa-Jo Baker *Lisa-Jo talks about why it’s important to pursue friendships with others. She also points out how we are hard-wired for relationships by God Himself. Relationships are actually beneficial for us, even if it is hard or we’ve struggled with friendship “failures” in the past.    *I shared with Lisa-Jo about how her story about her mom passing away when she was just a teenager really touched me as I read her book…especially since we had just lost my father-in-law over the summer. The power of friendships during crisis moments like these really touched both of us in our time of grieving.   “It’s okay if it feels awkward...it is better to say the wrong thing than to say nothing.” — Lisa-Jo Baker   *”Friendship is Jesus with skin on. It’s how we bring Him to sit on the sofa next to our friend who’s grieving.” — Lisa-Jo Baker   *Jesus is our Emmanuel and He demonstrates the gift of “presence” in our lives and how we need to show up and be present in the lives of others…especially when friends are going through hard times.  *Lisa-Jo talks about the story of the good Samaritan in Scripture and how Jesus was asked, “WHO is my neighbor?” He taught how to go and BE a good neighbor. He shifts the burden from “What’s in it for me?” to “What’s in it for you?” *Lisa-Jo got very practical in the episode and shared some great tips for women who are ready to reach out and be a friend. She shared an acronym with us from the book: S.T.A.Y.S. {S= Shows up! T= Takes time! A= Assumes the best! Y= Asks “Why?” Friends ask good questions of each other & aren’t afraid of the answers. S= Stops comparing & Starts encouraging} *I mention how I’ve struggled as a people pleaser for most of my life and how I have to fight the lie of the enemy that others don’t like me and may have possibly taken something I’ve said out of context. I share how I try to mediate on Philippians 4 and believe “what is true” of others and not what I “think” they might be thinking. The importance of prayer over situations like these is so important.   “The heart is deceitful above all else…” — Jeremiah 17:9    “Nobody lies to me quite like I do.” — Lisa-Jo Baker   *Lisa-Jo shares a second acronym about the L.I.E.S. we tell ourselves. {L= “Left out” on purpose I = That we’re “invisible” E = That “everything” is about me  S = Skinny jeans friendships! Ha!}   “Friendship is not like skinny jeans; it’s more like sweat pants. It gives everybody room to breathe just the way they are.” — Lisa-Jo Baker   *Lisa-Jo and I talk about how being a good friend to others starts with being a good friend to yourself. Lisa-Jo confesses how she realized that she was constantly speaking negatively to herself and how she’s had to learn to turn off the “devil static.”  *Lisa-Jo discusses how to handle a “friendship break-up.” She also reminds us that even Jesus Himself suffered from failed friendships; think about His relationship with Judas.    “At the end of the day, it is not our job to fix other people; it’s our job to love them.” — Lisa-Jo Baker   “It’s better to have a scar that hurts than an open wound.” — Lisa-Jo Baker   *Lisa-Jo discusses how as moms we have daily opportunities to die to ourselves.  “What I love about Jesus is that He’s never going to get tired of you coming to Him, or asking for validation, or asking Him how you look or how that project went...like NEVER. He’s never tired of that. You can come to Him as much as you want, about everything under the sun...and He will love you. He is fascinated by your life, and He wants to share it with you.” — Lisa-Jo Baker   Books Mentioned…   Never Unfriended   Another Great "Tool" to Mention... Temper Tool Kit by Lisa-Jo Baker is incredible. This is a video course that has “a collection of practical strategies, honest stories, and Biblical resources from one mom to another to help you take control of your temper BEFORE you lose it.” Sounds great, right. Check it our HERE.   Scripture Mentioned...   "The heart is deceitful above all things..."-- Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)   "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."--Philippians 4:8 (ESV)   The Parable of the Good Samaritan --Luke 10:25-37   Another Great "Tool" to Mention... Temper Tool Kit by Lisa-Jo Baker is incredible. This is a video course that has “a collection of practical strategies, honest stories, and Biblical resources from one mom to another to help you take control of your temper BEFORE you lose it.” Sounds great, right. Check it our HERE.     Please Note… Every podcast episode will have all the highlights and links from each episode (just like this) on my website. So, come on over to the blog to find the show notes. Be sure to grab your FREE copy of my book, Sanity Savers for Moms, by joining our Simply Joyful community. It's a great way to keep in touch...and get subscriber only freebies like my book. Click HERE to get the book and join! Make sure you head over to listen to my other interviews HERE! I know you will love these episodes!     