Pam Fields of The Mom Next Door Podcast shares with us today her desire to come alongside other moms and throw out the anchor of God's truth, hope and love, encouraging them in their parenting and their walk with the Lord. She came from a difficult place in her own childhood and didn't really understand what it was all about but she met the Lord at 15 and knew right then that God loved her and that she was His favorite. I wanted to argue that I was His favorite, but as we know, God loves us all.  Pam, a recent resident of Tennesee after living in Oregon for many years, is a mom of 9 and grandma to 4. She hosts the free Facebook group called: Tending Fields Moms Group and interviews moms from all walks of life on her podcast.    Some gems: I want to throw out the life preserver and provide an anchor for moms who are needing support and encouragement. An online community is a starting place for sharing hope and practical resources.I know that there is so much power in prayer and when we can't make a casserole for someone, we can still pray.I always knew that God loved me and that I was His favorite.Because of the dark places in my past, I know that I kept myself from fully experiencing my emotions until I met with a counselor and recognized my childhood trauma.To get beyond a painful past, we must surround ourselves with people who point us to God and His healing truth.We aren't meant to grow on our own.I  want a home where my people feel comfortable and supported whether or not things are going well or not so great.       As a mom of 9, Pam has learned how to incorporate prayer into the busy moments of mothering life. She would love to share this resource with you! In this guide, you will find prayer prompts as well as step-by-step instructions for crafting a prayer bracelet which will be a great reminder to pray for any concerns that you are carrying. She writes about the bracelet HERE.       Prayer Bracelets: A Practical Idea to Remind You to Pray     Here is the link: https://subscribepage.io/3e30w2   Follow Pam: IG: https://www.instagram.com/tendingfields/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/TendingFields Website: https://tendingfields.net/

Kendall Vanderslice joins us today to talk bread, food, community, and loneliness—all some of my favorite topics. Founder of the non-profit,  EdibleTheology.com, Kendall shares her wisdom regarding cultural polarization, and how eating together is a vulnerable and soul-filling activity. I love her call to include "rhythms of times at the table" in an effort to stave off our default into isolation. And, that when we do, we feel more known, respected and healed. Author of We Will Feast, By Bread Alone, as well as the digital course, Bake With the Bible, Kendall also promotes a program we can use in our churches to build community and love, even in the middle of an election year! (Maybe especially in the middle of an election year!) And she is offering a copy of her recently released book/memoir: By Bread Alone: A Baker's Reflections on Hunger, Longing and the Goodness of God. Some gems from our conversation: To eat together takes vulnerability at some level which leads to deeper sharing and better knowing of one another.Loneliness has negative effects on our brains and our bodies. God speaks to us in the act of cooking and eating.Healing is possible around the table. Pull up a chair.Sharing stories and meals can fill gaps and foster connections unlike any other thing.Invite others into your home on purpose when it's not all cleaned up and perfect.We can love better when we don't agree on topics when we cook and eat together. To stave off loneliness, purpose to plan your life around rhythms of eating at the table with others. Her favorite thing to bake (I asked!) is "Sourdough on Training Wheels." Sounds like my kind of sourdough. In her own words Hello! I’m Kendall Vanderslice – yes, before you ask, that is my true name. It’s just by chance (or the humor of God) that I ended up in a field so fitting. I’m a baker and writer, whose best thinking occurs as I work dough between my hands; I scribble down thoughts on pieces of parchment dusted in flour, until I can parse them out later before my keyboard. When I embarked on a career as a pastry chef, I found that my love of bread transformed the ways I read scripture. Fascinated by God’s use of food throughout the arc of the Gospel, I merged my work in the kitchen with academic study of food and theology. I founded the educational nonprofit Edible Theology as an outlet for further research and public engagement in this sphere. You can get a taste for our work by listening to our weekly podcast Kitchen Meditations. I’m a graduate of Wheaton College in Illinois (BA Anthropology), where I began engaging questions of food and faith. Interested in commensality—or, the social dynamics of eating together—I studied food at Boston University (MLA Gastronomy). My thesis on church meals sparked a range of theological questions, leading me to Duke University where I wrote a thesis on the theology of bread (MTS). In 2018 I was named a James Beard Foundation national scholar for my work on food and religion. My first book, We Will Feast: Rethinking Dinner, Worship, and the Community of God, released May 2019. My second book, By Bread Alone: A Baker’s Reflections on Hunger, Longing, and the Goodness of God, releases February 2023.

