That our children will sleep in their own bed each night is just a normal thing for most of us. But thousands of kids across Georgia, for a variety of reasons, aren't sleeping in their own, personal bed. Thankfully, there is an organization called Sleep In Heavenly Peace seeking to remedy this situation. Check out my interview with Greg Watts, along with a lot of volunteers, is helping to ensure every child gets to sleep in their very own bed each night and sleep in heavenly peace.

I think it's fair to say one of the first things we learn when we accept Christ into our hears is that we are forgiven for our sins. It's the single greatest blessing we'll ever receive. We're also instructed by Jesus that we are to freely forgive others, just as he forgives us. So we freely forgive the person who cuts us off in traffic, or the family member who doesn't return the casserole dish we left with them at the last family get together. But how do we forgive someone who hurts us profoundly? In this episode of The Jules Show podcast, I spent some time talking with Mary Ann Otley, a woman who suffered the kind of abuse most of us would consider impossible to forgive. What happened to her and how she worked through it to ultimately be able to help others who have been in her shoes, is an incredible story of how God, when we surrender our will to His, can do the impossible. If you have ever thought, "God, I just can't forgive this..." then I urge you, please, to spend some time listening to Mary Ann's story. God worked a miracle in Mary Ann's life, and she shares with us how He can do the same in our lives, if we are willing to let Him. Mary Ann's website: www.lovetriumphs.com Jules on Instagram

It was a hot summer morning and Scott Rigsby woke up to face it like he did every other day. He went to work at his job as a landscaper, a position he took after his recent high school graduation to earn him a little extra money to take with him when he went off to college in the fall. He had no idea that day, which had started out so incredibly ordinary, would be the last ordinary day of his life. Unbeknownst to him, his reality was about to change forever. Scott and a couple of his coworkers were riding in the back of a pick up truck, headed to the next landscaping job, when, in a split second, they were in a horrible accident which ultimately left Scott as a double amputee of both his legs below the knees. In my time with Scott, he details the events of his accident, the dark days trying to come to terms with how his life was going to change forever, and ultimately God's plan and purpose for how Scott could use his experience to do something unthinkable - to be the first double amputee to complete the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon - and help other amputees reconcile their circumstance and overcome, all to the glory of God. Jules on Instagram

These days, Don Nelson has what in anyones mind would be a nice life. A satisfying career as a college professor at the University of Georgia, a lovely wife, two kids and a comfortable home. He's done well for himself. So when he's teaching a class called Breaking The Cycle, a course on life skills for people experiencing homelessness, no one really believes him when he tells them "I understand, because I have been where you are." In this episode of The Jules Show, Don unwraps his story of growing up in a Christian home, going to a very traditional church. It left him feeling numb, ritual but no relationship. To Don, it didn't seem like the people around him bore evidence of being filled with the spirit. So while he had a logical, knowledgeable belief in Jesus, he had no real relationship. During his teen years and in his twenties, Don took some wrong turns with drugs and alcohol, leaving him essentially homeless. Amazingly enough, he managed to muddle his way through graduate school and was even able to secure a teaching position. Fast forward a few years, when he's finally enjoying success as a college professor.  As you might guess, Don is a very logical and reasoned individual. Finding an emotional connection to Christ wasn't easy for him. Additionally, he desired to see evidence of how faith really played out in other believers lives. Without realizing it at the time, he was searching for a spirit filled and spirit led church. In our interview, he shares with me how he found one in a most unlikely place at a most interesting time in hi life. You can reach out to Don at https://www.heclab.org/ Jules on instagram

Have you ever asked yourself, "How did I end up here?" That's a question Amy Washington asks herself all the time. Shortly after graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in marketing, Amy had a friend who had this great idea - "Let's go to Africa on a mission trip," her friend suggested.    Amy, ever the planner, was like, "Wait, what? Where in Africa? That's a continent, not a country!"    And so began her journey from a homebody, farm girl growing up in rural Northeast Georgia to a woman running a home for teenage unwed mothers in Uganda. She left behind everyone she knew and loved, because she believed God had a plan for her to help young women whose families had thrown them out. She wanted them to come to know they had a heavenly father who would never throw them away and who considered them priceless.    Listening to Amy's story can give us all a glimpse what it's like to give up a comfortable life in order to make an earthly and well as eternal, difference in the lives of those Jesus calls "the least of these." You won't believe what Amy has been able to do in just a few years, and all merely because she was willing to follow God's lead for her life rather than her own.  Kupendwaministeries.org Jules on Instagram

