Fierce Calling

What happens when your faith feels flat? Today on Fierce Calling my friend, Yvette Walker, shares how as a young girl she felt close to God and heard from Him, but when she became an adult–silence. Hear how she reconnected with God and rediscovered the joy found in a flourishing relationship with Him. We can have a richer relationship with Christ and Yvette is called to share that joy with others. Yvette Walker is the founder of Positively Joy Ministries at positivelyjoy.com and is the host of the award-winning Positively Joy podcast. She’s also is a college dean of students, so cool, and has been a newspaper editor, a news ombudsman, a reporter, and web manager. God has equipped her with amazing past and current experiences and we get to hear all about it. I know what Yvette shares will inspire, encourage, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Yvette Walker. Quotes from the show… “…I was a believer but I just did not understand the richness that the relationship could take on–I didn’t know that; I didn’t know what I was missing it.” “True joy is not a feeling, it’s not being happy, it’s not being satisfied, or all those things that I was measuring before–it’s understanding the love of God, abiding by His love and His desires, and understanding that that is what puts His joy inside you and that joy makes you complete.” –Yvette Walker Connect with Yvette! You can connect with Yvette at positivelyjoy.com where you can find her free booklet, 5 Ways to Choose Joy plus other amazing resources and see her beautiful Bible journaling. Positively Joy Podcast More about Yvette… Yvette Walker is an award-winning journalist and educator. She is a writer, blogger, and lyricist of Christian songs. She married a Godly man named Tim, and they have three fur-kids: a black Labrador retriever named Lemon, a Maine Coon cat named Gato, and a Charcoal Tabby with green eyes named Jade. She is called to share God with others through the amazing way He has gifted her. Yvette would love to hear from you so reach out and share how this episode blessed you! Connect with me! If you like listening to Fierce Calling, I would so appreciate it if you would take a moment to follow, rate, and leave a review over at Podchaser! It helps others discover the show too! I’d also love to connect with you so reach out to me here on my Contact Page! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Free Gifts for You… Grab one of my free downloads by scrolling down to the bottom of the page! Love & God’s Perfect Peace to You! Doris

What happens when you’re forced to flee a place you love because it’s no longer safe for you or your family? Today on Fierce Calling, I’m talking with my friend Rachel Pieh Jones. Rachel shares the hard parts of her story and some pretty amazing parts, too… Like how she started the Horn of Africa’s only all-girls running team Girls Run 2, which keeps girls in school and provides running training. Rachel writes about the lovely things of Djibouti and life at the crossroads of faith and culture. She does all of this is under the umbrella of being a Christian in a Muslim country, loving Jesus, and loving her neighbor. I know what Rachel shares will inspire, encourage, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Rachel Pieh Jones. Connect with Rachel! You can connect with Rachel at rachelpiehjones.com where you can find her amazing books like this one… More about Rachel… Rachel Pieh Jones writes about life at the crossroads of faith and culture for the New York Times, Christianity Today, Runners World, and more. Her work is influenced by living in the Horn of Africa, raising Third Culture Kids, and adventurous exploration of the natural world. She is the author of Pillars and Stronger than Death. Visit her at www.rachelpiehjones.com Stay in touch with Rachel through Do Good Better, a Substack newsletter www.rachelpiehjones.substack.com Connect with me! If you like listening to Fierce Calling, I would so appreciate it if you would take a moment to follow, rate, and leave a review over at Podchaser! It helps others discover the show too! I’d also love to connect with you so reach out to me here on my Contact Page! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Free Gifts for You… Grab one of my free downloads by scrolling down to the bottom of the page! Love & God’s Perfect Peace to You! Doris

Jodi thought she was having a heart attack at her college graduation… Today on Fierce Calling, we’re talking about a serious and often debilitating mental health issue which is also often misunderstood–we’re talking about anxiety. My guest today, Jodi Howe, has a heart for helping others find hope, healing, and peace in the midst of anxiety and mental storms. Jodi has a fierce calling from God to share this message because she has lived it. She shares encouraging and wise words that you need or someone you love needs to hear today. I know what Jodi shares will inspire, encourage, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Jodi Howe. Quotes from the Show “I didn’t find God in the easy–I found Him in the hard of my life”. “…it was that moment when I released myself to Christ.” “God is ultimately what brings that peace through the mental storms that I deal with with anxiety and panic attacks…” – Jodi Howe Connect with Jodi! You can connect with Jodi at jodihowe.com and find her podcast there as well. More about Jodi… I am married to a cool, fun, techy husband named Ken.  We have been together for over 28 years and married for 24.  We got married very, very young. lol!  We have two beautiful daughters, a 20-year-old named Morgan Rose who is a gamin lovin, animal lovin’ gal’, tugging at my heart daily, she is a Kenny replicate and oh I so adore her.  My 15 year named Abigal Grace is a mini-me, singer, dancer, actress sweet as honey and my twinkle, twinkle little star.  My cup runneth over with love for these girls.  We also have a 110 pound German Shepherd named Loki and a feisty cat named Daisy (we call her Teeger for short) She is also “Crazy, Daisy.”  am a huge fan of all kinds of music (especially Christian/Worship) and have spent my life studying music and performing as a female vocalist.  I currently lead worship in my church’s worship band.  It’s my happy place, no doubt.  I have also served as a guest on several podcasts. Connect with me! If you like listening to Fierce Calling, I would so appreciate it if you would take a moment to follow, rate, and leave a review over at Podchaser! It helps others discover the show too! I’d also love to connect with you so reach out to me here on my Contact Page! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Free Gifts for You… Grab one of my free downloads by scrolling down to the bottom of the page! Love & God’s Perfect Peace to You! Doris

What happens when your child is bullied? Karen Whiting shares what she did and how she has a heart for helping moms to thrive, so they can help their families thrive. Because we need to be advocates for our kids. And how about that time when a hurricane took an unexpected turn, it’s too late to evacuate, and you’re literally looking it straight in the eye as you gather your kids and head for a closet? Karen may be a mathematician, but it’s God whose been multiplying her books! Hear how these books can help you and your family grow in Christ and as a family. I know what she shares with us will inspire, encourage, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Karen Whiting. Quotes from the Show “I really want moms to thrive–I want to help them to help their families thrive.” “…even my newest book, Growing a Mother’s Heart, I’m really working on helping moms overcome the struggles and embrace the joys…” “…and that’s what Jesus did, He asked questions when He was being bullied.” – Karen Whiting Connect with Karen! You can connect with Karen at karenwhiting.com where you’ll find her books, helpful resources, press kit, and coaching information. Check out her newest books: More about Karen (which means “pure” by the way!)… Karen Whiting writes to help build tomorrow’s wholesome families today. She lets creativity flow into her writing to encourage women, families, and children. She’s a certified writing and marketing coach, international speaker, former television host, and award-winning author of twenty-six books for women, children, military, and families. She’s a mom of five (including two rocket scientists) and a grandmother. Her adventures include camel riding in the Canary Islands, white water rafting in Australia, horseback riding in the ocean in Jamaica, scuba diving off Bermuda’s coast, and river cruising in China. Karen is also experienced with tragedies and struggles. She served as a caregiver for her husband until he passed away from breast cancer. She is a survivor of many natural disasters including major hurricanes, lightning strikes, spontaneous combustible fires, earthquake, derecho (Straight line tornado), droughts, and flooding. She loves to share how to choose hope and joy over stress, fear, and despair. Connect with me! If you like listening to Fierce Calling, I would so appreciate it if you would take a moment to follow, rate, and leave a review over at Podchaser! It helps others discover the show too! I’d also love to connect with you so reach out to me here on my Contact Page! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Free Gifts for You… Grab one of my free downloads by scrolling down to the bottom of the page! Love & God’s Perfect Peace to You! Doris

Julie McGhghy’s home was not just broken, it was shattered… Julie shares: “I am a product of not just a broken home, but a shattered home. Before I was 18 years old my mother had been married and divorced 4 times…” Join me as I talk with Julie, author of Hey Dad, It’s Me! If you’ve ever struggled with how a loving God could let bad things happen, experienced a broken relationship with an earthly father, or struggled with imposter syndrome, you’re in the right place. I know what Julie shares will inspire, encourage, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Julie McGhghy. Quotes from the Show “Ok, God, I have to deal with protection but after all these years, I don’t know how–God.” “…God is whispering, ‘Ok, see that person? Go pray for that person.’ And instead you stand there and you think God, is that you? Ya know, really? Who else is going to ask you to go pray for somebody? Is your flesh going to do that, is the enemy going to do that? No, ya know, it’s God but I had no confidence in that…” – Julie McGhghy Connect with Julie! You can connect with Julie at Confidence in God and grab her free resource: How to Have Confidence in Your Prayer Life More about Julie… Julie McGhghy is a teacher, preacher, minister, and missionary. In 2019 she walked away from a lengthy career as an attorney and privacy officer to devote her life to ministry and writing. After her three children were grown, educated, and married, God provided an opportunity to serve as a missionary in Costa Rica. Julie now lives in Costa Rica with her husband, fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time minister and writer. She serves an active and growing readership at ConfidenceinGod.com. Connect with me! If you like listening to Fierce Calling, I would so appreciate it if you would take a moment to follow, rate, and leave a review over at Podchaser! It helps others discover the show too! I’d also love to connect with you so reach out to me here on my Contact Page! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Free Gifts for You… Grab one of my free downloads by scrolling down to the bottom of the page! Love & God’s Perfect Peace to You! Doris

What happens when the hards seasons of life ebb and flow? You trust God and pray, but what if it’s even hard to pray and read the Bible? Sarah Keeling knows what that’s like… Join me as I talk with Sarah Keeling, author of Psalm Prayers for Kids; A 40-Day Prayer Journal and Psalm Prayers for the Nations; Engage Your Family with 40 Scripture-Based Prayers. She shares about God’s faithfulness in some really hard seasons, what she’s learned about prayer, and how she’s teaching others how to use Scripture to pray. I know what Sarah has to say will inspire, encourage, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Sarah Keeling. Quotes from the Show “There’s just those moments when I think sometimes His presence comes fully closer when it’s a serious crisis…” “…there’s just no hope without God’s word, I mean it’s so sobering to think about that millions of people don’t have access to that around the world right now.” – Sarah Keeling Connect with Sarah! You can connect with Sarah at www.sarah-keeling.com You will find the coolest resources and freebies there like free family verse guides, Sarah’s books, and the Hearts at Rest Podcast! More about Sarah… Sarah Keeling is a wife and mother of two boys; she loves Jesus and is passionate about helping others connect deeply with Him. She is an advocate for the Bibleless, and she loves encouraging others by sharing what God is doing in her life.   She is the author of Psalm Prayers for Kids and Psalm Prayers for the Nations, and she hosts a podcast called Hearts at Rest with Sarah Keeling. Connect with me! If you like listening to Fierce Calling, I would so appreciate it if you would take a moment to follow, rate, and leave a review over at Podchaser! It helps others discover the show too! I’d also love to connect with you so reach out to me here on my Contact Page! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Free Gifts for You… Grab one of my free downloads by scrolling down to the bottom of the page! Love & God’s Perfect Peace to You! Doris

Pregnant at 15, the course of a young girl’s life was completely changed. Then at 16 and pregnant again, she experienced a tragic loss and post-partum depression. Join me as I talk with Laura Hughes, author and co-founder of A Movement of Love ministry, about the inspiration behind her book, Choose Zoe: A Story of UnPlanned Parenthood and the Case for Life. Learn how her own experiences of both joy and sorrow brought a new purpose into her life–ministering to others during the most vulnerable times of their lives offering help, hope, and healing. Did you know the most vulnerable of trafficked children are between two and twelve years old? What are the signs and how we can all be more aware of them so we can possibly save a child being trafficked? Laura shares this and more, including her heart for the sanctity of life, being a voice for the vulnerable, ministering to post-abortive women, and bringing awareness and combating human trafficking. I know what Laura shares will inspire, encourage, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Laura Hughes. Quotes from the Show “Fifty percent of girls pregnant as a teenager will be pregnant again within 24 months.” “At the most important time of my life when religious leaders should have been there for me, they shamed me and shunned me.” -Laura Hughes Connect with Laura! You can connect with Laura at choosezoe.com Facebook:   Laura Hughes Instagram: @laura_lynn-hughes More about Laura… Laura Lynn Hughes is a volunteer at her local Alpha Pregnancy Clinic and Alpha Mobile Unit, and is the co-founder of A Movement of Love ministry, serving as a speaker and teacher about pregnancy, fetal development, and post-abortion trauma and recovery. She is the author of the book Choose Zoe and runs a photography studio, Images by Hughes, in northern California. She has five children and eight grandchildren. Connect with me! If you like listening to Fierce Calling, I would so appreciate it if you would take a moment to follow, rate, and leave a review over at Podchaser! It helps others discover the show too! I’d also love to connect with you so reach out to me here on my Contact Page! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Free Gifts for You… Grab one of my free downloads by scrolling down to the bottom of the page! Love & God’s Perfect Peace to You! Doris