A teacher told Dianne Beck, "You're a good writer" and that made all the difference. Beck's love of writing turned into a passion, first while teaching non-reading junvenile delinquents, then teaching in a Christian school and now writing young adult fiction. She inspired her students to write and they made her accountable to finishing her first novel, Sticks and Stones—a prequel to her current book, Finding True North. Beck explores the theme of living from our true identity, who God designed us to be. And she is giving away a copy this week! Leave a comment below to be entered. You'll want to read it first and then give it to your favorite 8th grader! Dianne's legacy is love: "When you read my stories, real or imagined, may you discover a God who loves you."    Dianne, a mother of four adult children has taught school for years and has a special spot in her heart for Middle-schoolers, which makes her a saint and well-appreciated by parents that's for sure. Check out her writings on her website: diannebeck.com  Some gems: A 5th grade teacher told me that I was a good writer. I never forgot her words.The juvenile delinquents I taught to read just needed someone to come alongside and show them that someone cared.Young people are embattled by social media, adding to their tension and confusion. We all need to live out of the confidence of being who God designed us to be. The written word stays long after we are gone: I want to write so that others know God loves them.Staying in the Word is the key to remembering our true identity.

Amberly Neese is all for Glee-ology as well as Theology. She loves making people laugh. I would say she can't help it. She knows, too, that truth goes down easier when prefaced with a good dose of humor and vulnerability. Author of three great Bible Studies including UNTANGLING FAITH: RECLAIMING HOPE INTHE QUESTIONS JESUS ASKED, Amberly helps people like you and me experience the freedom found in meaningful relationships with God and others.  She's hosting a giveaway of UNTANGLING FAITH all week long - please leave comment below to be entered.  Some gems from our conversation:   My favorite question that Jesus asked is: "Who do you say I am?" Humor drops defenses and helps whet our appetites for what God wants to teach us. I had to let go of the false notion that God only is concerned with me when I'm doing things right. I want people to know that God is for them by the way that I love and honor them.We develop a specific muscle group in our minds each time we recall how God loves and provides: He does so for birds—he will do the same for us, His children.When my adult children need help, instead of rushing to their aid, I ask, "What do you know to be true?"Jesus asked over 300 questions as recorded in Scripture. Since He knew all the answers the questions were for you and I to help us grow in faith and love.      Amberly is a featured speaker/ emcee/ comedian for the Aspire Women’s Events and Marriage Date Night, two popular Christian national tours. She and her husband have two adult children and live in Prescott, Arizona, where they enjoy the great outdoors, the Food Network, and all things Star Wars. I got to meet and hear Amberly in October. What a treat!

Colleen Swindoll Thompson speaks today about "reframing her pain" and what she didn't learn in Sunday School. "We don't like to hear that life includes suffering," Thompson states, "and that modeling how to suffer well is the best legacy we can leave our children." She was raised well and she figured if she did "her part for God and with God" she'd be okay. But she wasn't. Through multiple difficult and tragic circumstances, she learned to lean in toward God and allow Him to do his refining work, and all of it helped her establish "Reframing Ministries"—an organization to bless, encourage and support the caregiver. Colleen will be giving away a copy of her book When Life Isn't Fair: What They Didn't Tell You in Sunday School this week. Leave a comment below or on social media to be entered to win.  Some gems from our conversation: God's way is so different from what we plan—so much bigger and better but we don't see that right away.I was raised with the idea that if I do my part, God would give me an abundant life without suffering.I want to leave a legacy of listening well because that means I'm loving well.How I treat others that God has entrusted into my care takes vulnerability and the willingness to ask for help.We can face our challenges and trials either by fighting with God, asking "Why, God?" and trying to fix things on our own or by asking Him, "What do I do now? You've given me this day and these trials—I need help." God knows you: your health, your emotions, your relationships—all the things—and He will supply the person or persons that you need when you need it.When we find ourselves stuck, not knowing how to move forward, the first step is to acknowledge our need; then pray, "Lord, I don't know what to do."God doesn't say, "I need to you do" as much as "I need you to be"—close to me, crying out for help and resting in His presence. Sign up for Colleen's 5-Day Patio Videos Devotional Series HERE. View Colleen's story here or here. Do you know a caregiver who would be encouraged by this podcast? Please share the link today.   _______ Maybe someone in your neighborhood needs to hear Colleen's message of reframing. If I don't know my neighbor, it's hard to love them as Jesus loves them. You can start by hosting a coffee. This printable can get you on your way, including two simple recipes (I only do simple)—

