WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life

Rea Berg, author and founder of Beautiful Feet Books talks today about another passion of her—besides children's literature—her love of the incarcerated and how she and her husband of 41 years have recently switched their "church home" to the California Men's Colony here in San Luis Obispo. It all started with books and story—teaching her own children, creating Beautiful Feet Books to bring classics back to life, creating curriculum and then seeing the transformative power of storytelling and the Word changing the lives of those maybe most forgotten in our society. REA WILL HOST A TWO-BOOK GIVEAWAY THIS WEEK--TWO OF HER FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK FOR TWO DIFFERENT WINNERS. COMMENT TO BE ENTERED! For the book giveaway, she will present the 75th Anniversary Edition of Abraham Lincoln by Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire, and the beautiful exclusive edition of Anno's China by Mitsumasa Anno. Rea teaches a weekly course to help men earn a four-year seminary degree through The Urban Ministry Institute, and her husband, Russ mentors groups of 12 for discipleship and accountability through Yolkfellow Prison Ministry. Some gems from today's podcast: Men behind bars are exactly like you and me, deep down in their heart and personhood. When you're put away, you have to draw upon a depth they most of us don't ever have to do, simply to live with contentment, joy and hope. My faith has been strengthened by the faith of these men who've experienced salvation to the uttermost, past all regret and remorse, experiencing full repentance. Seeing Jesus in these believers in prison convinced me anew of the transformative power of redemption and how good our God is. Rea Berg loves seeing abandoned and broken things brought back to life, like antique houses, classic children's books, and especially lives—like those of the menshe is privileged to work with at her local prison. Rea has had the honor of bringing many classic children's books back into print, such as the D’Aulaire biographies, the Journey books of Mitsumasa Anno, the works of James Daugherty, the Obadiah books, and many more. Through her company Beautiful Feet Books, she has crafted numerous guides for teaching history and geography through literature. Rea has a graduate degree in children's literature from Simmons College, Boston. Follow Rea on Instagram at reaberg, or email her at [email protected]. Rea blogs on children's literature at reaberg.com.

To host a simple dinner gathering sounds daunting unless we tackle it one task at a time. When I think of all the work involved, I can feel like quitting before I even begin. I wonder—and maybe whine a little: “How can I fit hosting guests into my already too-full schedule?” “I hate to cook and I don’t want to make enemies (or make people sick!”) “I have house issues: my table is too small, I don’t have enough chairs, my dining room is also the office, the homeschool room, and the playroom!” “My kids aren’t very well behaved yet. I will need to wait until they are away at college.” “Who should I invite? Doesn’t everyone already have their friends?” “Wouldn’t it be easier to get a sitter and meet a couple at a restaurant – and since I don’t have enough money for both those things, I guess we just won’t go out until we win the lottery or some distant rich uncle leaves us an inheritance!” These arguments are legitimate, to a point. We are busy. It is easier to go out (if we had the money.) Our homes may be under construction or not be the perfect home for company. But God doesn’t call us to elaborate entertaining. He says to “show hospitality to one another without grumbling” (I Peter 4:9) Doing one task a day is the best tip for doing simple hospitality and helps keep me from grumbling or feeling I’m totally out of my depth. If you desire to use your home for God and others, yet you don’t know how to go about it, here’s some sage advice: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” I don’t recommend serving elephant stew, although I do know a delicious recipe for French Dip Beef Sandwiches which could pass for elephant and, perhaps, more seemly for most guests. Preparing for a company dinner is easier when we do one thing a day. Taking “one bite at a time” moves the host—you and me— from feeling overwhelmed to “I can’t wait to host again!” True story. Here’s a list of simple tasks, one to do each day of the week except for Sundays (Day of Rest!) And, by the end of four weeks, you will have guests around your table (or, on your couch or floor, depending on your style!) Start on a Monday, follow the task for that day, and the day after that, and soon you’ll be hosting with joy, confidence, and ease—one bite at a time. Each dinner party preparation tip gets you closer to the goal of hosting a simple company dinner, and completing each one day-by-day will make it easier on you—the dinner party host—and, a lot more fun since you won’t have a whole elephant to contend with the day of the party! Each daily task begins with a brief prayer and closes with a short Bible verse since we know only God both transforms and encourages us as we prepare to love and serve our guests. To receive a copy of A Guide to Simple Hospitality One Day at a Time click HERE. Sample tasks you'll find: Discuss with your family: "Who should we invite?" Invite your guests for supper in three weeks so the date is on the calendar. Assign family chores. (When we all invest, we all are blessed!)Refresh front porch or entryway. Text your guests: “Looking forward to dinner with you this coming Saturday!”

