Podcasts about unexpected blessings

This week, I speak with Theresa Miller, who is adventurous at heart and dedicated to pursuing spiritual, mental, and emotional healing for the betterment of future generations. Originally from the wooded East, Theresa now resides in the wide-open spaces of Wyoming, nestled near the Big Horn Mountains. She cherishes her role as a wife to Rob and mother to their four children. Weaving words has been her creative outlet since childhood, bringing clarity to life's complexities. Theresa is the co-author of “Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God's Best” and “The Posture of Victory: Finding True Peace amidst Our Everyday Battles.” She serves in women's ministries as a Bible teacher and a MomCo Mentor in her community. She co-founded Dandelions, Potholes, & Wrinkles and The Sisters on Purpose Podcast. In addition to guest-appearing on several podcasts and blogs, she has been published in Calla Press Literary Journal, Moms Ezine, (in)courage, and various other publications. You can find Theresa encouraging women to dig deeper to reach higher in their faith and calling on Instagram, Facebook, her professional website, and the podcast she hosts with her sisters. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won't want to miss this encouraging episode!IG: @theresammillerauthor https://www.instagram.com/theresammillerauthor FB: Theresa M. Miller, Writer https://www.facebook.com/heavenlyglimpses1 Substack: @theresammiller https://open.substack.com/pub/theresamiller Professional website: www.theresammiller.com Sister website: www.dandelionsisters.com The Sisters on Purpose Podcast: http://sistersonpurposepodcast.podbean.com*Theme Music "Blessed Time" by Ketsa

Glad I Didn't Know: Lessons Learned Through Life's Challenges and Unexpected Blessings with Vonna LaueJoin Educate for Life Radio and Kevin Conover as he interviewsVonna Laue about maintaining joy through life's  trials.  Learn more about how God's plan for your life will bring blessings in the challenges and how you can help ministries such as World Vision. This episode first aired 4/14/25

As much as we’d love to believe we are in control of all things, much of life is unexpected. We didn’t see it coming. And maybe, that’s a gift! From a cross country move to a senior year injury to an unexpected death, Vonna was overwhelmed by the “unexpecteds” of life. It wasn’t until later that she realized not knowing was a blessing in disguise. Vonna Laue is a speaker and author of Glad I Didn’t Know: Lessons Learned Through Life’s Challenges and Unexpected Blessings. Vonna admits, “If we knew the difficulties we would encounter, we might not be obedient, and we would miss out on what God has planned.” When we relinquish control and just trust the Lord for each next step, He is faithful! Also in this episode... “Mom, God is so faithful!” Shawna’s daughter said when Shawna answered her call. A series of events all throughout the day led Haven into exactly what she needed when the storm hit. God is faithful. He's got you! Perry shares, “God put a kingdom dream in my heart. I moved across the country to step into it. It was his dream but then I inserted myself into it. Tried to shape it in my image not God’s. Then it crashed. Last, the legacy of Shawna’s dad is that he loved God and loved people. And he did it one step at a time. The way we want to be remembered starts with acts of kindness today.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshow/wgnbSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the BulkLoads Podcast, Rodney Garber discusses his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the rich Garber family history of farming, transportation, and biblical leadership. He shares insights into business challenges, personal growth, and mindset transformation. The conversation explores Rodney's coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of activating potential and maintaining perspective during challenging times in the transportation industry. Watch this episode on YouTube & Subscribe! https://youtu.be/BXuV1gn_eaI 2025 Bulk Freight Conference  Free Video Shoot From BulkLoads? https://links.bulkloads.com/widget/form/bfbbWKvA8xQZJKKYfc2Z   Rodney Garber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-garber-0811a2151/overlay/photo/ How can we pray for you? Email us: prayer@bulkloads.com Check out our companies!  BulkLoads - https://www.bulkloads.com/sign_up/create_account/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=podcast Insurance - https://www.bulkinsurancegroup.com/ Factoring - https://www.smartfreightfunding.com/  Transportation Management (TMS) - https://www.bulktms.com/ Permitting- https://www.bulkloads.com/tools/permitting/  Timestamp: 00:00 Farm Life to Family Business Transition 03:17 Garber Farms: A Business Family Approach 08:01 Breaking the Cycle of Family Failure 12:08 "Finding Purpose After Loss" 15:21 The Impact of Executive Coaching 17:49 "Entrepreneurs vs. Business Operators" 21:26 Strategic Partner for Business Growth 25:05 Executives Succeed with Business Coaching 27:40 Avoid Panic; Build Strategic Alliances 31:10 "Unexpected Blessings from Destruction" 33:43 Plant Seeds for Future Growth 36:21 "Value Through Conversation"

What makes a person blessed? Most people would probably list things like good health, financial stability, or a fulfilling career. But when Jesus preaches to his followers, he explains that true blessings come to us in a way that is completely different -- and totally unexpected. Today's mediation is based on Luke 6:17-26.

Sometimes God gives us something good that we didn't see coming.

 Focusing on the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:1-12God is faithful, God is trustworthy, and all that God has promised will come to pass!

You're listening to the Two Rivers PCA church podcast. We are a family of faith gathering around God's redeeming love, growing in the grace of Jesus Christ, and going to serve our neighbors.For more information, visit us at tworiverspca.org.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we embark on an inspiring journey titled "The Yes Trip." We’ll explore the transformative power of saying "yes" to God’s calling and the adventures that await when we step out in faith. Life is full of opportunities that challenge us to trust God and embrace new experiences, and saying yes can lead to unexpected blessings and growth. Through biblical stories and personal reflections, we’ll discuss how obedience and openness can shape our lives and deepen our relationship with God. Join us as we encourage one another to take bold steps and respond to His invitations with a heart full of trust. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear from you! Have you ever said yes to God in a way that changed your life? Share your stories with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How has embracing God’s calling led you on your own unique journey?

This week's episode is raw, real, and deeply personal—like having a heart-to-heart with a trusted friend. From laughter about Botox mishaps to uncovering the profound lessons of self-love and authenticity, I open up about my journey of battling vanity and embracing who I truly am. Alongside my good friend, Keira Brinton, we dive into the beauty of creation, facing rejection, and learning to show up as our unfiltered, unapologetic selves. If you've ever felt the pull to be something for someone else or feared shining too bright, this one's for you. Keira Brinton Success Codes even in Phoenix, AZ: https://successcodeslive.com/success-codes-live-phx Here are the key moments from the episode: 3:25 The Root of Self-Abandonment 9:25 The Power of Rejection 15:02 Encouragement to Pursue Creativity 22:18 Transformative Writing Experiences 28:00 The Role of Creation in Healing 34:13 Books as Service to Humanity 42:00 Overcoming Fear of Failure 53:13 Embracing Authenticity Connect with Heidi:Website: https://heidipowell.net/ Email: podcast@heidipowell.net Instagram: @realheidipowell Facebook: Heidi Powell YouTube: @HeidiPowellNet Train with Heidi on her Show Up App:  https://www.showupfit.app/ Connect with Keira Brinton: IG - @keirabrinton YouTube - @keirabrintondaily Website - https://www.keirabrinton.com/

[Matthew 5:1-12] What blessings will you value in 2025?