When Twyla's daughters say, "Are we walking the neighborhood or talking the neighborhood?" she knows she's been passing down a legacy worth living. She says drawing close to God is the first step in loving our neighbors and some of her favorite words begin with "R." Twyla Franz is a big believer in baby steps and ripple-effect living. An Enneagram 9 learning to live open, she loves front-yard conversations with neighbors, chalk-painted furniture, and Yogi’s blueberry tea. As a missional neighboring guide, she helps others get close to Jesus and grow deep, missional friendships with neighbors. Find her words (written and recorded) on TheUncommonNormal.com. Other places Twyla writes include (in)courage, Relevant, Her View From Home, and The Grit and Grace Project. She also hosts Begin Within: A Gratitude Series to encourage year-round gratitude (because gratitude, she says, has a ripple effect.)   Some gems: So often we complicate our faith instead of just living the rhythms of drawing close to Jesus and allowing him to ripple out onto our neighbors.To live missional is to live "interruptible."When we make ourselves vulnerable, we become approachable so that the Good News naturally or supernaturally pours out.My preference is not to ask for help but I find that makes me real and makes Jesus real to my neighbor.I know God differently on my knees than anywhere else.When I know where the goal is, I keep inching my way forward; I don't have to get there overnight. God's abundance isn't only for us, it's for how it flows over and out of our lives for those we meet everyday.Whatever we hope to do in our neighborhood, we need to start in our homes. A piece of our purpose is to thank God every day in our hearts and in the presence of others.    Free sample week of Cultivating a Missional Life: A 30-Day Devotional to Gently Help You Open Your Heart, Home, and Life to Your Neighbors And, Find out if you are accidentally keeping your friendships shallow—and what you can do about it   Find Twyla in all these places: Website—https://theuncommonnormal.com/ Cultivating a Missional Life Devotional https://theuncommonnormal.com/book/ Freebies (including sample week of devotional)—https://theuncommonnormal.com/subscribe/ Begin Within: A Gratitude Series—https://theuncommonnormal.com/category/gratitude-series/ Podcast—https://theuncommonnormal.com/podcast/ Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/theuncommonnormal/ Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/theuncommonnormal

Jordan Raynor returns to Living a Legacy Life Podcast today to talk about his radical and biblical view of our work, all of our work, and how it matters to God and to eternity. Jordany is the leading voice on work and faith and you may have been first introduced to his writing with his great books, Created to Create and Redeeming Your Time (Hear our conversation about that HERE.) Today he addresses our misconceptions of our work, our view of heaven as well as the Great Commission as most of us know it. Join us as we tackle these great topics from his latest book: The Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity (Even When You're Not Sharing the Gospel)   You will be motivated and blessed. OH! And he's giving one away so be sure to leave a comment below to be entered.  So many convo gems: We know our jobs matter to God: His one and only Son, Jesus was raised in the home of a small business owner! We live with too many half-truths about heaven.  The first commission is to make the world more useful for people's benefit and enjoyment. God delights in every detail of our lives, most of which includes our work.  Our work is a vehicle for bringing God eternal pleasure. The Great Commission is great but it's not the only thing that God values.  The Gospel includes the redemption of the earth, not only the salvation of our souls.  Make a list of questions that will launch conversations from the surface, to the serious, to the spiritual and keep them in your phone.   Follow Jordan at jordanraynor.com  Podcasts and books.

Alyssa Evans never met her dad and was raised in a foster home, then adopted. It wasn't until she had her first child that she decided to embrace faith in Christ. And found her "forever family." As a military wife (Marines!) she's moved countless times and struggled often with loneliness that is typical with military families. she compared herself (a little bit!) with Jesus since his fulltime ministry was 3 years and a typical military duty is 3 years where families need to uproot again, find new friends for themselves and their kids. Alyssa and her husband want to continue ministering to the military family unit in some way after his retirement which is not that far away.  Some gems from our conversation:  Women become incredibly isolated when they uproot every three years or so and they need someone to come alongside and just be with them. We want to love people with the same love that Jesus loves us. Our church knew we wouldn't be sticking around because of the military so their attitude was: "Hey! We don't care how long you're staying and if it's a short time, it just means we will love you harder!" The least I can do is invite someone to my table. If there are snacks for the kids, sometimes that's all that's needed to gather women around my table (and by snacks I mean a big bowl of popcorn and another one of cereal.) I find that as we get older, we're so busy with our older kids, we don't take time to develop our women friendships. We need to put it on the calendar. When I'm feeling blue and lonely, I've learned that if I'm invited somewhere that I say, "Yes!" no matter what.  The Lord has more for me and he humbles and sustains us.  When wallowing in loneliness, I've learned to stop saying, "Why, Lord?" and changing it to, "Lord, what will You have me learn from this situation?" When I'm authentic with my story, it deepens a new friendship and lets another know there is room at my table.

