I am so excited about our special guest for this episode- Lonnie McFadden. If you live in Kansas City – you SHOULD know his name! Lonnie is a Kansas City Jazz Legend & trumpeter. He is one of the most joy-filled people I have ever met so of course I needed him to join the show to infuse that joy into us all as well. He is so talented, has an expansive knowledge of the history behind Kansas City jazz, and is a man of God. In this episode, Lonnie shares with us how discipline impacted his life, we dive into his personal musical history, how he has pursued joy in his life, through jazz music, and how God has remained faithful to him. He is a fantastic man, full of joy and I pray that as you listen to this episode his joy extends to you!  We Discuss: - How self-discipline and motivation have played a vital part in his life and career, starting at a young age - Lonnie's personal musical career overview - Lonnie's pursuit of joy, through jazz music has allowed him to use his calling to glorify God and love others in such a joy-filled way - God's faithfulness throughout his life - Find encouragement on how we can set aside personal problems and struggles in order to shift our focus to loving others even when surrounding circumstances are difficult. From Lonnie's personal ⁠⁠WEBSITE: "Lonnie and his brother Ronald McFadden (The McFadden Brothers) have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in show business. Wayne Newton, Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Orlando, Lee Greenwood, Gladys Knight and The Count Basie Orchestra are just some of the great entertainers they have had the pleasure of working with. The McFadden Brothers have also performed for all types of audiences including a very special 2004 USO tour to Kuwait and Iraq for our troops." Pursuing Joy Links: Instagram:⁠⁠⁠ @pursuingjoy.podcast⁠⁠⁠Facebook:⁠⁠⁠ Pursuing Joy with Sam⁠⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠⁠samantha@pursuingjoypodcast.com⁠⁠ Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify) - "⁠⁠Great Is Thy Faithfulness" - Carried Underwood, CeCe Winans - "Joy" - Kirk Franklin, Donald Malloy - "Joy" - Highlands Worship - "Moten Swing"- Lonnie McFadden Bible Plans/Studies (found in the⁠⁠⁠ YouVersion Bible App⁠⁠⁠): "⁠A God Who Is Faithful" - Louie Giglio "No More Chasing The Wind" - ORU "Pursuit" - Citipointe Church Lonnie McFadden Links - Lonnie's Instagram (@lonniemcfadden_jazz) - Lonnie's Spotify - Lonnie's Reno Club Website (Highly encourage buying tickets - I promise you will not regret it!)

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode, I am discussing Purpose vs. Calling and how you can boldly and courageously step into what God is calling you to. I share some of my personal testimony and reflect on moments when I felt God calling me into things and what held me back at those times. I also share how I stepped into what God was calling me to even when I felt fearful, unqualified, stressed out - you name it! Stop waiting for things to look right, for things to happen, etc. for you to step out. Start trusting in the one who is in control. Life will always throw things your way, the enemy will try to distract you and pull you away from your calling - but don't let that stop you!! God has so many things in store for you when you surrender to his will and press into his calling(s) for you! I close in prayer to bless those who are struggling with obedience - I pray clarity, boldness and courage to flow throughout you! God blesses you so you can be a blessing to others! Pursuing Joy Links: Instagram:⁠ @pursuingjoy.podcast⁠Facebook:⁠ Pursuing Joy with Sam⁠Email: ⁠samantha@pursuingjoypodcast.com⁠ Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify) "⁠Called Me Higher" - All Sons and Daughters"Bless Me" - Maverick City Music, Kirk Franklin ( ONE OF MY FAVES!)"For All My Life" - TAYA Bible Plans/Studies (found in the⁠ YouVersion Bible App⁠): “⁠Discover Your Purpose & Calling" by Bob Lotich "Obedience" - Tony Evans"Fear" - American Bible Society