Episode SummaryIn the final episode of 2024, Janna and Anna Faith reflect on the lessons God has taught them throughout the year, tying them to themes of trust, surrender, and humility. They also discuss the lives of two remarkable women from the Christmas story, Mary and Anna, and their enduring faith and worship. The episode challenges listeners to approach the new year with a heart fully committed to God and a lifestyle of worship and trust.Topics DiscussedTrusting God's will through life's disappointments and changes.Learning contentment in every stage of life.Lessons in surrender and dependence on God for each step.God's providence in answering specific prayers.Witnessing opportunities and being a light in everyday life.Reflections on Mary's humility and Anna's life of worship from the Christmas story.Key TakeawaysTrusting God often requires surrendering personal plans and embracing His unexpected will.Worshiping God involves daily choices of humility, thanksgiving, and dependence.God uses the small, seemingly insignificant details of life to accomplish His greater purposes.The Christmas story reminds us of the power of humility and the joy of surrendering to God's plan.Faith Talks is a monthly program on the Thee Generation podcast designed to help young ladies discover greater ways to nurture and exercise their faith in their day-to-day walk with Christ. To leave a question for the Faith Twins or our guest, send an email to faithtalks@theegeneration.org. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Can you image what it would be like for husband and his wife to walk or even ride a donkey for over 4 days while she is 9 months pregnant? Only to reach their destination and found out they are staying in some type of barn, then to give birth there? What lessons of encouragement can we learn from this journey of obedience to God?

Preached by Charles Boswell

Wouldn't it be nice if our kids innately felt grateful for all we (and others) do for them? That they naturally expressed gratitude and could see how blessed they are?  Certainly, some kids are more predisposed than others, but it's been my experience, and I'm guessing yours too, that this doesn't come naturally to most kids. Instead, gratitude is a skill that needs to be taught and practiced repeatedly.  So the big question is: how do we teach it?  Today's episode will focus on three actionable, realistic ways to teach your kids gratitude.  Click play NOW to jump in! Full full show notes, including a list of takeaways, click here.  Join us on Instagram! *** Announcement: 10% off Flecks of Gold Journals through Dec 3!  Plus! Get Flecks of Gold Digital Download for Kids for only $5 with any journal purchase!  Related Episodes:  109: How to Find Gratitude in the Marathons of Life // Taffy Micheli 209: 3 Unexpected Blessings of Focusing on Gratitude 401: How Radical Gratitude Can Change Your Life // Dr. Tanmeet Sethi, MD Episode sponsors: KiwiCo: Get up to 50% off your first crate at kiwico.com, promo code 3IN30. MeUndies: To get 20% off your first order, plus free shipping, go to meundies.com/3in30 and enter promo code 3in30.  Vionic Shoes: Go to vionicshoes.com and use code 3IN30 for 15% off your order. ***

Unexpected Blessings have such a unique energy. We get to be surprised, delighted and mystified all at the same time.  Every experience has a blessing in it.  Even the ones that are uncomfortable or have negative emotions with them.   Look for the lesson and thank it and let it go.  Guided Imagery to cleanse and balance our chakra energies with the intention of recognizing and embracing unexpected blessings. 

Hey GF! Can you believe Turkey Day is right around the corner? I know right....me either. Time surely does fly! As I sat to reflect & record the podcast, it hit me that the anxiety that I used to get days leading up to Thanksgiving was non-existent, & I knew I needed to share that hope with you today friend. If you are anxious about the upcoming season of food & more food, followed by thoughts about food & triggers from family or the feeling of "being judged" by others because you will be surrounded by food, then you will enjoy today's show. In Episode 181.5, I share 11 things that you can be thankful for when you just aren't "feeling it" this Thanksgiving. Some of these things may even surprise you! So make sure you get a journal & pen & jot them down to help you as you navigate the upcoming holidays. Plus, I'd be honored if you shared this one with someone you love that may struggle with disordered eating & could use a positive dose of inspo this season. I am so very thankful for you friend! & always remember...you are worthy. You are enough. You are creating the very BEST version of you...one day at at time. xo, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ wwww.herbestself.co ______ Coach with Me -＞Client Application ______ Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com ______ Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com ______ Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don't have to do this alone! Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it! Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let's work together -> Client Application Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you! YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS! * While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder. 

Radical gratitude is a powerful practice to help you through difficult times. But if you're in the thick of difficult times (which I know many of you are!), you might be tempted to click away right now. And I get why. ❤️‍

In this video, we explore the theme of God's boundless generosity and how it should motivate our service to Him. We delve into the parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) to understand the importance of serving out of love and gratitude, not out of a desire for reward.We discuss the contrast between serving for God's sake and serving for our own benefit, highlighting the importance of recognizing our worth as servants of God. We also emphasize the grace of God, which allows us to be accepted and loved regardless of our past or present shortcomings.Finally, we encourage viewers to shift their perspective from one of pride to one of gratitude, acknowledging that God is the ultimate source of blessings and that He freely bestows them upon us. We invite viewers to work with God, knowing that He is a just and loving employer who rewards faithfulness and trust.

Experience The Angel Reiki School in Oak Brook, Illinois Dates: November 8-10, 2024. Learn more at http://theangelmedium.com/get-certified Sign-up for my new course: Release Fear and Embrace Miracles. Starts November 1st Online. Become a member to get this course for FREE at http://theangelmedium.com/angelmembership   Hello, beautiful souls! When Jennifer Goldman fell critically ill, it marked a profound turning point for her family. Her mother, Caryn, shares how this challenging time allowed her to connect deeply with her loved ones and find profound meaning in the midst of adversity. This experience gave Caryn the opportunity to be intimately connected with her family, leading to a life filled with profound meaning. While Jennifer sees this whole experience a blessing so she can inspire other people who went through something similar as her.   Whether you're navigating a health crisis or seeking a deeper connection with your loved ones, Jennifer's journey, as told by Caryn, offers valuable insights into the power of presence and the importance of living a meaningful life.   Grab a copy of their book and get inspired with their story: https://inthefaceofcatastrophe.com/  

oin us as Denise McDonald shares another pivotal moment in her recovery journey in the ‘Step 1 Denise Lived Experience Series'. In this episode, Denise recounts her frustration when a snowstorm caused road closures that prevented her from keeping a meaningful commitment. Angry and confused, she questioned why God would allow this to happen when she was trying so hard. However, what followed was something truly amazing. During a visit to her grandma's, a friend described a house that sounded just like the one where her mom grew up—a place Denise had always longed to see but never had the chance to visit. This unexpected encounter turned her frustration into a moment of spiritual clarity.Step 1 of Alcoholics Anonymous is about recognizing that we are powerless over many things and that a Higher Power can lead us through life's challenges. Denise's story reminds us that even when we don't understand why things are happening, we can be led to unexpected blessings. Her experience serves as a powerful example of faith and the mysterious ways recovery can unfold.To support and learn from journeys like Denise's, please like, comment, and share. Subscribe to our channel and join us every Thursday night at 7 p.m. Arizona time for more discussions on the AA steps and transformative real-life stories. Your engagement helps us reach and assist others on their path to recovery.Join us for more inspiring recovery stories and transformative insights.Check out our website at: www.positionofneutrality.orgYouTube:http://www.youtube.com/@positionofneutrality721Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PositionOfNeutralitySpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3mGbAbcacTs83RhMsv6FmY?si=6531e7adfdbb480eRSS: Position of Neutrality | RSS.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@interactivestepexp?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc#PositionOfNeutrality, #DeniseMcDonald, #JoeMcDonald, #BrianReinhart, #WayneGiles, #EricReinhart, #JoeTeaches, #BigBookAA, #ISEJourney, #Step1AA, #SpiritualGrowth, #RecoveryJourney, #LGBTQRecovery, #PrideInRecovery, #AddictionRecovery, #HealingInRecovery, #RecoverySupport, #FaithInRecovery, #PersonalGrowth, #SobrietySuccess, #RecoveryIsPossible, #SpiritualAwakening, #SoberLiving, #SelfAwareness, #GratitudeInRecovery, #RecoveryLife

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Let's sing of who we are as a church, why we've gathered here this morning…but better yet let's sing of who HE is! Our Cornerstone, our foundation, our only hope, our Rock & Redeemer - Jesus Christ.