Free lance writer, editor, mother of two, Jenny Abel talks today on the preciousness of recalibrating your life, all for heaven's sake. Co-author with Kenneth Boa of the book, Recalibrate Your Life: Navigating Transitions with Purpose and Hope, Abel defines recalibration as consciously processing where we've been, where we are now, and looking ahead to where God may want to lead us. "This isn't something we only do at the end of our lives," Jenny says, "rather we do it on a regular basis to help us gain perspective: Are we numbering our days to gain a heart of wisdom?" Leave a comment below or on social media to be entered to win a copy of Recalibrate Your Life. Teach us to number our days,     that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 Some gems: At the heart of recalibration is a pilgrim mindset.Before we can recalibrate, we need to calibrate: do we belong to God? Are our minds set on Christ?My relationship with God would not be what it is without my time in the dark valley of infertility.Knowing you are really going to die someday changes everything.Our career changes; the calling on our lives is never ending.Suffering prompts recalibration.My desire is to inspire others to know and hope in God and call them to gaze on God's beauty.Our pride, our day-to-day inertia, digging in our heels—all of these things keep us from numbering our days.  Jenny Abel is an editor and writer for Ken Boa, coauthor of Recalibrate Your Life. Having sat under Boa’s teaching since she was a teenager, she began working for him and his Reflections Ministries in 2013. She served as editor of the monthly Reflections teaching letter from 2017 to 2023. She cowrote Shaped by Suffering and A Guide to Practicing God’s Presence with Dr. Boa and edited his book Life in the Presence of God. A freelance writer and editor, she founded Jenny M. Abel Editorial Services (www.abeleditorial.com) in 2011. She holds a BS in mathematics with a concentration in Latin American studies from Furman University, is a graduate of the Focus on the Family Leadership Institute, and resides in Charlottesville, Virginia, with her husband, Ben, and their two young children.   Book web page: http://recalibrateyourlife.org   Ken Boa’s website: http://kenboa.org   Ken’s social media: Reflections Ministries - YouTube, Facebook, Kenneth Boa (@ken.boa) • Instagram photos and videos     AND, Jenny shared a recipe! Yay! I'm not sure I'd decrease the butter, but that's just me. Thanks, Jenny! Grand Canyon Coffee Cake Part 1: ¾ c. canola or vegetable oil 2½ c. flour* ¾ c. sugar 1 c. brown sugar (light or dark) 1 tsp. nutmeg 1 tsp. salt Part 2: 2 tsp. cinnamon 2 eggs, beaten 1 c. buttermilk 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 stick butter Directions: Preheat oven to 350° F. Combine Part 1 ingredients and mix thoroughly (in an electric mixer). Take ¾ c. of this mixture and set it aside. Part 2: To the set-aside mixture, add 2 tsp. cinnamon. This will serve as the topping. To the rest of the Part 1 mixture, add eggs, buttermilk, powder, and soda. Pour into the bottom of a greased 9” x 13” pan. Sprinkle the topping crumbles on top, distributing evenly. Bake 25–30 min. or until toothpick comes out clean. Melt the 1 stick butter and drizzle on top of the hot cake. Serve warm for breakfast or anytime! *Note: I often use whole wheat flour for all or part of this case to make it healthier. I also decrease the amount of butter drizzled on top to about ½ to 2/3 of a stick.

When God said, “Be hospitable” he added a caveat which could only be divine: “And while you’re at it, don’t be grumpy.” It’s easy to be grumpy because hospitality is work especially if you don’t think you are very good at it. Some people are really great hosts. We describe them as “good at entertaining.” But God didn’t say, “Be good entertainers.” There’s a difference. Seems to me that entertaining has more to do with me and hospitality has more to do with my guests My friend told me that the hardest part of hospitality is trying too hard to impress with appearance and presentation instead of being genuinely warm and welcoming.  Emphasizing these things can leave her feeling superficial and flat rather than warm, loving and satisfied.  She said, "I have to remind myself that entertaining is not the same thing as hospitality.   I need to slow down and take time to nurture relationships."  She's right. I need to remind myself of the same thing, especially when I end up running around at the last minute, barking orders at the family to help me finish whatever isn’t, and making a general mess of a kind and loving atmosphere - - all in the name of “making things nice for the company. Mom was raised in the ungrace of no hospitality. But she wanted to help people know that they were a big deal to God by inviting them over for strawberry jello and baked chickens in the blue roaster on time-bake on Sundays. So she kept inviting and that’s how she broke that chain and raised all us Moore kids with grace enough to do the same only I don’t usually make jello and often I buy the pie. We all know how to make coffee. Thank you, Mom.    Karen Mains wrote:  "True hospitality comes before pride.  It has nothing to do with impressing people, but everything to do with making them feel welcome and wanted."  Some thoughts from today's episode: God wants to use our hospitality as a vehicle for Him to change lives – our lives and those we invite.True hospitality is "relationship-based" rather than "show-off based."The more I accept that grace, the easier it is for me to give grace to everyone else. I think that’s called love.Hospitality can get confused with Entertaining. Both are great – both can be used by God – but they are not the same.God is interested in me, but when I invite someone over, he wants me to show my guests that he’s interested in them.If one is truly hospitable, one shows graciousness, courtesy, and genuine kindness--all qualities of our loving God. Someone can show these qualities without owning table settings for twelve with matching linen napkins. There is no one more hospitable than God, and we are to be His welcome to the world. Great food, good times, a gorgeous home—is that what hospitality is all about? God makes room even when no one else does, and sometimes in the most unlikely places. Sometimes we just need to make room so that someone becomes part of the Bigger Story.