“Sometimes God takes us out of that familiar, warm, and comfortable, and makes us jump off that cliff…” – Peg Arnold Are you ready to experience God’s unforced rhythms in your life and embrace your God-given value? Have you met Esmerelda Evangelistic, Sylvia Supporter, Delores Distracted, and Penelope Pressure Pot? Who are these ladies? Join me as I talk with Peg Arnold, ministry leader and author of Devotions for the Distracted Heart, as she shares how God brought her through hard seasons, confirmed a big move, and gave her characters for her engaging drama ministry, right down to the costumes! I know what Peg shares will inspire, encourage, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Peg Arnold. You can list at dorisswift.com or wherever you listen to podcasts. Quotes from the Show “I think we all go through prodigal years.” “When we walk through the valley He is with us, and sometimes we don’t see that until we are on the other side and looking back on everything…” “God can design unity within all these differences.” — Peg Arnold Connect with Peg! You can connect with Peg Arnold at pegarnold.org Facebook:   Peg Arnold and Wonder of Women Ministry Instagram: @arnoldpeg Grab her freebies on her site and join her email list! More about Peg… Peg Arnold, Speaker/Author, has both a degree in teaching and a Masters in counseling. She brings stories to life through her engaging drama ministry that encourages all to embrace their God-given value. Balancing the roles of wife and mom with counselor and teacher, gives her a unique perspective. Her favorite role now is that of “Nana”. She freely shares the joys and challenges of these life experiences in her writing and speaking. Connect with me! If you like listening to Fierce Calling, I would so appreciate it if you would take a moment to follow, rate, and leave a review over at Podchaser! It helps others discover the show too! I’d also love to connect with you so reach out to me here on my Contact Page! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Free Gifts for You… Grab one of my free downloads by scrolling down to the bottom of the page! Love & God’s Perfect Peace to You! Doris

“So much of suffering people go through has nothing to do with a disease but has everything to do with bad stresses in their life, or messed-up relationships, or terrible habits that they’re unwilling to change.” – Dr. Donna Chacko On the outside, it looked like Dr. Donna Chacko had it all—a lucrative and rewarding career, a beautiful family, a comfortable home–but on the inside, Donna’s life was in turmoil. Her marriage was on the brink, crises were brewing, and her heart was breaking, but God… Join me as I talk with Dr. Donna Chacko, author of Pilgrimage: A Doctor’s Healing Journey, as she shares how a period of crisis in her marriage drew her back to God and drove her to surrender all to Him. This crisis led her on a journey to discovery… Through her own healing journey, she learned how vital it is to find serenity, health, and closeness to God. Now she is deeply called to help others along this same journey, a journey to peace, faith, and health. What happened when she surrendered all? Hear what unexpectedly happened when she surrendered her marriage and children to God. Dr. Donna and I also talk about her shocking discovery while working in her practice at a clinic. She shares all this and more and her story will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Dr. Donna Chacko… Quotes from the Show “I was a doctor, we were comfortable, and yet we were on the inside of our home, a big mess.” “My return to the faith was one-hundred percent driven by desperation in my marriage.” “The more you trust, the more you surrender.” — Donna Chacko, M.D. Connect with Dr. Donna Chacko! You can connect with Dr. Donna Chacko at serenityandhealth.com and email at [email protected]. GRAB THE FREE CHAPTER MENTIONED IN THE SHOW BY CLICKING THIS LINK! Twitter: twitter.com/DonnaChacko Facebook:   Serenity and Health Linkedin:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnachacko/https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnachacko/ “Message for listeners: If you don’t feel too well, are tired, anxious, stuck in unhealthy habits, gaining weight, or just dragging….there are specific steps you can take that will positively help you find more serenity, health, and closeness to God.” – Donna Chacko, M.D. More about Dr. Donna Chacko… Dr. Donna Chacko worked as a doctor for nearly forty years and now promotes health of body, mind, and spirit in a ministry called Serenity and Health. She offers programs, speaks, and blogs about many topics dealing with faith and health. Donna lives in Maryland with her husband and loves reading, gardening, and being a grandma. In June, her first book, Pilgrimage: A Doctor’s Healing Journey will be published. She tells the story of how unbearable marital strife finally drove her to surrender and ultimately find her path to serenity, health, and God. Connect with me! I’d also love to connect with you so reach out to me here on my Contact Page! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Free Gifts for You… Grab one of my free downloads by scrolling down to the bottom of the page! Love & God’s Perfect Peace to You! Doris

On the fence about homeschooling the kids? Maybe you’ve already been doing it for years and need a fresh perspective. Join me as I talk with Durenda Wilson, author of The Four Hour School Day, as she shares what works, debunks the myths, and tells her story about homeschooling her eight children and loving it. Do you have what it takes to homeschool your kids? Maybe you’re a grandparent who, due to difficult circumstances, stepped into the role of parent. Perhaps you’ve wanted to homeschool but have no idea where to start. Maybe you’ve been homeschooling for years and still wondering if you’re doing it right? Or wrong? I’ve got the homeschooling guide for you and you’ll want a copy when you hear what Durenda has to say… Photo courtesy of Zondervan Listen in as Durrenda shares her secret sauce and the 411 on how to experience an enjoyable homeschool experience. Connect with Durenda! Photo Credit: Julia Wilson You can connect with Durenda at durendawilson.com The Durenda Wilson Podcast Durenda Wilson is the owner/host of her podcast and is a wife to one for 31 years, mom to eight, nana to 6. She has homeschooled all of her kids from the beginning. She loves to share simple, effective approaches to motherhood, homeschooling and life in general. These tools are a result of many years walking with the Lord and finding freedom in letting His voice quiet all the others. (Durenda Wilson is a free podcast but donations are available at https://www.patreon.com/durendawilson) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/durenda.wilson.official  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/durendaleewilson/  What was your favorite quote from the show? Tell me in the comments below. More About Durenda… Photo Credit: Julia Wilson Durenda married Darryl in 1989, and she is a mom to eight kids born less than thirteen years apart. She always considered motherhood to be the ultimate career, but she had no idea of the countless ways it would deepen and humble her. Many, many times she found herself unsure and struggling, only to discover God’s strength at the end of her rope. She realized she experienced the grace she desperately needed when she took the time to slow her heart and listen for His still, small voice. Her greatest joy is helping moms discover that grace as well–and with it the courage to put their full trust in Him as they learn to hear His voice above all others. Connect with Durenda at durendawilson.com. Connect with me! I’d also love to connect with you so reach out to me on my Contact Page! Check out my speaking page and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event. Grab one of my free downloads by scrolling down to the bottom of the page! Love & God’s Perfect Peace to You! Doris

Ever feel like all your best days are behind you and the older you get, the harder it is to find your purpose? Maybe your nest is empty or you’ve just retired from a long-standing career. Perhaps you think it’s too late in life to make a difference. Friend, that’s not true. Yet, when our roles change we may find ourselves looking at a stranger in the mirror. How can we be used by God if we don’t even know who we are anymore? Life took a detour. Now what? I have just the thing… A fabulous new book by my friend and author Deb DeArmond! Happy Book Launch Day to… We May Be Done, But We’re Not Finished challenges women 50 and older to examine how the rest of their life might just be the best-is-yet-to-come of their life! Guess What? I contributed a chapter and share all about the amazing things God has done in my life since turning 50 and beyond. Deb turns the tables on me and takes on the role of host, interviewing me about my chapter in the book. Way cool and super fun to do this flip of host and guest. What happened when my perfect plan fizzled out, and how God’s perfect plan fit me like the glass slipper. We can age gracefully AND purposefully! Y’all, I’ll be 60 in 6 months, and I and can attest that new adventures await those who follow Jesus. No turning back, as the hymn says, and no giving up. There’s No Retirement from God’s Kingdom Work There’s no such thing as retirement in God’s economy. Kingdom work never ends this side of heaven, and the need for our God-given gifts and service doesn’t end on the other side of 50. So join Deb and me as we talk about the God’s Girl life at 50 and beyond! Then grab Deb’s new book, with 26 different authors chronicling real-life experiences and exciting new adventures with God. I am blessed and humbled to be a part of this amazing book project. Whether you cover the gray or rock it, you’ll find so many things in this book you can relate to. Buy the book and share the joy. It makes a great gift! What was your favorite quote from the show? Tell me in the comments below. More About Deb Deb DeArmond is an expert in the fields of communication, relationship, and conflict resolution. A writer and popular speaker, Deb focuses on topics related to marriage and family. Her books include Related by Chance, Family by Choice, I Choose You Today: 31 Choices to Make Love Last, Don’t Go to Bed Angry: Stay Up and Fight, Bumper Sticker Be-Attitudes, and Her latest book, We May Be Done but We’re Not Finished. You can connect with Deb at debdearmond.com.

What happens when we live out what we say we believe? In today’s episode, Are We Living What We Say We Believe? Cindy DeBoer shares how she and her husband seemingly had it all–great kids, a beautiful home, luxury cars, family, friends, a great church, lucrative careers–yet there was something missing. Their marriage was good but not great, why? Because there were things in the past they needed to share with each other so they could work through it and move forward. It was then they were able to ask God this loaded question: “How shall we live if we really want to live what we say we believe?” When we ask God a question like that we need to be prepared for His answer. God did answer them in a powerful and unexpected way. Hear how God seemingly turned their lives upside down, when in fact as Cindy puts it, it was right side up. She also shares what God is teaching her about being thankful in hard seasons, including her serious and progressive lung disease. I know what Cindy has to share will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Cindy DeBoer. I hope what Cindy shared inspired and challenged you to walk deeper in God’s word and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. What encouraged you most about Cindy’s story? It reminded me of the story of the rich young ruler, only flipped. The man asked Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. He had kept all the commandments since his youth, yet when Jesus asked him to sell all his worldly possessions and follow Him, he could not part with his stuff. He could not part with the stuff he couldn’t take with him into eternal life. We need to let that sink in a bit. Are we brave enough to ask God these kinds of questions and brave enough to be obedient when He answers? We would hope so but we’ll never know until we ask. I pray we all have the boldness and courage to ask God how we should be living if we lived what we say we believe. Cindy’s blog and title of her book/memoir were inspired by this quote: “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”—C.S. LEWIS Favorite Quotes from the show “…all we could think about was how to bless others, how to give more away, how to live more simply–how to live simply so others can simply live.” – Cindy DeBoer “The world needs more brave Christians.” – Cindy DeBoer Spread the Word Could you do me a huge favor, friend? Could you please share this episode with friends who need to hear Cindy’s story? Connect with Cindy! You can connect with Cindy at cindydeboer.com and download her free resource to discover 12 Ways the pandemic is making you a better person. More About Cindy Cindy DeBoer is a blogger, psychiatric nurse, and recovering “unmissionary.” With her popular and timely blog, Far, Far Better Things, Cindy reveals the gritty, yet life-giving journey her family discovered as they began to live truer to their faith. Her blog centers on how she and her family gave up on the American Dream, left lucrative careers, lived in nearly 100% Muslim Morocco, and now follow Christ in the inner city of Grand Rapids. Her most popular blog post garnered over 150,000 hits from over 140 countries. She and her husband, Paul, are passionate about demystifying Islam, working with sustainable development programs in Central America, and living simply – so that others can simply live. They have two daughters at home and two married sons. Stay awhile… Listen to past episodes while walking, driving, cleaning, or relaxing with a cup of your favorite hot beverage. I would love to connect with you, so reach out to me on my contact page at dorisswift.com. Let me know which episodes are your favs and how you’re taking action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Book me to speak at your next women’s event! I would love to talk with you or the woman who gathers your ladies for events. My desire is for women to walk away from your event encouraged and equipped with actionable steps to make positive changes in their lives. I also have some free resources for you at the bottom of the page, so scroll down and check them out! I hope you’ll join me next time when I invite another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Doris ♥

