WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life

Sue Donaldson

WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life with Sue Donaldson from WelcomeHeart.com. Hear how to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it by inviting others into God’s welcoming heart. read less
Religion & SpiritualityReligion & Spirituality

Episodes

Ep 234 Choose Advent, Breathe and Don't Miss Him in the Rush with Laura Crosby
4d ago
Ep 234 Choose Advent, Breathe and Don't Miss Him in the Rush with Laura Crosby
Christmas is my favorite season but I can miss Jesus in the rush and crush of it all.  Laura Crosby, a writer, pastor-teacher and welcomer—loved the Christmas story so much she wanted to help us hold still enough to appreciate all the Lord did for us.  Laura wrote an Advent study during Covid for her church in D.C. and has since made available for all of us to share, and I'm so glad she did. You may remember my first interview with Laura. Here's the link in case you want to get acquainted with her welcoming heart. She included a simple and delicious chicken recipe which I'm making tonight just because I have all the ingredients and a neighbor stopping by for dinner.  All week long Laura is graciously offering one free copy of her Advent Study as a giveaway. "Choosing Welcome at Advent" includes 4 short videos, Scripture for reflection and recipes! All for $10.00 (Except for the winner of the giveaway! comment below to be entered - or email me sue@welcomeheart.com.)   Here's a recipe sample: Link to purchase HERE to get your own copy. Holidays are around the corner and you may need to consciously sit still, breathe and watch! Follow Laura on instagram: @lauracrosby. Learn more about Laura on her website here. Laura just got home from a missions trip to Scotland and last year she raised funds and awareness for those in need by hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim. I appreciate Laura's heart for the needy as well as her desire to make travel and do challenging things with a purpose.  Some gems from our conversation: We might think that "this season of our lives" is too difficult to set time aside for God, but to keep Him first is hard in any season because Satan wants to distract you. Experiencing Advent helps us become more aware of God's presence and so more readily respond to His voice and partner with Him. Any work we do for God and with God stems from our identity as His beloved. People don't want to feel like they are your project; rather they want to feel loved and seen. As we reflect on God's purpose for our lives it's good to pray often, "Lord, what is mine to do?"When more present with Christ, we can more readily recognize the holy interruptions throughout our day. I love Laura and I know you will too.
Ep 233 Jesus Knows My Name And He Can Be Pushy with Sue Donaldson
Sep 30 2024
Ep 233 Jesus Knows My Name And He Can Be Pushy with Sue Donaldson
Single in my 20’s, in a new career, a new town and a new church, I felt okay mostly. Life was full and purposeful, but lonely on occasion. I wondered why families didn’t ask me over for Sunday dinner. All I could think of was that my church friends must have thought I had such an exciting single life, I wouldn’t want to come home to their normal, ordinary home and stand at the sink and peel potatoes or hold their babies while they got dinner on and then sit down at their table to get better acquainted. But that was exactly what I wanted to do. To be part of a family, if just for an hour or two. The Bible says God sets the lonely in families. I was lonely. I needed to be set somewhere. I got tired of waiting. So I called up some people. Invited them over. Invited myself over. I had a precedent and his name is Jesus. Sometimes you just have to make it happen and not wait for someone else to pick up the phone or send a text. I invited people over because I needed friends. I don’t think people thought I might be bad company or that I would run off with the soup ladle if they had me over for dinner. I just think they didn’t think of me at all. Maybe that’s what loneliness is: To believe you aren’t even thought about.   Trishie's Apple Crisp 5 large apples 1 t. cinnamon 1/4 t. nutmeg 1 t. lemon juice 1/2 c water Topping: 1 c sugar 3/4 c flour 1 cube butter, firm Peel and slice apples Mix in spices, lemon juice and water Lay in 7 x 11" dish Mix flour and sugar together Crumble in chilled butter slices until it resembles small peas (as an alternative, spread flour/sugar mixture on top of apples. Melt butter and pour evenly over the top.) Bake 45-55 min at 350 degrees. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream (sort of optional) See printable version HERE
Ep 232 Managing our Money, All for Heaven's Sake with Erik Olson
Sep 16 2024
Ep 232 Managing our Money, All for Heaven's Sake with Erik Olson
In case you're wondering, it's okay for Christians to talk about their money. Why? Because all we have belongs to God, anyway.  Today I'm delighted to host Erik Olson, a fellow podcaster and a wealth and money consultant from Holland, Michigan. As a Kingdom-impact investment adviser and retirement planner, Erik talks about not only money, but a theological view of our earthly resources that may surprise and delight you and maybe put a fire under your seat to do something worthwhile—PLAN something worthwhile—so that God is glorified and His kingdom well-served.    Some gems from our conversation: As in introvert, I prefer a spreadsheet over a conversation, but I like to think I can come alongside someone and gently and expertly help them serve themselves, others and God better with training and counsel.The Bible isn't anti-wealth; in fact, God is pro-wealth creation. It's just one more way we are made in God's image as creators.We make mistakes with money when we compartmentalize it as something separate from all our God-given gifts.If all that we have belongs to God, we need to make ourselves good stewards of our wealth because we answer to Him.God loves wealth creation insofar that we make more income in order to be generous servants as well as enjoy the life he's provided. The biggest mistake we make with our money is not to plan with what to do with our money.We either pay too much attention to our money which shows we are insecure in our relationship with God; or, we ignore our money and end up with fewer opportunities to give to Kingdom work.Jesus was very clear: We cannot worship God and money at the same time.It's a question of worship: do we fantasize over our money and what it can provide for us or do we carry an undivided esteem of God over any of our assets?