Welcome Carol Feil of Yellow Boot Fame to Legacy Living today! We talk about what matters most during the busy holiday season and we laugh a lot, too! People are lonelier than ever and how can we include rather than exclude to help others connect to a family, even if for one evening? Sometimes choosing "simple" over "elaborate" is the best gift we can give our own families as well as ourselves so we can focus on what really matters and choose to make this time a sacred space.  Some Carol gems: Simplifying allows us to focus on what's most important durlng the holidays.Love can mean learning to give someone what they are willing to receive.I've discovered that doing things that help our family connect is more valuable than buying more gifts and putting on elaborate events.Our "shoulds" are not always grounded in reality.My family was happier with less; I had to learn to expect less of myself.I taught my children that we aren't purposely exclusive when we are purposely inclusive, but we have to look out for that one who is feeling excluded by our inclusivity. We "should" ourselves into doing more when it only adds more stress and no one else is expecting it--only us. A gift from Carol, first a word: I love everything about Christmas - well, almost everything.  Tinsel and holly, yes. Stress and overwhelm, no.  Coco and caroling, yes.  Overloaded calendar, no.  You get the idea.  It's easy to overcommit, overdo, then overwhelm ourselves as Christmas approaches.  How often does the schedule dictate what you focus on? I have learned that by choosing what goes on the calendar in advance, I can simplify, stay sane so I can focus on the Sacred of the Season.  I want this for you, too. I've created a FREE resource to remind you: You have permission to choose sane and simple so Sacred can be the focus. Carol wears yellow-boots in the garden - they are her “listen & learn” boots. She takes pictures of everything! Slugs & bugs & selfies! But, her grandkids are her favorite to frame. She will tell you growth in life is good and gardens are proof. She believes God grows us where we are and helps us to be rooted and grounded in His unchanging character. He knows our pain and loves us more than we can imagine. Let Carol encourage you today, so you too, can plant a seed of hope for another tomorrow. You can find Carol through her website www.carolfeil.com, on Instagram and Facebook.

Kristen Welch went to Kenya on Compassion trip with an agenda. God wrecked her instead, all for His glory and purpose. Kristen thought she had God and faith figured out but instead she realized she had not been really living the Christian life as God requires all of us to live who call ourselves followers of Jesus. As a result of that encounter with God and with the world's poverty, Kristen founded the non-profit, Mercy House Global. You can hear more of story in her book, Rhinestone Jesus, and today's conversation will encourage you and maybe even wreck you, all for heaven's sake.  Kristen will be hosting a giveaway of her great book, Made to Move Mountains: How God uses Our Dreams and Disasters to Accomplish the Impossible. You may already know Kristen from her great mom-blog, WeAreTHATFamily.com.   Some gems: You never know when you say that "yes" of obedience where God will change you and use you.My normal was impacted by the world's normal: 75% of the world live on $5.00 a day. Generosity is a spiritual discipline.When we see someone start something big we use it as an excuse to not do anything.Abiding in Christ is the main thing that keeps me from discouragement because the work is exhausting but it is His work.Everyone is commanded to remember the marginalized.Doing nothing is a response too.I found myself in the classroom of Surrender, 101, and I stopped expecting it to be easy.    Kristen is passionate about empowerment, taking action, responding to God’s command to care for vulnerable people and making a difference with how we spend money. Find all you need to know on MercyHouseGlobal.org. And prayerfully consider buying your Chirstmas gifts from Mercy House Global. Those subscriptions boxes sound amazing!

Author, speaker, life coach, Caris Snider talks today about how she struggled with anxiety and depression and how that's not a bad thing, it's just a thing that can be progressed through with the help of community, the truths of God's Word and presence, and possibly a  coach and/or therapist. Overwhelmed with all the things a mom faces, she began a little podcast that's become a big one called "Car Line Mom" - what we think about while we're in all the lines waiting with our kids or for our kids. Her latest book, by the same title is available today: Car Line Mom: 100 Days of Encouragement for the Mama Who Gets Everyone Everywhere.   Some gems from today's podcast: When negative thoughts come in, don't let them stay!No matter how we struggle as moms, we are never alone. No one in the Bible did their journey alone; ask God for a friend to journey with you as a mom.I learned through my own feelings of inadequacy and living an over-committed life that it's okay to say "no" and create healthy marginsA coach helps us Zoom Out on your life map to see how we can get where we want to go.Jesus was a our model even in negative feelings so we don't need to be afraid to have them.We don't need to be afraid to talk about faith and mental health.As mom's we feel like we can't fail which adds chaos and "overwhelm" to our lives. We need to live from the overflow of God's presence. He promises peace; we need to live in and from that peace. CARIS SNIDER loves to share the hope of God through speaking, writing, coaching, and leading worship. She is the author of “Anxiety Elephants: 31 Day Devotional” and “Anxiety Elephants: 90 Day Devotional for Tween Boys and Girls.” From her own personal experience, she helps women in their journey of overcoming depression, anxiety, fear, and shame. Caris lives with her husband, Brandon, and two daughters in Cullman, Alabama. A word from Caris: I am so glad that you have found your way here. You see, I know what it is like to be shackled in guilt and shame, feeling hopeLESS and purposeLESS. BUT, I also know the freedom of those shackles being broken and beginning to live a life FULLfilled. I have my good days and I have my bad days. I have had some pretty dark days as well. I don't know what type of day you are having, but just know that many of us have been where you are, and there is hope to make it out. Find free resources HERE. Follow her instagram to learn more: @carissnider And her website is carissnider.com