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode, a special guest is joining us - Dr. Kim Kimberling! Dr. Kim has been a professional counselor for 40 years, he and his wife Nancy have been married for 53 years and he is a Dad and Grandpa. He’s an Author, Podcaster, Dr. Kim is the President and co-founder of Awesome Marriage - which is his Nonprofit Christian Marriage Ministry. Whether you're single, engaged, or married - there is so much wisdom to gain from Dr. Kim. In this episode, I have the pleasure of being able to ask him questions about marriage that I have heard, that I have personally, and that I see on Social Media. We Discuss: How to have healthy conflict and how to model that for your childrenGender roles within marriage - how do you have this conversation with your spouse?The impact of Social Media on marriagesHow do you navigate being on separate pages from your spouse (spiritually, emotionally, parenting, etc.)Who you should seek out for marriage adviceHow to best support friends who confide in you with their own marital issuesThe importance of praying together as a couple as well as where to begin if you've never done itAND EVEN MORE!! You do not want to miss this episode, I promise!! I pray it blesses you and your marriage & that you feel encouraged to love your spouse even bigger and better! Pursuing Joy Links: Instagram:⁠ @pursuingjoy.podcast⁠Facebook:⁠ Pursuing Joy with Sam⁠Email: ⁠samantha@pursuingjoypodcast.com⁠ Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify) "⁠The Blessing" By Elevation Worship & Kari Jobe"Love Like This" By Lauren Daigle"Multiplied" By NEEDTOBREATHE"As For Me & My House" By Austin and Lindsey Adamec Bible Plans/Studies (found in the⁠ YouVersion Bible App⁠): "4 Ways to Fight Fair in Marriage" - Dr. Kim Kimberling"Speaking Life in Your Marriage" - Dr. Kim Kimberling"Speak to Their Heart: 5 Ways to Love Your Spouse Well" - Dr. Kim Kimberling⁠Link⁠ for All of Dr. Kim's YouVersion Bible Plans Dr. Kim Kimberling/Awesome Marriage Links Dr. Kim's WebsiteDr. Kim's InstagramAwesome Marriage WebsiteAwesome Marriage InstagramAwesome Marriage PodcastDr. Kim's Book Mentioned in the Episode - 7 Secrets to an Awesome Marriage

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode we have a very special guest joining us - Clarissa Moll. She is an author, podcaster, mom to 4 kiddos and the young widow of author Rob Moll. She joins us for this episode to discuss her journey with grief and graces us with insight on how to love those who are grieving better. Tune in as Clarissa answers questions about how to support children grieve, what’s appropriate to say at a funeral/visitation, how we can love those who have turned away from their faith while grieving and so much more. Grief is something that touches just about every person, so whether you are grieving someone yourself, you are supporting someone who is grieving or you are just looking to gain understanding into something that can be a bit uncomfortable to talk about you do not want to miss this episode!  Pursuing Joy Links: Instagram: @pursuingjoy.podcastFacebook: Pursuing Joy with SamEmail: samantha@pursuingjoypodcast.com Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify) "Rescue" - Lauren Daigle"Sing My Way Back" - Steffany Gretzinger"Battles Belongs" - Phil Wickham"I Can Only Imagine" - MercyMe Bible Plans/Studies (found in the YouVersion Bible App): “Jesus, the Friend in Sorrow: A 3-Day Study for Grieving" - Clarissa Moll"Real Hope: Grief" - Hope Media"God's Goodness in Our Grief" - Denita Arnold Clarissa Moll Links Clarissa's Website: Discovering Grace in GriefClarissa's InstagramClarissa's Book - Beyond the Darkness: A Gentle Guide for Living with Grief & Thriving after LossRob's Book: The Art of DyingClarissa's Podcast- "Surprised by Grief"

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode, we are talking about CELEBRATING others!! Join me for a perspective shift as we discuss reasons to celebrate others along with unique and fun ways to do so! Celebrating others blesses that person and you receive so much joy as well! Use your unique gifts to love others well by celebrating them! Whether they have an event coming up or not - celebrate and love them for what they mean to you! These ideas are sure to put a smile on their face and fill you with joy as well! Go spread joy and love today! Pursuing Joy Links: Instagram: @pursuingjoy.podcastFacebook: Pursuing Joy with SamEmail: samantha@pursuingjoypodcast.com Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify) "I Thank God" - Maverick City Music"Bless Me"  Maverick City Music"You and Jesus" - Walker County, Greylan James"Be a Light" - Thomas Rhett and others Bible Plans/Studies (found in the YouVersion Bible App): “The Call to Celebrate" - Neal Samudre"Everybody Always" - Bob Goff“Love Does -- Experience A Life of Love in Action" - Bob Goff Links Hallmark Video Greeting Cards Link HEREFelt App - Personalized Cards ($6/month for 3 cards!!)