Pastor Keith Brown brings the Sermon of Enrichment from Psalm 126:1-6. Note: Part I is unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.

In the debut message of his new series "A God of Great Reversals - Sermons from the Gospel of Luke," Pastor James D. Gailliard dives into Luke 1:1-14 with a sermon titled "An Unexpected Blessing." This powerful message reveals how God moves in surprising ways, bringing blessings in the most unlikely situations. Focusing on the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Pastor Gailliard teaches us that God's plans often unfold in ways we don't expect, reminding us to stay faithful and trust in His timing, even in seasons of doubt and delay.

Key Verses: Ruth 2:16-20 Ruth carried home to Naomi blessings for that day and for the future as well.

We never saw this coming...but here we are. 300 episodes later, after starting this podcast on a pool table in our parents' garage, we're commemorating 7 years of podcasting and growing an amazing community. Our 'guest' is the person who knows better than anyone what's it's been like to see all of this come to pass - my (Allen's) wife Lia Paul.While Lia has appeared a few times over the years, she really opens up about her own struggles both as a creative in her own right, and as a support to the overall vision of God and Gigs. This dynamic couple shares the real story behind taking risks, choosing the right opportunities, and prioritizing relationships as we build something special. We are so grateful for EVERYONE who has liked, reviewed, subscribed and shared the podcast over the past 300 episodes. While we can't thank everyone right away, there's a wonderful collection of the kind souls you have reviewed and supported us over the years! Support over the years shared at godandgigs.com/reviewsWe've love to hear your thoughts about this episode… Tap HERE to send us a text!Support the showNEW DEVOTIONAL ON YOUVERSION! Would you like to understand God's creative process and apply it to your life? Check out our new YouVersion Bible reading plan here! NEW "DISCOVER YOUR CREATIVE PERSONALITY" QUIZ! We've developed this quiz to help you diagnose and discover where you currently stand in your journey as a faith-focused artist. You'll find out which of the 5 Christian Creative Personalities you're currently operating in and how to improve on your strengths and get help with your weaknesses. Take the 5- minute quiz HEREPODCAST MERCHGet God and Gigs themed gear, clothing and accessories HERE! GOT VALUE FROM THIS PODCAST? Exchange VALUE 4 VALUE! You can share: TIME: Send this episode to someone who you know would enjoy itTALENT: Email your art or music to add to our community to allen@godandgigs.comTREASURE: Tap HERE to pick an amount to support the podcast monthly, OR: Get a modern podcast app that allows you support us IN REAL TIME by sending us value digitally! Get a new podcast app that supports these new features HERE.

We never know what we're going to face every day. We will face unexpected, unwanted, and uncomfortable pain and circumstances in life. When it seems like life is falling apart, God is working on the brokenness. Looking at the parable of the hidden treasure in Matthew 13, Jesus teaches that unexpected blessings are often found in unexpected events. God will never waste the unexpected, but are we willing to surrender the very thing that is causing pain in our lives so that He can cover it with His grace and love? God wants to use your circumstances and He wants to use you to bring His Kingdom here to earth. Listen to this sermon about unexpected blessings in unexpected circumstances in the third and final part of our Stories series.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/dkFbcySVaZMSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Have you ever felt like you're not where you should be in your business journey? Or maybe that your big plans just aren't coming together as quickly as you'd hoped? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing some of my own behind-the-scenes challenges.  Let's face it, we all have setbacks and moments of doubt. But it's how we navigate those moments that truly matters.  We'll explore the power of trust, embracing imperfection, and finding balance in the pursuit of our goals. Key Points: ✔️ Unmet Expectations: We'll talk about those frustrating times when things don't go according to plan, and how to shift our perspective to see the hidden blessings. ✔️ The Illusion of 100% Focus: Discover how the belief that success requires singular focus can actually hold us back. I'll share my own aha moment and how I learned to embrace balance. ✔️ God's Got You: Sometimes the path to our dreams takes unexpected twists and turns. Learn how to trust in divine timing and embrace the "this or something better" mindset. This episode is a reminder that even the most successful entrepreneurs face struggles and setbacks. It's okay to not have it all figured out, and it's okay to feel frustrated at times. But through it all, we can find strength in our faith, learn valuable lessons, and continue to move forward. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Don't forget to leave a review, drop a comment and join us in The Better Club! (link below) CONNECT WITH LACHELLE! LaChelle's Better Club Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebetterclub Watch Full Episodes on Apple, Spotify or Your Favorite Podcast Platform Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiral-up-podcast-with-lachelle-wieme/id1496832937 Spotify: www.bit.ly/spiraluppodcast You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPIRALUPpodcastwithlachelle Follow LaChelle on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lachellewieme/ Grab Your Copy of Get Out of God's Way https://iam-lifebydesign.com/book Ready to discover your business blindspots?  Take the Quiz & Find Out! https://iam-lifebydesign.com/successpredictor i-AM Life by Design Website https://iam-lifebydesign.com Learn About Spiral Up Program Options  https://iam-lifebydesign.com/spiralupstart