Jilliann Woods grew up in an abusive environement which didn't stop with her childhood. Because she didn't understand the oppression under which she was raised, she found herself in repeated abusive relationships. She finally realized that God created all of us to be heard and seen and empowered by His Spirit, she now lives free and boldly counsels and teaches multitudes of women so that they too can find our God-given freedom in Christ. Thank the Lord, for Jilliann's courage and love for others. Check out her two free resources on her website: jillian-woods.com. And pass them along to anyone you know who might need help in this painful and crippling life situation.  Free guide: How to Climb Out of Oppression Free printable: Bold and Free Manifesto     Some gems from our conversation: I thought it was my duty to be nice at the expense of being honest.All the things I wanted to keep secret, I now share to help others.One oppressive relationship when younger can lead to a series of abusive relationships as an adult.When you suspect someone may be in an abusive relationship, develop trust by just being there for them and then begin asking gentle questions.God gives us all kinds of permission to be bold. I learned I do have a voice given to me by God, empowered by Him to be used by His Spirit.How does a woman transition from being "beside the point" to becoming the very point of her own life? Jilliann Woods is a writer, abuse survivor, and founder of Be Bold. Live Free—providing encouragement, coaching, and resources for women affected by abuse in close relationships. Currently, she is writing a book for Christian women who seek a path to freedom from abuse and relationship addiction. She is a certified Domestic Violence Peer Counselor. Jilliann is Mom to three amazing adults, and Grammie to seven cherished grands. She happily resides on the Central Coast of California.   3 Steps to Take if You are in an Abusive Relationship:   [Safety first for yourself and your children. If physical violence is an issue, find safe shelter. If you don't have a place to go call: 800.799.7233] 1. Confide in a trusted friend. Even if you feel ashamed or embarrassed, a trusted friend will understand and realize the abusive behavior of your spouse is not your fault. 2. Find a mentor or counselor who is trauma informed. Someone who will know what you are going through. Ask your friend to help with this step. If you are a Christian, find a trauma informed faith-based coach or counselor.  3. Be honest with yourself, don't excuse the abuse, and don't accept the blame for his behavior. Pray and ask God for guidance and courage.     NOTE: In abusive marriages, Marriage Counseling is not advisable. You need individual counseling. The abuser must be willing to get help and do the work to change his behaviors first.   Click here for  FREE 5-Step Toxic Relationship Reset Guide (scroll to bottom of Jilliann's home page)   Find and follow Jilliann in all the places-- https://jilliann-woods.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jilliannw https://www.facebook.com/writerjilliannwoods https://www.pinterest.com/jilliannwoodscoach/

Things are out of our control. Circumstances do cause us grief and pain, tragedy does strike the good people as well as the bad. What can we do with our sorrow? We hope as Paul wrote in I Thess. 4:13 – “Do not grieve like the men who have no hope.” We can think that as a good Christian, we should not be grieving—as if being sad is un-Christ-like. Life IS hard, we’d be foolish not to embrace that fact, and the best way to get through grief is to grieve. But we grieve differently because we belong to God. How does a follower of Jesus grieve differently? With hope in God who knows what’s ahead and loves us to the uttermost. We are to come to Him with our grief, we are to hold on tight, as we grieve, and we are to look for God’s beauty and purpose amidst the ashes of pain. I want to add something here that maybe you can relate to: I hate to see my kids suffer – I like to run around and manipulate all their circumstances and their friends and their teachers – just so that my kids don’t suffer pain – but God has something better in mind. He wants them to know Him through their pain. And that is far more beautiful and helpful than anything I can maneuver. They need to learn to know God personally; They need to learn for themselves that God’s joy underlies their grief and the best way for them to learn it, is for their mother to get out of the way of the Holy Spirit.    (Of course, the Holy Spirit still needs my help with my husband . . . just kidding.) Joy comes from trusting and hoping in GodJoy comes from communing and depending on GodJoy comes from obedience and the main thing to obey is: "Love others as I have loved you." John 15       Sign up here to receive my 31 Days of Prayers: Love God, Love My Neighbor - It's Not Complicated (I make it complicated) One short prayer in your inbox for 31 days (free.) Also in journal form - see SHOP. A gift for your soul just in time for the holidays. Quantities are limited.