Jesus tells us in Matthew 28 to "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations...". This is called the Great Commission and it's probably the second most familiar scripture in the New Testament after, of course, John 3:16. But have you ever found yourself wondering what this means for you in your day-to-day life? Exactly how are we supposed to live this admonition out? After all, the apostles set a pretty high bar for service; and I can't help but feel, sometimes, I will never be able to meet their level of dedication. Thankfully, the Bible also tells us we are all gifted differently; and we can serve the Kingdom in countless different ways. So for some folks, that means being a missionary in a country halfway around the world from home. But for others of us, it means serving right where we've always been. My friends, Shirley and David Duncan, are prime examples of serving right where you are. And for the Duncans, that doesn't mean serving in their town or in their church. It means serving, quite literally, in their own home. Their story begins one hot afternoon in Middle Georgia. The Duncans live in a modest home in an average neighborhood in Macon, GA. David is handicapped, having lost both legs to complications from diabetes, so he is home most afternoons. On this particularly hot afternoon, a little neighborhood boy came by the house and asked David if he could have a cup of water. A lot of folks would have brushed the kid aside, but not David. He brought the boy a cup of water with crushed ice. It was just a small gesture of kindness. But that simple cup of ice water turned into a snack a few days later, then into snacks for another kid a few days after that and pretty soon...well, you know what happens when you feed kids and cats! Now, less than a year later, the school bus stops in front of their house and deposits over 20 neighborhood kids into their care EVERY DAY for after school snacks. Yes, you read correctly - they feed snacks to over 20 kids EVERY DAY! "Wow, that's great, but how is this a ministry, Jules?" I'm glad you asked! The Duncans have upped the ante. They are now serving a hot meal for supper on Friday nights, which they have affectionately dubbed, 'The Hot Dog Club'. However, they're not just providing a hot meal, they are also leading a Bible study for the kids and their families - many of whom have never heard the Gospel. It's like a Bible Block Party every week at their house. The Duncans also help these kids learn manners, respect for others, and the value of sharing and thinking of others. The kids are seeing up close and personal how virtual strangers are willing to show them kindness and love. In my interview with Shirley and David, they share how the Lord placed it on their hearts to help these kids. Most of them come from single parent homes and virtually all of them are low income. David shared with me that this ministry should not even be possible since they are approaching retirement age and are on a fixed income themselves. They never know from week to week if they are going to have the resources to support The Hot Dog Club. But somehow, they always do. People and resources just show up, quite literally, like manna from heaven. Through the generosity of people all over Macon, the Duncans are able to share the love of Jesus with folks right outside their door. Y'all have just GOT to listen to my interview with David and Shirley Duncan. They're an absolute hoot! Their lives have been an amazing adventure of service to God and such a fantastic example of how NOTHING is impossible when you step out in faith. Shirley and David's story will inspire you, too. They are showing us that sometimes the scripture "love thy neighbor" means, quite literally, the person next door!

"God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called," is something I'm pretty sure everyone who serves in ministry has said at some point. Mary Mangum, my guest for this episode of The Jules Show podcast, would certainly say that's true. She and her husband were rearing their family in the perfect suburban life when they felt the call to be missionaries. But let me back up, because Mary's story is really not so much about being a missionary in a country hostile to Christians. It's really a much bigger story, about the act of learning to be quiet and listen to the Holy Spirit to discern what God has planned for our lives. I hope you enjoy hearing Mary's story as much as I did. Mary and her family were not afraid to get out of their comfortable lives and take off for service in a country unfriendly to Christians because they knew it was God's plan and He had their backs. Mary's example reminds me that our faith is stretched the most when we are willing (to let God make us uncomfortable?) to be uncomfortable. Jules on Instagram Mary's website is www.deeplyrootedministries.org