Ep 231 Storytelling and Sanctuary with Susy Flory
Sep 2 2024
Ep 231 Storytelling and Sanctuary with Susy Flory
Thinking of writing your story? Susy Flory thinks you should begin, like today. Currently in seminary working on her doctoral degree, Susy Flory directs the West Coast Christian Writers Conference, and knows a good story when she hears it. Raised by an Irish mother who could tell a good yarn, Susy is a 17 book New York Times best-selling author whose favorite books are memoirs. Today we discuss how she came to co-write her lovely book, Sanctuary about a young man named Patrick who lost his way and the rescue donkeys that led him home.  She's offering a free copy this week - leave a comment to be entered. Susy leads Everything Memoir, both a free facebook group with loads of quality free offerings, as well as a year long coaching group on how to write your memoir which will be starting up again this coming January. Learn more about both on her website: susyflory.com and find all her links HERE. Some gems: I find people endlessly fascinating and I love helping them tell their stories in any form but especially in written form.From getting to know Patrick and how God met him in all his struggles, I came to appreciate in a deeper, broader way that those who follow Christ are all a part of one church. From Patrick's story we see again how God doesn't give up on us no matter how many times we fail. Words have an eternal quality to them, which is reason enough to begin writing your story.Everyone who loves God has a God-story that needs to be told, even if only for one person to hear it. Patrick felt accepted and unconditional love from one particular donkey named Aran and that helped him feel less alone and eventually led towards his healing. Writing our stories gives us joy in that it helps us feel like there's a reason for why things have happened in our lives.
Ep 230 Walking With the One Who Is Not Worried About a Thing with Megan Fate Marshman
Aug 19 2024
Ep 230 Walking With the One Who Is Not Worried About a Thing with Megan Fate Marshman
Megan Fate Marshman tells us what to do when we don't have all the things figured out: go to Jesus and tell him that we don't. And then we go to him again and tell him again. We need reminding. We are prone to think we are in control and what a gift from God that we are not.  I just finished reading an advance copy of Megan's latest book, RELAXED: WALKING WITH THE ONE WHO IS NOT WORRIED ABOUT A THING and I'd love to say that I'm totally relaxed AND not worried about a thing. But I'm more relaxed and I'm less worried. So good. Buy one for yourself (if you don't win the giveaway) and one for that friend who may be worried—oh, that's every friend, or most anyway.  Megan, a single mom of two young boys—her dear husband Randy went to be with the Lord at age 36—writes from what she is learning about grief and worry and autonomy and coming to Jesus over and over again. A knowledgeable and charismatic teacher of the Word, Megan pastors at Willow Creek Community Church, Chicago, runs the women's ministry at Hume Lake Christian Camp and is the women's pastor at Arbor Road Church, Long Beach, CA.  Megan’s website Megan on IG Megan on Facebook Megan on X Buy Link   Some gems from our conversation: We don't need to do more; rather, we need to be intentional about showing love right where we are. God's gift to us is that we don't need to trust in ourselves. Risk-taking is Christlikeness because you are setting yourself up to need him and the prompts almost always lead to love. Anxiety signals me where I'm trying to get my security. We experience a sanctification gap and we go about it all the wrong way to close that gap without God. Grief has taught me to pay more attention to what really matters and less attention on those things that don't.  We are called to be God's hands and feet to anyone he brings our way.  We are not working on making a perfect family; rather on doing things right. Anxiety alerts us that something is going on in the dashboard of our soul.