Mimika Cooney, author, speaker and "personal trainer for the mind" is with us today to talk about mindset and legacy and living for things that matter. Wife and mother of three, Mimika had a lot going on until she realized she needed to get off the treadmill of doing too much with too little of relying on God. She needed a mindset change: "Lord, show me what you want me to do and then help me do it." And he did and does.  "Our mind drives our actions so I need to keep God in the driver seat by renewing my mind daily—Romans 12:2."--Mimika (pronouced like paprika!) Author of 10 books including her latest: Unstick Your Mind: Shift Your Mindset, Develop Grit, and Break Barriers, Mimika shares wisdom and inspiration based on her favorite Scripture, Romans 12:2 - "...be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Find her free resource: 8 Steps to Supercharge Your Mind HERE.   Some gems from our conversation: Training includes action—God expects us to act so we can be and do what he's created us to be and do.We all have "junk in the trunk" that slows us down and needs clearing out.We may be living in denial-city if we think we can do God's will without God renewing our minds daily.Our mind drives our actions so I need to keep God in the driver seat by renewing my mind daily—Romans 12:2.We don't know what we don't know so we rely on God to show us what needs changing and then take action steps to make those changes.There are limits to self-help because it's self, not God.You have to want to make a change. I help people move from where they are to where they want to be.Ask yourself: "What are you thinking and why do you believe that?"You're never too old to teach an old dog new tricks. Your story is a testimony to God's grace so if you keep it to yourself, you are doing the world a disservice and robbing God of the glory due him.   Find Mimika here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mimikacooney YouTube https://youtube.com/c/mimikacooney Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themimikacooney Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mimikacooney Twitter https://twitter.com/mimikacooney Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Mimika- Cooney/e/B0052GNJGY   Don't forget to check out her latest book, Unstick Your Mind as well as her free resource: 8 Steps to Supercharge Your Mind HERE.

When we wake up each morning, do we actually think that what we do can change someone's world in some way? Most of us are grateful to change the sheets on a regular basis, clean the coffee pot with vinegar a few times a year, and water the plants when they show signs of an early death. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we are not only called to an eternal purpose, to love God and our neighbor, we also get the privilege of partnering with the Son of God to change lives—one life, perhaps—all for His glory and our good and theirs. Does that sound too hard? Too overwhelming? Too exhausting? It can to me, until I remember how Jesus spoke to many individuals, not only crowds of 5,000 and more. And He met needs one-on-one, as well as breaking bread and fish for hungry men and women and their kids on a mountain more than once. Think about it: I've learned that inviting one person for a cup of coffee can change their world. God loves people, and He wants to use our tables and teapots to show people that He does. Your cup of coffee or tea, soup or water—can be an introduction to God that someone has been looking for their whole lives. As my new sweatshirt reads, "My real home is heaven. I'm just here recruiting." (I don't usually wear that on a first time meet-up.) Awhile ago I shared three stories of how God changed lives through a simple invitation. Here are three more stories of how God changed lives through a simple invitation. An invitation to the one who needs a familyAn invitation to the one who needs to live awakeAn invitation to the one who needs a little help   Maybe you've been the recipient of an invitation that changed your life. I'd love to hear about it.  I'd also like to hear if you invite someone over and would like me to pray alongside. Email me: sue@welcomeheart.com. We're partners, after all.  To hear my first three invitations that changed the world, LISTEN to Part, I - HERE.

Today's conversation with Keri Eichberger is something we all need to hear: how to live with less worry and more peace. Author of the brand new book: Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar with the One Who Overcomes, Keri, mother of five (now there are five worries!) speaks of her own process in overcoming worry with the truth of God's Word.  Yes, there's a giveaway! Leave a comment below or on social media to be entered to win her book! Some gems from Keri: We must be aware of the temptation to rely on ourselves and our own abilities, for true peace and freedom can only be found when we fully trust and surrender to God.Worry is rooted in fear: fear of helplessness and fear of worthlessness.The more people I love, the more reason I'll have to worry—until and unless I give them all to God's care.Simple steps to worry less takes a commitment and a decision to follow those steps. I worry less when I remember that God sees so much that we don't see.Identify your root of worry and cover it with God's truth: He is all loving and all powerful.  Overview: On this episode of WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life, our host Sue Donaldson is joined by guest Keri Eichberger as they dive deep into the topic of worry and its impact on our lives. The conversation begins with a focus on faith and the desire to make a difference in the lives of loved ones through their love for Jesus. The importance of living boldly and vulnerably in our faith is emphasized, as it brings glory to God and raises "kingdom builders" who can make a positive impact in the world. The discussion then shifts to the root causes of worry and how unresolved worry can turn into fear. The speaker shares personal experiences, like worrying about their child driving, and explains how these fears can stem from deeper rooted fears of helplessness and worthlessness. They highlight the importance of identifying and addressing these root causes in order to overcome worry, reminding listeners that these fears are lies and that we are never helpless or worthless, drawing strength from the truths of God. In addition to exploring personal experiences with worry, the episode also discusses how faith impacts daily life and how it is important to show reliance on God rather than trying to handle everything on our own. The speaker shares personal struggles and how they rely on God's grace to navigate their responsibilities. They also touch on the prevalence of worry among people of all ages and provide practical strategies for dealing with worry, such as writing down reminders of God's love and control. The episode continues with an examination of the origins of worry and the tendency for people, including the speaker herself, to learn unhealthy coping strategies and avoid addressing the true source of their suffering. The importance of unlearning and relearning trust in God rather than relying on oneself or the world is discussed. The conversation then moves to the challenges of parenting and the need for vulnerability in building intimacy and allowing others to witness the grace of God. The speaker encourages authenticity and transparency, acknowledging that it is God being tested, not the individual. They also tackle the issue of self-reliance and the tendency to worship one's own abilities. The speaker references Psalm 73 and ponders whether worry is more prevalent now compared to 100 years ago. The episode concludes with reflections on leaving a legacy and the importance of embracing and relating to others. The speaker addresses encounters with non-believers and the need to overcome fear and self-righteousness in order to meet others where they are. Their personal journey of growth, including overcoming worry and finding more peace through a closer relationship with God, is shared. The speaker also discusses their decision to write a book on anxiety to help others and their research process. They suggest resources for fostering faith in young children, such as reading biographies of Christians, and highlight the importance of honoring trust in difficult circumstances rather than offering empty platitudes. Throughout the episode, Sue Donaldson and Keri Eichberger provide insights and personal anecdotes that listeners can relate to. They explore the complexities of worry, the role of faith in navigating life's challenges, and the importance of leaving a legacy rooted in love and empathy. Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of worry and practical strategies to address it, as well as inspiration to live a legacy life with less worry and more peace. Keri Eichberger www.KeriEichberger.com kerieichberger@gmail.com Hang with me on Instagram!

