On this week's episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast we welcome back audio engineer extrodinare Kent Hooper. Kent Hooper has been making Music for the Soul sound great for over 20 years.    Today, Kent shares more of a behind the curtain look at audio engineering and what it has been like working for so many big names in the industry throughout his career. He also talks about some of his favorite projects that he has worked on, why audio engineering is such a rewarding profession, and offers advice for those who are looking to dip their feet into the world of audio engineering.   Who are Kent Hooper? A pianist since age 4 and self proclaimed nerd, Grammy nominated engineer/producer Kent Hooper has the rare ability to be equal parts creative and technical. This unique combination allows Kent to find the voice and sound of each artist he works with, while doing so in a timely manner and on budget. His studio, the house of BIG, is a cutting edge facility in Franklin, TN that provides equal parts comfort and sonic excellence.  Resources: Listen to all of the songs Kent Hooper has worked on for Music for the Soul at the link here: www.musicforthesoul.org/product_musicians/kent-hooper

Creating music is rarely something that happens over night. It is a journey through a lifetime of connections, memories and experiences. So what does that journey look like for those who walk it?   We are so excited to have Grammy nominated, award winning recording engineer Kent Hooper on today's episode fo the Music for the Soul Podcast. Kent breaks down his decades of experience working in the music industry, what drew him to becoming a recording engineer, and the things he's learned from working with some of the biggest names in music.    Kent also describes how his faith with the Lord led him to Nashville and why his philosophy for music focuses on doing exceptional work rather than chasing big names. If you are interested in looking behind the curtain in music production, we highly recommend this episode!   Who are Kent Hooper? A pianist since age 4 and self proclaimed nerd, Grammy nominated engineer/producer Kent Hooper has the rare ability to be equal parts creative and technical. This unique combination allows Kent to find the voice and sound of each artist he works with, while doing so in a timely manner and on budget. His studio, the house of BIG, is a cutting edge facility in Franklin, TN that provides equal parts comfort and sonic excellence.  Resources: Listen to all of the songs Kent Hooper has worked on for Music for the Soul at the link here: www.musicforthesoul.org/product_musicians/kent-hooper

Reaching midlife can be a challenge for all of us. We become introspective and wonder "have I done all I've wanted to do with my life?" How can we transition into our midlife with confidence and find the courage to take charge of what God has in store for us?   We are so excited to welcome Best Selling Author Dawn Damon back to the Music for the Soul Podcast. Dawn shares excerpts from her new book, The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife, and how we can step into the brilliance that God has laid out for our life. She explains that often times we are faced with self-doubt, guilt and confliction when we reach midlife. So to combat those emotions, Dawn walks us through her acronym of B.R.A.V.E and tells us that we don't have to slow down living out our life simply because we've reached our "middle age."   Who are Dawn Damon? Dawn Damon is an Influencer, Global Communicator, Podcaster, High Performance Coach, and Best-Selling Author whose 5 award- winning books, include “When a Woman You Love Was Abused” published by Kregel Publications, “When the Woman Abused Was Me”, “The Freedom Challenge:60 Days to Untie the Cords that Bind You” Redemption Press, and most recently the #1 Best-Selling Book “The Freedom Challenge for Men: 60 Days to Untie the Cords that Bind You.” Dawn is the founder and CEO of Brave New Dawn and the BraveHearted Woman, an enterprise and a non-profit designed to cultivate the vision of women dreamers, and equip them to live their best life. Resources: Our listeners can purchase Dawn's new book, The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife, by visiting the Amazon link here: www.amazon.com/Making-BraveHearted-Woman-Courage-Confidence/dp/1962705013/ You can also check out all of her resources, her podcast, and more by visiting her website: www.dawndamon.com