Southern women often say laughter through tears is one of our favorite emotions, and comedian Elaine Brantley can certainly testify to the truth in that old saying. In this episode of The Jules Show podcast, Elaine shares how she took the funny parts of what she learned being a preacher's wife and turned it into a comedy routine, which she performs as her alter ego, "Maxi, the Preacher's Wife." She has brought laughter to church groups, women's conferences and military bases across the South for over two decades. But something happened in her life that caused her to lose her sense of humor. So she put away the costume she'd wear as Maxi and took some time off to heal, to be still, and to wait for God to reveal what His new plans for her were. Elaine ends up getting her groove back, but in a most unlikely way, and yes, you have to listen to the podcast to learn the whole crazy story! With all that's been going on in our world these past few months, it was a great joy to chat with someone who could bring a little humor into life and share how God was able to revive her creativity at a time when folks need it most. But more than just being funny, Elaine's is a story of how, if you just trust Him, God will amaze you beyond your wildest dreams. Connect Elaine on Facebook Jules on Instagram

So here's a question for you to consider: When was the last time you sat down and thought about the dreams you have for your life? If you haven't thought about your dreams in a while and could use some inspiration to do so, then check out my latest podcast interview with an incredible young woman named Maria Anifowose. Maria grew up in extreme poverty in Nigeria, where opportunities are few and far between, especially for girls. Being Christian in a heavily Muslim community didn't make it any easier, but Maria always knew God had big plans for her. She knew education would be her ticket out of poverty and she dreamed one day of traveling abroad to further her education. When a poster went up at her school advertising a writing contest with a trip to London as the prize, she figured this was her big chance. Maria's story is an inspiring example of the value of daring to dream big, of being patient and of having the faith to believe God would answer her prayers. Hearing Maria's story reminded me of the Bible verse in Habakkuk 2:2 where the prophet is told to "write the vision and make it plain on tablets," and it occurred to me I cannot ask God to bless my dreams if I don't even know what they are. Maria helped me realize I may need to revisit my dreams and spend some time checking in with God to see if they line up with His plan! Maria is currently attending college in Gainesville, Georgia through the kindness of scholarship donations made to her GoFundMe account. If you are moved by her story and would like to contribute, you may do so at the link below. Contribute to Maria's Go Fund Me account CONNECT @jules_show

Every pastor has heard that old joke about how they only work one day a week. And that's only a joke to the folks saying it. Little tip: pastor's don't think that line is funny. At all. If you have a good relationship with our pastor, you probably know that preaching a sermon on Sunday is just a small part of their responsibilities. They're on call virtually 24/7. Researches have done studies and determined being a pastor is one of the top five most stressful jobs in America. So, for Pastor Appreciation Month, I sat down with a man who knows a little about the subject, to get some details on how we as the body can better love on our pastors. Bill Westafer has been a pastor for years, and he drew on his personal experience and interviews with lots of pastors from all denominational backgrounds, to write a sort of "how to" book on helping pastors deal with stress. In his new book, "Clergy Stress: Causes and Cures," Bill outlines the six major stressors for pastors, and numerous ways to help manage them and avoid burnout. In my interview, Bill shares with us some of the heartbreaking stories of what some pastors have gone through, as well as some heartwarming stories of how congregations have loved on and given pastors the support they need to stay the course of their calling. Bill gives us some great counsel on how we can show our appreciation to our pastors this month, and every month. Bill's book "Clergy Stress: Causes and Cures" is available on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram at b_westaf

I've heard it said a big problem is just a small one that didn't get managed earlier. My friend, Ashley Hembrey, would say that's pretty accurate. Ashley started down a path of self destruction early in high school and her choices led her into situations that most of us can't even imaging. In this first episode of the new season of The Jules Show, I had the chance to sit down on my back porch and talk with Ashley about her story. She was in a deep pit of self destruction, fueled by addiction which ultimately led to multiple stints in jail. It was in jail she finally realized she needed help. She's been in recovery for years now, and credits daily devotion time and music from artists like Tauren Wells and Lauren Dangle with helping remind her daily she is a redeemed child of the King. But the big take away from my time with Ashley wasn't the "how" or that God DID redeem her. We spent much of our time together talking about WHY God redeems us. I appreciate Ashley's bravery and willingness to share her story with us. She's even willing to offer her assistance to anyone who finds themselves in a place of brokenness.  If you'd like to reach out to Ashley, please email my producer, Anne at anned@thejoyfm.com and she will put you in touch with Ashley.