Help Get the Word Out... My prayer is that this podcast would be a blessing to all who hear it. If you enjoy this podcast, it would be such a blessing to have you "Subscribe" to this podcast on iTunes or Stitcher and leave me a rating and review. This helps the podcast to rank in iTunes and be more "visible" for people searching for new podcasts to listen to. If you wanted to share this episode with friends or on social media, I've created several great images that are share-worthy. Thanks!   *My "Thank You" for Your Rating & Review on iTunes or Stitcher* If you do subscribe, rate, & review this podcast in iTunes or Stitcher, I'd love to thank you by giving you $5 off at my store! Just leave the review and email me, and I'll send you a coupon code to access the coloring book! (See show notes for details)   Thank you so much for helping us get the word out about the Simply Joyful Podcast!   I hope you enjoyed this week's podcast! My prayer is always that you will be blessed and encouraged by each episode. Live Simply. Be Joyful.     Connect Online: My Website Facebook  Instagram YouTube Pinterest Twitter     Connect with Lisa-Jo… Lisa-Jo has three kids, a well-traveled passport, and a very patient husband who has never run through an airport for me. She  sincerely believes motherhood should come with its own super hero cape. She's the community manager for the beautiful, come-just-as-you-are, bring-your-girlfriends, let’s talk faith while we sit with feet up on the coffee table website (in)courage. She's also the author of Surprised by Motherhood and Never Unfriended. You can check out Lisa-Jo's books HERE on Amazon! You can find Lisa-Jo on her website at lisajobaker.com and at neverunfriended.com.

Welcome to the Simply Joyful PodcastEpisode #010 with Amber   Biblical Solutions for Mommy AngerShow Notes: KristiClover.com/010   Let’s be honest. Mommy anger is a real struggle for so many of us. I didn’t know I was capable of being so frustrated and angry until I had kids. My buttons get pushed, I’m sleep deprived, and exhausted…and the angry comes.    There have been times when I can feel it coming and try to fight it, but I end up snapping at my kids anyway. Other times it sneaks up on me and comes out when I’m not expecting it.    I’m a firm believer in the fact that God uses our kids to refine us. I may not have known that I’d struggle with anger, but God did. He’s not surprised by my sin…not one bit. I will be a work-in-progress until the day He calls me home. He just keeps offering me His grace, forgiveness, and His self control.    I actually wrote about my struggle with anger in my post called Finding Joy When You’re Angry. I hope you’ll check it out. I think you’ll really like the five tips I have in there for finding joy when you feel like getting angry. I’m not a perfect mom, but I am trying to be the best mom I can be. And I’m really trying to learn how to respond in more loving ways when my kids trigger my anger.   Speaking of “triggers,” my guest today is none other than my sweet friend, Amber Lia. Amber is the co-author of the book Triggers: Parents' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses. She wrote Triggers along side Wendy Speake as Wendy and I mentioned in Episode #008. Amber is married to her husband Guy, who by the way went to Steve and my alma mater. They’ve been married for ten years and have four boys. She and Guy Guy work as a team in both their work as co-producers (they own a production company called Storehouse Media Group) and in their family life!   Amber and I first met at Bloggers Night Out at the CHEA homeschool convention a couple of years ago. We were both on the panel for the event. (Now I actually organize the event…so come if you are CA in July come on out!)   On a “Simply” & “Joyful” side note…   I asked Amber about what she does to simplify her life and she has a great response! She gives several quick ideas to truly save time. I know you are going to like them!   ** Go to: https://kristiclover.com/freedownload to get a 30 day free trial of Audible — complete with a credit for a free audiobook download. **   In This Episode In this episode, Amber and I are going to get real and share about how mommy anger has affect our lives. Amber has some incredible tips for how to manage mommy anger and where it comes from.  I just know you are going to be so incredibly encouraged in this episode with Amber!   Highlights from This Show… Amber and I talk about her new book, Triggers: Parents' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses, which she co-authored with Wendy Speake. This incredible book about mommy anger was compiled from their time working with their online ministry called No More Angry MOB (Moms of Boys).   Mommy anger is a real thing! Amber thought that is was only her "real thing." Then she learned that she wasn't alone.   Triggers chronicles her journey through learning how to turn to God with her anger. It has given hope and has transformed thousands of families.   Many moms get trapped in the cycle of anger and aren't sure what to do.   The book goes over 31 common triggers that parents have. They divide it into external triggers and internal triggers. Amber Lia shares overarching tips and advice for moms who are struggling with anger.   “It takes a childhood to train a child.” -- Amber Lia   “In a practical sense, do not set your expectations too high for yourself or for your kids. Give them a long, long leash to learn whatever it is you’re trying to teach and train them.” -- Amber Lia   It's easy to feel alone in your struggles with anger...because we don't typically broadcast it when we lose it. It doesn't really look good on our Facebook highlight reel. Ha! However, when Wendy and Amber started this No More Angry MOB Facebook group...they had over 1,000 moms join in the first week.   "There's a lot of people out there who have nowhere to turn, because they are embarrassed and don't want to let people know that they get angry -- and that they don't know what to do about it." -- Amber Lia "If we're not letting people know our weaknesses, then we're missing out on a community that can help us grow toward change." -- Amber Lia   “Guilt defeats, but conviction catapults you toward spiritual growth." -- Amber Lia   Amber and I both talk about the importance of helping your child come up with a solution to the whatever problem they are repeatedly having.   “I want to know my kids. I want to know how they think. I want to know what matters to them, what’s important to them. Each of their personalities is different. Getting their input and getting them to take some ownership for these issues is a loving thing to do.” -- Amber Lia   I ask Amber what it’s like working in the entertainment industry as a Christian. She responds by asking for prayer. So, I wanted to ask you to partner with me in praying for the Lia family. Amber and Guy are in the "thick of it" being that they are in the film industry. Having a Christian, conservation company in Hollywood definitely stirs up spiritual attack. So, please be praying for them as they seek to bless others with great quality content. Thanks!   Books Mentioned…(& movie) Triggers: Parents' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses Triggers Study Guide Sewn with Joy by Tricia Goyer. (This is the fiction book I was reading when I wanted to take notes.) Enchanted   Another Great "Tool" to Mention... Temper Tool Kit by Lisa-Jo Baker is incredible. This is a video course that has “a collection of practical strategies, honest stories, and Biblical resources from one mom to another to help you take control of your temper BEFORE you lose it.” Sounds great, right. Check it our HERE.   Scripture Mentioned... "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." — Proverbs 15:1   Another Great "Tool" to Mention... Temper Tool Kit by Lisa-Jo Baker is incredible. This is a video course that has “a collection of practical strategies, honest stories, and Biblical resources from one mom to another to help you take control of your temper BEFORE you lose it.” Sounds great, right. Check it our HERE.     Please Note... Every podcast episode will have all the highlights and links from each episode (just like this) on my website. So, come on over to the blog to find the show notes. Be sure to grab your FREE copy of my book, Sanity Savers for Moms, by joining our Simply Joyful community. It's a great way to keep in touch...and get subscriber only freebies like my book. Click HERE to get the book and join! Make sure you head over to listen to my other interviews HERE! I know you will love these episodes!   Help Get the Word Out... My prayer is that this podcast would be a blessing to all who hear it. If you enjoy this podcast, it would be such a blessing to have you "Subscribe" to this podcast on iTunes or Stitcher and leave me a rating and review. This helps the podcast to rank in iTunes and be more "visible" for people searching for new podcasts to listen to. If you wanted to share this episode with friends or on social media, I've created several great images that are share-worthy. Thanks!   *My "Thank You" for Your Rating & Review on iTunes or Stitcher* If you do subscribe, rate, & review this podcast in iTunes or Stitcher, I'd love to thank you by giving you $5 off at my store! Just leave the review and email me, and I'll send you a coupon code to access the coloring book! (See show notes for details) Thank you so much for helping us get the word out about the Simply Joyful Podcast!   I hope you enjoyed this week's podcast! My prayer is always that you will be blessed and encouraged by each episode.   Live Simply. Be Joyful.   Connect Online: My Website Facebook  Instagram YouTube Pinterest Twitter   Connect with Amber... Girly-girl to the core, Amber finds a lot of humor in the fact that she has a “TESTOSTER-HOME” of four active males…and one new little one! She and her husband Guy work as a team in both their work as co-producers (they own a production company called Storehouse Media Group) and in their family life!  They’ve been married ten years and have four great gifts in their four great sons who they are raising to be knights. Amber blogs at Mother of Knights. She also has her Master’s Degree in Leadership and Educational Administration and used to work as a high school English teacher.