Imagine facing not one, not two, but three life-changing moments that could push anyone over the edge. In today's interview, you'll meet Dr. Robin Hall, an award-winning physician who knows this scenario all too well and is here to share her incredible journey with you.Got Questions? Feedback? CLICK HERE to Send Kevin a Voice Message!If you've ever felt overwhelmed by life's challenges or wondered how to find resilience and purpose through adversity, this episode is for you. Dr. Hall's story will inspire you to see the unexpected blessings that can emerge from life's toughest moments.What's It All About?In this episode, we dive into the remarkable life of Dr. Robin Hall, who transitioned from being a successful physician to overcoming personal and professional upheavals. Dr. Hall shares her experiences of battling breast cancer while caring for her husband, who was also diagnosed with stage-four lymphoma, and all the while still trying to operate her medical practice.Additionally, Dr. Hall discusses the power of intuition, recounting how a persistent inner voice guided her to retire and sell her practice, a decision that all made sense when her brother-in-law needed her after being told he only had 3 months to live. Through her compelling narrative, you'll learn about the power of resilience, the importance of intuition, and the unexpected gifts that arise from facing adversity head-on.Key Takeaways:Resilience through Adversity: Discover how Dr. Hall found strength and resilience during the most challenging times of her life, providing invaluable lessons for anyone facing their own struggles.Intuition and Faith: Learn about the role of intuition and faith in making critical life decisions and how these elements guided Dr. Hall through her journey.Fresh Perspective on Healthcare: Gain insights into the concept of optimal healthcare versus sick care and how Dr. Hall's approach to medicine can transform how we think about health and well-being.Don't miss this inspiring story of overcoming adversity and finding unexpected blessings along the way. Hit play now and embark on a journey of resilience and hope with Dr. Robin Hall!AMAZON #1 BEST SELLER!The Other Side of Illness: Unexpected BlessingsCLICK TO BUY ON AMAZONCLICK TO BUY AT BARNES & NOBLECLICK TO VISIT DR. ROBIN HALL'S WEBSITEReferenced Interview with Kevin's MomWith this episode publishing within a few days of my mom's birthday, I decided no time was better to give her a Happy Birthday Shoutout!If intrigued to meet my mom, just CLICK HERE to listen as I interview her!Today's Featured GuestDr. Robin Hall is an award-winning physician with over 32 years of experience in family medicine. After facing significant personal and professional challenges, including battling breast cancer and caring for her husband with stage-four lymphoma, Dr. Hall transitioned from traditional medicine to a concierge practice model. Her unique approach to healthcare emphasizes prevention and optimal care, allowing her to make a profound impact on her patients' lives. Additionally, guided by a powerful sense of intuition, Dr. Hall...