Have you had difficult days when it’s even hard to pray? In today’s episode, How Applying God’s Word Brings Hope in Crisis and Calm in Chaos, Grace Fox shares with us how to pray when you can’t find the words, what happened when her newborn suffered a health crisis in Nepal, why we need to apply God’s word to our everyday lives, and more! You’ll love Grace’s heart for the Lord and how she’s helping women study God’s word, pray through Scripture, and walk in God’s truth, so listen in while I have a chat with Grace Fox… I hope what Grace shared inspired and challenged you to walk deeper in God’s word and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. I love her two-word prayers, don’t you? Sometimes we make things like prayer and reading God’s word so complicated, and as Grace said, we feel the need to check off boxes on our never-ending to-do lists. But studying and growing in God’s word are not tasks on our to-do lists they are treasures we have been entrusted with. Which is why I love Grace’s passion for teaching God’s word and helping women apply it to their lives. Favorite Quote from the show “…because nothing brings me greater joy than being able to communicate truth in a way that people go, ‘aha, I get it! Now I get it!’ and then learn to live it out.” – Grace Fox Spread the Word Could you do me a huge favor, friend? Could you please share this episode with friends who need to hear about two-word prayers and other encouraging nuggets of truth Grace shared? Connect with Grace! You can connect with Grace at gracefox.com and check out her blog at gracefox.com/blog. Sign up for her blog posts, newsletters, and more! Check out all of Grace’s amazing books at gracefox.com/books You can find the P31 First 5 Daily Bible Study App Grace writes for at first5.org. More About Grace Grace Fox is a career missionary, Bible teacher, author of ten books, contributor to numerous compilations, and a member of the First 5 writing team for P31 Ministries. Grace and her husband co-direct International Messengers Canada, a missionary sending agency with more than 220 staff in 28 countries. She loves simple things like Spending time with family, sailing in fair weather with her husband, practicing hospitality, baking treats to give to neighbors, her early mornings with the Lord, taking pictures of flowers, and watching bald eagles soar overhead. Thank you for taking time out of your day to spend it with us. It is truly humbling and an honor to welcome you into this space of women encouraging women in the Lord. Stay awhile… Listen to past episodes while walking, driving, cleaning, or relaxing with a cup of your favorite hot beverage. I would love to connect with you, so reach out to me on my contact page at dorisswift.com. Let me know which episodes are your favs and how you’re taking action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Book me to speak at your next women’s event! I would love to talk with you or the women who gathers your ladies for events. My desire is for women to walk away from your event encouraged and equipped with actionable steps to make positive changes in their lives. I also have some free resources for you at the bottom of the page, so scroll down and check them out! I hope you’ll join me next time when I invite another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Doris ♥

What happens when our best-laid plans–the ones we passionately pursue for God–unravel before our eyes? In today’s episode, Living Surrendered to God’s Plan, Donna Amidon shares how the plans we make, the ones we thought were solid and destined to be, may lead us on an unexpected journey in faith and God’s faithfulness. I know what Donna shares today will inspire, encourage, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Donna Amidon… I hope what Donna shared inspired you to take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. When our plans seem to fizzle out and die, God has an abundantly better, life-giving plan He is waiting to unfold before our eyes and in our lives. Live surrendered to God’s plan, trust the process, and enjoy the journey, friend. As Donna reminded us, God is always with us. Share this message with friends who need to hear this amazing truth today. Thank you for taking time out of your day to spend it with us. Favorite Quotes from the show… “…the heart of our Father, Who just wants us to love the one in His name.“-Donna Amidon “…when we find ourselves in those times of uncertainty and pain and perplexing situations, that we can’t base our conclusions on what we can see with our eyes, but we have to anchor our minds and harness our emotions to truth and God’s Word.” – Donna Amidon Connect with Donna! You can connect with Donna at ignitetheheart.org, www.donnaamidon.org, or www.facebook.org/ignitetheheart    Sign up for her newsletter on her website to get updates on her forthcoming Bible study. She can’t wait to share it with you! I think you’ll find the subject of the study fascinating once she is able to share more about it. A graduate from Southern Evangelical Seminary, Donna Amidon engages women in the rich truths of Scripture while weaving its application into the everyday rhythm of their life.  Since marrying her husband, Ryan, in 2001, Donna has served over 15 years in church staff positions of teaching, writing, radio ministry, small group ministry, worship, students, singles and marrieds ministry, and being a pastor’s wife.   While in music, Donna led worship for events involving Jack Graham, Al Mohler, Shari Rose Shepherd, and Elizabeth George. Donna was also the announcer/co-host on Back to the Bible radio – an international radio program. Currently, Donna is an active speaker for Stonecroft Ministries and women’s events/retreats. Ryan and Donna live in Richmond, Virginia, where Donna enjoys leading women’s Bible studies, speaking, writing, marveling at her teenage daughter’s art, watching her son’s soccer skills, and enjoying a date night with her husband amid the flurry of it all. Connect with her at www.donnaamidon.org or Ignite the Heart on Facebook.  Connect with Donna at: www.donnaamidon.org      www.facebook.org/ignitetheheart    Stay awhile… I would also love to connect with you, so reach out to me on my contact page at dorisswift.com. I’d also love to hear how Fierce Calling has encouraged and inspired you. Drop a message in the comments or via my contact page on dorisswift.com. It would bless me so much to hear what God is doing in your lives through this podcast. I hope you’ll join me next time when I invite another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Doris

Healing Through Creativity The most difficult season in Mary Potter Kenyon’s life was when she lost her mother, husband, and grandson in the span of 3 years. In today’s episode, Hope & Healing for the Grieving Heart, hear how God led Mary on a journey to healing through creativity, then led her on a new journey in helping others heal. I know what Mary shares today will inspire, encourage, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Mary Potter Kenyon… I hope what Mary shared blessed your soul and refreshed your spirit. When hard seasons come, and they will, it is so important to have a firm foundation in Jesus. If you know some friends who would benefit from hearing this message, would you please share this episode with them? Favorite Quotes from the show… “…and I really believe that we are all here to help each other home.” – Mary Potter Kenyon “God builds us and designs us for something from the moment we’re born…” – Mary Potter Kenyon Connect with Mary! You can connect with Mary at www.marypotterkenyon.com and subscribe to her newsletter. Find Called to be Creative and all her other books by going to https://marypotterkenyon.wordpress.com/marys-books/ Mary Potter Kenyon graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in Psychology and was certified as a grief counselor in 2017. She works as a program coordinator at Shalom Spirituality Center in Dubuque Iowa. She is a public speaker and workshop presenter on the topics of creativity, grief, and writing. A widely published writer in magazines, newspapers and anthologies, Mary is the author of seven books, including “Refined By Fire: A Journey of Grief and Grace,” and the recently released “Called to Be Creative: A Guide to Reigniting Your Creativity.” Mary founded the annual Hope & Healing Grief retreat and Faith Writers conference at Shalom. Stay awhile… I would also love to connect with you, so reach out to me on my contact page at dorisswift.com. I’d also love to hear how Fierce Calling has encouraged and inspired you. Drop a message in the comments or via my contact page on dorisswift.com. It would bless me so much to hear what God is doing in your lives through this podcast. I hope you’ll join me next time when I invite another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Doris

How many times in the past month have you felt overwhelmed, hurried, afraid you were falling behind before you even started? I’m right there with you, friend. That’s why I know today’s episode, From Hurried Heart to Growing Slow with Jennifer Dukes Lee is just the message God wants us to hear. We talk about Jennifer’s journey from agnosticism to faith in Christ, what it takes to put the brakes on a hurried life, how a Growing Slow year on their fifth-generation family farm provides life lessons for all of us, and how that remarkable life we’re chasing after? Well, it’s the one we’re already living in. I know what Jennifer shares today will inspire, encourage, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Jennifer Dukes Lee… I hope what Jennifer shared blessed your soul and refreshed your spirit. We all need reminding that God’s timing is not just a catch-phrase, it’s a purposeful path for our part in Kingdom work. It’s time to trade in the fast-paced life for a Growing Slow with grace kind of life. If you know some friends who would benefit from hearing this message, would you share this episode with them? Favorite Quotes from the show… “It takes time to grow good things.” “We need winter seasons to get those burdens that we carry, those rocks in the soil of our heart, to have God heave them upward, that He could pick them up and take them away so that come spring, we can begin to be productive again.” “…for whatever reason, God created one-fourth of a growing season here, where we live, to be something that looks dead because that is the time when He is healing us.” Jennifer Dukes Lee Are you ready to Grow Slow? You can pre-order Growing Slow and grab the amazing pre-order bonuses at growingslowbook.com. The videos are amazing and you’ll love the journal and growth tracker! Connect with Jennifer! Jennifer Dukes Lee You can connect with Jennifer at jenniferdukeslee.com and subscribe to her Top Ten with Jen newsletter mentioned in the show at jenniferdukeslee.com/subscribe. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram at @JenniferDukesLee. Jennifer Dukes Lee lives on the fifth-generation Lee family farm in Iowa, where she and her husband are raising crops, pigs, and two beautiful humans. Jennifer is the author of several books, including Growing Slow and It’s All Under Control. She loves queso and enjoys singing too loudly to songs with great harmony. Once upon a time, she didn’t believe in Jesus; now He’s her CEO. Stay awhile… I would also love to connect with you, so reach out to me on my contact page at dorisswift.com. Ready to crush doubt and step into your Fierce Calling? Grab my free ebook Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling! It’s a quick and easy read and I share some of my grace story, too. Let me know if something in the book resonates with you in this season of life, whichever season that may be for you. cover photo by Thiago Matos I’d also love to hear how Fierce Calling has encouraged and inspired you. Drop a message in the comments or via my contact page on dorisswift.com. It would bless me so much to hear what God is doing in your lives through this podcast. I hope you’ll join me next time when I invite another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Doris

Are you in a relationship with a narcissist, psychopath, sociopath? Has domestic abuse touched your life in some way? In today’s episode, *From Victim to Victorious: Overcoming Domestic Abuse, I’m talking with my friend Charlene Quint. She shares her story of past abuse and how she now helps other women recognize, remove, and recover from domestic abuse. *Today’s episode deals with details of domestic abuse and contains adult subject matter. Did you know? An astounding 35% of women experience rape, stalking and physical abuse in their lifetime, and 48% experience emotional and verbal abuse and/or coercive control. Charlene shares the hope that God can rescue them, redeem them, and put them in a place of peace and rest that is even better than before. That’s how God works. If you or someone you know experienced a relationship with a narcissist, sociopath, psychopath, or other domestic abusers, you’ll want to listen in. I know what she shares will encourage, inspire, challenge you, and it may even save someone’s life, so listen in while I have a chat with Charlene Quint. Grab Charlene’s book… She is the author of Overcoming the Narcissist, Sociopath, Psychopath, and Other Domestic Abusers: A Comprehensive Handbook to Recognize, Remove and Recover from Domestic Abuse, a road map to help victims of domestic abuse become the fearless victors that God designed them to be. Favorite Quote “I LOVE to bring women out of the darkness of abuse and walk with them as I see God’s healing power work in them, until they are living lives of peace, grace, and abundance.” Charlene Quint Charlene is a Certified Domestic Violence Professional, an advocate for victims of abuse, a facilitator of multiple support groups, and a domestic abuse survivor. She is the founder of AbuseCare.org, a nondenominational faith-based organization designed to provide hope and healing to women in their journey from victim to victorious and to educate and equip churches in caring for victims of domestic abuse. Connect with Charlene! You can connect with Charlene at abusecare.org or email her at [email protected]. Stay awhile… I would also love to connect with you, so reach out to me on my contact page at dorisswift.com. In this world we will have trouble, but Jesus tells us to take heart because He has overcome the world. If you’re fighting fear grab my… Fear-Fighting Scripture Verses I invite you to join my community of women who receive inspirational messages, helpful resources, and updates on podcast and book news! Thank You for Being Such a Blessing Thank you again for being a faithful listener of Fierce Calling! I’d love to hear how Fierce Calling has encouraged and inspired you. Drop a message in the comments or via my contact page on dorisswift.com. It would bless me so much to hear what God is doing in your lives. I hope you’ll join me next time when I invite another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Doris