Welcome to the Simply Joyful Podcast Episode #009 with Lea Ann Garfias   Being Real & “Rocking” Your Ordinary Life! Show Notes: KristiClover.com/009     You have to love it when God lines things up just perfectly! Last week we talked with Wendy Speake about finding ways to use our creative gifts to bless our family — and the world. As women and moms we can easily allow the busyness of life to consume us and snuff out those passions and dreams that we once had. I hope you were encouraged to realize that God gave you your gifts and talents — and you can and should still use them — it might just look a little differently than you originally thought. However, we also talked about how it starts at home. Well, today God worked it out that this new interview with Lea Ann comes on the heels of Wendy's podcast. That wasn't what I had planned. I had these two ladies scheduled weeks apart. However, due to several different factors, they are back-to-back. And get this…today we a going to look at how to “rock your ordinary” life. So, we're talking about starting at home and pouring your heart into living out an extraordinary life…right in the middle of your “ordinary” day! Yep! God is good!   On a “Simply” & “Joyful” side note…   This is always one of my favorite parts of the podcast. I ask my guests to either share about how they are finding joy or how they are adding simplicity to their lives. Well, Lea Ann has a tip for you that made me laugh out loud! It's great! I hadn't thought of it!   In This Episode   In this episode Lea Ann and I talk about how to “rock” life even in the ordinary moments. We aren't called to make our lives look like other people's. Our callings are all different. Our gifting is all different, too. This really is such an amazing conversation to have right after Wendy's episode! They fit so perfectly together! I love how God ended up working out the details for these two episodes to be back-to-back. I can't wait for you to listen in on my encouraging conversation with Lea Ann!   Highlights from This Show   Lea Ann and I talk about how our lives can have an impact in other people's lives. When we stop striving for perfection and just “open the door” and be real with each other, we have the ability to bless others in a great way. Lea Ann gives the encouragement that we need to be happy and and thankful for our own unique calling in life and not to be envious of others’ callings. God is calling us to rock the ordinary!   “God not only didn’t call me to that life, He didn’t even give me a desire for that life…my burden, my calling, isn’t to have the cutest house on the block and my calling isn’t to be even a podcaster.” — Lea Ann Garfias   “I think we as women allow Satan to...discourage us and make us feel like we’re less than or not as effective in the ministry because we’re not ministering the same way as the lady across the aisle from us. And that is a terrible lie.” --Lea Ann Garfias     Lea Ann shares the story of a trial in her life when her marriage was at stake and gives advice to listeners who have or are going through similar issues.   “We need to be honest, and that is a huge part of our commitment to one another. [We also need to be] able to share…the truth with our close friends who are supporting us. Finally, we each have to be willing to be honest with the Lord and tell God what is the real issue.” –Lea Ann Garfias   “…when we’re brave and when we’re honest, that’s when God can heal us and sanctify us and grow us more to be like Him; not only individually but together as a couple.” –Lea Ann Garfias   Lea Ann also talks about the importance of vulnerability and asking our friends for prayer and advice and gives examples from her life.   “I don’t have to pretend in front of her, I can ask her for prayer and she will pray for me. I can tell her that I have a sin that I’m wrestling with and she won’t judge me, because she’s a sinner too.” –Lea Ann Garfias   “When we are being real with people and they see what God can do through that–that is the ‘testimony.'”–Kristi Clover   “If we can have the courage to be honest and open with our friends, we’ll find out that some of the stuff we’re hiding might just be normal behavior or just the regular way the world works, and we don’t have to spend so much time trying to hide things or brush stuff under the rug that really isn’t important.”–Lea Ann Garfias   “These little ordinary moments in our lives can have a tremendous impact on someone around us…just saying a nice word and [being] honest and encouraging…we don’t even realize how much that can relieve the burden from someone around us.”–Lea Ann Garfias   Lea Ann shares an overview of her past and what advice she has for women who have hard pasts and shattered dreams. “If there are listeners who grew up in a dysfunctional family or from a background of abuse, they recognize it’s hard when you come out of a situation like that to untangle what the difference is between your Heavenly Father and your earthly father…”–Lea Ann Garfias   “My prayer is that maybe starting with this book and then leading through healing relationships and biblical counseling, that women will be able to find hope because God does love you.” --Lea Ann Garfias   “I have every human reason not to believe, but I can tell you, that it is my faith in God that has restored me to health. Not just physical health, but emotional and spiritual health. God has allowed me to see redemption and healing in relationships that, humanly speaking, you would never expect.”