Ep 229 Hope in God (Sometimes We Forget Who Our God Is) with Julie Sunne
Aug 5 2024
Ep 229 Hope in God (Sometimes We Forget Who Our God Is) with Julie Sunne
We all have a story to tell and when we tell it, we can encourage someone else who may need to know and trust God a little bit more. Julie Sunne expected certain things from God and when they didn't happen, she realized she didn't really know this God she was raised to believe in. Married 36 years, a mother of 4, Julie experienced 5 miscarriages and 4 live births in a stretch of 8 years. Their third child and only girl, Rachel, was diagnosed as intellecturally disabled and will need to be cared for her entire life. Rachel, age 26 but developmentally only age 3, continues to teach Julie about trusting and knowing God in his entierty.  Julie's book points our minds and hearts to God and you'll want to get one for yourself and anyone you know who is struggling with hope. She's giving away a copy this week so be sure to comment here or on social media for your name to be entered.  SOMETIMES I FORGET: 60 REMINDERS OF HOPE FOR YOUR HARD DAYS, a concise and helpful devotional to direct our minds and hearts to the nature of God. As Julie says, we don't just wish for something, we hope in God who is immutable and never-changing.  In the pages of this book, you will discover: --more about who God is --how God relates to us as His children --why we can believe God’s promises --truths to remember --a simple, yet meaningful way to pray through the valleys Life will throw you curveballs, but in the character of God lies hope. Because of who God is, you can trust Him in your most desperate moments.   Some gems from our conversation: When God didn't answer my prayers, I just felt that his blessings pertained to other people, not me. I had to learn that my expectations of God were not always his plan for me and thereby, not his best for me as well. The main cure for "forgetting Who God is" is to read the Word of God which reminds us who we can trust. We will never completely understand the ways of God so we have to get to a point where we surrender ourselves completely to God.We can't just take one attribute of God without all the rest as one nature, perfect and unchanging, loving and almighty. My legacy is to trust my hard places to the Lord and surrender my understanding to His.    Follow Julie at juliesunne.com.
Ep 228 Life Plans and God's Surprises with Sue Donaldson
Jul 29 2024
Ep 228 Life Plans and God's Surprises with Sue Donaldson
I’m not sure why we bother arguing with God. God being God comes with an unfair advantage but I imagine I’m not the only one who tries. There’s that Jonah fellow from Nineveh. He argued but he ended up—well you probably know where he ended up. Even Jesus who had a special connection, you might say, debated with his Father about the wisdom of what he was about to go through right before the cross. He went anyway. Alone, for the most part. I should have known better than to argue. There’s no point. But processing out loud is my favorite and God already knew what was in my head. And, while arguing takes two and I did most of the talking, I did get an answer At 30 I wasn’t worried about gray hair. I had a great life. I just didn’t want to grow old alone. I had a plan to love and serve God—but not by myself. Phone calls can mess up the best of plans. YOUR TURN Do you have a plan for your life? What does it include?  When your plans take a “wrong turn” in your view, how do you deal with your disappointment?  Have you ever argued with God? If not, you can try it out today. (I'll wait...)    How did that turn out for you? If we remember He’s our perfect Father—and loves us even more than our own dads—and that he knows what’s ahead, we can relax. Instead of stewing we can wonder how He’s going to surprise us with something we would never think up on our own. That’s one of the fun parts about following God—the surprise factor. It gets me every time. TAKE GOD AT HIS WORD “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:18).   TELL GOD WHAT’S GOING ON (write your prayer or pray the one below):   Lord, God, Thank you that you love me and that you are love so that you can’t betray. Help me place the truth of your character over my feelings. I surrender my plans to you. May I look to you in trust and expectation. I love surprises. Thank you and amen.