[00:00:00] Vonna Laue: One of the indicators for nonprofits that anyone who hears me speak knows that I'm always going to harp on a little bit, and that is available cash. Not just cash, because you can look at the balance sheet and see, wow, we've got $700,000 in cash. If that's what the board looks at and starts making decisions based on, you could find yourself in trouble because the available cash that I'm talking about takes that cash number, but then it subtracts two things out of there. [00:00:33] Vonna Laue: It subtracts the things that we're going to pay this week. So maybe we've got payroll coming up this week and we've got a bunch of accounts we're going to pay. I'm going to take that out of there. And I'm also going to take out any temporarily restricted funds that have been given by donors for a specific purpose. If those amounts are held in that cash number, I'm going to back those out. If you back out those two things, that $700,000 might be $200,000. And that board and those leaders are going to make significantly different decisions based on $700,000 versus $200,000.  Right? That's a financial metric. ++++++++++++++++ [00:01:10] Tommy Thomas: You and I have a mutual friend, Alec Hill, former President of InterVarsity. And he wrote of some of the pain and suffering he experienced while being the President of Intervarsity. And he writes, if we pause and reflect long enough, pain is a great teacher. Our character can be transformed more through a day of suffering than a month of study. As I think about your book that's coming out here in a couple of weeks, I would imagine that played into the writing of the book. [00:01:39] Vonna Laue: You are absolutely correct. So, the book is Glad I Didn't Know, and then it's subtitled Lessons Learned Through Life's Challenges and Unexpected Blessings, so it absolutely does play into that. The premise of the book is that there are a lot of difficult things that we go through that if we'd known in advance, we would have done everything we could to avoid those, but if we had avoided those, we'd have missed out on what God had planned for us and the lessons that we learned as a result of it. [00:02:12] Vonna Laue: The flip side of that is also the unexpected blessings. And when I look at things like serving on the World Vision Board, if someone had told me in advance, you're going to be on the World Vision Board. I'd have thought, okay, I need this education and I need this experience and I need to network with this person, and I'd have totally messed it up. But I just faithfully follow one thing to the next. And so would totally agree with Alec there. And I'm glad I don't know a lot of the things that I'm going to go through. And each time we go through something, it makes it a little bit easier the next time to look back on the faithfulness of God and realize, okay, we're going to come out the other side of this and there will be blessings as a result of it, even though it's a challenge at the time. [00:03:01] Tommy Thomas: What lesson did you learn from writing this book? A real practical question. [00:03:07] Vonna Laue: Yeah. One of the things that just in the process that I learned initially, I had chapters for the whole book, and I was just going to write their life stories. And then in some discussions and some just careful consideration, I realized if I did that, it would be really easy for a reader to say, oh, that's nice for that person and dismiss it. And the applicability that it had to their lives. And so, within the book, there are 16 other contributors that all contributed a story of their life that they were glad they didn't know. And so, the encouragement there and just the lesson was if we're willing to be honest with ourselves and honest with those around us, we've all got those stories and in sharing them, there is a blessing to be had both by the giver and the receiver. [00:04:09] Vonna Laue: Tommy, I had a number of people that wrote chapters that when they submitted them said something like, I needed to do that. Or it was a blessing to me to go through this, and there were a few people that I had ideas of the stories that they would contribute because I knew specific things about their life. But all of them, I just asked them to do a story. And many of the ones that I thought the story they would do was not the story. They actually contributed. And so fun to see, just how God's orchestrated that. [00:04:45] Tommy Thomas: What's the most dangerous behavior trait that you've seen that can derail a leader's career? [00:04:54] Vonna Laue: I'm going to look at, especially those who have been leading for a long time. A few years ago, I was pondering a few of the leaders that had not finished well. And, you get, I think you use the word distinguished when you introduced me and I translated that to experienced or old, one of the two, some length of time and so as I think about that, it really hit home. Partially because of the people and the disappointment that I had in the situation, but partially because I realized I'm not in the first half of my career. And so, I want to make sure that I do what I can to finish well. And so back to your question. One of the things that really came out to me was the idea of having people speak truth into your life. The more experience we gain in leadership, the scarcer it becomes to have people who will candidly share the truth with us. With time, leaders tend to surround themselves with fewer people who are ready to speak honestly and openly with them. [00:05:51] Vonna Laue: And the longer we lead, the fewer people I find that leaders have around them that are willing to speak truth into them. We talk about being put on a pedestal. That can happen in a number of different ways. It doesn't mean we're famous. Doesn't mean we have all the glory that some of the people you would think of might have. It can happen to any leader, but we rise up far enough in our career or our organization that we just don't have as many close confidants around us that will challenge us. That will speak truth. And I think that when that happens is when people are more likely to not finish well. [00:06:38] Tommy Thomas: I'm sure. Ross Hoskins at One Hope, he says, surround yourself with people who know you better than yourself and will tell you the truth out of love.  This is how we grow. [00:06:49] Vonna Laue: Amen. He just perfectly summarized what I would agree with. Perfectly. [00:06:57] Tommy Thomas: So, if you were going to write another book and this book was going to be about the burdens of leadership that only the president or the CEO can bear, what would be some of your chapter headings? [00:07:10] Vonna Laue: Have to think about that one a little bit……Chapter headings? [00:07:18] Tommy Thomas: Or topics that you think have to be talked about. [00:07:22] Vonna Laue: Yep. I think the topics definitely are similar to what was just said, choosing people that are extremely accomplished to be around you. We talk about having smarter people than you. I'm a big fan of that. I would also say working in a team. We are not as good by ourselves as we are with a team around us. And so, when you're looking at that key leadership position, you're only as good as the team that is around you. I think also you've got to have that personal and spiritual aspect to it. So encouraging leaders, I often find, and as I speak on personal leadership, when I'm at my busiest, the two things that are easiest for me to give up are my workout and my devotion time. The two things I need most when I'm busiest are my workout and my devotion time [00:08:19] Vonna Laue: The two things I need most when I'm busiest are my workout and my devotion time. And so reminding leaders that you're only as good as you are healthy. That's really important and that's, in a number of different way,s that health spiritually that health physically and the health relationally, you know that you don't sacrifice those relationships that are closest to you because you don't get the time back. We often say I'll do that when this project is over. I'll do that when this season is over. And I think all of the people listening to this podcast probably realize there is no normal, right? We used to say when things get back to normal, I'll do this. And that hectic life that we live as Americans, I think is just normal. And so those are a few of the keys that I think are so crucial for leaders. [00:09:18] Tommy Thomas: I remember when I interviewed Rich Stearns and I'm not going to remember the person's name, but he was talking about his career at Parker Brothers, and he said that there was one of the people in the family that didn't know anything at all about toys, but he knew how to hire a team and that was what made the success of Parker Brothers was this man's ability to bring people onto the team that could lead. [00:09:41] Vonna Laue: I would fully agree with that. I mentioned that I usually am doing a lot of different things. So right now, I'm serving as the COO and CFO of an organization and director of internal audit for another one and doing some audit and advisory with a third and some projects, all of that. But the way that works is the teams that are established in each of those places. Within the team, the mission's organization where I serve, the director of global services role that I have, that's like the COO role, that has operations and finance and personnel and IT and security, that's a lot just in and of itself, but I have four phenomenal directors. That they need encouragement. [00:10:31] Vonna Laue: They need a champion, and they need a sounding board. And as long as I can provide those things, they will do their roles far better than I ever could. In fact, I often say when you hire, you better keep them happy and keep them around because you probably can't do their job. +++++++++++++++ [00:10:50] Tommy Thomas:  If you were creating a dashboard to get at a nonprofit organization's health, what would be some of your dials? [00:10:57] Vonna Laue: Oh, I love dashboards. You just spoke one of my love languages there. So, one of the things that I think is key to a dashboard is that I'm a CPA, so it has to have some financial indicators on it, right? [00:11:11] Tommy Thomas: Absolutely. [00:11:13] Vonna Laue: You have to have those. And the basic ones, you're going to have some things like where you are versus, actual. And you're gonna do some trend analysis in that a little bit, I say, this way in a church. Everybody knows it's December. What season of the year is the lowest attendance and the lowest giving season? Always summer, right? And how do we know that? It's because of trends. And so, trend information can be really helpful.  So, I think that a dashboard should include trends. One of the indicators for nonprofits that anyone who hears me speak knows that I'm always going to harp on a little bit, and that is available cash. [00:12:08] Vonna Laue: So not just cash, because you can look at the balance sheet and see, wow, we've got $700,000 cash. If that's what the board looks at and starts making decisions based on, you could find yourself in trouble because the available cash that I'm talking about takes that cash number, but then it subtracts two things out of there. It subtracts the things that we're going to pay this week. So maybe we've got payroll coming up this week and we've got a bunch of accounts we're going to pay. I'm going to take that out of there. And I'm also going to take out any temporarily restricted funds that have been given by donors for a specific purpose. [00:12:46] Vonna Laue: If those amounts are held in that cash number, I'm going to back those out. If you back out those two things, that $700,000 might be $200,000. And that board and those leaders are going to make significantly different decisions based on $700,000 versus $200,000. Right? That's a financial metric. But as far as dashboards as a whole, my real encouragement there is to look at what your key drivers are. So, look at the financial pieces that you need to monitor, but also look at your non-financial and make sure that they are included in that dashboard as well. Maybe it's your turnover percentage. Maybe it's your involvement in X program. How many meals are we feeding? How many beds have we provided depending on what your program is, but that dashboard report ought to tie to whatever your strategic plan is, so the strategic things that you're looking at. Those are the guideposts of that dashboard that you're going to be monitoring to make sure that your strategic plan is being fulfilled. [00:14:00] Tommy Thomas: On a little bit lighter note, but still probably following the same track. If you were a judge on a non-profit version of the Shark Tank and people were coming to you for early-stage investments, what questions would you need solid answers to before you would open your checkbook? [00:14:18] Vonna Laue: I'm always going to want to know what their budgeting process is. Again, you're asking an accountant. I want to understand that. I want to understand who they've vetted this with. What are the focus groups that you've talked to? Who are the mentors or coaches that have processed this with you? What are your strengths? And where you don't have strengths, who are the people that you have identified and already discussed with that are going to come around you to shore up those weaknesses, if you will. So those are a few of the things that I want to make sure that this is well thought out and it's not just the flavor of the week. [00:15:00] Tommy Thomas: Let's go to board service for a few minutes. So, you're now the chairman of the World Vision Board, or the chairperson, I guess I should say. Give us some highlights of what you've learned about the Chairman's role. I know you watched Joan for several years and watched her successes, and I'm sure lack of on some days. What have you learned there?  [00:15:22] Vonna Laue: I will tell you, Tommy, when they asked me if I would consider taking the chair role, the first thing I said was, did you ask this individual? And I named someone from the Board, and they said, yes. And he serves on a couple of large for-profit boards and doesn't have the time and capacity. And I said, okay, as long as you've shown the discernment that you asked him first, we're good. But then I actually went to that individual and I said, if I do this, will you coach me? Would you be willing to debrief with me after the meetings? [00:16:01] Vonna Laue: And honestly, we just finished up meetings on Tuesday this week. And he and I have a call scheduled for Monday. And he said I'd love to do that. He graciously agreed. And so that, to me, was important. Because I didn't know the role. I had served on the board, but that role is different. And so, the relationship between the Board Chair and the CEO is obviously the most critical. We have a pretty, no, we have a very sophisticated board. I'm odd by who God has assembled in that room. And so, when I first came into it, I would say I was just trying not to embarrass myself, but they are such a gracious group of people. "To run an effective Board Meeting, I review agendas and pre-reads in advance, addressing my questions beforehand so meeting time is focused on others' concerns." [00:16:51] Vonna Laue: And it's important to me that the meetings are well run. And that means I want to see the agendas in advance and speak into those. I want to see the pre reads in advance and have gone through all of those so that if I have questions, I can answer them. I'm not asking those questions during the meeting that's reserved for others, and that those may be questions that others would have. So, let's get those addressed in the pre reads or be prepared. So, I think that the preparation that goes into the time before the meetings is critical. ++++++++++++++= [00:17:26] Tommy Thomas: So, here's a couple of quotes about boards and board chairs. And one is the Chair and the CEO must learn to dance together. And neither can stray very far from each other's gaze or proceed independently. [00:17:42] Vonna Laue: Yeah, I would agree with that. Those are two key roles in the organization. And you have to, I'll use the same analogy I used before. You better be pulling in the same direction. The Board Chair has a responsibility to be the voice on behalf of the Board, and so I feel like that's an important responsibility that it's not Vonna's opinion that I take into there. I seek wise counsel from my board and want to make sure that when I'm having conversations with my CEO, that either the board is informed about those things or that, I'm able to speak on their behalf. But on the day-to-day interactions, if you will, or week to week, those two leaders better be aligned. [00:18:30] Tommy Thomas: Another one, Dr. Rebecca Basinger. Governing boards are charged with safeguarding an institution's ability to fulfill its mission with economic vitality. To this I add, responsibility for tending to the soul of the institution. [00:18:50] Vonna Laue: In an institution like World Vision, the soul of that organization to me is very critical. And it's interesting. I chair the World Vision U. S. Board. I have the privilege of also sitting on the World Vision International Board because we are a federated model and there are World Vision offices around the world  and Christ at the center is one of them. It's our foremost principle by which we operate. And, if that's not lived out in the board, the tone at the top is critical for everything. And so, I would agree that the soul of the organization starts with tone at the top. [00:19:32] Tommy Thomas: So, it's been my experience that the good news about having successful executives on the board is they're used to getting things done. The flip side is that they might have a hard time taking off their CEO hat and putting on their board member hat at a board meeting. Have you experienced that? [00:19:53] Vonna Laue:  To the credit of the current board that I have at World Vision US, I would say I don't struggle with that there. There is a spirit of collaboration by God's grace that exists within there. And so, people are willing to share their experiences and their opinions, but they're not sold on them. They're very open. Have I experienced it in other boards? Absolutely. And one of the challenges that I see in the nonprofit sector, Tommy, is that there are experienced board members that come in with for profit expertise. [00:20:32] Vonna Laue: Which, 90 percent of the time, is fantastic. 