How can we find God’s faithfulness everywhere? (Friend, if you’re viewing this post via email, the podcast player to listen to this episode can be found here ) In today’s episode, Finding God’s Faithfulness Everywhere, I’m talking with my friend Jenna Erlandson. Jenna is a pastor’s wife, oncology nurse, mama to 3 kiddos including one with special needs, and host of Bridge of the Faithful podcast. Jenna shares how God gave her the name of her podcast, how He provided financially, how and why He called her to step away from the nursing job she loved, and how we can find God’s faithfulness in every situation. We also talk about identity, worth, and how that’s defined, which is an area she’s been leaning into and teaching over the past two years. I know what she shares will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Jenna Erlandson. Jenna Erlandson Jenna Erlandson is the host of Bridge of the Faithful podcast. She’s an oncology nurse, pastor’s wife, mama to 3, one of which has special needs, and is passionate about sharing what she’s learned in all situations while finding God’s Faithfulness everywhere. Favorite Quote from the Show “God uses our ordinary life to prove that He is faithful.” ~ Jenna Erlandson Connect with Jenna! You can connect with Jenna at botfpodcast.com on Instagram and Facebook Bridge of the Faithful Podcast Stay awhile… I would also love to connect with you, so reach out to me on my contact page at dorisswift.com. In this world we will have trouble, but Jesus tells us to take heart because He has overcome the world. If you’re fighting fear grab my… Fear-Fighting Scripture Verses I invite you to join my community of women who receive inspirational messages, helpful resources, and updates on podcast and book news! Thank You for Being Such a Blessing Thank you again for being a faithful listener of Fierce Calling! I’d love to hear how Fierce Calling has encouraged and inspired you. Drop a message in the comments or via my contact page on dorisswift.com. It would bless me so much to hear what God is doing in your lives. I hope you’ll join me next time when I invite another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Doris

Do you struggle with identity, weight, or seeking redemption after divorce? Have you been through a difficult season in your life? Then you’re in the right place. In today’s episode, How to Own Your Gifting and Walk in Your Get Real Journey, I’m talking with my friend Mandy Sullivan. Mandy shares how God has redeemed her story of divorce and her struggles with weight, and how He redeems our stories, too. Get Real Journey and Weight Accountability We talk about her Get Real Journey, where she weighs in from her kitchen to be accountable and shares what God is teaching her. We also talk about her Nurture Her Soul events and how they are transforming the lives of women. I know you’ll be blessed by Mandy’s words today. What she shares will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Mandy Sullivan. More About Mandy… Favorite Quote from the Show “We are just like this huge collection of life-changers for God’s glory.” -Mandy Sullivan Connect with Mandy! Do you struggle with identity, weight, or seeking redemption after divorce? Have you been through a difficult season in your life? Connect with Mandy at nurturehersoul.com, and find information about her events and speaking topics. You can also find Mandy on her Facebook page, Nurture Her Soul, where she goes live every Thursday at 8:30 am Central Time, to weigh in and share what God has taught her through His Word that week. Mandy Sullivan Mandy Sullivan is a perfectly flawed and messy woman, whose daily goal is to live out the plan God created for her, a plan to be in relationship with him and to use her gifts so others may see the redemption and hope that only comes from a life with Jesus. Mandy has been in ministry for over 20 years. She is the co-creator of Nurture Her Soul Ministry, a speaker, and Bible study teacher. She serves as the Director of Discipleship and Family Ministries at her church and is currently finishing her Pastoral licensing. She’s been married to her second husband, Tom, for 7 years and together they have 5 kids and one granddaughter, and a grandson on the way. Stay awhile… I would also love to connect with you, so reach out to me on my contact page at dorisswift.com. In this world we will have trouble, but Jesus tells us to take heart because He has overcome the world. If you’re fighting fear grab my… Fear-Fighting Scripture Verses I invite you to join my community of women who receive inspirational messages, helpful resources, and updates on podcast and book news! Thank You for Being Such a Blessing Thank you again for being a faithful listener of Fierce Calling! I’d love to hear how Fierce Calling has encouraged and inspired you. Drop a message in the comments or via my contact page on dorisswift.com. It would bless me so much to hear what God is doing in your lives. I hope you’ll join me next time when I invite another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Doris

Have you or someone you know walked through the journey of infertility? In today’s episode, The God Who Sees Me: A Journey Through Infertility, I’m talking with my friend Laura Brandenburg. Laura shares her story of waiting, hoping, and trusting God with her deep longing for motherhood. We talk about her years of fertility treatments, adoption, and emergency surgery, and how in the midst of the struggle, God brought her peace. (Friend, if you’re viewing this post via email, the podcast player to listen to this episode can be found here ) I know you’ll be blessed by Laura’s words today. She knows God’s heart for her and she wants other women to know God’s heart for them, too. What Laura has to say will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Laura Brandenburg. Laura Brandenburg Laura C. Brandenburg writes real-life stories of redemption, forgiveness, and grace. Her work has won first place in the RWA “Ignite the Flame” contest, and the ACFW Genesis contest, and was a finalist in First Impressions and a semi-finalist in Genesis. A lover of language and grammar, Laura spends her days trying to inspire college students to love writing as much as she does. She lives in rural West Texas with her handsome husband, their miracle baby girl, and an 80-pound Weimaraner. Favorite Quote from the Show “Life is not always pretty, but God is always good.” – Laura C. Brandenburg Connect with Laura! You can connect with Laura at www.lauracbrandenburg.com, join her email list, read her blog, and pick up her free e-book, The Not Forgotten Ones, all found on her website. Stay awhile… I would also love to connect with you, so reach out to me on my contact page at dorisswift.com. In this world we will have trouble, but Jesus tells us to take heart because He has overcome the world. If you’re fighting fear grab my… Fear-Fighting Scripture Verses I invite you to join my community of women who receive inspirational messages, helpful resources, and updates on podcast and book news! Thank You for Being Such a Blessing Thank you again for being a faithful listener of Fierce Calling! I’d love to hear how Fierce Calling has encouraged and inspired you. Drop a message in the comments or via my contact page on dorisswift.com. It would bless me so much to hear what God is doing in your lives. I hope you’ll join me next time when I invite another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Doris

Life is messy and with all the uncertainty in the air, fear and anxiety can slip in quietly when we’re not looking. The good news? We’re not gonna take it anymore… In today’s episode, How to Laugh Without Fear of the Future, I’m talking with my friend Jen Ervig. Jen shares her story about overcoming anxiety and how knowing the end game can bring incredible joy. We also talk about women in leadership, and how she uses her gifts as Connections Pastor at her church. (Friend, if you’re viewing this post via email, the podcast player to listen to this episode can be found here) In her latest book, When My Mind Winds Up: A Pull No Punches Approach to Anxiety, Jen brings her faith and personal journey with open hands in hopes that she can take what’s helped her and “pay it forward”. I know you’ll love her humble honesty and pull-no-punches approach to the hard things in life. What Jen has to say will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Jen Ervig. Jen Ervig Jen Ervig is a Seattle area pastor, wife, mom, event speaker, and award-nominated author. Her book, As My Mind Unwinds, has been heralded as a hilarious, non-fluffy, unique take on a devotional surprising even non-Christian readers again and again. Thanks for Listening! Favorite Quotes from the Show “There is a clear definition between conviction and condemnation…” – Jen Ervig “We overcomplicate things when they are really quite so simple; we know the end game…” – Jen Ervig Connect with Jen! You can connect with Jen at asmymindunwinds.com, on Instagram @jensmindunwinds and pick up her books! You can find them on her Amazon author page. Stay awhile… I would also love to connect with you, so reach out to me on my contact page at dorisswift.com. I invite you to join my community of women who receive inspirational messages, helpful resources, and updates on podcast and book news! When you join my email list for free, I’ll send you this free gift… Grab it here: Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith!, Thank You for Being Such a Blessing Thank you again for being a faithful listener of Fierce Calling! I’d love to hear how Fierce Calling has encouraged and inspired you. Drop a message in the comments or via my contact page on dorisswift.com. It would bless me so much to hear what God is doing in your lives. I hope you’ll join me next time when I invite another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Doris ♥

Happy New Year and welcome to the first episode of Fierce Calling 2021! What better way to start off this new year then to hear how God captured the heart of a French atheist teen, who thought her only purpose for coming to the US was to learn English. But God had other plans for Stephanie… In today’s episode, A Journey from Atheism to Savoring Gospel Spice, I’m talking with my friend Stephanie Rousselle. (Friend, if you’re viewing this post via email, the podcast player to listen to this episode can be found here) From Atheism to Christianity, Stephanie shares her journey of discovering the many layers of spice the Gospel offers, and how her Gospel Spice Ministry is helping others taste and see that the Lord is good. I know what Stephanie has to say will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Stephanie Rousselle… Thanks for Listening! Favorite Quotes from the Show “Are you going to just ignore and shove to the side what you have discovered to be true historically, but you can’t make sense of spiritually, or are you going to dare to take a step of faith?” Stephanie Rousselle, Gospel Spice Ministries “He will meet us wherever we are; there is no place He will not travel for us…” Stephanie Rousselle, Gospel Spice Ministries Connect with Stephanie! You can connect with Stephanie at gospelspice.com where you’ll find info about Gospel Spice Ministries and the Gospel Spice Podcast. She’d love to hear from you! Stephanie is passionate about helping others see that God is beautiful, enthralling, and so much more than we could ever imagine. She delights in coming alongside followers of Jesus, using her gifts to help them walk deeper and taste new spices in their intimacy with Him. Her fierce calling is to inspire others to pursue God fiercely. Grab Stephanie’s 100% French Recipe! Remember that French recipe Stephanie talked about in the show? As promised, the link below contains the recipe booklet she mentioned: http://gospelspice.com/fiercecalling/ Please download it and let us know how it turns out! Stephanie Rousselle is the founder of Gospel Spice Ministries. Her motto is, “God’s glory, our delight!” She is a wife, mom, podcaster, public speaker, Bible teacher, former women’s ministry director and strategy consultant. And she is 100% French. Born and raised in France, she has lived for her One over the last two decades on three continents, four countries and five cities through six professional roles. Her current Gospel Spice Ministries Team is made of seven women! She thrives on Bible-centered inspirational writing and speaking, and dark chocolate. She has been teaching Scripture to thousands over the last 20 years in France, the UK, Africa and the US, and now to thousands more on all six continents through the Gospel Spice Podcast. Stay awhile… I would also love to connect with you, so reach out to me on my contact page at dorisswift.com. I invite you to join my community of women who receive inspirational messages, helpful resources, and updates on podcast and book news! When you join my email list for free, I’ll send you this free gift… Grab it here: Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith!, This free resource helps you share the gospel. Maybe grab a recipe from The Gingham Apron or The Gathering Table book and invite a friend in for food and faith night. Thank You for Being Such a Blessing Thank you again for being a faithful listener of Fierce Calling! I’d love to hear how Fierce Calling has encouraged and inspired you. Drop a message in the comments or via my contact page on dorisswift.com. It would bless me so much to hear what God is doing in your lives. I hope you’ll join me next time when I invite another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Doris ♥