Ep 227 Build Your Faith, Track God's Presence with Lori Margo
Jul 15 2024
Ep 227 Build Your Faith, Track God's Presence with Lori Margo
Lori Margo wife and mother of three adult children, knows what it means to stay awake all night and worry - like all good mothers do! She knew God loved and cared for her—even while facing cancer four times and losing her mom at a young age. But her faith stalled out one day and she prayed, "Lord, I need to know you are with me. Show me ways you are present here in these struggles." And that began her process of tracking God, keeping short lists, recording how He's answering prayers, big and small. She prayed: God I just want to know that you are with me. If you answer my prayer or if you don't—I'm still going to trust you, no matter what." Lori writes: Life is hard AND God is incredible. Both phrases are true and happening simultaneously: Life is hard. God is incredible. That’s my story. I’ve had hard things come my way AND I’ve experienced the faithfulness of God alongside the pain and suffering. He met me where I was and brought peace as I held the pieces of a life I never imagined for myself.   Some gems: Life is hard AND God is incredible.To track how God is present helps keep me emotionally resilient.I acknowledge my fears but when I look for how God is working on my behalf, worry turns more easily to worship. Psalm 73 is where I go for help: God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. I didn't want to just say the words, "God I trust you"—I wanted to get into the habit of observing His miraculous presence in my trials and difficulties. Sometimes I stall out and I just say, "God I need to hear from You" and then I keep a pad of paper and a pencil nearby. You CAN have a deeper connection with God, even when life is hard. Take the quiz HERE. Learn more from Lori at lorimargo.com.
Ep 226 Enjoying the Bible Not Just Studying the Bible with Keith Ferrin
Jul 1 2024
Ep 226 Enjoying the Bible Not Just Studying the Bible with Keith Ferrin
Speaker, author, Keith Ferrin heard someone tell or perform the entire book of Luke on stage for two hours straight. He made a lunch date with the presenter for that next day, a lunch date which lasted nine hours. For the last two decades, Keith's been presenting Scripture by the book as a storyteller. "The Bible is not only meant to be studied, understood and obeyed", Keith says, "it's meant to be enjoyed." We discuss the Thdifference as well as what it means to internalize the word vs memorizing the words. Keith is passionate about helping people know and love God's word and offers great series on YouTube as well as on his website. Keith is offering my Welcome Heart listeners a half-off coupon for two of his great resources: get both for the price of one. One course is called Relational Bible Study. www.keithferrin.com/rbs The other is called The Simplest Way to Internalize the Bible www.keithferrin.com/internalize Use this LINK to get them both for the price of one. His free resource is: The Simplest Way to Study the Bible. LINK HERE. Some gems: People are under the false belief that massive parts of Scripture is confusing so they don't even attempt to read it.The main difference between Christianity and all other religions is this: the Creator saw that His creation was in trouble and He set out to rescue and fix what they can't fix on their own.The Bible is not only true, it's also powerful and amazing and transforming and meant to be enjoyed.I realized that God's Word isn't just to be studied verse-by-verse like little sound bites; rather it's to engage my mind, emotions and soul and that's made all the difference.To internalize Scripture is the know the Word; to memorize Scripture is to know the words. The more relational we are with Scripture, the more information we will retain.Our primary purpose in reading the Bible is to hang out with Jesus.   To learn more about Keith and how to learn to enjoy the Bible, follow Keith on all social platforms @keithferrin or his website: keithferrin.com.
Ep 225 Writing as a Redemptive Act with Award-Winning Author, Bret Lott
Jun 24 2024
Ep 225 Writing as a Redemptive Act with Award-Winning Author, Bret Lott
Bret Lott knows how to make a woman cry. Possibly a man, too, but I'm not sure. I know he's cried (sobbed, he admitted) when reading Leif Enger's book, Peace Like a River. I already liked Bret Lott but that made me like him even more.  Bret Lott, award-winning author of now 16 books (both fiction and non-fiction) didn't start out to become a writer and, in fact, met obstacles along the way. I'm glad he persevered; if you've read Jewel, one of Oprah's Book Club selections, then I'm sure you're glad as well. He wanted to ride a horse and be a Park Ranger. Grateful that didn't pan out.  Fun sidenote: Since I'm also from Southern California, it was a delight to find out that Bret used to work at Knott's Berry Farm at the candy apple booth and once-a-month he made waffles for Mr. Knott.    Bret is giving away a signed copy of his latest book out this month entitled: GATHER THE OLIVES, On Food and Hope and the Holy Land  - comment below or on social media to be entered! Born in Los Angeles in 1958, Lott grew up in Buena Park, CA and Phoenix, AZ before returning to California to live in Huntington Beach, CA. He met and married his wife of 40 years, Melanie Swank Lott, at First Baptist Church of Huntington Beach/Fountain Valley. A graduate of Cal State, Long Beach(1981), Lott headed to Massachusetts for graduate school at UMass Amhurst. He received his MFA in 1984 and landed his first teaching position at Ohio State Univ. In 1986, Lott joined the English Department at the College of Charleston, where he is now a tenured professor and director of the new MFA program and leads writers retreats to Italy. Find out more about his writing retreats here: https://bretlottwriting.com Be sure to comment below to be entered to win: Gather the Olives. Some gems: The difference between a good writer and a bad writer: the bad writer says, "Here I am, I have something to say." The good writer writes a good story and you're not aware he or she even exists.I write to try and understand things, why people do what they do and what happened to their lives.I shared a short story with a girl I liked. She wasn't impressed. I knew right then that I loved her. Jewel was based on my grandmother's life. She had 6 kids and the 6th, my aunt, was Down Syndrome. You're given what you're given in life; the writer's job and joy is to write the pages torn from that life and try to understand it better.The best art fills us with wonder and glory and mystery and beauty which are all manifestations of God.