As parents, we all want the best for our children as they grow up. So how can we learn to pray for our children not just in the current moment, but also for their future?   We are so blessed to welcome Award winning songwriter and author Tony Wood back to the Music for the Soul Podcast. Tony shares details from his latest book Lord, Help Me Pray for My Kids: 365 Heartfelt Prayers for Parents and how he began learning to pray for his children and grandchildren.   Tony talks about how the desire to write this book began when he started journaling prayers for his daughters, and how he realized the importance of thoughtful prayer for his children as they grew up. He also designed these prayers to be starting points of conversation with God for every day of the year and explains that prayer is a powerful tool that God uses to commune with us.   Who are Tony Wood?   Tony Wood is a Dove Award nominee for “Songwriter of the Year” and is a five time Dove Award winner. He is the writer of 30 #1 songs at Christian radio. He began writing songs in high school for friends to sing at various churches in the community. He continued writing for the local church while a student at Averett College. After graduation, Tony and his wife Terri moved to Nashville in order to pursue songwriting professionally. In 1991, he signed his first publishing deal with Michael Puryear at Lorenz Creative Services/BMG Music Publishing. He has since written for Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing and Essential Music Publishing. To date, over 800 of Tony’s songs have been recorded and released in the Contemporary Christian Music Market.  Resources: Our listeners can purchase Tony's new book, Lord, Help Me Pray for My Kids: 365 Heartfelt Prayers for Parents, wherever books are sold online including the Amazon link here: www.amazon.com/Lord-Help-Pray-Kids-Heartfelt/dp/1646070992 You can also learn more about Tony's work, listen to samples of all his work including his work on the Music for the Soul library, and contact Tony on his website: www.tonywoodonline.com

One of the most vivid and inspiring ways God reveals himself to us is through creativity. So how can we channel that creativity into our own lives? How can artistic media like painting, pottery, and songwriting create a deep spiritual connection with God?   We are so excited to have Jeff and Linda Crossan on this week's episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast to share their experiences creating a variety of art and why it has been impactful to their spiritual life. Jeff and Linda also talk about how art can be a great reflection on life, because even when things don't fall perfectly into place, there is always a way to take what you have and turn it into something beautiful.    Who are Jeff and Linda Crossan? Jeff Crossan is an award-winning, Emmy-nominated songwriter. His hit songs include the number one country tune,“You’re Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation,” which received a BMI Million Air Award.A graduate of the University of Richmond with a degree in journalism, he is a former newspaper reporter/photographer, music journalist and syndicated radio writer. For several years his cartoons appeared in the Presbyterian Voice. His wife Linda Crossan is a commercial artist, who has worked for a wide range of companies including The Walt Disney Company, Hanna Barbera and Levi Strauss & Company. More recently, her focus has been on painting, sculpture, and ceramics with some time spent creating Liturgical Art for worship.  Resources: Our listeners can find Jeff's contributions to Music for the Soul on our website at www.musicforthesoul.org/product_musicians/jeff-crossan and you can also find his other music and his childrens book on his Amazon page at www.amazon.com/stores/Jeff-Crossan/author/B00NY6CEQ0 To learn more about Linda's art and where to see her works, visit her website: www.crowsthreestudio.com

One of the most difficult things people face when experiencing loss is processing the tsunami of emotions that flood their lives.    That is why we are so blessed to have singer/songwriter Missy DuCharme on today's episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast. Missy shares her story of losing her daughter and how that led to her creating an organization that brings the healing nature of music to parents and families walking through the same valley of grief.   Missy talks about how singing to her daughter before she passed gave her the inspiration to raise funds for organizations like Boston Children's Hospital, and how that has created a lasting impact in the lives of countless families.   Missy also discusses how using what scripture says about our emotions can help us navigate the waters of grief, sadness, and desperation and find a place of hope and calm in Christ.   Who is Missy DuCharme? Giving back is on the top of the list for singer/songwriter Missy Ducharme of B Charmed and it's what drives her passion with her music. Missy has been bringing healing through music since 2005. She released a contemporary Christian EP, produced by Steve Vito, and released a new Christian album, produced by Jonas Woods and Chris Hoisington of Old Bear Studios, that will benefit important causes that she is fully invested in supporting. Resources: To learn more about Missy's upcoming events, purchase her new book, and more, visit her website: www.bcharmedmusic.com Our listeners can also purchase her book on Amazon using the link here: www.amazon.com/Cleansed-Christ-Devotions-Your-Emotions/dp/B0C7M1JG51

We all know that grief and tragedy are part of this fallen world we live in. So, what can we do to find ways to choose joy in the midst of the pain of grief?   Our guest on today's show is photographer and musical artist Amanda Currie. Amanda tells her story of walking through grief for most of her life, including the loss of her younger brother when he was only 20 years old. She talks about recognizing that grief and joy are often intertwined together and how she is able to find joy in moments of grief. From helping photograph joyful moments for parents who have experienced the loss of a child to laughing with family at joyful memories at her brothers funeral, Amanda shares how she learns to not only find those moments, but experience joy and grief fully as she walks through life.   Amanda provided work on the Before We Said Hello Project, and now she works to provide words of guidance and affirmation as others walk through their own tragedies in life. She wants everyone to know that God never puts this grief upon our lives, but He is with us in His infinite love through every step on our journey.    Who is Amanda Currie? Amanda Currie has a music education degree, spending the last 20 years working in the field of music, both teaching and performing. Amanda and Becky Nordquist have co-writen and sung songs for Music for The Soul, including the Before We Said Hello Project. She also has done work as a photographer to help capture moments of joy and hope for grieving parents. Her photographic work can also be seen on the Before We Said Hello Project. Resources: To sign up for free devotions from our project, Before We Said Hello, please visit www.musicforthesoul.org/beforedevo We also invite you to check out our Drink Deep Project devotion, 14 songs for those struggling with any type of grief, at the link here: www.musicforthesoul.org/drinkdevo