I'm so grateful to Lori Ann Wood's testimony of gentle faith and insight into how God deepened her faith through a life-changing experience with heart failure. At 51, Lori was healthy and strong, until she wasn't. After 7 years, drs still don't have answers as to why her heart failed in 2015 and how long until it happens the next time. Lori turned this trial and testing into lessons of deepened faith—lessons we all can benefit from. We might not all get such an unusual and frightening diagnosis, but we all go up against some type of brick wall where we find out what is it we really believe about God. Her book, Divine Detour: The Path You Didn't Choose Can Lead to the Faith You've Always Wanted, releases this week, and she will be hosting a giveaway. I think you'll need one as a gift and one to keep. Some gems: Anytime when faced with a temptation, we must ask ourselves the question: "Do we trust God to meet our needs or not?" I learned that my faith had been all about me rather than about God. Doubts are not the opposite of faith—indifference is. God never promises a live of ease and comfort this side of heaven; He does promise He will always be with us, and that is the greater blessing. Questions are what strengthens faith. Do we want the safer life or the deeper life? From Lori: I’m Lori Ann Wood and I know what it’s like to be detoured in life. By sharing my stories and experiences, I want to equip and empower you to ask God your hard questions. More importantly, I want to cheer you on as your faith grows in the process. Read more of her heart failure survivor story HERE. Not all storms come to destroy your life, some storms come to clear your path. (Anonymous)

Esther Joy Goetz loves being a mom and shares wisdom, joy, and humor on her hugely successful Instagram, Moms of Bigs. Today we talk about the most important thing we can give our children at any age, and what we can do to be better mothers. As her daughter tells her: We are all learners and teachers. Hopefully that's true at any age and stage. Esther's mantra is we need to give our kids the roots of unconditional love and the wings of freedom to be completely themselves. She says it more than once; it warrants repeating. It's how God loves us and we get the privilege of passing on that kind of love to our kids. But since we are "control freaks" - a mother, by definition - we need all of God's mercy and grace to help us love as he loves. Esther grew up a missionary child in Ethiopia, is the mom of four young adults—she calls them "grownish" (and I get it)— and has been married for 31 years. And she's a fellow redhead. (: Follow her on instagram Moms of Bigs and check out her website: estherjoygoetz.com Some gems: We can't solve our kids stuff: we love them unconditionally through their stuff My longtime goal as a parent is to have a relationship with my grown children Moms never stop momming Be tender with the younger version of yourself @MOMS of BIGS Giving our BIG KIDS (teens and young adults) the roots of love and the wings of freedom to be completely themselves. Help. Humor. Hope.

Susan is one of my favorites. She's lived life and has seen the mercy and grace of the Lord—a true legacy of faith. Author of over 25 books, Susan Shipe blogs at Hope, Heart, Home and this week she's offering a copy of her latest project: Women: See Us Soar —offering us inspiration and encouragement from stories of women in the Bible as well as women she has known. Leave a comment on instagram, the blog or email me to be entered. (sue @welcomeheart.com) A self-confessed "bad woman of the Bible" Susan knows that she's loved and forgiven which is the best thing anyone can know. She wants to give others the same hope God has given her through all the up's and down's of living one ordinary life with an extraordinary God. Some Susan-ism's: I never had a moment when I didn't know I was a writer I'm an ordinary woman who knows God really has a plan for all of us. You wake up every morning talking to the Lord and you never say "Amen"—you just keep talking. When everything is said and done, Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life In her own words: I am an encourager with a heart for women. My devotion-journal, A Pruned Branch, was self-published in 2004 and is a compilation of 365 devotions for womenin all walks of life. APB is full of practical principles for all, from the baby Christian tothe mature believer. I have self-published 25+ books - all can be found on Amazon. The Lord delivered a message of Hope deep within my soul in 2002. Jesus, the Hope-giver met me in my hour of need and my heart overflowed with hope – the theme of my life since that time has been HOPE! I am the mother of three adult children, grandmother (a/k/a Mimzy) to two adultgrands, and I am the wife of one man and together we share a love of traveling in our travel trailer with our home base being a tiny house in Upstate South Carolina. I enjoywriting, reading, organic gardening, traveling, and spending time with our family. I can be found musing and sharing at hopehearthome.com. I love the Lord with every fiber of my being and my life’s purpose is: That I may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10 (NKJV) My life vision is: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in Truth. 3 John 4 Comment to be entered to win a copy of Women: See Us Soar by Susan Chamberlain Shipe