In today’s episode, Gathering at the Table: Food, Faith, Farm, & Family, I’m talking with my friend Molly Herrick. (Friend, if you’re viewing this post via email, the podcast player to listen to this episode can be found here ) Molly lives on a farm in Iowa with the man of her dreams, two wonderful children, and some cattle and chickens! She’s a blogger, author, speaker, and has a degree in interior design. She shares her gifts and talents by making things beautiful, and as a follower of Jesus, her desire is to share Christ’s love with those who the Lord places in her path. Molly, her mother-in-law, and sisters-in-law all contribute to their website, The Gingham Apron, where they share about food, faith, farm, & family. They released their first book, The Gathering Table in October 2020. We are talking homemade O’Henry bars, y’all! Spiced apple cider also comes up in the conversation. You’ll hear how Molly came to faith in Christ, too and I know what Molly has to say will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Molly Herrick. Thanks for Listening! A Favorite Quote from the Show “The Lord was just tugging on my heart, and I knew what I wanted to do.” – Molly Herrick I hope what Molly shared spoke to your heart and encouraged you to take action where God is calling you to serve. Molly and the women in her family are blessing others by sharing their God-given gifts. Friend, you have amazing God-given gifts too. Speaking of gifts… The Gathering Table Makes the perfect Gift! Find links to purchase the book from your favorite retail at https://www.theginghamapron.com/the-gathering-table-book/ You can connect with Molly at theginghamapron.com on Facebook, and Instagram . Grab the book at your favorite retailer or grab The Gathering Table on Amazon. Stay awhile… I would also love to connect with you, so reach out to me on my contact page at dorisswift.com. I invite you to join my community of women who receive inspirational messages, helpful resources, and updates on podcast and book news! When you join my email list for free, I’ll send you this free gift… Grab it here: Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith!, This free resource helps you share the gospel. Maybe grab a recipe from The Gingham Apron or The Gathering Table book and invite a friend in for food and faith night. Thank You for Being Such a Blessing Thank you again for being a faithful listener of Fierce Calling! I want to take this moment to wish you and your family a Merry & Blessed Christmas! As we celebrate Emmanuel, God with Us, may we bask in His presence because not only was He with us then, He is still with us now. Fierce Calling will be taking a break during the week of Christmas and New Year’s, but I look forward to welcoming you back in the new year! In the meantime, there are 50 episodes to listen to. I’d love to hear how Fierce Calling has encouraged and inspired you. Drop a message in the comments or via my contact page on dorisswift.com. It would bless me so much to hear what God is doing in your lives. I hope you’ll join me next time when I invite another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then friend, have a blessed week, a very Merry Christmas, and I’ll talk to you soon. Doris ♥

In today’s episode, Listening for God’s Direction, I’m talking with my friend Alisa Hope Wagner. Alisa is a wife, mom, and award-winning author and today she shares about listening for God’s voice, what happens when we answer His call, and how she wound up on not one but two reality TV shows! I know what Alisa has to say will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Alisa Hope Wagner. (Friend, if you’re viewing this post via email, the podcast player to listen to this episode can be found here) Some Favorite Quotes from the Show “God Sees who we will become.” – Alisa Hope Wagner “God has a breadcrumb path of resources just for you.” – Alisa Hope Wagner Thanks for Listening! I hope what Alisa shared spoke to your heart and encouraged you to take action where God is calling you to serve. Because like Alisa said, our highest calling is to serve and Jesus showed us how to do it well. We may doubt we’re the girl for the job, but God sees the girl He created for the job. And He won’t leave us out there alone, He brings resources and relationships to meet our every need. Connect with Alisa and Grab her Books! Photo credit: Adrian Garza You can connect with Alisa at alisahopewagner.com, on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find her all her books on Amazon and be encouraged by the words God has inspired her to write. Stay awhile… I would also love to connect with you, so reach out to me on my contact page at dorisswift.com. I invite you to join my community of women who receive inspirational messages, helpful resources, and updates on podcast and book news! When you join my email list for free, I’ll send you this free gift… Grab it here: Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith!, This free resource helps you share the gospel, because just like that story of the girl who led a lost soul to Christ who in turn led millions of lost souls to Christ, we never know the impact sharing the gospel with just one person can make. There’s a hurting world out there and people need to hear about the hope they have in Christ. They need God’s freedom, peace, and joy… Every lost person matters to God and He wants them found. But life can be hard sometimes and we may struggle with finding joy in the midst of our circumstances. Friend, that joy is still there and we just need to be reminded to reawaken to the Jesus joy in us. What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? If burdens are weighing heavy on your heart, sharing what threatens to steal your joy can be so freeing. I’ll be talking more about that soon and offering a free, 6-day guide in how to surrender your joy stealers to God and live the joyful life you were born to live. Truth is, your joy cannot be stolen from you, but life’s circumstances can make it feel like that way sometimes. But God wants you joyful and He is faithful to do it. I hope you’ll join me next time when I invite another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Blessings! Doris ♥

“I fell away from God due to my experience as a childhood cult survivor and the abuse and disappointments I encountered. I hated Christians and Christianity for a very long time. By God’s grace, I came back to my faith at the age of 29.” – Mischelle Saunders-Gottsch on her emotional healing. (Friend, if you’re viewing this post via email, the podcast player to listen to this episode can be found here ) In today’s episode, The Emotional Healing of a Childhood Cult Survivor, I’m talking with my friend Mischelle Saunders-Gottsch. Mischelle gave her life to Jesus at the age of 5, but fell away when her life fell apart after leaving an abusive cult. Listen in as we talk about her redemption story and how God is now using Mischelle to help women share their God stories. She is reaching a multitude of women through her Altered Stories Ministry and Altered Stories Podcast. Her heart is to see women healed and free through the sharing of their stories and the deliverance of God’s grace. A Great Quote from Mischelle: “Our stories are a gift to the receiver–it’s a calling…” Mischelle Saunders-Gottsch Thanks for Listening! I hope Mischelle’s story of being a redeemed and healed survivor inspired you today. Is God calling you to share your altered story? Connect with Mischelle! Mischelle Saunders-Gottsch You can connect with Mischelle and find her podcast at alteredstories.org, on the Altered Stories Ministry Facebook Page, on Instagram, and email [email protected]. Mischelle Saunders-Gottsch is the CEO/Founder of Altered Stories Ministry and  Podcast Host of the Altered Stories Show.  She is a wife to Mark, mother to her adult daughter, Tawny, Gigi to Bentley Rose, aunt, friend, dog Mama to Beau and Bell, speaker, ministry and business leader and is passionate about helping women to share their God stories to help women overcome their struggles. Stay awhile… Explore my website dorisswift.com and hang out for a while. Check out these free resources, like my Fear Fighting Bible Verses, and my ebook, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling. Need help sharing your faith with others? Join my email list and receive my free resource, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith. When you subscribe you’ll automatically receive my free monthly newsletter with valuable resources you’ll love. Read my past blog posts and listen to previous podcast episodes all in one place on dorisswift.com! Blessings! Doris

In today’s episode, The Heart of the Family, I’m talking with my friend, Deb DeArmond. Deb is an expert in the fields of communication, relationship and conflict resolution. We could all use a little help in those departments, right? (Friend, if you’re viewing this post via email, the podcast player to listen to this episode can be found here) Listen in as we talk about relationships, calling, and how Deb never aspired to be a writer. Hear how she received the call to write because it will encourage you, especially if you’re wondering what God is calling you to do. A Great Quote from Deb “We are called to greatness in Him, greatness to bring Him glory. We have the opportunity to impact the world – or at least the section He’s called us to. Living integrity-driven, connections-focused lives draw people to ask, ‘How did you do that?’ or ‘How did you make it through that?’ Story is vital, it’s always about His story and how it’s impacted us. That’s how we reach them – story.” – Deb DeArmond Thanks for Listening! I hope Deb’s story inspired you today. Is God calling you to marriage and/or family ministry? Connect with Deb and Grab her Books! Deb DeArmond You can connect with Deb DeArmond at debdearmond.com Deb DeArmond is an expert in the fields of communication, relationship and conflict resolution. A writer and popular speaker, Deb focuses on topics related to the marriage and family. Her books include: Related by Chance, Family by Choice , I Choose You Today: 31 Choices to Make Love Last , and Don’t Go to Bed Angry: Stay Up and Fight. Her latest book, Bumper Sticker Be-Attitudes, is a humor-tinged devotional for the busy believer seeking deep truths with a chuckle on the side. Stay awhile… Explore my website dorisswift.com and hang out for a while. Check out these free resources, like my Fear Fighting Bible Verses, and my ebook, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling. Need help sharing your faith with others? Join my email list and receive my free resource, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith. When you subscribe you’ll automatically receive my free monthly newsletter with valuable resources you’ll love. Read my past blog posts and listen to previous podcast episodes all in one place on dorisswift.com! Blessings! Doris

In today’s episode, Telling Stories ~ Changing Stories, I’m talking with my friend, Ronne Rock. Ronne is a storyteller who tells stories that change the stories of others. (Friend, if you’re viewing this post via email, the podcast player to listen in can be found here ) Ronne offers battle-tested wisdom about leadership, advocacy marketing, and finding God in the most beautiful and painful of circumstances. The Book She is the author of One Woman Can Change the World: Reclaiming Your God-Designed Influence and Impact Right Where You Are (Revell Publishing) Favorite Quote from Ronne “Every piece of your journey is a piece of a redemptive story that can change the story of somebody else.” – Ronne rock Thanks for Listening! I hope Ronne’s story inspired you today. Is God calling you to serve with Orphan Outreach or some other ministry to children? Connect with Ronne! Kate Hurley You can connect with Ronne at ronnerock.com and onewomancanchangetheworld.com Ronne Rock weaves themes of transformative hope and grace-filled leadership into everything she shares on page and stage. She’s an award-winning marketing executive who travels around the world to gather words and images that inspire others to action with Orphan Outreach, a global nonprofit dedicated to serving the orphaned and vulnerable. She and her husband live in the Texas Hill Country. Stay awhile… Explore my website dorisswift.com and hang out for a while. Check out these free resources, like my Fear Fighting Bible Verses, and my ebook, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling. Need help sharing your faith with others? Join my email list and receive my free resource, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith. When you subscribe you’ll automatically receive my free monthly newsletter with valuable resources you’ll love. Read my past blog posts and listen to previous podcast episodes all in one place on dorisswift.com! Blessings! Doris

In today’s episode, An Unexpected Journey of Singleness, I’m talking with my friend, Kate Hurley. Kate shares her heart and journey of prolonged singleness, but there’s so much more to her story. Find out all about her book, Getting Naked Later: Making Sense of the Unexpected Single Life, which isn’t just about purity; it’s serious, humorous, and meets the reader right where they are with just what they need. Quotes from Kate Kate is honest and real about her struggles and shares how God understands them. “He wants me to have joy and hope, but He also understands why I struggle.” ~ Kate Hurley I love how she said… “You can struggle and still trust in God.” ~ Kate Hurley This quote by Kate is so powerful… It’s okay to long and let go at the same time. How freeing is that? Gifted and Called Kate is also an amazingly talented singer/song writer and has toured all over the world. God is opening doors for her gifts to make an impact. She also talked about her upcoming book, Prodigal Mind: Change Your Story One Thought at a Time. She writes books about what’s helped her so God can use them to help others. Who couldn’t use a book like that? Another Fierce Calling action Kate is taking is starting a sponsorship program to teach minority low income youth free music lessons. LOVE! Thanks for Listening! I hope you were inspired by what Kate had to share. God has plans for each of us and although waiting is hard, God is always aware of the desires of our hearts. His timing is always worth waiting for. Connect with Kate! Kate Hurley You can connect with Kate at katehurley.com on Instagram @iamkatehurley and Facebook Kate’s Restore Your Story Links… restoreyourstory.online and Restore Your Story Facebook Group Kate Hurley is a singer-songwriter, worship leader, writer, life coach, and teacher based out of Asheville, NC. She traveled the world for fourteen years sharing her music and stories. She has played and taught everywhere from castles in Germany to slums in India to 30,000 people hippie gatherings. She was a writer and performer with Enter the Worship Circle for several years. She has created seven solo albums and is on several other compilation albums, including Enter the Worship Circle: Third Circle. Kate loves living in intentional communities and has lived in several communities around the country. I know she’d love to hear from you! Are You Ready to Rise Up? Get Ready to Be Encouraged & Equipped!The Christian Women Entrepreneurs Rise Up Summit September 21 – October 11, 2020Whatever your business or ministry, you will benefit from this Summit!It’s Free & OnlineRegister Today at www.2020RiseUp.com I hope you check this free online event out! Blessed to be a part of it and I know God is equipping His daughter’s to rise up! It makes me think of Lydia and the amazing business woman she was! How about the Proverbs 31 woman? Wow, such inspiring examples we can learn from. Stay awhile… Explore my website dorisswift.com and hang out for a while. You’ll find free resources, like my Fear Fighting Bible Verses, and my ebook, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling. Need help sharing your faith with others? Join my email list and receive my free resource, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith. When you do you’ll also receive my free monthly newsletter with great info and other resources you’ll love. Read my past blog posts and listen to previous podcast episodes all in one place on dorisswift.com! Blessings! Doris