What would you do if you heard your doctor tell your your child was "incompatable with life"?   That is exactly what our guest on today's episode heard when she was expecting her first child, Faith. Julie Reuschel and her husband Chris walked through the tragedy of losing two children, both due to rare genetic disorders that called them home to Heaven far too early. Julie speaks today about what it was like to walk that painful road and how it led her to create the non-profit, Faith45, to help other mothers and families walking through the loss of a child.   Julie also talks about what helped her through the days, weeks and months after losing her children and what she did to keep moving forward. She is deeply familiar with just how painful child loss can be, but wants our listeners to know that there is so much God has in store for both us and our children that He has called home.   Who is Julie Reuschel? Julie is a business controller and does all the accounting and bookwork for a women’s boutique in downtown Holland, Michigan. She graduated with a degree in accounting. Julie's desire is to help other couples and families going through those days and weeks following the loss of a child. Together with her husband, Chris, the couple runs, Faith45, which provides Faith Boxes for families filled with items that helped them through their grief and provides a mentoring program. Julie believes God has called us to walk this road and to be His hands and feet to others walking it as well. Resources: To sign up for free devotions from our project, Before We Said Hello, please visit www.musicforthesoul.org/beforedevo To learn more about Faith45's faith boxes, access their mentorship program, support their non-profit, and more, visit their website at www.faith-45.com

On this episode of The Music for the Soul Podcast, Founder Steve Siler and Vocalist Becky Nordquist pull back the curtain to share stories behind some of their most impactful songs.    Steve talks about what went into the inception and creation of The Broken to Bless Project, including Broken to Bless and Renee is Fourteen among others, and why he feels Broken to Bless is the perfect song to describe the ministry of Music for the Soul. Steve also explains the impacts songs can have on people's lives and why it's so important to write from the heart on these topics.   Listen in as Steve covers all aspects of creating these incredible songs, from the lyrics to the music to the impacts they had on others. This is an episode you don't want to miss! Resources: Listen to the collection of the songs we talked about in today's episode at the link here: www.musicforthesoul.org/resources/broken-to-bless

Walking through the loss of a child is one of the greatest griefs a family can ever face. So how can mothers and families allow themselves to grieve this loss, but also find hope and healing in God's grace?   Our guest on today's show is Author and Transformational Leader, Taushauna Burrel. Taushauna shares her story of having three stillbirths sequentially and how she authored a book through her own publishing company to help other moms dealing with child loss.   Taushauna explains how music and journaling allowed her not only to strengthen her faith, but find ways to feel the emotions she needed to feel when walking through this loss. She wants other mothers dealing with child loss to know that they are never alone.   Who is Taushauna Burrel? A dedicated financial expert and transformational leader, Taushauna Burrel has been serving families and businesses since 2012. As a former financial representative, she successfully assisted over 130 clients in achieving their financial goals. Taushauna is also an accomplished author, speaker, and mentor, guiding moms on their journey to write their manuscripts and transform their lives. Her passion for empowering families and sharing kingdom principles of wealth and success is evident in her work, both within and outside of Lender Not Borrower International Ministries. Resources: To sign up for free devotions from our project, Before We Said Hello, please visit www.musicforthesoul.org/beforedevo To learn more about Taushauna's ministries, purchase her books and more, visit her website: www.burrelministries.com