"Life's too short to live in a rut," says Jerry Dugan. He continued, "You may need to take a risk to get unstuck." Dugan speaks as one who knows what it's like to have been in one rut (or two)—and at age 30, he knew he had to make some changes. "Otherwise, if nothing changed, what would next year look like? The same. And it was a state of bondage." Jerry Dugan podcasts at "Beyond the Rut" where he offers hope through encouraging stories and practical tools to pick you up out of your rut and into a life worth living. Jerry acknowledges that God had His hand on his life many times, keeping him safe in wartime, as well as giving him courage to want to a different life than the people he was surrounded by. All listeners today have an opportunity to change and grow by accessing his free 15 page digital resource, Measure It to Make It Jerry's business, Beyond the Rut Impact, provides leadership training and consulting and he's available for speaking, workshops and coaching. He's a committed follower of Christ and funny, besides! Check it out HERE. Be sure to take advantage of Jerry's free goal-setting tool. Measure It to Make It: How to Set Goals and Achieve Them: Beyond the Rut believes life is composed of five main domains or circles that all interconnect. They are your faith, fitness, family, finances, and growth for your future (personal and professional development.) When it comes to personal goal setting, here are four steps to achieving your goals in every area of your life. Follow Along and Make Your Own Path Beyond the Rut Facebook Page Twitter Instagram Email [email protected]

God is continually inviting us to Himself and whether or not we realize it, we “make our excuses.” We say, “no thanks” all the time—graciously or not—and each time we do, we go further from God rather than closer. I refer to these “making excuses” as “hindrances to intimacy”. God may speak to you about some hindrance that is unique to you. You might want to pray—“ Lord, what is keeping me from being intimate with You?” We all give “reasons that keep us from being intimate with God—there are many. Here are some: pride self relationships fear complacency Jesus said, “Except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24) That sounds harsh unless you know the Gardener. The One who asks you to die to yourself is not only in control, but loves you intimately and there is no risk in that kind of dying. How does it work that living for ourselves is a hindrance to intimacy? Practically speaking—and we’ve all experienced it. The further we get from God—the less intimate we become—the easier it is to fake ourselves out so that we gradually come to believe that living for self is really best for ourselves. God needs to do some great intervention to wake us up out of our delusion—the real truth is clouded by temporary gratification of short term desires. I'd love to hear if any of these five resonate with you or if you have one to add to the list? Please add in comments on blog: WelcomeHeart.com _______ Getting ready for your next Christian women's event? Or do you know of a group I might serve? I'm booking now for 2023-24. I love retreats and conferences and offer 8 retreat series and 16 keynotes. View descriptions HERE.

While stirring spaghetti sauce one evening, Wren Robbins "heard" God say, "Wren, it's time to use your gifts to help other podcasters." She kept stirring the sauce. Spaghetti was served that night and four years later, Wren started her most recent podcast, Don't Wing It. She serves hundreds of Christian women who want to leverage their business and make their message from God heard for His glory and their good. Hear more of Wren's story in today's broadcast, A Legacy of Using Your God-Given Gifts To The Full. Wren believes: We need to be reminded that all good gifts are from God We need to surrender them fully to use them to the full We miss out when we don't—and so do those who need to hear our message We can ask ourselves 5 questions to determine if we need to begin podcasting or not (Hear that podcast HERE) A podcast strategist and business coach, Wren loves helping business owners launch their podcasts with strategies for business growth with creative and easy-to-follow coaching. Some important resources: 1. Don't Wing It Podcast: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself To Know If You Should Podcast: www.wrenrobbins.com/dontwingit/36 2. Link for Wren's Voxer Coaching: www.wrenrobbins.com/voxer Pass this on to someone you know who may need to start living our their God-given gifts to the full (and may need to begin a podcast!) Find Wren at WrenRobbinsCoaching @wrenrobbinscoach Is this your year to begin a podcast? Wren Robbins can help—gifted, approachable and oh so encouraging as you could tell in our conversation together.