–Lea Ann Garfias   “There is nothing more beautiful than to honestly look at the broken pieces of our past and see how God can recreate our hearts and our souls for His own glory.” --Lea Ann Garfias   Books Mentioned…   Rocking Ordinary Rocking Ordinary Small Group Study Kit Pilgrim’s Progress Dangerous Journey …Dangerous Journey is an easy to read story version of Pilgrim's Progress.   Scripture Mentioned... “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ…For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' that would not make it any less a part of the body…If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body…Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-27     Please Note... Every podcast episode will have all the highlights and links from each episode (just like this) on my website. So, come on over to the blog to find the show notes. Be sure to grab your FREE copy of my book, Sanity Savers for Moms, by joining our Simply Joyful community. It's a great way to keep in touch...and get subscriber only freebies like my book. Click HERE to get the book and join! Make sure you head over to listen to my other interviews HERE! I know you will love these episodes!   Help Get the Word Out... My prayer is that this podcast would be a blessing to all who hear it. If you enjoy this podcast, it would be such a blessing to have you "Subscribe" to this podcast on iTunes or Stitcher and leave me a rating and review. This helps the podcast to rank in iTunes and be more "visible" for people searching for new podcasts to listen to. If you wanted to share this episode with friends or on social media, I've created several great images that are share-worthy. Thanks!   *My "Thank You" for Your Rating & Review on iTunes or Stitcher* If you do subscribe, rate, & review this podcast in iTunes or Stitcher, I'd love to thank you by giving you $5 off at my store! Just leave the review and email me, and I'll send you a coupon code to access the coloring book! (See show notes for details) Thank you so much for helping us get the word out about the Simply Joyful Podcast!   I hope you enjoyed this week's podcast! My prayer is always that you will be blessed and encouraged by each episode.   Live Simply. Be Joyful.   Connect Online: My Website Facebook  Instagram YouTube Pinterest Twitter   Connect with Lea Ann... Author Lea Ann Garfias helps women recognize the extraordinary impact they make with their seemingly ordinary lives. A homeschool grad and homeschooling mom of four, Lea Ann fuels her roles as author, professional violinist, choir director, and soccer mom with a whole lotta coffee. You can check out Lea Ann's books HERE on Amazon! You can find Lea Ann on her website at lagarfias.com.

Welcome to the Simply Joyful Podcast Episode #008 with Wendy Speake   Life Creative Starts at Home!   Show Notes: KristiClover.com/008   When we become moms it often feels like we lose part of our creative selves. The things we used to enjoy doing become memories. It's easy to start viewing motherhood as a choice that voids all the other things we thought we'd do in life. However, God can use motherhood to refine our gifts and talents and use them right where we are -- at home. Now, by "at home" I'm not just talking to stay-at-home moms. I'm talking to all moms.   God did not make a mistake when He gave you all your incredible creativity and unique gifting. You can still use them. Sometimes it just looks a bit different than we first thought it would look.   On a “Simply” & “Joyful” side note… This whole podcast talks about how to find joy using the creativity that God gives us. Our conversation was so rich and filled with goodness, tips for finding more joy, and how to simplify our big dreams and use our gifting right where God has us -- that we never got to an "official" Simply Joyful moment at the end. So, don't miss this whole episode! It's all in there!   In This Episode In this episode Wendy and I talk about the dreams moms have and how we often feel hindered and burdened with motherhood. We hope you will be encouraged to explore the dreams, talents, and gifts that God has given you -- even while being a mom! I know you are going to be blown away by this encouraging episode with Wendy!   Highlights from This Show… ...(I know I mentioned cake pictures. I'm looking for them. I'll get them on here in a few hours. Sorry for the delay.) Wendy mentions her book Life Creative: Inspiration for Today’s Renaissance Mom, while explaining what a “Renaissance Mom” is.   “I write about about parenting, and I find that it’s still tapping into the same skills of storytelling, but it’s all with the purpose of pointing women to Jesus.” -- Wendy Speake   “God did a good job when He gave you all those other passions and all those other abilities. And so I’m encouraging you to find a way, find a time, find a tribe, find a group of women that can cheer you on in those things that you used to love before you became a mom.” -- Wendy Speake   Wendy shares about her friend, Kristen Schell who used a turquoise table to begin practicing hospitality when she was a mom.   Wendy talks about how the Great Commision starts at home with your kids and that you can use your talents and dreams during your season of motherhood to share God’s love with not only your kids, but with others...even when feeling "Confined, yet unhindered.”   “The dream come true of motherhood intersects every other dream.” — Wendy Speake   “This is the way God planned it, whether it’s jotting down the dreams in your notebook, or pulling out your sewing machine again, or working to invent new recipes, taking pictures, or pulling out the pottery wheel -- or whatever it is, when you’re a mom, all the other dreams start at home, too. It starts here. But it can start." — Wendy Speake   “God made us in His creative image for a reason. And one of those main reasons is because there’s gospel power in creativity. There are so many ways to get creative while 'confined' at home.” — Wendy Speake   “That Great Commission call actually starts at home. The Scripture says first in Jerusalem, and then in Judea and Samaria, and from there, out into the world (Acts 1:8). And Jerusalem is the home for the early church, and then Judea and Samaria are the neighborhoods … and then from there, out into the world.” — Wendy Speake   “It is God’s power that can flow out of our homes.” — Wendy Speake    “I might not want to be auditioning for movies, I might not be throwing extravagant dinner parties, but this is creative me, doing something to show someone they’re loved by God.” — Wendy Speake   “God sometimes uses motherhood to refine us and to show us how else we can be using those gifts to bless others and I think that is something we can get so shortsighted on when we start focusing on what we 'think' God’s plan is.” — Kristi Clover   Wendy answers Kristi’s question on what encouragement she has for moms who don’t know how to guard against the feelings and emotions that make them feel hindered and burdened: talk to your husband, let him know how you’re feeling during a time when communication is devoid of conflict and have some husband-and-wife teamwork for the next project you plan on doing.   Kristi talks about how she was inspired hearing about Joanna Gaines's story in her new book The Magnolia Story.   Wendy’s advice for moms who want to find balance is to redefine “balance.” She uses a life guard analogy to illustrate we need to surround our selves with people who encourage us to go out a little deeper...and sometimes remind us that we need to swim a little closer to shore.   “Balance is looking at the broad picture. If you can take a broader look at your life … then you won’t be so tempted to feel like you’re failing at balance.” — Wendy Speake   “Abundant life is yours for the taking and I really do believe that it starts with embracing where we are today and then inviting God to just inspire us how to live that joyful, abundant life -- and it doesn’t have to be complicated!” — Wendy Speake     Books Mentioned…   Life Creative Triggers Created for Work The Magnolia Story   Scripture Mentioned...   "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." -- Acts 1:8 (ESV) "He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance." -- Acts 28:30-31     Please Note... Every podcast episode will have all the highlights and links from each episode (just like this) on my website. So, come on over to the blog to find the show notes. Be sure to grab your FREE copy of my book, Sanity Savers for Moms, by joining our Simply Joyful community. It's a great way to keep in touch...and get subscriber only freebies like my book. Click HERE to get the book and join! Make sure you head over to listen to my other interviews HERE! I know you will love these episodes!     Help Get the Word Out... My prayer is that this podcast would be a blessing to all who hear it. If you enjoy this podcast, it would be such a blessing to have you "Subscribe" to this podcast on iTunes or Stitcher and leave me a rating and review. This helps the podcast to rank in iTunes and be more "visible" for people searching for new podcasts to listen to. If you wanted to share this episode with friends or on social media, I've created several great images that are share-worthy. Thanks!   *My "Thank You" for Your Rating & Review on iTunes or Stitcher*   If you do subscribe, rate, & review this podcast in iTunes or Stitcher, I'd love to thank you by giving you my new Sanity Savers for Moms Coloring Book for FREE! Just leave the review and email me, and I'll send you a coupon code to access the coloring book! (See show notes for details)   Thank you so much for helping us get the word out about the Simply Joyful Podcast!   I hope you enjoyed this week's podcast! My prayer is always that you will be blessed and encouraged by each episode.   Live Simply. Be Joyful.   Connect Online: My Website Facebook  Instagram YouTube Pinterest Twitter     Connect with Wendy... As a trained actress and heartfelt Bible teacher, Wendy ministers to women’s hearts through storytelling and Biblical life applications. She utilizes drama, comedy, poetry, and the study of God’s Word. During her career in Hollywood, Wendy longed to tell stories that would edify and encourage women. Today, she does just that — writing books and performing dramatic Bible studies that move audiences closer to Jesus! Wendy is co-author of the popular parenting book Triggers: Exchanging Parents’ Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses and Life Creative: Inspiration for Today’s Renaissance Mom. Wendy residing in Southern California with her husband and their 3 ruddy boys. You can check out Wendy's books HERE on Amazon! You can find Wendy on her website at www.wendyspeake.com.