Grief takes many different forms in our lives. Whether it's an unexpected diagnosis, the death of a loved one, or other personal traumas, walking through grief can feel overwhelming.   That is why we are so blessed to have Todd Nigro, President of Ellie's Way, as our guest on this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast. Todd created Ellie's Way after the death of his daughter, Ellie, over 10 years ago as a way to create a community for those walking through grief.   Todd shares what helped him through his journey of grief, why it is so important to have a community like Ellie's Way, and what others can do if they find themselves struggling with grief in their own lives.   Who is Todd Nigro? Todd Nigro is a member of the Board of Directors and President of Ellie’s Way.  After losing his daughter Ellie in January 2012, he has developed a passion for helping families navigate the valley of grief after a tragic loss. He is a member of Dogwood Church in Peachtree City where he served as a facilitator of the GriefShare support group for three years. Todd has a diverse background including neural network research engineer, U.S. Air Force F-15E pilot, hedge fund manager, and mechanical engineer. Todd graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1991 with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering. Resources: We want to offer our listeners free access to devotionals on the topic of grief. To get access to these free devotionals, please visit musicforthesoul.org/drinkdevo Learn more about Todd's community for those walking through grief, access free resources and more on his website: www.elliesway.org

On today's episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast, we are talking about a topic that can truly seem insurmountable to those walking through it, suicidal thoughts and feelings. So how can we find hope in those moments of darkness and create healing and restoration? What should we do if we suspect a friend or family member is suicidal? Becky Nordquist shares her personal story of walking through suicidal thoughts after suffering the trauma of sexual abuse. She talks about how she spent time in a mental hospital, those who provided comfort for her when her family didn't, and what helped her get out of that dark place and embrace the arms of God's love and mercy. Becky also explains what others can do to help those that they think are suicidal, the importance of grief and lament in a Christian's life, and about working on the song Need You Now. Need You Now is a music video that walks through the feelings of deep depression and suicidal thoughts, and provides hope for those who may be walking through it themselves.  Resources: For those who want to hear the song Need You Now, watch the music video created specifically for it, and receive devotionals walking through its themes, please visit: www.musicforthesoul.org/needdevo

Since the pandemic lockdowns, social isolation is at an all time high. Feelings of loneliness and despair are at an all time high as many people feel trapped with very few people they can consider friends. So in times like these, where can we find hope? What is the way back to one another?   That is why we are so excited to welcome today's guest, Licensed Professional Counselor and Professor, Sharon Hersh. Sharon shares her story of dealing with trauma at a young age and seeking counseling, which led to her deciding to become a therapist herself to work with people like herself.   Sharon explains the difficulties all of us face in today's age of social media and self-isolation, which have left us longing a way to find community and companionship. Sharon discusses why hope is so important for us in our daily walks with God, and what we can do to find hope and hold onto it. She also talks about the benefits of music and how it can help create hope in moments when all other methods seem to fail.   Who is Sharon Hersh? Sharon A. Hersh M.A., LPC is a licensed professional counselor, professor, speaker, and author. She has written several books, including her highly recommended and timely new book Belonging: Finding the Way Back to One Another. Her other books include popular books - The Last Addiction: Why Self-Help is Not Enough and Bravehearts: Unlocking the Courage to Love with Abandon. She has written four books in the Hand-in-Hand Parenting series including, Mom, I Feel Fat!, Mom, I Hate my Life!, Mom, Everyone Else Does!, and Mom, Sex is NO Big Deal!. She also wrote Begin Again, Believe Again. She is an adjunct professor in graduate counseling courses, including Sexuality and Addiction. She is a sought-after speaker at conferences and retreats. Sharon lives in Lone Tree, Colorado. Resources: Our listeners can learn more about Sharon Hersh, purchase her books, find free resources and more on her website: www.sharonhersh.com

Sexual Assault is often an overwhelming trauma that leads victims to feel hopeless. Many of the offenders dodge prosecution and can leave victims' lives completely shattered in a matter of moments. However, there is always hope.   That is why we are so blessed to have licensed professional counselor and EMDR trauma therapist, Lisa Saruga on today's episode. Lisa shares her story of sexual assault in the early 1980s when she was a student at Central Michigan University. She explains how it took her over 35 years to process the trauma and find hope in her suffering.   Now Lisa works to help other victims find peace and healing from their trauma and the benefits journaling had on her life, both emotionally and spiritually. She tells us that we can break down the walls of sexual assault trauma and that healing can be attained even when the world offers no happy ending.   Who is Lisa Saruga? Lisa is a licensed professional counselor, EMDR trauma therapist, and legislative advocate who specializes in sexual trauma. She is a national speaker who has keynoted for college campuses, Christian retreats, community organizations, and Christian women’s groups. She is the author of two books and is now navigating the publishing process. As a trauma survivor, she has learned that hope and healing are available even when this world offers no happy endings. We simply need to persist on purpose, with purpose, for God’s purposes. Resources: Learn more about Lisa's books, get started with journaling and get access to free resources for sexual assault survivors at her website: www.lisasaruga.com