[As we reset for season three of The Jules Show Podcast, Producer Anne, Editor Jeff and Jules have picked their favorite podcasts from the past. This week, it's Jules’ pick which originally posted June 10, 2020] Several years ago, I had a Sunday school teacher who shared a story about a church whose congregation actually split and half the people left and formed a new church because the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement. They must have been arguing some big theological issue, I thought. That wasn’t it. The huge dispute which broke the church apart was over - wait for it  - what color the new carpet for the sanctuary should be!!Jesus tells us they will know you because of your love amongst the brothers and sisters. Our unity is what sets us apart. Or it should be. But lately in our world, unity, even among Christians, seems hard to come by. So that’s why I asked one of the most  biblically grounded people I know to share with us biblical truth we can all use to work together for unity..David Holt, author and pastor at Living Hope Church in Athens offers us counsel on how to keep the main thing the main thing. And the main thing is the saving blood of Jesus. Learn more at livinghopeathens.com.

[As we reset for season three of The Jules Show Podcast, Producer Anne, Editor Jeff and Jules have picked their favorite podcasts from the past. This week, it's Jeff’s pick which originally posted July 24, 2019] Let's face it - when you get right down to it, we're all a bunch of broken toys. We're sinners, with lot's of issues and hard as we may try to do the right thing, we just keep messing up. If you're anything like me, you scratch your head sometimes, because on the one hand, you know God doesn't waste anything in our lives, but on the other you're sitting there thinking "Lord, how are you going to use this disaster in my life for your glory?" My friend Mark Benson wondered this, too. After his infant daughter died at 90 days of life, and his marriage subsequently ended in divorce, Mark was struggling to see what God was doing with his personal tragedy. In my podcast interview with Mark, he shares with me just how God redeemed his personal brokenness and placed on his heart a passion to lead men's ministry in an effort to help and disciple other hurting and broken men. Click and listen to my podcast interview with Mark Benson.

[As we reset for season three of The Jules Show Podcast, Producer Anne, Editor Jeff and Jules have picked their favoite podcasts from the past. This week, it's Anne's pick which originally posted July 16, 2018] Let's face it, if we're really honest, most of us have done something in our past which we now regret. And while we know in our minds God forgave us of our sins when we accepted Jesus Christ as our savior, so often times, believing it in our hearts is not so easy. Miriam Nelson is a woman who knows a great deal about God's redemptive grace. As the director of the Athens Pregnancy Center, Miriam shared with me her personal journey of seeking God's forgiveness after having an abortion when she was 17 years old. Miriam regularly shares her testimony with clients at APC as well as with churches and other organizations, and one of the main take aways I learned from my interview with her was that whatever mistakes we have made, God forgives us and wants us to use our brokenness for His glory. Miriam has been able to share her story of regret and pain and ultimately redemption, with countless women who find themselves believing the lie that having an abortion is a decision they will not regret.  Miriam's regret was abortion, but her story of redemption is one from which we all can learn. She surrendered the guilt and shame, and taught me that nothing we do is too big for God to forgive. But we have to choose to LET Him. And then, we need to use our experience to help others.

Watching a loved one walk the path of memory loss is often an emotionally as well as physically exhausting experience. But a new ministry in Macon, GA is offering socialization for participants and a much needed break for the participants care givers. In this episode of The Jules Show podcast, I had a chat with Leigh Hinton, the director of Sanctuary Respite Ministry, an outreach of Forest Hills Methodist Church, which is providing half day programs three days a week for individuals or "friends" as they call them, to come and spend time with other folks on the memory loss journey. Friends are provided the opportunity to participate in all manner of activities which provide stimulation and exercise, at whatever level they can handle. Leigh shared with me the amazing God story of how they were able to open this ministry in, you guessed it, the sanctuary of an old church. Staying active is a major benefit in slowing age related memory loss, and SRM can provide stimulation in a Christ centered environment to give friends a greater quality of life, while at the same time providing a respite for the often over worked care giver, who is usually a spouse. You'll love hearing how SRM is fulfilling Jesus directive to care for "the least of these." Learn more about Sanctuary Respite Ministry at http://foresthillsmacon.com/welcome/sanctuary-respite.