Ep 223 Wit and Wisdom From the Back 40 Podcast and the Golden Girls
May 27 2024
Ep 223 Wit and Wisdom From the Back 40 Podcast and the Golden Girls
My friend and fellow podcaster, Mary Hess of The Back 40, invited me and 3 other gals (from the back 40!) to chat on her podcast. Here's what Mary had to say about all of us crazy and fun ladies: Ever found yourself in a predicament because your body is going through changes you don't quite understand? Or perhaps you're struggling to find your identity amidst the pressures of social media, comparison, and the expectation to constantly achieve? Well, ladies, you're not alone. I'm accompanied by four incredibly inspiring women - Sue Donaldson, Ruthie Gray, Susan Macias, and Carol Feil - who have each navigated their unique journeys and have come to share their wisdom on these common, yet often overlooked subjects. Our conversation doesn't shy away from the personal, the profound, or the downright hilarious. We candidly tackle the often-ignored topic of menopause and each share our own experiences with hormone replacement and our strategies for coping with life's inevitable transitions. I think you'll find comfort and camaraderie in our tales of overcoming fears, breaking free from societal timelines, and taking action, no matter what stage of life you're in.  But that's not all. We dive deep into the challenges of finding your true identity in a world that demands comparison. We discuss the power of authentic communication, and the importance of being true to yourself. Wherever you are in your faith journey, whether you feel you're just starting out or you've been walking the path for decades, this episode is for you. So, get comfortable, grab a cuppa, and join us for a conversation that will have you nodding in agreement, laughing out loud, and maybe even shedding a tear or two. You won't want to miss it. Connect with Sue Donaldson: https://welcomeheart.com/ Connect with Susan Macias: https://www.susankmacias.com/ Connect with Ruthie Gray: https://authenticonlinemarketing.com/ Connect with Carol Feil: https://carolfeil.com/ Find our host, Mary here at The Back 40 Some gems (we do think we are funny...) I had to make a choice, to say this is my new season, and I'm going to assume that God didn't make me faulty. It's not bad. Hot flashes are never fun.I just want to be so in sync with what the Lord is doing in my life, so that, if I snap at someone, that I can do short accounts—to get our relationship back on track as soon as possible—like with God and my children and my husband.Because we can now walk around with, you know, computers in our back pockets, I think we have to really really guard our hearts and minds to what we allow to settle in and take up that space.I think sometimes it's easy for me even to get into the mindset of oh my gosh, I'm in my 50s now and what do I have to show for it? What do I have to show that I've been doing ministry or I'm successful in some arena or some way?I don't know that comparison ever really goes away and I kind of thought it would.To be surrounded by people who inspire you is is self-serving sanctification. To go into community on a regular basis and say have someone say, "You're not late, Susan, you're blessed. You're doing what God wants you to do today."When we start feeling lonely or down about what we're doing or anything to do with our second half of life, the worst thing we can do is stay to ourselves.