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode, we are discussing relationships & a common role that some of us try to take on ourselves or place expectations on others to take on. We discuss how we attempt to fill a role that was never intended for us to fill. It is a position fulfilled by God only. If you are putting all of your trust, hope, and healing in yourself or another human only, you’re eventually going to be disappointed. The BEST news is, God wants to be this in your life and he promises to carry you through and to be your refuge.  Sometimes we need help taking our hands off and allowing God to step in and become our SAVIOR completely.   "Stop trying to play God and learn how to be dependent and reliant on Him." - Episode 8 Pursuing Joy Links: Instagram: @pursuingjoy.podcastFacebook: Pursuing Joy with SamEmail: samantha@pursuingjoypodcast.com Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify) “New Future" - Life.Church Worship"Thank You Jesus for the Blood" - Charity Gale"This is How I Thank The Lord" - Mosaic MSC Bible Plans/Studies (found in the YouVersion Bible App): “Savior: The Promise Fulfilled" - by Love God Greatly"I Serve A Savior: A 12-Day Devotional By Josh Turner" - by Josh Turner Links "Meaning of Marriage" Book Link through Amazon

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode, we are going to talk about the power of our words and how necessary it is for us to control what comes out of our mouths! We’ll look at scripture so that we can begin to see what God’s word says about our words, we’ll see how the Bible relates our words with what’s going on in our heart & look at 4 practical ways we can turn our words of hurt into words of life and love. We must comprehend that there are physical responses when words are received, which is one of the main reasons our words hold value. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” There is power in your words - use them to speak life and love over yourselves and others!  Pursuing Joy Links: Instagram: @pursuingjoy.podcastFacebook: Pursuing Joy with SamEmail: samantha@pursuingjoypodcast.com Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify) “Holy Spirit" - Francesca Battistelli"King of My Heart" - Bethel Music "Spirit Lead Me" - Influence Music Bible Plans/Studies (found in the YouVersion Bible App): “The Power of Words"- Bible Society"Gossip - The Power of our Words"  Declarations: You are God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)You are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14 NIV)You have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16)God has not given you a spirit of fear. He has given you power, love and self-discipline.(2 Timothy 1:7)God blesses you and surrounds you with favour as a shield (Psalsms 5:12)The joy of the LORD is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)The Lord has chosen YOU, you are his special treasure. (Psalm 135:4) References/Resources: “The Neuroscience Behind Our Words”: https://brm.institute/neuroscience-behind-words/#:~:text=Put%20frankly%2C%20their%20study%20proved,rates%20of%20negative%20self%2Dtalk.“How Words Can Have a Positive Effect On Your Brain: ”https://blog.myneurogym.com/how-words-can-have-a-positive-effect-on-your-brain/Interview with Dr. Emerson Eggerich being interviewed on Focus on the Family: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0IjD_KsHhZc

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode, I am joined by my wonderful, faith-filled, Helicopter-Fying Husband of mine! We spent our first year of marriage traveling & serving in various states/countries and it’s a decision we have never regretted. Join us as we reflect on our first year of marriage and look at how choosing to set our foundation in loving God and serving others has impacted our lives. We hope you feel motivated to step out of your comfort zone to serve others! Find faith in knowing that God has equipped you and has prepared the way - you just need to take the first step!  "Worry less about acquiring things and find more ways to love out loud!" Pursuing Joy Links: Instagram: @pursuingjoy.podcastFacebook: Pursuing Joy with SamEmail: samantha@pursuingjoypodcast.com Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify) “Called Me Higher" - All Sons & Daughters"Less Like Me" - Zach Williams"God Is In This Story" - Katy Nichole"Love God Love People" - Danny Gokey Bible Plans/Studies (found in the YouVersion Bible App): “The Hands and Feet of Jesus" - SOE"Pursuing Your Spouse in Marriage" (Parts 1 &2) - Awesome Marriage"5 Days of Loving Others with Settle My Soul" - Karen Ehman **Samaritan's Purse Link HERE - You pay for your way there and they will take care of the rest!