10 percent of the time can be challenging because there are unique things. I say if you don't believe there are uniquenesses, go ask the local Ford dealership how many contributions they've received this month. You know what I mean? They don't get any of those, right. There are some unique things. There are some unique laws and regulations that either do apply specifically or specifically don't apply. And so in some board settings, I've seen where for profit leaders have a hard time taking off that hat and being able to understand the nuances that are involved in a nonprofit organization, but really, it comes down to the spirit of humility and service. [00:21:21] Vonna Laue: And one of the things that when you contacted me first, I believe that you couched it this way and said, would you be willing to be considered for board service at World Vision? And I tell people that I responded to you, I'm willing to be considered, let me pray about it. And that I said, that's not trying to buy time or push you off. I legitimately meant that because I think that you have to be passionate about a ministry or a nonprofit board that you're going to serve on. And if you don't have that passion for that particular organization, then you find another one that you can be, because I think that passion is really important in the boardroom. [00:22:07] Tommy Thomas: You and I are old enough to remember the Enron crisis and of course much has been written about it. One writer said that certainly part of the problem was that the board didn't dig deep enough into the financial situation at Enron. How do you ensure that your board members are asking the right questions? Of course, you've been a CPA, that might be an easier thing than another board chair, but I think that is critical. [00:22:35] Vonna Laue: It is, and there are so many things that we have to balance in board member selection. We want to balance Equity and Diversity. We want to balance, within that age. I just encouraged us earlier to consider younger board members and what they can contribute. One of the considerations is what is the expertise that they bring to the board and what skill sets do we need on the board? And the reason for that is to ask those right questions. If I've got an audit committee and I don't have anyone that understands audit and finance, that's problematic. And there may be some that just said, of course I can tell you I have presented to a number of audit and finance committees in my career. [00:23:27] Vonna Laue: That they didn't have an auditor finance expert in that entire committee. In this day and age, we're looking at who has digital experience, who has cybersecurity, or IT experience, and it changes over time. The needs of the board today are different from the needs of the board 10 or 20 years ago. So that's a challenge to us individually as board members to continue growing and learning. But it's also a challenge to us to make sure that we're recruiting the right board members. So, to your point, you've got people in there that can ask the questions of, is this a good investment? Is there a legal liability associated with this? [00:24:10] Vonna Laue: Have we got the right protections in place? What's the end result of this potentially going to be? We don't make a short-sighted decision that we're looking at the long-term impact. What are the reputational impacts of these? We have two roles on the World Vision U. S. board that are assigned at every board meeting. And one of those is the keeper of the core documents. So that person is responsible throughout the discussions to be considering how that discussion or that particular agenda item is tied to our core documents, if there's any implications, and one of them is the responsible skeptic, and that is a formal role that person is assigned in those board meetings, and as we're having discussion, we want somebody to be identified that will challenge and say, wait a minute, back up. [00:25:01] Vonna Laue: Let's not get into group think here. What about, and that they know that they're not just putting their opinion in their hat that they've got this particular role. So, I think those two roles have been really helpful in our setting for our board. [00:25:15] Tommy Thomas: I spoke to Dr. Linda Livingstone at Baylor.  I was asking her about this. I didn't use the word responsible skeptic. I guess I had another phrase, but she said, they usually show up. You don't have to appoint them. [00:25:28] Vonna Laue: I heard that. I heard it when she said that. And I laughed and I thought, that's a healthy board actually, for the most part, because Proverbs talks about iron sharpens iron, and that is really helpful if people are willing to speak up. Oftentimes, we're Christian nice and we don't want to challenge each other and we need to be able to speak up and make sure that all of the facts, all of the considerations are on the table. [00:25:58] Tommy Thomas: I sense that probably the role or the function of risk management has increased for a board over the last decade or two. Am I making a good observation or not? [00:26:13] Vonna Laue: The only thing I would say is that might be the understatement of the year, potentially. Absolutely. The risks that we face and maybe I'm going to oversimplify this, but I think, they used to be known, right? You've got trip hazards. That's a physical risk. You've got the risk of fraud. You put controls in place. Those were known risks. What we face now, to me, are a lot of the unknown risks. What's happening in the cyber world? What's happening with opinions? Reputational risk has increased so significantly, and because it's so easy, and I'll be careful to say this is Vonna's opinion, so please don't ascribe this to any organization that I represent, but, because it's so easy on social media and other media, avenues to state an opinion, and it becomes a perceived fact. [00:27:12] Vonna Laue: Thank you. And for an organization to then have to battle something, that's a reputational risk that we have to consider. And yet we can't control, which is a difficult place to be. [00:27:26] Tommy Thomas: Do y'all have a time in each board meeting where you talk about external threats or is that relegated to your CEO to bring those to the board?  How does that work? [00:27:38] Vonna Laue: Practically? Many of the organizations that I'm associated with have an enterprise risk management or a risk assessment process, and there are people within the organization that are specifically identified that are responsible for that. Not that they're responsible for the risks, but they're responsible to make sure that it's updated. The way that I tend to do it with some organizations is, brainstorm across the organization, pulling together leaders from the board. Leaders from different ministries or departments, people in different functional departments, IT, HR, finance, and just let them brainstorm. What are all the risks? [00:28:23] Vonna Laue: I've done this a few times and it's pretty common that you end up with 600-700 risks that are identified and then categorizing those into whatever categories are helpful for you. But things like regulatory, legal, physical, financial, reputational, operational risks. And then once you do that, you can identify what's the likelihood this would happen. And if it did happen, what would the impact be? So low, moderate and high. And that helps you distinguish, like, how significant are these risks? And when you've got them categorized like that, it stands out, like who the owner of that is, right? Those legal risks are either an in-house or an outsourced general counsel, your physical risks might be the facilities people, whoever, but having an owner for those. High and moderate risks should be mitigated through measures such as insurance, internal controls, or policies. High risks, in particular, should be continuously monitored by leaders and the board, to ensure they are well understood and managed effectively. [00:29:16] Vonna Laue: The high and moderate risks ought to have some mitigating measures in place, whether it's insurance or internal controls or policies. And to me, the high risks should always be in front of the leaders and the board. Usually that's an annual process that they would be taking a look at that to make sure that we understand these risks. We're aware of them because we're responsible for them and we also are aware of the mitigating controls that management has put in place and those seem reasonable. So, I don't necessarily feel like at every meeting, sometimes there are committees. World Vision International, I serve on the audit and risk committee. [00:29:59] Vonna Laue: We have it as a specific component of that committee. So every one of our committee meetings, there is a risk component to that we are looking at. But definitely on an annual basis, that ought to be a discussion that boards are having regardless of the size of the organization. +++++++++++++++++ [00:30:15] Tommy Thomas: This could probably be a whole podcast, but maybe we'll probably limit it. But I would be remiss if I didn't ask an artificial intelligence question. I guess that could fall under risk. It could fall under opportunity. Your thoughts as you sit at 50,000 feet looking down on the nonprofit sector, what's going to happen in the coming years that we need to be aware of? [00:30:41] Vonna Laue: I think it's all of the above. It's opportunity. It's risk. I mentioned earlier that boards are encountering different things now than they did 10 years ago, and they have to be learning individually. And as a board, this is a perfect example of that. We, as board members, have to be learning. We have to adjust to and understand this new technology. Actually, our board had the privilege of sitting in an hour-long session this past week with an AI expert. I think we all walked out of there a little terrified and a little concerned about what this looks like. And that's a great place to be, right? [00:31:25] Vonna Laue: Because it means we know that we've got to lean in. I remember a number of years ago, I think it was about 2006, Walt Wilson, who started Global Media Outreach, he had been one of the initial executives at Apple, and I remember sitting with Walt at that time, and he said, the day will come where you just use apps for everything. And I was like, what's an app? And he's like oh, you'll just push a button. And then it'll bring up all the information for that company. And you'll do everything on this app. And I don't know Walt's age exactly, but I would say he was probably in his early seventies at that time. And I was like, that's crazy. [00:32:10] Vonna Laue: And then I realized, now, he was absolutely correct. And he had the foresight to see that. And I tend to believe that's where we will be with AI. This is here. We better figure out how to harness it. We better figure out how to use it well.  Organizations are just starting to formulate AI policies, what they will allow, what they won't allow. I fully believe that we'll look back on those initial policies five years from now and laugh at ourselves. But we've got to start somewhere and the ability that it will give us and the doors that it opens. I don't think we should be scared of it. But I think that we have a responsibility to do it. Worry less about being supplanted by a chatbot and more about being outpaced by someone adept at using AI to drive corporate success. [00:32:51] Tommy Thomas: I read an article recently and the guy was talking and he said people shouldn't be worried about being replaced by a chat box or something.  They should be more worried about being replaced by somebody who knows how to use artificial intelligence to the advantage of the corporation. [00:33:09] Vonna Laue: Oh, I think that's a great line because the functions that it will be able to take the place of you probably don't need to worry about those, but yeah, the technology that goes along with it, make sure that you're one that knows that. And I'm getting articles from fellow board members on a pretty consistent basis. Some of our staff liaisons in the organizations I serve, there is a lot of information that's out there and I would just encourage any of the board members don't be overwhelmed by it. We all have other responsibilities, right? [00:33:46] Vonna Laue: None of us are going to go get a PhD in AI. But as we start to gain an awareness, I think we'll understand better what our responsibility might be as board members. [00:33:59] Tommy Thomas: Let's try to bring this thing to a close. I've taken probably more of your time than you had allocated for me today and I'm grateful.  If you could get a do over in life, what would that be? [00:34:12] Vonna Laue: I mentioned earlier, there were probably a couple of meetings, partner meetings that I wish had gone differently. Quite honestly, Tommy, that's the only do over I might take, but I am very thankful to have lived my life without regrets. And that, to your point about failures and everything else, there's value to be had in the experiences that we have encountered, and to lose out on those. I'd probably just mess something else up. So, I think maybe I'll keep the ones that I have. [00:34:50] Tommy Thomas: Do you have an “I wish I had started this earlier moment in your life?” [00:34:57] Vonna Laue: Oh, I would say the one that I've done often on, that I wish that I was more consistent about, is just memorizing scripture. So I know a lot of people that are good at that. I have gone back to that, incorporating that on a daily basis. And if that's where the foundation of my decision making is coming from, I wish that I had a little bit more of that ingrained. [00:35:25] Tommy Thomas: Final question. If you could give a younger version of yourself a piece of advice, what would it be? [00:35:32] Vonna Laue: I learned this a little bit later. It wasn't too late in life, but one of the most important leadership principles that I feel like I've learned over the years, I'd love to just close with for your group, for your audience. And I think it applies that I would have wanted to know this. As soon as I could, and that is when we have a person in a position that they're not succeeding in, we often in the Christian ministry world feel like we're Christians, we can't let somebody go and I believe that when God calls us to something, he doesn't call us to be miserable or ill equipped for it. [00:36:18] Vonna Laue: And so, when we keep somebody in a position that they are not competent or capable of, we're doing a disservice to them. To two people in two organizations, at least we're doing a disservice to that person because we're keeping them where they can't thrive. And it's very hard to make a change. When I stepped away from the managing partner role, that was incredibly difficult. Most of us don't like change. And so even if we're not happy, and fulfilled in a position, it's still comfortable. So, we're doing a disservice to them. We're doing a disservice to our organization because we don't have the right person in the job. We're doing a disservice to whoever ought to be in that position because we haven't opened it up for them to be there. [00:37:03] Vonna Laue: And we're doing a disservice to whatever organization this person is supposed to work for because we haven't released them to go do that. And so I guess I'd come full circle with something I said earlier, and that is people are the key to what we do, throughout life, in personal matters and professional matters. And so, stewarding the people in our life well is something that I think we all need to do. And it would have been great if I'd have learned that earlier on as well.   Links and Resources JobfitMatters Website NextGen Nonprofit Leadership with Tommy Thomas The Perfect Search - What every board needs to know about hiring their next CEO Glad I Didn't Know: Lessons Learned Through Life's Challenges and Unexpected Blessings   Connect tthomas@jobfitmatters.com Follow Tommy on LinkedIn Follow Vonna on LinkedIn   Listen to NextGen Nonprofit Leadership with Tommy Thomas on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