Today is one of my favorite topics of all time: God's welcoming heart. It's why my website is called WelcomeHeart.com. I know most people use their names as in SueDonaldson.com and I know it's a good thing, but I've never wanted to switch. Everything began with God's welcome. My job is to respond, or in this case, RSVP. We'll talk about that a little bit but leave most of that for next time. Before there can be intimacy, there has to be a welcome and introduction into the relationship. We can call it that first encounter. I talk about 3 encounters that are in direct contrast to the welcome of God. Our Father never gives us the cold shoulder (like my friend’s mom did originally) there is never a chill in the air when we step into His presence, and, God doesn’t have to put on a good appearance or fake His love for us God doesn’t grumble all the way to the door He is not a reluctant Host, irritated by the interruptions of His children We don’t catch Him by surprise He never forgets we’re invited You might be wondering: How do we know that God does have a welcoming heart? And, how are we responding to His invitation? And don't forget this: Do we reflect God’s welcoming heart to those around us? That's one reason I'm passionate about doing hospitality. He invited first. We just pass along the invitation.

When asked what he means by "fresh faith", author, podcaster, and radio ministry missionary, Jon Fugler, tells the story of how as an former athlete, it was too easy to transfer his quest for performance from sports over into being the "right kind of Christian doing all the right things." He felt empty no matter how he tried. Fresh faith was the result of a realization that Jesus Himself needs to be our main focus and how easy it is to "over shoot" Jesus while at the same time, trying to serve Him. You will be blessed! Jon is giving away one of his books this week: 30 Days to Incredible Prayer. What a great way to start off the new year. Leave a comment to be entered. Jon and Noonie are parents of three adult children and enjoy nine grandchildren. He has been writing for Christian audiences for 40 years, sharing simple truths that have had a profound impact on the lives of believers. He has had an influential career spanning Christian broadcasting, publishing andmissions. God has given him a passion to take the gospel to the least reached and unengaged around the world. Jon is the author of nine books, including the devotional series, Your Life With God. He is the Founder of FRESH FAITH 24/7, where believers desperately seek Jesus. GET "FRESH BREAD"DELIVERED 3X A WEEK. A 60-second devotional read from Jon Fugler. YOU'LL ALSO RECEIVE THE "21-DAY FRESH FAITH EXPERIENCE"

"To live like a 'victory girl' is an ongoing process of choosing to obey God at every crossroad," says Amy Elaine Martinez, writer, speaker and former radio host. "I was about to make the worst mistake of my life," she goes on, "when I heard God's voice say, 'This is why I died for you—choose Me.'" And she did and it made all the difference. I love Amy Elaine's legacy of providing a gathering place at her table where friends and family simply show up as is—no rules, no prerequisites—just loved and welcomed. Author of Becoming a Victory Girl: Staking Your Claim in the Kingdom, Amy Elaine understands we are in process and that victory comes from getting to the end our ourselves. GIVEAWAY this week. Amy Elaine is giving away two copies of her book to one person: one to keep and one to share with a friend. Comment here or on social media to be entered. Today on Living a Legacy Life: If I couldn't do everything perfectly, I wouldn't do anything at all! I was good at knowing God, but not very good at loving God. I didn't have what it took to change my life. Asking questions is the most loving thing we can do. Amy Elaine Martinez is devoted to helping heart-shattered lives become whole again in Christ. She is a Victory Girl at heart who loves leading women to experience breakthrough and find freedom through an intimate relationship with Jesus. She's an Okie who loves pecan pie, fried okra, and exploring the plains off historic Route 66 where she lives in a tiny barn with the love of her life, David, and an Aussie named Maverick, who stole her heart after their two boys left to adventure out on their own. Amy Elaine's blog, A Broken Girl Made Whole, inspires women to walk in wholeness and live in victory through the transforming power of Holy Spirit. Becoming a Victory Girl: Staking Your Claim in The Kingdom is available on Amazon or by contacting Amy Elaine directly via email: [email protected] Connect with Amy Elaine on IG and FB at amyelainewrites or visit her website at amyelaine.com