On this week's very special episode of The Music for the Soul Podcast, we are delighted to break down the history of one of our favorite songs we've ever worked on, Twenty-Three. Twenty-Three is a glorious, uplifting rendition of perhaps the most beloved of all the Psalms, Psalm 23.  We sat down with the Emmy winning vocalist Scott Krippayne, award winning composer Phillip Keveren, and producer Kent Hooper as each of them shares their experience working on the project and the impact it had on their lives. This episode shares the power and inspiration music can deliver when set to one of the most moving passages of scripture. We also have an exclusive offer for our listeners. Below is a link to a free devotional on Psalm 23. This devotional invites you into a deeper exploration of the Psalm’s themes and promises. Each day’s reflections offer fresh insights and applications with an opportunity to let these sacred words comfort and inspire you anew.  Resources: Get Access to Our Free Devotional on Psalm 23 on our website using the link here: www.musicforthesoul.org/23devo Listen and Purchase Twenty-Three at the link here: www.musicforthesoul.org/resources/twenty-three

Pornography has permiated our society in almost every facet. With technology making it easier than ever to access graphic sexual content, what harm is being inflicted on individuals and families? How does pornography influence sexual exploitation and even sexual trafficking?   We are blessed to have Vice President of Research for the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, Lisa Thompson, as our guest on today's episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast. Lisa shares how she has been working to explain the harm caused by pornography in our society and how companies can often be complacent or even encourage distribution of pornographic content. She also explains how we can keep our children safe in the age of the internet and what boundaries we need to set up them as parents.   Finally, Lisa talks about the impact projects like Somebody's Daughter have on fighting back against sexual exploitation and how it can give a voice to those who don't know where else to turn.   Who is Lisa Thompson? As Vice President of Research for the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, Lisa conducts policy analysis and advocacy, advances understanding of pornography’s public health harms, and liaises with public officials, advocates, and academics to advance strategies combating the web of sexual exploitation, including pornography, stripping, prostitution, sexual trafficking, sexual assault, and more. Lisa joined NCOSE following two years with World Hope International where as Director of Anti-Trafficking, Lisa oversaw sex trafficking recovery programs in Cambodia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Lisa is a contributing author to Hands that Heal: International Curriculum for Caregivers of Trafficking Survivors, as well as the book Global Perspectives on Prostitution and Sex Trafficking:  Europe Latin America, North America, and Global.  Resources: Learn more about Lisa's work with the NCOSE, read their Dirty Dozen list of companies, and more on their website: www.endsexualexploitation.org Check out The Somebody's Daughter Project on Music for the Soul's Website at the link here: www.musicforthesoul.org/resources/somebodys-daughter

Songwriting is an often underappreciated talent in the world of great music. Singers and musicians are celebrated for the emotion they capture in their performances, but songwriters can sometimes appear to be at the bottom of the music world's hierarchy.   That is why we are so grateful to have Dove Award Winning Songwriter Sue C. Smith on today's episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast. Sue shares with us her journey into songwriting, growing up with a father who led music at his church despite no formal background in music. From there, she began writing songs and getting connected in the world of Christian Music. Since then she has written over 20 #1 songs and had her works cut by countless top artists.   Sue talks about the importance of connection, communication and recognition in songwriting, and how she used those elements to create The Write About Jesus Conference in 2000. She explains the importance of having a conference that welcomes writers of all levels, both those that are award winning and those that are just starting, into a place where they can talk, eat and pray as one community.   Who is Sue C. Smith? Sue has written 20 #1 songs, including "Not For Long" (The Guardians) in March 2023, "Looks Like Jesus" (Brian Free and Assurance in 2022, and "Goliath" (Joseph Habedank) in 2021.  A Daywind Music Publishing staff writer, she is deeply involved in writing music for the church and for church choirs, having written over 100 musicals which are presented annually in churches around the world. Sue is a five-time Dove award winning songwriter who has had cuts by Avalon, Jason Crabb, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Crabb Family, Sandi Patty, and many others.  She and her husband John founded The Write About Jesus Workshop in 2000, They co-hosted it each year until John's passing 2020. Sue continues to host the workshop as well as mentor many other writers. The workshop has been the launch pad for the songwriting of dozens of fresh voices in Christian music.  Resources: Learn more about The Write About Jesus Conference and how to register on their website: www.writeaboutjesus.com Learn more about Sue's work in songwriting, read her blog posts and contact her at her website: www.suecsmithsongwriter.com