No, really. (This episode was recorded before the event on July 13th)

Preached by: Suff. Bishop Avery Dumas III New Grace Apostolic Temple 2898 Packard Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 www.newgrace.org Giving info Cash App: $NewGraceTemple Pay Pal: PayPal@newgrace.org Our Bookstore: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bookstore.newgrace.org/

Part V | Reality Revealed - The Book of Romans Hills Baptist Lobethal

Can a rusted-out Datsun teach us about God's greatest blessings? Here's the secret to contentment and blessing… 

Join host Shannon Urquiola on the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast as she explores the theme of embracing the unexpected on the journey of autism parenting. Think of this episode as the encouragement and pep talk you need on a tough day. In this episode, Shannon shares her personal experiences and insights, from the initial fear and uncertainty of receiving her son's diagnosis to the unexpected joys and blessings that have unfolded along the way. Shannon highlights the strength found in community, and the redefinition of success in the autism journey. She also discusses the challenges faced and the resilience cultivated, emphasizing the celebration of uniqueness and the joy and happiness found in embracing the unexpected. Tune in to discover how embracing the unexpected can transform your perspective, and gain inspiration and encouragement for your autism parenting journey. Join us as we navigate the complexities of parenthood, finding joy amidst the highs and lows, and embracing the extraordinary in the not-so-ordinary.