Welcome to the Simply Joyful Podcast Episode #007 with Heidi St. John   Show Notes: KristiClover.com/007 Counter-Cultural Parenting   We live in a hurting and broken world. The influences of our culture try to seep their way into our homes any way they can. The hearts and minds of our children are under attack daily. However, often this battle begins with us -- parents. Often we are the ones who are battling the pressures of this culture and allowing ourselves to get stuck in the "ditches" that the enemy seems determined to put us in. Heidi and I  discussed these "ditches" in the first episode of this interview. These are the places we get stuck and off-track from the path that the Lord wants us walking on. In this episode we jump back in where we left off and discuss how parenting and womanhood are under attack today. We need to strive to live counter-culturally for our family's sake.   Now, if you are unfamiliar with Heidi St. John, she is a dynamic speaker and has a very popular blog called The Busy Mom. Equally as popular is her podcast, The Busy Mom Podcast.    On a “Simply” & “Joyful” side note…   Heidi has some great advice on how she simplifies…she shares it right after she laughs at me for asking the “busy mom” how she lives more “simply.” Ha! Hey, even busy moms can find ways to simplify their lives…and she has some great advice. Wait until you hear what she did with her husband's power tools!   In This Episode   In this episode Heidi and I get borderline controversial. If you follow Heidi anywhere online you know she is known for speaking truth on current events and how they relate to the Word of God. We dive into the recent Women's March in D.C. and how we should respond as women and mothers. I typically don't get into topics like this on my blog or on the podcast, but Heidi's wisdom is so good in how she relates everything back to the Lord. This podcast interview was so awesome…and long…that I split it into two episodes. Don't miss Part One of this interview where Heidi shares some incredible encouragement for busy moms. I hope you will be encouraged with every episode of this podcast…starting with this one!   Highlights from This Show…   Heidi shares about how weak women are in the culture today as mothers, and how we don't even know what being a woman means anymore.   "We take our worth and our role from the Lord" —Heidi St. John   "Women need to be strong in who they are and strong in the Lord, so that they can train their children.”  —Heidi St. John   With over 28 years of being married, having children, and now having grandchildren, Heidi talks about the fact that she has "the gift of perspective" which she shares in her new book, Becoming Mom Strong. Heidi and Kristi talk a bit about the Feminist Movement. Heidi shares about the history of Planned Parenthood and Margaret Sanger.   "I feel like womanhood is under attack." — Kristi Clover   "I want to embrace my femininity."  — Heidi St. John   Heidi talks about the recent Women’s March in Washington D.C. -- and her Facebook post that got millions of views!   “These women want to be heard, but they won't listen. They want to be respected, but they won't give respect.” — Heidi St. John   "Unfortunately, we have allowed culture to get to the point where our kids think that's how it's done!"  — Heidi St. John   Kristi shares about how she sees one of the biggest problem we have in society right now is our view of  “parenting."   “I think right now it's not parenting, it's friending. — Kristi Clover   Heidi talks about how she's seen a lot of people taking things that are happening in our culture out of the context of the Bible, because they don't know the Bible. Heidi discusses the Johnson Amendment and how this affects our pastors ability to speak the truth of the Bible.   “We have a lot of problems in this country, but we have a big God! — Heidi St. John   Kristi talks about the amazing resource Heidi has on her website on Scripture writing.   "I don't think there's anything that can touch a heart more than Scripture."  — Kristi Clover   “If we would just spend 10 minutes before the Lord with our hearts open. It really will change your life.” — Heidi St. John   Heidi shares some incredible tips on how she simplifies her "busy" home. She's a big fan of to-do lists, order, and having a plan for dinner. Heidi is getting ready to release a Busy Mom Planner that will be filled with her tips and the routines she incorporates into her day. Praying and asking the Lord to help order the day is the best way to start your day off right. Heidi is a big believer in getting rid of stuff -- clutter!   “Clutter messes up our lives...and creates stress!” -- Heidi St. John   Lesson learned: Ask your husband before donating his power tools. We talked about how as wives we all know what our husband's "primary" love language is. {wink. wink.} Heidi's love language is acts of service. She joked that her husband is "bringing sexy back starting with the dishes.” We talked about how we feel like our love languages root from our family upbringing.   DON'T MISS PART ONE OF THIS INTERVIEW!   Books Mentioned…   Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Daylight by Heidi St. John Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Romance by Heidi St. John Red-Hot Monogamy by Bill and Pam Farrell Word Writers: James by Denise Hughes Word Writers: Philippians by Denise Hughes The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman     Scripture Mentioned...   "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom and gently lead those that are with young." -- Isaiah 40:11 (ESV)   "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." -- 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)   "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." -- 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)   "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." -- Romans 8:28   Please Note... Every podcast episode will have all the highlights and links from each episode (just like this) on my website. So, come on over to the blog to find the show notes. Be sure to grab your FREE copy of my book, Sanity Savers for Moms, by joining our Simply Joyful community. It's a great way to keep in touch...and get subscriber only freebies like my book. Click HERE to get the book and join! Make sure you head over to listen to my other interviews HERE! I know you will love these episodes!     Help Get the Word Out... My prayer is that this podcast would be a blessing to all who hear it. If you enjoy this podcast, it would be such a blessing to have you "Subscribe" to this podcast on iTunes or Stitcher and leave me a rating and review. This helps the podcast to rank in iTunes and be more "visible" for people searching for new podcasts to listen to. If you wanted to share this episode with friends or on social media, I've created several great images that are share-worthy. Thanks!     *My "Thank You" for Your Rating & Review on iTunes or Stitcher*   If you do subscribe, rate, & review this podcast in iTunes or Stitcher, I'd love to thank you by giving you my new Sanity Savers for Moms Coloring Book for FREE! Just leave the review and email me, and I'll send you a coupon code to access the coloring book! (See show notes for details)   Thank you so much for helping us get the word out about the Simply Joyful Podcast!   I hope you enjoyed this week's podcast! My prayer is always that you will be blessed and encouraged by each episode.   Live Simply. Be Joyful.   Connect Online: My Website Facebook  Instagram YouTube Pinterest Twitter   Connect with Heidi... Heidi St John has delighted tens of thousands of readers through her blog, podcast, Facebook page, and her books. Her transparent style and her rich sense of humor combine to draw her readers into what feels like a very personal conversation over a cup of coffee. It's like sitting and talking with a friend. Heidi’s ability to bypass our prejudices and preconceptions allows her to speak directly to the heart of every reader and listener as she offers wisdom, inspiration, and grace to those who are all-too-often feeling overwhelmed by all that’s on their plate. Check out more of Heidi's books HERE on Amazon -- and be sure to listen in to her incredible podcast HERE! You can find all of Heidi's posts and podcast episodes on her website at www.heidistjohn.com.

Today on the show, Brook+Elizabeth and Phil+Diane answer your marriage-related questions, offering practical strategies and heartfelt wisdom for navigating the challenges and celebrations of married life. They tackle everything from difficult in-law dynamics and moments of overstimulation to prioritizing your spouse during the busiest or most exhausting seasons. With a focus on communication, respect, and prayer, this discussion is packed with advice, encouragement, laughter, and essential tools to help you build a stronger, more resilient relationship. Don't miss it!Scripture Mentioned:1 Peter 3Psalm 34Marriage Retreat - SOLD OUTWatch on YouTubeFollow us on Instagram: @intentional_parents @brook_mosser @EmosserFREE TEXT Message Daily Devotional MERCH: Gear for the journey Grab a copy of our book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)Website:Blogs The Intentional Film Series