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode, we are diving into how we can triumphantly pursue joy through opposition. As Christians, we all face opposition in our lives, especially when we are moving in the direction of God’s purpose for our life. To face opposition means we have to acknowledge that we have an opponent. Thankfully we have an ever-gracious God who has equipped us with resources to defend ourselves so that we are capable of standing firm against all schemes of the enemy and that we will always prevail. When we expect opposition and come prepared to fight, we will stand triumphant as the enemy crumbles at our feet. Pursuing Joy Links: Instagram: @pursuingjoy.podcastFacebook: Pursuing Joy with SamEmail: samantha@pursuingjoypodcast.com Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify) “Surrounded” - Bethel Music“Fear is a Liar” -  Zach Williams“Greater” - MercyMe“I Speak Jesus” - Charity Gayle Bible Plans/Studies (found in the YouVersion Bible App): “Equipping God’s People to Stand Firm: Ephesians”“The Armor of God” - Priscilla Shirer“All About the Holy Spirit”

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode, we have a special guest – Anna Alessi. Anna is a faith-filled believer, an encourager of life, a business owner, a wife & mom! Are you struggling with finding joy in your everyday life? Is there something that has been on your heart for a while that is calling you out of your comfort zone? Do you wrestle with fear or feel unqualified? Then you do not want to miss this message of encouragement! Listen as Anna shares how she took a step of faith into her God purpose & how she is able to share her joy with so many people by saying YES to God’s plan in her life! The amazing news - God wants the same for you! Cycle of Heart Links: Cycle of Heart WebsiteFacebook: Cycle of HeartInstagram: @cycleofheartsweatandshopEmail: hello@cycleofheart.com  Pursuing Joy Links: Instagram: @pursuingjoy.podcastFacebook: Pursuing Joy with SamEmail: samantha@pursuingjoypodcast.com  Worship Songs (Spotify Links):  "Sparrows" - Cory Asbury"Into the Mystery" - NEEDTOBREATHE"Goodness of God" - Bethel Music  YouVersion Bible Plans:  "Real Hope: Obedience" - Hope Media "Visioneering" - Andy Stanley"Dream Big with Bob Goff" - Bob Goff

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! I am so glad you're here!  In this episode, we are looking at how Jesus was sent to be the PERFECT example of God's love. We look at HOW Jesus loved during his earthly ministry, WHO we are called to love, and how spiritual gifts given to us help us carry out God's love.  Your time and your presence hold value and your purpose is not circumstantial. Be encouraged with this message to boldly step out with faith to love and serve others!  Pursuing Joy Links: Instagram: @pursuingjoy.podcastFacebook: Pursuing Joy with SamEmail: samantha@pursuingjoypodcast.com Spiritual Gifts Survey/Assessment: Assessment through Team Ministry You will need to create an account at the end, but super easy! You will get a list with a couple of dominant gifts, what they mean and how to use them!  Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify) "Called Me Higher" - All Sons and Daughters"Make Room" - Community Music"New Wine" - Hillsong Worship"You Make Me Brave" - Bethel Music"Difference Maker" - NEEDTOBREATHE"Set A Fire" - Jesus Culture Bible Plans/Studies (found in the YouVersion Bible App): "Love Does--Experience A Life Of Love In Action" - Bob Goff"Showing Up: Loving Others Like Jesus Does" - Young Life"Who's My Neighbor" - Marian Redwine

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! I am so glad you're here!  In this episode, we are diving deep into the word, LOVE. To do so, we need to start with the author and creator of love, God. We'll take a look at what the Bible says about love and how it differs from our worldly view of love. After listening you should be filled with joy knowing that God's love is life-changing, unlike anything we can imagine and that it is not meant to be contained! Pursuing Joy Links: Instagram: @pursuingjoy.podcastFacebook: Pursuing Joy with SamEmail: samantha@pursuingjoypodcast.com Worship Songs that remind me of God's AGAPE love and his ever-present peace:  (links are through Spotify)  "Dancing on the Waves" - Bethel Music, We The Kingdom"Breakthrough" - Red Rocks Worship"Surrounded" - Bethel Music, Kari Jobe"Dear God" - Cory Asbury"Where The Spirit Of The Lord Is" - Life.Church Worship Bible Plans/Studies (found in the YouVersion Bible App):  "For God Has Not Given You The Spirit Of Fear" - Vance K. Jackson"Hearing God's Voice First""Pursuing Peace""Speak To My Heart, Jesus" ** The Bible Project Video on "Agape" - Link Here

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! I am so excited and honored to spend time with you. Hear my WHY for starting this podcast as well as a brief background of who I am. I am so looking forward to this adventure and pray you'll be inspired through this podcast to recognize & share your God-given gifts to express love to others and for God.  Lean into these messages and leave encouraged knowing you were created ON purpose, FOR a purpose! God has big things planned for your life! I so look forward to connecting with you as we pursue JOY in our lives together!  Pursuing Joy Links: Instagram: @pursuingjoy.podcast Facebook: Pursuing Joy with Sam Email: samantha@pursuingjoypodcast.com