We are so blessed to welcome Emmy Award winning songwriter Scott Krippayne back for a second episode on the Music for the Soul Podcast. On this week's episode, Scott talks about his work on 36 songs with Music for the Soul, including being lead vocalist on 33 different songs.He shares insights on what it was like working on I Wasn't There, Prayer for You, More Beautiful, Whole in the Sight of God and more.   Scott also shares how he captures the emotion of each song despite not always having direct experience with the topic being sung on. Scott then explains God uses all moments of our lives, even the moments that aren't the most perfect or enjoyable, to minister to others and give them hope. Ultimately, God often times takes the most unlike situations or groups of people to show others the wonders of His boundless love.   Who is Scott Krippayne? Scott Krippayne is an Emmy Award winning songwriter & producer based in the Seattle area.  With 16 #1's, 23 other Top 10 singles, and over 500 songs recorded, Scott has enjoyed a productive career with success in multiple genres.  His songs have appeared on releases by Demi Lovato, Bebe Rexha, Jordin Sparks, Smash Mouth, Kool & The Gang, Kutless, and Joy Williams (of The Civil Wars) among others. In addition to having various songs used in films, Scott also penned the theme song for the Nick Jr. hit series Paw Patrol and has song placements on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, Netflix, MTV, VH1, Disney, and more. Resources: Learn more about Scott's songs, upcoming media events and contact information on his website: www.scottkrippayne.com Listen to all of the songs Scott has worked on with Music for the Soul at the link here: www.musicforthesoul.org/product_musicians/scott-krippayne

Many musicians live a varied and eventful life, especially if they tour around the country performing their music. So what does the life of a songwriter look like and what tips have they learned as they travel and perform?   We are incredibly excited to welcome Emmy Award Winning Songwriter Scott Krippayne to this week's episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast. Scott shares stories from over 30 years of writing and performing music around the world with over 500 songs recorded. He talks about the differences between CCM music and focusing more on solo work, and how both created a significant positive impact in his life.   Finally, he talks about different tricks and tips to grounding himself in the songs he was performing at dozens of concerts, allowing him to feel the full emotion of the song each time he sang it. He also discusses how to deal with things like depersonalization and the importance of centering yourself. Scott explains that it is so important to live in the now so we can fully step into what God is calling us to do.   Who is Scott Krippayne? Scott Krippayne is an Emmy Award winning songwriter & producer based in the Seattle area.  With 16 #1's, 23 other Top 10 singles, and over 500 songs recorded, Scott has enjoyed a productive career with success in multiple genres.  His songs have appeared on releases by Demi Lovato, Bebe Rexha, Jordin Sparks, Smash Mouth, Kool & The Gang, Kutless, and Joy Williams (of The Civil Wars) among others. In addition to having various songs used in films, Scott also penned the theme song for the Nick Jr. hit series Paw Patrol and has song placements on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, Netflix, MTV, VH1, Disney, and more. Resources: Learn more about Scott's songs, upcoming media events and contact information on his website: www.scottkrippayne.com

When it comes to women who have had an abortion, guilt, shame and anger are often chains that hold them to their past. They feel that they have commited the unforgivable sin and that they will have to bear that burden for the rest of their lives.   That is why we are so blessed to have Paula Ellefson as our guest on this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast. Paula shares her story of having two abortions as a teenager and carrying that secret into her adult life. She then describes the moment it all fell away, and as she confessed to her earthly father, she heard "there is nothing you could do that would ever make me ashamed of you."    In that moment, not only did she feel the love and forgiveness of her earthly father, but of her Heavenly Father as well. Paula offers ways to seek hope, connection, and healing for women and men who have carried secret guilt over an abortion decision in their past. Through projects like Mercy Great Enough, she began to see that nothing can separate us from the love and forgiveness of God.    Our listeners can receive a free copy of the Mercy Great Enough devotional at the link below. You are never alone. There is always hope and healing for you through Christ our Lord.   Who is Paula Ellefson? Paula Ellefson is an ordained Pastor and is a Recovery Chaplain at MN Adult and Teen Challenge; she served on staff as the Preschool  Pastor at Rochester Assembly of God for 17+ years; she was a counselor at Compassion Counseling Center;  One of her purposes in life, besides being a wife and a mother, is to bring awareness and healing to those who have suffered silently due to abortion.She now desires to see others set free from the chains of abortion, to find freedom, redemption, reconciliation and forgiveness in Christ.   Resources: Click on the following link to receive your free copy of the Mercy Great Enough devotional mentioned in this podcast: www.musicforthesoul.org/mercy-devotional