You will love this conversation with Roger and Kathi Lipp about their brand new book, The Accidental Homesteader AND they are giving one away! Be sure to comment on social media, on blog or email me so you can be entered to win because you will want a copy for yourself as well as gifts for friends and family: The Accidental Homesteader: What I’ve Learned About Chickens, Compost, and Creating Home   Roger and Kathi Lipp had an idea - a big idea - to move from the Silicon Valley to the north woods of California in mid-life and then they "accidentally" became homesteaders and they (mostly!) love it! Hear how they processed their move, and about some of the very real challenges they faced, and how their strong marriage made this a successful venture. Their enthusiasm for learning new things is an inspiration for all of us to learn new things at any age. Their legacy and desire is to continue to care for others as they grow in their love for each other and their neighbors as well as a deepening faith in their God.    So many tips as well as over 20 recipes and inspiration for all of us to grow and change no matter what our age. Highly practical, humorous, and inspirational, The Accidental Homesteader will encourage you to live with more peace, joy, and contentment.     Some gems from our conversation:   When you're following God, it's never boring.Our brains have expanded, and so has our faith.God is our first thought instead of our last resort when a crisis comes up. Living as a homesteader makes me more grateful and we are living the life we want.If you're homesteading, you're not taking the easy route—it's rewarding but not convenient.When creating your home, loved and lovely is the goal—not perfection. If you need or want to learn something, there are a million people who want to teach you. Learning on the job is rewarding in a way we never experienced before and it brings joy.   About Kathi: Kathi Lipp is the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of 20 books, including An Abundant Place: Daily Retreats for the Woman Who Can’t Get Away, Overwhelmed, and Clutter Free.  Along with being a part of the InCourage at Dayspring writing team, she is the host of Clutter Free Academy the Podcast! with Kathi Lipp, Facebook group Clutter Free Academy, and Clutter Free for Life. Kathi lives on her Red House mini-homestead with her husband Roger, a dog, and eight chickens and holds cozy writer retreats for content creators. Find and follow her at kathilipp.com, @kathilipp and clutter-free academy and @writingattheredhouse

Whitney Akin felt overlooked,and that her life didn't matter and she didn't have any purpose in the grand scheme of things. Insecure and shy, she hid in the back of any group gathering so that she wouldn't make a mistake and bring even more perceived criticism onto her heart and life. Finally God reminded her who she was and more importantly who He was: beloved by God, created for his purpose and mission. Her mission now is to let everyone know that they count, that our worth isn't based on our big splash in society or our numbers on social media. Listen today to hear what it means to live seen by God and how you can make that a lifestyle vs only a moment.  Her book, OVERLOOKED: Finding Your Worth When You Feel All Alone is a gem and you may need to get one for yourself and one for a friend who is feeling the same way. Good news: A Giveaway for your first copy! Leave a comment below to be entered to win. Some gems from today's conversation: God gives us all the approval that we need, we just need to remember that.God's name, El Roi, means he is the God who sees so he can't help but see us—we are never overlooked.We like to measure our worth based on how many more eyes are on us, but its the Father's eyes that matter.There's a difference between knowing that God loves me and experiencing it for myself in my grief and doubt.Feeling like  was unseen translated into severe, self-consuming insecurity so that wanted to hide in any social situation.If I hid inside myself there was less of a chance of being hurt.I want my children to live seen, but also take it a step further to help others feel seen by God.Being seen is a moment, living seen is a lifestyle.  Whitney Akin is a wife and mother of three young ones, author and speaker. You can find her here.