In today’s episode, Satisfying Our Hunger with the Bread of Life, I’m talking with my friend, Christine Trimpe. We’re talking about her life-giving transformation of body, mind, heart, and soul. (Friend, if you’re viewing this post via email, the podcast player to listen in can be found here.) Her amazing transformation includes losing 100 pounds, and although we would all agree that was an incredible accomplishment, Christine’s heart is that we not only learn how this was possible, but to personally know the One who makes all things possible. Her journey is centered on joy and Christine’s story will inspire, encourage, and challenge you; so listen in while I have a chat with Christine Trimpe. Thanks for Listening! I hope you were inspired by what Christine had to share. Satisfying Our Hunger with the Bread of Life is key to healthy living. Connect with Christine! Photo credit: Sarah Wyatt-Stahl Christine Trimpe is a worship leader, writer, speaker, and joy seeker. She is also a weight loss warrior and recently *lost over 100 pounds for good. As Christine says, God flipped the cravings of her soul and called her to inspire, motivate, and encourage others to pursue their best health physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Her transformation story has been shared internationally in publications such as Reader’s Digest, First for Women, Woman’s World, and DietDoctor.com. You can connect with Christine at christinetrimpe.com where you’ll find all the information she talked about on the show, including her keto website. All her social media links are there too! *BEFORE EMBARKING ON ANY KETOGENIC OR LOW-CARB/HEALTHY FAT DIET, WEIGHT LOSS DIET, INTERMITTENT FASTING, EXERCISE OR LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION PROGRAM, YOU ARE STRONGLY URGED TO MEET WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL TO OBTAIN AN ASSESSMENT OF YOUR PHYSICAL CONDITION, DISCUSS YOUR WEIGHT LOSS AND OTHER GOALS, AND OBTAIN THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL’S ADVICE AND RECOMMENDATIONS. Connect with Doris Subscribe to my podcast so you’ll never miss an episode and listen to this… Fierce Calling News! Guess what, friend? The Fierce Calling Podcast will be moving to a new schedule! Beginning September 1, episodes will come out every other Tuesday to give you more time to listen in between episodes! Explore my website dorisswift.com and hang out for a while. You’ll find free resources, like my Fear Fighting Bible Verses, and my ebook, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling. Need help sharing your faith with others? Join my email list and receive my free resource, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith. When you do you’ll also receive my free monthly newsletter with great info and other resources you’ll love. Read my past blog posts and listen to previous podcast episodes all in one place on dorisswift.com. Struggling with Forgiving Yourself? Pick up a copy of my book, Goodbye Regret: Forgiving Yourself of Past Mistakes. It makes a great gift and is perfect for women’s prison ministries, pregnancy centers, and women’s ministry events. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then, friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Stay awhile… Check out Fierce Calling past episodes!

Sarah Harmeyer, founder and Chief People Gatherer at Neighbor’s Table ~ A Love Mission In today’s episode, You Have a Place at Neighbor’s Table, I’m talking with my friend Sarah Harmeyer from Neighbor’s Table, a love mission. Sarah is a people-gatherer with the gift of evangelism. Don’t you just love that? By the way, friend, if you’re viewing this post via email, the podcast player to listen in can be found here. She is walking in her Fierce Calling by gathering people at her table. Little did she know that God had even bigger plans for Sarah’s Neighbor’s Table. He is continually expanding the boarders of her love mission. Now those Neighbor’s Tables are multiplying across America. Neighbor’s Table, a love mission. God not only called Sarah to be a people-gatherer, He encouraged her to find other people-gatherers, too. Other people who say, “You have a place at my Neighbor’s Table.” Here is what people-gatherers do. I found in this awesome quote from Sarah’s website… We gather people. We build and deliver handcrafted tables. We live out a love mission together. Love the scripture mentioned in the show… “The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 Friend, the One who calls you is faithful. Answer His call on your life and see where He leads. God brought someone into her life who recognized her gifts and how she might pray about using them. She had no idea what that meant, but God did. And He revealed it one table at a time. He will do that for you too–one step at a time. As Always, Thanks for Listening! I hope you were inspired, encouraged, and challenged by what Sarah shared. By challenged I mean challenged to take action and step out in faith. If you’re not sure what that step is, ask God and He will reveal it according to His timing and purposes. I love how Sarah said she is walking in her calling out of a place of rest in Him–and I know her guests can sense it. Sarah greets her guests with the genuine love of Christ and makes them feel welcome. Remember in the show how we learned she tells each guest, “I’ve prepared a place for you…” Just like Jesus Who has gone to prepare a place for us. Neighbor’s Table is a little bit of Heaven on earth… “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:2-3 Is God calling you to join the Neighbor’s Table family? Connect with Sarah! Sarah Harmeyer You can connect with Sarah Harmeyer at Neighborstable.com Instagram @neighborstable Facebook: Neighbors Table Connect with Me! Let’s stay connected, friend. Subscribe to my podcast so you’ll never miss an episode! Then check out dorisswift.com and hang out for a while. You’ll find free resources, like my Fear Fighting Bible Verses, and my ebook, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling. Need help sharing your faith with others? Join my email list and receive my free resource, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith. Lookout for my monthly newsletter with . Read my past blog posts and listen to previous podcast episodes all in one place. Struggling with Forgiving Yourself? Pick up a copy of my book, Goodbye Regret: Forgiving Yourself of Past Mistakes. It makes a great gift and is perfect for women’s prison ministries, pregnancy centers, and women’s ministry events. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then, friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Stay awhile… Check out Fierce Calling past episodes!

In today’s episode, Empowering Survivors of Sex Trafficking, I’m talking with my friend Brandi Voth of The Power Project. Brandi mentors women who have been rescued from sex trafficking and helps them walk into a positive, purpose-filled future. By the way, friend! If you’re viewing this post via email, the podcast player to listen in can be found here. Brandi is walking in her Fierce Calling. She’s providing life coaching to women to help them realize their spiritual gifts and strengths so they can walk in their purpose and better serve the Kingdom of God. In her book, The Power Project: A Journey of Purpose, she lays out tangible steps for the reader to take in following their own journey of purpose. Thanks for Listening today! I hope you were inspired, encouraged, and challenged by what Brandi had to share. I loved chatting with her and hearing how she is using her God-given gifts to impact the world for Christ. Isn’t it cool how she not only teaches life and business skills, but she created a social enterprise hat company, The Power Hat Co., to employ these precious women she mentors. That’s what God does, friend. He know our needs and He uses us to meet the needs of others. Loved that part in the show when Brandi shared about people saying it’s such a small world when things come together in which she replies, “It’s not such a small world, it’s such a big God!” So true! She is making a difference and empowering survivors of sex trafficking. Brandi can rock a hat for sure and she wants you to rock one too! Head on over to The Power Hat Co and use the code “POWERSQUAD” to receive a 10% discount off your purchase. Besides being an author, speaker, mentor, and social entrepreneur, she’s also a podcast host! Check out The Power Project Podcast! On a personal note, Brandi is a boy mom to a 26 year old step-son, and a 14 and 11 year old. Her and her family live at a lake and enjoy fishing and wakeboarding. But her favorite place on earth is in her motorhome traveling the countryside. She doesn’t want women to just be inspired, she wants women to take action. God has equipped her with such a great business sense and you can almost see her wheels turning with new ideas! She is creating new enterprises and mentoring leaders for the Kingdom. Connect with Brandi! Brandi Voth You can connect with Brandi at the-powerproject.com Instagram @thepowerhatco and @brandivoth Facebook: The Power Project Connect with Me! Subscribe to my podcast so you’ll never miss an episode! Also, check out dorisswift.com and hang out for a while. You’ll find free resources, like my Fear Fighting Bible Verses, and my ebook, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling. Need help sharing your faith with others? Join my email list and receive my free resource, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith. in my monthly newsletter. Read my past blog posts and listen to previous podcast episodes all in one place. Struggling with Forgiving Yourself? Pick up a copy of my book, Goodbye Regret: Forgiving Yourself of Past Mistakes. It makes a great gift and is perfect for women’s prison ministries, pregnancy centers, and women’s ministry events. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then, friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Stay awhile… Check out Fierce Calling past episodes!

In today’s episode, Sharon Wilharm: An Unexpected Calling, I’m talking with my friend, filmmaker, speaker, blogger, and podcast host Sharon Wilharm. We’re talking about imposter syndrome and how she fell into her accidental calling. But we know with God, nothing is an accident, right? If you’re viewing this post via email, the podcast player to listen in can be found here. Sharon is a ministry matchmaker. Her spiritual gifting is prophecy, and she loves being able to see the strengths of other people and help connect them and get them plugged into ministries where they can thrive. Through the years she’s worn many hats – filmmaker, blogger, writer, ministry leader, speaker, and now podcast host. The common thread through all of them is women and storytelling. She loves telling stories that inspire and encourage women in their walk with the Lord. So cool how Sharon herself walked into an unexpected calling as a filmmaker. Sharon says, “As a speaker, I love sharing personal stories of the amazing things I’ve witnessed God doing in my own life as well as in the lives of others. And as a podcast host, I’m working my way through the Bible, sharing the stories of All God’s Women. Thanks for Listening! I hope you were inspired by what Sharon had to share. Connect with Sharon! Sharon Wilharm Sharon Wilharm is a female filmmaker, Christian speaker, and ministry leader. She’s also the host of All God’s Women podcast. Sharon’s motion pictures have screened in theaters, festivals, and churches around the world and has aired on multiple television networks. She’s been recognized with the “Shibboleth Award for Visionary Leadership in the Field of Christian Filmmaking”, four ICVM Crown Awards, and dozens of “Best Director”, “Best Writer”, and “Best of Fest” awards. You can connect with Sharon at sharonwilharm.com. There you’ll find all her social media links, her podcast, and her films. Connect with Me! Subscribe to my podcast so you’ll never miss an episode! Also, check out dorisswift.com and hang out for a while. You’ll find free resources, like my Fear Fighting Bible Verses, and my ebook, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling. Need help sharing your faith with others? Join my email list and receive my free resource, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith. in my monthly newsletter. Read my past blog posts and listen to previous podcast episodes all in one place. Struggling with Forgiving Yourself? Pick up a copy of my book, Goodbye Regret: Forgiving Yourself of Past Mistakes. It makes a great gift and is perfect for women’s prison ministries, pregnancy centers, and women’s ministry events. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then, friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Stay awhile… Check out Fierce Calling past episodes!

In today’s episode, God Will Bring You Through It, I’m talking with my friend Dorenthea Nemeth. Dorenthea walked through a deep valley when her husband went to prison. Hear how God answered her prayers, but not in the way she thought He would. She tells how God brought her through it and how He will bring you through it, too. Now Dorenthea’s fierce calling is encouraging and empowering women to walk into their “next”, which happens to be the title of one of her her books, “NEXT: Four Steps to Get Unstuck and Walk Into Purpose”. She inspires women to run after their goals and ambitions, and to just dream again. Thanks for Listening! I hope you were inspired by what Dorenthea had to share. It’s time to walk in to your next, the next thing God has for you. Dorenthea’s Quotes “It is your faith that will help you to endure that winter season.” “When you are on the brink of your breakthrough, don’t give up.” “Even when I’m faithless, God is faithful.” Connect with Dorenthea! Dorenthea Nemeth Dorenthea Nemeth is a women’s conference speaker, author, Bible teacher, and worship leader. She’s the mother of two beautiful children, a wife to her awesome husband, and a G-ma! Dorenthea’s Favs… In my free time, I love to read the Bible, vacation with my husband and spend time with my grandchildren. I can often be found trying to stay in shape at the gym. You can connect with Dorentha at dorenthea.com on Instagram at iamdorenthea, and Facebook at iamdorenthea. Dorenthea’s New Book Girl Push: Trusting God’s Timing for Your Promise When it Feels Like Your “Due Season” Will Never Come Connect with Me! Subscribe to my podcast so you’ll never miss an episode! Also, check out dorisswift.com and hang out for a while. You’ll find free resources, like my Fear Fighting Bible Verses, and my ebook, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling. Need help sharing your faith with others? Join my email list and receive my free resource, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith. Struggling with Forgiving Yourself? Pick up a copy of my book, Goodbye Regret: Forgiving Yourself of Past Mistakes. It makes a great gift and is perfect for women’s prison ministries, pregnancy centers, and women’s ministry events. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then, friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Stay awhile… Check out Fierce Calling past episodes!