Ep 222 Treasure in the Wilderness with Scott Savage
May 13 2024
Ep 222 Treasure in the Wilderness with Scott Savage
Scott Savage, pastor, husband of a judge and father of 3, realized one day in a church meeting that he was in the wilderness of burnout. What followed was 9 months of finding and knowing God on a deeper level and he's here today to share with us part of what he learned. You may not be in a wilderness yourself right now, but you may know someone who could use Scott's encouragement. He's offering a free resource which you can access here: Don't Give Up When It's Time To Change: 10 Things You Need to Hear When You're Ready to Quit. Scott and his wife, Danalyn often say, "Everyone has a story if we stop long enough to listen." Perhaps that's the main thing you need today: someone to listen to your story. You can connect with Scott here.  Some gems from today:   What if you started looking for God's kindness in your wilderness where He leads you tenderly closer to Himself.We can wake up and discover that we are somewhere where we never intended to be and find we are in a wilderness. Friendships forged in the hard places can be our deepest and most life-giving relationships. I knew I was burned out from focusing on my public life more than tending to my private life with God.Burnout is something we have more control over; wilderness can often be the result of outside circumstances. My prayer is that people will connect to me in my stories so that they will connect with God. When feeling burned out we can claim the promise we are not alone: God hasn't left and He can provide others to accompany us in the hardest of times.  Scott Savage is a pastor, author, and speaker with the best last name ever! As a seasoned Millennial pastor, Scott has served churches for nearly 20 years. He currently leads Cornerstone Church in Prescott, Arizona. His writing has been read by over a million people in places like Our Daily Bread, RELEVANT Magazine, Air1 Radio, and the YouVersion Bible App: here's a sample. Through his writing and speaking, Scott loves helping people who are navigating difficult situations to find hope and healing. He is married to Danalyn, aka Judge Savage, and they’re raising three brilliant children. You can learn more about Scott at ScottSavageLive.com or follow him on social media (@scottsavagelive).
Ep 221 Can You Change the Painful Legacy of Your Past? with Kristen Hallinan
Apr 29 2024
Ep 221 Can You Change the Painful Legacy of Your Past? with Kristen Hallinan
Kristen Hallinan knew she needed to make some changes. How she responded to situations was threatening the peace in her family and costing her precious relationships. Once she figured out that much of her over-reactions were based in deep-seated early life trauma, she was able to begin to move forward: for her sake and for the sake of the next generation.  As a result of what Kristen learned, she's put together a resource that is her legacy and will be of help for many who feel stuck in the pain of their past. That may not be you but you may know someone who needs to hear her story and how to get beyond small-t trauma and live in the freedom and wholeness that Christ provides. A copy of her newly-released book will be part of a giveaway all week long. Be sure to comment to be entered: Legacy Changer: Heal the Hurt, Redeem Your Story, Create Hope for Your Family Some gems from our conversation: It took me many years to resource all the tools to help me heal. We are forgiven completely when we come to faith in Christ, but not always fully healed.I love seeing women walk in freedom when God redeems their past pain.As a child, I felt unwanted, unseen, and that I was simply annoying to others. It took courage to speak up about my needs and face the fact that many were not met as a child.To quiet the lies in my head, I list them out and contrast them with the truths of who God says I am. I am teaching our children that it's okay not to be enough because God is enough.I've learned that I am in charge of my emotions—they are not in charge of me. Kristen Hallinan is a sought-after writer and speaker, passionate about helping women redeem the pain of their past and move towards a healthier and more hopeful future. On mission to equip women and support families, Kristen previously worked as Director of Development for MOPS International. She enjoys working with teen moms, crisis pregnancy centers, and serving as a pre-marital mentor with her husband Shawn in Dallas, TX. Legacy Changer is Kristen’s debut book, and you can find her other writings in publications like Relevant Magazine and The Joyful Life. Laughing with and chasing after her four children helps burn off the calories she consumes of her favorite treat—homemade gluten free churros.
Ep 220 Throwing Out the Anchor:  Encouraging Moms with Pam Fields
Apr 15 2024
Ep 220 Throwing Out the Anchor: Encouraging Moms with Pam Fields
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/
Ep 219  How Food and the Table Helps Defeat Loneliness with Kendall Vanderslice
Apr 1 2024
Ep 219 How Food and the Table Helps Defeat Loneliness with Kendall Vanderslice
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.
Ep 218 The Value and Joy of Coming Alongside Young Adults with Dianne Beck
Mar 18 2024
Ep 218 The Value and Joy of Coming Alongside Young Adults with Dianne Beck
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.
Ep 217 Blindspots and Birdfeeders with Bible teacher, Comedienne, Amberly Neese
Mar 4 2024
Ep 217 Blindspots and Birdfeeders with Bible teacher, Comedienne, Amberly Neese
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!
Ep 216 Reframing Our Suffering with Colleen Swindoll Thompson
Feb 19 2024
Ep 216 Reframing Our Suffering with Colleen Swindoll Thompson
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)—
Ep 215 How to  Live On Mission in Your Neighborhood with Twyla Franz
Feb 5 2024
Ep 215 How to Live On Mission in Your Neighborhood with Twyla Franz
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