Several years ago, I had a Sunday school teacher who shared a story about a church whose congregation actually split and half the people left and formed a new church because the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement. They must have been arguing some big theological issue, I thought. That wasn’t it. The huge dispute which broke the church apart was over - wait for it  - what color the new carpet for the sanctuary should be!!Jesus tells us they will know you because of your love amongst the brothers and sisters. Our unity is what sets us apart. Or it should be. But lately in our world, unity, even among Christians, seems hard to come by. So that’s why I asked one of the most  biblically grounded people I know to share with us biblical truth we can all use to work together for unity..David Holt, author and pastor at Living Hope Church in Athens offers us counsel on how to keep the main thing the main thing. And the main thing is the saving blood of Jesus. Learn more at livinghopeathens.com.

Covid 19 is a virus that has devastated more than just health. Our jobs, our way of life have all been totally upended. If you're feeling confused, and maybe even paralyzed over all the turmoil in our world right now, then my podcast guest, pastor and author Gerald Fadayomi has some practical guidance to help you chart these uncertain waters and plot a course to move ahead. Whether its an unexpected job loss, the death of a loved one or a difficult diagnosis from our doctor, in his new book, "When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade," Gerald teaches us techniques for taking action in our own lives, using the example set by the biblical hero, Joseph. Gerald points out how the Bible never guarantees our lives will be free from suffering, however it DOES show us a way to deal with the uncomfortable - or as he calls them, "sour" - circumstances. By asking yourself just three simple questions, and then spending some time prayerfully answering them, you can more clearly discern the path God has planned for you. Gerald helped me to realize we are not as powerless as we sometimes feel, we just have to ask the right questions for our situation. Reach Gerald at  - https://www.geraldfadayomi.com/lemons

I read somewhere that life is a series of crisis' and how well we deal with them makes all the difference. Paula Maxwell was young and unmarried and found herself facing an unplanned pregnancy. It was a crisis situation, but she knew the choice she wanted to make would have long lasting repercussions. For Paula, abortion wasn't an option. So she sought out the counsel of Covenant Care Services, and with their help, made out an adoption plan for her child. In this episode of The Jules Show podcast, we conclude our interview with our friends from Covenant Care Services by letting Paula tell her story of being a birth mother, what that was like, what has happened to her and her child in the decades since she chose adoption and how she has now come full circle, to serve the ministry of CCS as a client services coordinator. When Paula tells a woman "I know what you're feeling," she really does. God has been able to use what initially seemed like a crisis in Paula's life to minister His love and grace and provide help and healing to countless women and families. Her decision back then is making a huge difference in lives today. At a time when we can all use some encouragement in our lives, Paula's story is a great one of God's redemption and faithfulness.

Even in the best of circumstances, I think most women will agree pregnancy can be a little scary. So, imagine how frightening it can be for a woman who is not expecting to be expecting. In this episode of my podcast, I was able to have a great conversation with Carol Gledhill, executive director of Covenant Care Adoptions in Macon, GA about how they are coming alongside these vulnerable women and their families to provide ALL options available to them in a loving, compassionate and Christ centered way. By providing assistance from the very beginning, Covenant Care helps EVERY woman who reaches out to them with a multitude of services, helping ensure the best possible outcomes. To make the story even more special, Carol brought a friend with her - a birth mom who was one of the original birth mothers to place through Covenant Care - to share her story of healing and redemption (in the next podcast). These precious ladies shed some light on a topic many folks in the church want to sweep under the rug, as well as shattering some of the myths surrounding the "typical" woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. I think you will come away encouraged and inspired by the work the folks at Covenant Care Adoptions are doing. Have a listen and let me know your thoughts and learn more at covenantcaredoptions.com

Seems like everyone has a side hustle these days. Be it a freelance gig or a nights and weekends part time job, we're all looking for ways to pick up some extra cash. Greg Washington was getting by on the money he was earning in culinary arts at a hotel, and he seemed to be on track for advancement as a chef. But when money started getting tight, a side hustle opportunity presented itself. Someone offered him a chance to turn $100 into $150 for just making a quick stop. And so the lure of what seemed like easy money took Greg down a road to hustling drugs full time. Yes, Greg's story is one of a guy going down a dark road, only for God to redeem it in the end, but what makes Greg's story especially compelling is his unique perspective on the mind of hustlers - and hustlers are more than just drug dealers. They are in all walks of life, and Greg shares how he learned this and how if, truth be told, we can all be guilty of being hustlers. Listen to the podcast and then share your comments with me. Learn more at: www.mindofahustlerbook.com