In today’s episode, The Power of Living a Life Marked by Joy, I’m talking with my friend Suzie Eller. We’re talking about her new book, JoyKeeper, and what living a life marked by joy truly means. Suzie’s fierce calling is Standing shoulder to shoulder with other women. She believes healed women scoop up other women and run to the cross together. She wants us all living free together and to discover the power of living a life marked by joy. Today’s episode is an emotional one because Suzie’s heart-cry and compassion are deeply evident. Hear about her year called “scarred” and what God has been teaching her about true joy. Thanks for Listening! I hope you were inspired by what Suzie had to share. Suzie is a “Joy Noticer” and she wants us to be joy noticers, too. As Suzie said… Connect with Suzie! Suzanne (Suzie) Eller is a bestselling author, podcast host of More Than Small Talk, and Intl. speaker. She is a mama, “Gaga” to 6 littles, wife to Richard, and a cancer survivor (twice). You can connect with suzie at suzanneeller.com, on Instagram at Suzanne.Eller, and Facebook at Suzanne Eller. Suzie’s Books Mentioned in the Show Pre-order JoyKeeper! The Spirit-Led Heart Come with Me: Discovering the Beauty of Following Where He Leads More books by Suzie Connect with Me! Subscribe to my podcast so you’ll never miss an episode! Also, check out dorisswift.com and hang out for a while. You’ll find free resources, like my Fear Fighting Bible Verses, and my ebook, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling. Need help sharing your faith with others? Join my email list and receive my free resource, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith. in my monthly newsletter. Read my past blog posts and listen to previous podcast episodes all in one place. Struggling with Forgiving Yourself? Pick up a copy of my book, Goodbye Regret: Forgiving Yourself of Past Mistakes. It makes a great gift and is perfect for women’s prison ministries, pregnancy centers, and women’s ministry events. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then, friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Stay awhile… Check out Fierce Calling past episodes!

In today’s episode, The Fierce Calling Life: Inspiration from a Special Needs Mom and Marketing Strategist, I’m talking with my friend Kim Stewart. Kim is a marketing strategist who helps authors, podcasters, and coaches strategically reach new readers and listeners with life changing messages. She’s also a wife, mama to two, and shares her journey as a special needs mom. Kim is passionate about Jesus, fulfilling His fierce calling on her life, and helping others fulfill their calling by getting their words into the world. Hear about the cool ministries she is involved in and how she and her family serve together. Thanks for Listening! I hope you were inspired by what Kim had to share. She is living out loving community well, in her family, business, and neighborhood. She is a wonderful example of why God calls us to do life together. That reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 You can connect with Kim kimstewartmarketing.com and find out more about her marketing strategies and favorite resources. Check out her Instagram page and follow her @kimstewinspired Connect with Kim! Want to win one of the two complimentary strategy sessions with Kim she mentioned in the show? Leave a comment and share this episode on your favorite social media site between now and July 28 2020, be sure to tag me, and we’ll draw two names! This is a great and valuable opportunity so don’t miss out! This may be God’s next step in your fierce calling. Connect with Me! I’d also love to stay connected with you, so check out dorisswift.com and hang out for a while. There you’ll find free resources, like my Fear Fighting Bible Verses, and my ebook, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling. Read my past blog posts and listen to previous podcast episodes all in one place. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then, friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Books Mentioned in the Show Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst Let it Go by Karen Ehmen A Confident Heart by Renee Swope Stay awhile… Check out Fierce Calling past episodes!

In today’s episode, Applying Your God-given passions to everyday life, I’m talking with my friend Marnie Swedberg. Marnie is a mentor to millions of women worldwide and loves helping women reach women for Christ. She’s an author, speaker, blog radio host, and she coaches, connects, and collaborates with Godly women all over the world! She was a joy to talk with and her insight, wisdom, and her heart for Jesus is so evident. Marnie loves helping women understand how God created them uniquely, how how they can apply that to everyday life. I know what Marnie has to say will inspire and encourage you to use your God-given passions for Christ, so listen in while I have a chat with Marnie Swedberg. Thank you for listening, friend! Be Encouraged and Take that First Step I hope you were inspired by what Marnie had to share. She taught us so many valuable lessons, one of which is this: We need to share what God teaches us with others and most importantly share His love. Loved how Marnie talked about us being flow-thru vessels and all Her analogies are spot on. Her fierce calling is impacting the lives of women worldwide, but her journey began with a single step out in faith. That’s how we do it friend, we take one step with God, then the next and you know what? Every step matters. Connect with Us! You can connect with Marnie Swedberg at marnie.com and check out all of her wonderful resources and cool membership program. You’ll find all her wonderful books on her website under the tab “Find it Fast” I’d also love to stay connected, so check out dorisswift.com and hang out for a while! You’ll find free resources, like my Fear Fighting Bible Verses, and my ebook, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling. Read my past blog posts and listen to previous podcast episodes all in one place! Do you know Jesus personally? Check out my Meet Jesus page. As Marnie said, Jesus knocks on the door of our hearts and He wants to come in. But He won’t force His way He waits for us to respond. ♥ Friend, you have a Fierce Calling and God has given you gifts to use for His glory. We are on this sisterhood journey together, so know that you are never alone. No matter what, God is with you and He will direct your steps… “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21 Your God-given passions are where God wants you to act. It’s your Fierce Calling. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then, friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon… Check out some of my popular posts: To the Girl with Passion & Conviction: Get Ready, It’s Go Time Have You Pulled the Ribbon to Free Your Gifts? How to See the Greater Good in Our Trials How to be Battle Ready for the Fight of Your Life Friend, is Your Gift Waiting in the Wings? Girl, Live Your Real Life: Trading in the Made-Up Life for the One God FIVE FIERCE TRUTHS About You – Truth #1 – Identity FIVE FIERCE TRUTHS About You – Truth #2 – Confidence FIVE FIERCE TRUTHS About You – Truth #3 – Courage FIVE FIERCE TRUTHS About You – Truth #4 – Gifts FIVE FIERCE TRUTHS About You – Truth #5 – Calling

What happens when your Olympic dream is swept away and pain drains your hope? *In today’s episode, Reconciling Pain with the Goodness of God, I’m talking with my friend Tera Bradham. Tera shares about letting go of an Olympic dream and being healed in ways she never expected. Now she is helping others discover the freedom of reconciling pain with the goodness of God. It’s her Fierce Calling. Her passion is to reach people in pain of any kind, physical, emotional and spiritual, with the hope and healing only Jesus brings–which may not always look as we think it should. *Listen to this episode at dorisswift.com Connect with Us! Tera shared her incredibly inspiring story and I hope it encouraged you today. She is finding that the longer she walks with God, the more okay she is with the mystery that He is. How about when she shared about her scar? So beautiful! Reconciling pain with the goodness of God is what she is called to share with others. It’s her Fierce Calling. You can connect with Tera at terabradham.com and don’t forget to grab her book, Swimming for Freedom: A True Story of Faith, Hope, and Victory, using the discount code FIERCE20 and she will personally autograph it for you! Check out her Vying for Victory podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also sign up for the next heal retreat Tera talked about in the show at thehealretreat.com. Jesus is our healer and He wants to heal your pain, friend. I would also love to stay connected with you, so please subscribe to the podcast and join my email list for free! Subscribe to my email list and get my free ebook, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling! Or look for the pop-up invite where you can enter your email address. I will visit your inbox about once a month with great resources and more encouragement! Friend, you have a Fierce Calling and don’t let the enemy tell you otherwise. Your pain has purpose and God has gifted you to make a difference in the world. I hope you’ll join me next time when I invite another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then, friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon ♥ For More Encouragement… What Does Awestruck Wonder Look Like? 35: Leading with Your Strengths: The Enneagram from a Biblical Perspective with Guest Amy Wicks 34: Living Our Purpose with Promise with Guest Laurie Stroup Smith 33: The Good Fruit of Comparison & The Gift of Sabbath Rest with Guest Amber Cullum

Welcome to episode #34 of the Fierce Calling Podcast with guest Laurie Stroup Smith. The burden we women often carry is feeling we’re supposed to be the fixers of everything, right? Well friend, we can’t fix everything and that’s a good thing. In today’s episode I’m talking with my friend Laurie Troup Smith. Laurie is an amazing woman of God, wife to Travis, mom to two beautiful teenage daughters, and she’s an author of Amish fiction. But we’re not just talking about her Amish fiction, we’re talking about other things life brings–hard things, like grief, aging parents, and difficult decisions. I know what Laurie has to share will encourage and inspire you. You can connect with Laurie at lauriestroupsmith.com on Facebook and Instagram Subscribe to her email list on her website and get a free download of Chapter 1 of her book Pockets of Promise. I’d also love to connect with you, so subscribe to my blog and when you do, you’ll receive my Fear Fighting Scripture Verses as my gift to you. I’d like to leave you with this encouraging passage of scripture found in Colossians: “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:12-14 I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon… Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions – Glass Beads

How can we gain a whole new perspective on comparison? How can we experience the gift of Sabbath rest? What is a Shabbat meal? Amber unpacks all this and more on this episode of the Fierce Calling Podcast so listen in while I have a chat with Amber Cullum. Amber Cullum is the podcast host behind Grace Enough. She is first and foremost a child of God, saved by His grace alone, but doesn’t always act like it.  She is wife to Sam,  mom of 3, a Physical Therapist, a Kentucky native living in Raleigh, and a lover of connecting with people and learning the stories of God’s grace in their lives. Check out the books Amber mentioned in this episode: The Art of Rest by Adam Mabry 24/6 by Matthew Sleeth You can connect with Amber at graceenoughpodcast.com her Grace Enough Podcast Facebook page, and Grace Enough Instagram page. I’d also love to connect with you so subscribe to this podcast, then hop on over to https://dorisswift.com/ and sign up for my personal email list. My subscribers are first to hear about great resources, podcast and book news! God is good all the time, friend. He loves you, sees you, and has a Fierce Calling He is calling you to. Listen for His voice above the noise of the world and find His peace that surpasses all understanding. Walk in your Fierce Calling as we join together for the furtherance of the Kingdom. Much Love and God’s blessings! Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/doris-swift/message

Show Notes Meg Glesener was raised by a father who was atheist and mom of little faith. When Jesus got a hold of Meg’s heart as a teen He transformed her life and brought new hopeAA. Her life’s joy is being a mom and she especially loves being a mom to teens and adult children who are parents themselves. Hear what it means to be a mentor mom and important take-aways in loving our teens and adult kids well. You will be encouraged by her words today, so listen in as I have a chat with Meg Glesener. You can connect with Meg here: Website: lettersfromhomepodcast.com Faceboook: facebook.com/lettersfromhomepodcast/ Instagram: instagram.com/lettersfromhomepodcast/ LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/margaret-glesener-3314721a5 I’d also love to connect with you, so don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast and join my personal email list at dorisswift.com Friend, every woman of God has a fierce calling.  I hope this podcasts encourages you in your walk with Christ and to step out in faith to do what God is calling you to do. I hope you’ll join me next time when I invite another woman to share where she’s taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon… Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/doris-swift/message

Show Notes Hello and welcome to episode 31 of the Fierce Calling Podcast.  In today’s episode, Loving the Girl God Created You to Be, I’m talking with my friend Stephanie Pletka. Stephanie is a speaker, entrepreneur, and the author of Living Your Best Life, Letting Go of Self-Doubt, Fear, and Other’s Expectations to Live the Life You’ve Always Dreamed. She encourages us to live life to the fullest and not to the busy and to be who we are, Ourselves. Plus, she’s so fun and I know what she has to say will speak to your heart today, so listen in while I have a chat with Stephanie Pletka. Thank you for listening. I hope Stephanie’s message encouraged you to be you, the girl God created you to be. Begin today living life to the full instead of the busy and never lose sight of your true identity in Christ. You can connect with Stephanie at stephaniepletka.com, Instagram, and check out her Best Life Group on Facebook. I’d also love to connect with you so subscribe to this podcast, then hop on over to fiercecallingpodcast.com or dorisswift.com and join my personal email list. You’ll receive encouragement and resources my subscribers are first to receive. I hope you’ll join me next time when I invite another woman to share where she is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then, friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon… Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/doris-swift/message

