Life doesn't come with an instruction manual. We make it up as we go! Susan shares her story from life in the FHU Bubble and more!

It's really cool when the story of God's people is part of the story of your whole life.  That's the story you'll get today with Anita Fuson - a story that reminds us that God is still very much alive and at work in his world!

He could have been a shoe salesman...or an accountant...but he's ended up in ministry...for a long time! He's nearing retirement, so now is a good time to look back at some of the God stories along the way. Listen to Geoffrey Sikes, minister at the church of Christ at Trenton Crossing in Clarksville, TN as he shares his journey in ministry!

Since I've abused more than 70 guests....I guess turnabout is fair play. Today Monica Gossett and I swap seats...and she bullies me into telling parts of my story!

**Be sure to listen past the closing credits for a special ending!** This week, Chase Lewis shares his story! It's a story of a really scary time in life...and God's providence through it all!

This episode was a throwback for me...all the way back to 8th grade Bible at David Lipscomb Middle School. Today's guest is Mike McPherson - youth minister, coach, Bible teacher....he wears a lot of hats. You may have heard his story in the past about navigating depression...and navigating his wife's death to ALS. In our conversation today, he shares some of the...less-than-helpful...things that well-meaning people have said along the way. If you're in the Dickson area, Mike will be with us at Burns on Wednesday night at 4/24 to share Lisa's story. You don't want to miss it!

I met Tim Hines when we landed in Honduras last summer. Immediately, I knew he was going to be someone I wanted to know. He's got a fantastic sense of humor (that I'm still a little afraid of)...incredible faith... and a generous heart. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, either. You've heard great things from his son, Dalton, in a previous episode!

Big news from Burns Church! We welcome Chuck Ramseur to our staff as our new associate minister. In this episode recorded on day 1, you'll get to meet Chuck, hear his story, and how he ended up in ministry.

You're going to love today's guest! She's the chair of Kinsman Redeemer Homeless ministry in Dickson. She has a heart to help people...and she's going to tell you (at least!) two stories...her story, and the story of this ministry. She's going to open your eyes to the realities of the homeless in Dickson and so much more!

John Smith (yes, that's his real name!) serves at Dickson First Presbyterian Church and as an Air Force reservist Chaplain. He's also the brains behind Dickson's "Theology on Tap." He's got stories - but those aren't the stories he shares today! John takes us on the journey of his faith...the ups and downs...and how he went from performing to be God's favorite child to relishing the love of Jesus. You'll be blessed.

John Mark Hicks shares a story of loss and disorientation - how his understanding of God changed his implicit deal wit God.

It's Brittany 4 of 4 this week - the last of our month of Brittanii. Brittany Callaway shares her stories of sports and faith and surgeries...you'll be blessed!

The month of Brittany continues....with Brittany 3 of 4!  Today you'll hear about how God's plans...well, they don't always line up with ours, but they turn out so much better. God knows what he's doing, especially when we don't!

I don't know anyone who does more to advocate for the special needs community and our kids in general than Robyn Lampley...and she's our guest on today's bonus episode of Rough Drafts! Just listen to these lines: "We say CAN not CANNOT." "Nothing ABOUT me WITHOUT me" "Assume competence." "Find the ability in the disability" "People-first language" "Stairs and stares" "No one wants pity." You're going to love her spirit and insights...and by the way, she's running for school board in Dickson County. That process has changed, so this race will be decided in the republican primary...and early voting has already started. Got questions for her? Reach out! rlampley@dsdc.org

It's the second of our month of Brit'ys.... Brittany Hardin! Today you get to hear from a volleyball coach, teacher, mom...someone you're going to really enjoy. One of my favorite parts of Brittany's story is hearing about how impactful the church she worshipped with during her college years was. It makes you appreciate that special time in life and that ministry.

You're in for some fun for the next few weeks on Rough Drafts....we're having....a month of Britneys...or Brittanies... well, they don't all spell them the same, but they sound alike! You'll get to hear from four friends who share a name and a church, and along the way, you'll find out what else they share. Going first is the newest Britney to my circle of friends - Britney Andrieu. She and her family traveled the Oregon trail, kind of, in reverse...well, they came here from California. Close enough, right? Her story is a story about friendships...and the power of a good church youth group. I think you'll find yourself wanting to reconnect with friends and play a game after this episode finishes!

A couple of weeks ago, I had an opportunity to do one of the coolest things I've ever done. Marshall Fuson invited me to join him on a trip to Santa Ana, Honduras, to see the completion of a project to dig a well & share water with an entire village. Today's guest is the man who made all of that possible - Dalton Hines. Dalton and his family serve as the on-the-ground missionaries in Honduras. I met him this summer, but spending a few days with him was incredible. I learned so much about what really goes into his work day in and day out. He shared his heart for helping people and loving people and making disciples, not just quick converts. He shares his perspective about raising his family in a third-world nation and how that compares to our experiences in the states. This is a long episode - mostly because I couldn't shut up and I kept asking one more question...we stayed up til midnight. It was so special! If you want to learn more about what Dalton's family is up to... here are some awesome facebook pages and videos to look at: https://www.facebook.com/reach1teach1honduras https://torchmissions.org/about-us https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1501929400586667 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc3jvtezSuI

It's amazing how clearly we can remember the hurtful words we heard decades ago, isn't it? That's where the title of this week's conversation comes from.  Renee is the executive director of the Dickson County Help Center, Dickson's food bank, assitance ministry, thrift store, and location of all sorts of crazy good stuff. Her story could have very easily have gone a different way, but now, Renee lives with a passion for reaching women in the church and serving the community. It's one of those stories only God could write.

You heard from Sierra on Tuesday, now it's Joey's turn! Joey takes us through some really difficult times, moments that change everything. Consider this your warning, there are some tough moments in this episode, but God is good, and Joey shows us that God knows what he's doing!

Guess what! It's another couples' week on Rough Drafts. Today you'll hear from Sierra Wenck. She's got so much to share! You'll hear a story about a mission trip that doesn't go the way anyone planned. You'll hear about teaching and tragedy and the ups and downs of relationship. Come back Thursday and hear part 2 - Joey's story!