In this episode, Zoey goes deep with a client, exploring financial opportunities, personal growth, and the exciting future ahead. From attracting investors and securing sponsorships to building a solid financial foundation through self-promotion and extending one's talents, Zoey's subject is on the path to career breakthroughs and travel adventures, divine love interests, and reflective pauses. Listen as she shares insights on embarking on a nomadic journey and the prospects of investing in Montana land, embracing creativity, communication, and unexpected blessings in the year to come. This episode is a comprehensive guide to navigating the interplay between financial growth and personal evolution. With practical advice and spiritual insights, it's a must-listen for anyone looking to build a solid foundation for the future while staying aligned with their inner truths.   Connect with Zoey: www.merhipsy.com www.instagram.com/thezoeygreco www.tiktok.com/@zoeygreco  

Roma Downey is an Emmy-nominated actress, producer and noted author of Box of Butterflies. She gained fame for her role as the kind-hearted angel Monica on the popular network series Touched by An Angel. With her husband, Mark Burnett, she produced the Bible mini series, A.D., The Dovekeepers, and Answered Prayers. For more information, visit @RomaDowney on Facebook or LightWorkers.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.

Today is another episode of "Conversations with Special-Needs Moms" to wrap up our most recent series, "The Unexpected."   If you missed any episodes from this series, they've all been so helpful in navigating some commonly-felt emotions and experiences to the disability journey. We suggest going back and listening to the ones you missed!

I know in the core of my being that just because something looks bad or feels bad doesn't mean it IS bad, at least not in the long run. This week's episode 259 of the Fragmented to Whole Podcast is about when unexpected blessings come from bad things- turning adversity into opportunities.Support the show by becoming a Patreon member! In this episode of the Fragmented to Whole Podcast, I'm sharing a story of how one terrible car accident led to a series of coincidences that changed the trajectory of my life. Like most things I share on my podcast, I share this story as both a reminder to my listeners and myself of what can happen when we put our faith into the hands of our higher power.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips on living a more whole life and to hear even more about the points outlined above.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Fragmented to Whole at https://higherpowercc.com/podcast/ LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:The Celestine Prophecy by James RedfieldConversations with God by Neale Donald WalschCONNECT WITH BARB NANGLE:Subscribe to “Friday Fragments” weekly newsletterFree boundaries resourcesFacebookInstagramPatreonWork with Barb! Buy Barb a tea

I know in the core of my being that just because something looks bad or feels bad doesn't mean it IS bad, at least not in the long run. This week's episode 259 of the Fragmented to Whole Podcast is about when unexpected blessings come from bad things- turning adversity into opportunities.Support the show by becoming a Patreon member! In this episode of the Fragmented to Whole Podcast, I'm sharing a story of how one terrible car accident led to a series of coincidences that changed the trajectory of my life. Like most things I share on my podcast, I share this story as both a reminder to my listeners and myself of what can happen when we put our faith into the hands of our higher power.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips on living a more whole life and to hear even more about the points outlined above.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Fragmented to Whole at https://higherpowercc.com/podcast/ LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:The Celestine Prophecy by James RedfieldConversations with God by Neale Donald WalschCONNECT WITH BARB NANGLE:Subscribe to “Friday Fragments” weekly newsletterFree boundaries resourcesFacebookInstagramPatreonWork with Barb! Buy Barb a tea

Today on The Neil Haley Show, Neil "The Media Giant" and Greg Hanna of Celebrity Interviews Live From The Grotto interview Roma Downey. ROMA DOWNEY is an Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and New York Times bestselling author who has been creating inspirational content for twenty-five years. Best known for her role as the kindhearted angel Monica on the popular network show Touched by an Angel and her role as Elizabeth Baxter in The Baxters. Roma is the founder and creative head of LightWorkers—the faith and family division of MGM/Amazon. Their productions include The Bible series,A.D., Son of God, The Dovekeepers, Woodlawn, Ben-Hur, Resurrection, and On a Wing and a Prayer. As part of her 2021 birthday list, Queen Elizabeth bestowed Downey with an OBE for services to the Arts, Drama, and to the Community in Northern Ireland. She is a longtime supporter of Operation Smile and Compassion International, and she received a Sally Award from the Salvation Army for her contributions to entertainment and helping those in need. She was also honored for her career with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Roma recently released her latest book “A Message in the Moon” in addition to her previously published books including New York Times bestselling book “Box of Butterflies'', “Unexpected Blessings”, and “Be An Angel.” She and her husband Mark Burnett live in California. They have three amazing children and three wonderful dogs.

When Brad Corley retired, he expected leisure, not a cancer diagnosis. Yet, as he and his wife Becky sit down with us, their tale isn't one of despair, but of unexpected growth and an enriching journey towards health, hope, and faith. This podcast episode is an intimate account of how pre-diagnosis changes to diet and personal care became their armor in the battle against cancer and their source of resilience. Together, Brad and Becky reveal how leaning on one another, fortifying their faith, and embracing change and community transformed their ordeal into a story of hope and healing.An oasis of fruit trees was just the beginning of Becky Corley's story. Beneath their branches, a profound transformation took root, as Becky and Brad navigated the tumultuous path of cancer treatment. Our conversation meanders through the emotional landscape of grappling with such a diagnosis, the power of a plant-based diet, and how these trials led Brad to declare cancer as the best thing to ever happen to him. Their journey is a testament to the profound gratitude that can blossom from life's most challenging moments and the pivotal role of a supportive spouse in weathering the storm.Join us as we celebrate the creation of a support group that became a lifeline for those walking the tightrope of cancer treatment. Brad and Becky recount the initial reluctance that blossomed into a community rooted in faith, lifestyle transformation, and collective strength. They also highlight the work of HealingStrong, a nonprofit organization providing a harbor of resources and support for individuals and families navigating similar journeys. Our discussion underscores the power of purpose, the joy in every moment, and the courage found in unity, offering listeners an uplifting beacon of hope and a call to action to become part of a supportive healing network.Corley HealingStrong Group Information & Contact:healingstrong.mobile@gmail.com*The group meets the third Sunday of every month from 5:00-6:30 pm, at Praise Family Church in West Mobile, AL.HealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

John Magnuson's sermon for Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC. Podcast listeners can find sermon manuscripts at https://goo.gl/vA116n.

John Magnuson's sermon for Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC. Podcast listeners can find sermon manuscripts at https://goo.gl/vA116n.