In this episode I’m talking with my friend Vona Johnson. She helps others find courage to walk in their calling and live a life of purpose and meaning. Find out the real reason her career took a short detour and how that’s applicable to all of our lives. Her story, her confidence in Christ, and her God-given gifts are all being used for the furtherance of the Kingdom. She is walking in her Fierce Calling which is to help others walk in theirs. Listen in while I have a chat with Vona Johnson. Vona Johnson is a master certified life coach who helps people who find themselves wandering through life feeling empty and unfulfilled, create a deeper connection with their faith and live a life of purpose and meaning.  Her podcast, Longing for More, helps listeners find their unique path to living their more! Vona believes that we are all created for a purpose, but too often life gets in the way and we lose sight of our true calling. She loves helping people reconnect with their dreams and find the courage to live the life their soul is longing for. Connect with Us! You can connect with Vona at vonajohnson.com where you’ll find information on her coaching, mastermind, and links to her social media pages. I’d also love to connect with you, so subscribe to this podcast then hop on over to my website, dorisswift.com, to find more encouragement and free downloadable ebooks and resources. Thank you for listening! I so appreciate you and if this podcast blesses you would you consider leaving a rating, comment, and sharing it with friends on your social media pages? Friend, you have a Fierce Calling and your life has purpose and meaning. I’d like to leave you with this favorite scripture of mine from Isaiah 30:21: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,'”This is the way; walk in it.'” I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk to another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then, friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/doris-swift/message

Angel has an amazing story of faith and encouragement to share with you! While walking through the diagnosis of a brain tumor, brain surgery, and having to relearn to walk, talk, and eat, Angel knew God was with her. Hear how she is spreading Jesus joy, sharing her story with others, and using her gifts to impact the world for Christ.  Her story will inspire you so listen in! Angel Faulk is a 51 year old brain tumor survivor, wife and mom, fitness professional, health and wellness advocate and entrepreneur living every day for Jesus! You can connect with Angel at https://afaulk.juiceplus.com/us/en on Facebook @TheFitnessAngel and on Instagram at The Fitness Angel I’d also love to connect with you, so please subscribe to this podcast and hop on over to my blog dorisswift.com. Also, grab my ebook, Step Out of Your Doubt and into Your Calling free to you, friend! If this podcast blesses you, I’d so appreciate it you would consider rating it, leaving a comment, and sharing with your friends! Blessings! Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/doris-swift/message

In today’s episode, God Wants to Spark Something New in You, I welcome my friend Misty Phillip. Misty shares how God sparked something unexpected and new in her that changed the trajectory of her calling. Countless others are being positively impacted by this one step out in faith. Hear how that all came about and the message of encouragement she has for you. Her story will inspire you so listen in as I have a chat with Misty Phillip. Connect with Us! Misty Phillip is a wife, mom, podcaster, speaker, and author who is passionate about encouraging women to overcome challenges in life by seeking Jesus, studying the Word and growing in grace.  Founder of the Spark Christian Podcast Conference, Co-Founder of Rocket Podcast, and host of the By His Grace podcast show. Misty inspires women through her speaking, mastermind group and currently serves as the Houston Connect Leader for Christian Women In Media. Misty is the author of The Struggle is Real: But So is God Bible Study.   You can connect with Misty at mistyphillip.com on Facebook, Instagram, and be sure to pick up her Bible study, The Struggle is Real but So is God and check out her, By His Grace Podcast. I’d love to stay connected and would so appreciate if you would subscribe to this podcast, leave a rating and review. That will help others find it too. Then hop on over to my blog dorisswift.com, and scroll down on the right sidebar for free gifts, like my Fear Fighting Scriptures resource. God is in control and still on the Throne, friend. His mercies are new every morning and He has plans for your life. Take time today to ask Him what He has for you in the season that you’re in. As Misty said, He loves those kinds of prayers and wants to answer them. Even if things seem quiet, trust that He will reveal your next steps in due time, His time. I hope you’ll join me next week when I invite another woman to share where she is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then, friend, have a bless week and I’ll talk to you soon.

In this special Mother’s Day edition episode, Room for Grace: Restoration for the Mother-Daughter Relationship, I’m talking with my friends Blythe Daniel and her mom, Dr. Helen McIntosh. We’re talking all about the relationship between mother and daughter. But this isn’t just about Mother’s Day, it’s relevant every day.  Relationships between mothers and daughters can be messy and hurtful. Dr. Helen McIntosh understands the uncertainty of a strained relationship and the scars that can develop. Raised by a mother who battled anxiety, anger, and alcoholism, Helen struggled to understand her mom’s verbal abuse, thinking something was wrong with her. Years later, after becoming a Doctor of Counseling Psychology, Helen recognized she did the best she could with what she knew about her mother. She had a deep desire to help other women hurt by their mother-daughter relationship and to raise her daughter Blythe differently by maintaining a good relationship with her. Grab Their Book! Today, Helen and Blythe, who is a mother of two daughters, have a close and healthy mother-daughter bond achieved through much effort and repairs. In Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters (Harvest House Publishers), they share how they’ve built, guarded, and renewed a relationship centered around respecting, listening, then talking. They walk readers through the steps to restoring what’s between you and include specific conversation starters that are open-handed and welcoming, using grace-filled words with each other. They also show how to experience freedom when you aren’t able to talk with the person you want to be mended with.  Dr. Helen McIntosh is a counselor, educator, speaker and author.  Blythe Daniel is an author, speaker, literary agent, and marketer with over 20 years of experience in the publishing industry.  Let’s Connect! You can connect with Blythe and Dr. Helen and pick up the free resources mentioned in the show at ourmendedhearts.com. Check out their social media pages for more ways to connect: FACEBOOK The Blythe Daniel Agency Blythe McIntosh Daniel Dr. Helen Brown McIntosh INSTAGRAM @Blythe.Daniel Dr. Helen I’d also love to connect with you so subscribe to this podcast and hop on over to my blog, dorisswift.com, and find more encouragement and freebies!  If this podcast blesses you, I’d so appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review and share it to help others find it and listen. 

Evelyn shares about the importance of intentional remembrance. Every storm she has faced has been weathered by remembering the promises of God. Evelyn has faced some dark places of depression and anxiety. Even when she knew the truth about God, It wasn’t until she chose to lean in and rely on Him and His word that she found hope. Even then, It took time to climb out of the hole of despair. You can connect with Evelyn at evelynsherwood.com, Facebook, Instagram, and [email protected]. Evelyn invites you to email her to request the free resources she mentions in the podcast. Evelyn Sherwood is a trusted soul care guide, speaker, and blogger who has served in pastoral ministry for thirty-five years. She has spoken to thousands at ministry events and retreats and has hosted events with such speakers as Jefferson Bethke and Megan Marshman. Her popular Stories of Hope events draw a diverse audience of hundreds from her region, and they continue to grow in popularity. Sherwood serves an active and growing audience through her blog, evelynsherwood.com, encouraging her readers through hard times by helping them recall God’s work in their past. On a summer evening you might spot Evelyn and her husband, Steve, driving through Indiana farmlands in a canary yellow ‘47 Ford pickup or enjoying an outdoor movie night with their eight grandkids. I’d also love to connect with you so subscribe to this podcast and check out and subscribe to my blog at dorisswift.com. When you subscribe you’ll be first to hear about great resources, great books, and great encouragement! Also , grab my free ebook, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling as my gift to you. Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/doris-swift/message

In today’s episode, Room to Breathe: Making Complicated Things Feel Simple, I’m talking with my friend Christa Hutchins. With so many ideas swimming in our heads, how do we know which steps are the right ones?   Christa’s ministry to women, Do a New Thing, is also her business and she takes that complicated word splash swimming around in the heads of her clients, and helps them simplify and prioritize what matters. She helps women eliminate the chaos and streamline all things meaningful into an amazing and doable plan of action.  Her heart is to help women in making complicated things feel simple, move forward, and walk in God’s plans for their lives is awe inspiring.   Connect with Us! You can connect with Christa at doanewthing.com and grab her free resource for my Fierce Calling listeners at doanewthing/fierce. You can also find her on her do a new thing Facebook page and do a new thing on Instagram. I’d also love to connect with you, so subscribe to this podcast and hop on over to my blog, dorisswift.com, for inspirational posts. Join my email list to get my newsletter and free ebook, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling.  Christa Hutchins uses tough grace to equip busy communicators and leaders with project management and problem solving skills so they can turn their big ideas into a successful ministry or business.   She is passionate about teaching women to find practical application of the Bible in their personal, professional and ministry lives.  Christa lives in south Louisiana with her husband in their delightfully empty nest.

In this episode I’m talking with my friend Karen Iverson. Karen experienced a difficult season when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She writes about her journey in her memoir Winning the Breast Cancer Battle: Empowering Warriors and Guiding Loved Ones. This is not only her story, but a guide to help women and their loved ones and caregivers navigate through breast cancer. So much more than that, Karen has a heart for helping others through all the experiences, gifts, and talents the Lord has blessed her with. Her fierce calling is helping others find positivity in their lives even through challenging times. You can connect with Karen at winningthebreastcancerbattle.com on Facebook and Instagram. Karen Iverson is an educator, artist, and author. For the current school year she is working as a teacher for a virtual school and is developing her coaching business. She holds a master’s degree in Education from Columbia University Teachers College and a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire where she studied Microbiology and English. She is an artist in most senses of the word – she loves to paint and draw and is trained in photography as well as has worked as an actress and singer. She is the author of the book: Winning the Breast Cancer Battle: Empowering Warriors and Guiding Loved Ones, which is a guide for breast cancer patients and their loved ones on navigating the illness. Karen is also pursuing a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling which she hopes to use to expand upon her coaching to counsel clients in a holistic manner. I’d also love to connect with you so subscribe to this podcast and hop on over to dorisswift.com. There you’ll find encouraging posts and free resources. Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/doris-swift/message

“Life is hard. I write words to make it softer.” – Anne Peterson In this episode I’m talking with my friend Anne Peterson, a gifted poet, author, and speaker. Anne learned through Tribe Writers we should write what we know. Anne knows grief. shares her story and recites her beautiful poetry for us. Hear the powerful words from the Lord has put on her heart to bring comfort and hope hearts that are hurting.  God said to Moses in Exodus 4:12, “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Anne has experienced loss beyond words, yet her heavenly Father redeems it all and allows her to use her beautiful words to minister to others. Words He has given her to write. They have been a healing balm for her soul and have touched the hearts of others with His comfort and peace.  You can connect with Anne at annepeterson.com on Facebook, and by email at [email protected]. When you visit Anne’s website she has some free gifts for you! Look for the free ebook tab and grab your copy of Someone in Grief: 17 Things You Need to Know and Real Love. All free to you just for signing up for her newsletter which is also free encouragement for your soul! Anne Peterson is a Christian poet, speaker, and published author of  15 books and numerous articles. She has written for Christianity Today, Today’s Christian Woman, as well as other publications. She has also written Bible studies for christianbiblestudies.com. Currently she is a regular contributor to crosswalk.com, and a writer for their couples devotionals. Since 1995, Anne’s poetry has been sold through gift stores and online in both the U.S. and abroad. Married for 44 years to her husband Michael, they have two grown children, four grandchildren here and one in heaven. I’d love to connect with you too, so subscribe to this podcast and hop on over to my blog, dorisswift.com, and subscribe there. You’ll receive encouragement straight to your inbox and I promise not to spam you. Just words of encouragement, hope, and God’s truth. Thanks, friend!  Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/doris-swift/message

Lisa Meiners, founder of Deeper Still Ministries, is a Christian speaker, author and Bible study teacher. Her passion is to see believers not only know the truths of God’s Word, but to go Deeper Still by applying and living out these truths in their daily lives. Lisa has authored two Bible studies and a 31-day devotional, and has shared the message of God’s truth at events throughout the country. To find her Bible studies and upcoming events, connect with Lisa at deeperstillministries.com, on Facebook, and Instagram.  Lisa grew up in Lima, OH and studied elementary education at Nyack College in New York. She currently lives in Centerville, Ohio with her husband Dennis. They have two sons who attend Grove City College, and a daughter and son-in-law living in New York. Lisa loves to read, take walks with Dennis, bake her world-famous oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies and cheer on IU basketball. I would love to connect with you, too. Subscribe to this podcast and if it blesses you please share. Hop over to my blog at dorisswift.com and read my inspirational posts.  Grab your free ebook, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling and leave me a message.  Other ways to connect: Walking Deeper with Doris Swift Facebook page and my new Fierce Calling Podcast Facebook page Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/doris-swift/message