At eight, I knew I needed Jesus. The Good News Club lady said I would miss out on heaven if I didn’t get saved. I didn’t want hell, and Jesus offered an escape plan. That’s about all I remember about that day besides the cookies and punch and the stain on the carpet as I peeked while praying the sinner’s prayer. It was our house. I knew where the spots were. I had probably made them. I knew I was a sinner. I needed Jesus at eight. I needed Jesus at eight, fifteen, twenty-four, thirty-five and at sixty-six (when this was first written) and now, of course, at 70; and all the years and months and moments in between. Neediness begets neediness, and as I surrender each day, I find it’s a glory-thing. God delights in our dependence. Francis Roberts wrote these words of God’s invitation: “Lay thyself upon My breast and lose thyself in Me." Through all these years, I’ve needed Jesus and he’s celebrated my coming. He’s intended from the beginning that I find my rest in him, at any age and every stage. Surrendering daily. It’s a glory-thing. Today is a testimony of small landmarks of faith when I've run to God rather than run away. And he's there waiting every single time. Maybe you have similar landmarks you can point to: "Yes, I saw God reaching out to me here. And here. Oh, and here most of all." It does a faith good to recall and remember how we've been led, even when we go the long way around. Do you have a life-verse? Here's mine, found "randomly" at 15: If you've met Jesus (at any age!) and want to review the basics, I made this for you: INVITED TO GOD’S TABLE: GROWING AS A NEW BELIEVER (MINI E- BOOK) ______ Conversation Starters can make the difference in getting better acquainted with others. When we ask questions and listen to the answers, we show God's love. Three different ways: Shop HERE

Mitzi Neeley is no stranger to leaving a Christ-centered legacy. She began her blog, Peacefully Imperfect, in 2014 and has gone on to write and create many publications that put Christ at the center of her life. She and her "Sweet Man" as she calls her husband, have been married 41 years and she just recently half-retired from working for the Texas Board of Education. All proceeds from her books and ministry go to help girls further their education beyond high school, a non-profit called Girls Aloud. Some Mitzi gems: I'm not a drama-girl. I don't waste anytime on that. I want people to see that no matter what, I'm relying on God. Give what you can in a spirit of giving. We got three gifts at Christmas to represent the three wise men--it was good practice to narrow things down! Today we cover what traditions to do this Christmas that: Reflect God's glory Help our families focus on Jesus Develop community, and Display Christ to non-believers Mitzi is giving away a copy of her brand new journal, Zizi's Kitchen. Comment on blog, fb or instagram to be entered! And Merry Christmas! Check out all of Mitzi's beautiful resources: ZiZi's Kitchen Magazine - https://amzn.to/3iwqV8I ZiZi's Kitchen Cookbook (hardcover) - https://amzn.to/3H3qpJE A Thankful Heart: 30 Days to the Grateful Life - https://amzn.to/3P0MIkX Dwell in the Psalms - https://amzn.to/3VGxV11 JOY for Everyday Life - https://amzn.to/3Fj1lg8 ZiZi's Kitchen is on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zizis_kitchen_mitzi/ Confetti Cheese Ball Recipe—don't you love the Christmas tortilla chips addition? Confetti Cheese Ball Serves: 10 to 12 Prep: 15 minutes Chill: 30 minutes/2 hours Ingredients: 2 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 1 package/jar of dried beef, chopped 4 green onions, chopped with stems included ¼ tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. Liquid Smoke ¼ tsp. Worcestershire sauce 2 handfuls corn/tortilla chips Crackers to serve Directions: In a medium bowl, combine together the cream cheese, beef, onions, garlic powder, Liquid Smoke, and Worcestershire sauce. Form in to a ball with your hands, put on a sheet of wax paper and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Crush corn/tortilla chips in a resealable bag. Place cheese ball in the bag of crushed chips and roll to coat or use your hands to help coat the cheese ball. Place cheese ball on a decorative or festive plate and serve with a variety of crackers. Zizi says: This delicious cheese ball is a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and we munch on it while finishing the main course for lunch. It’s super easy to make and put together. If I’m on a tight schedule I’ve been known to chill it in the freezer before rolling in the chip coating and then it can chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. It can be rolled in regular tortilla chips for everyday gatherings, but the red/green add so much color for the holiday season--hence the name confetti cheese ball.

Lisa awoke to her husband's ragged breathing. She called 911 and after the medics had driven Dan, age 46, to the hospital, she told her kids, "I'm coming back. Just pray." Lisa says, "I couldn't tell them that Daddy was going to be alright because I couldn't promise that. I could promise I would be back." Lisa, a mother of 7, became a young widow that day. From that experience, working through grief these last 10 years, Lisa wrote the book with the great title: Life Can Be Good Again and ministers to those who grieve in speaking, writing and conferences. Maybe you or someone you know needs to hear Lisa's story of hope and faith. Contact her at lisaappelo.com When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

Halee Wood is a coach, Bible Teacher, mentor and founder of RuntheRaceTogether.com. She knows the power, blessing and necessity of a living alongside others in strong, authentic community. Hear her story of healing today and how God uses her experiences to help others along the way. Having been brought up impoverished and abused, early on she decided on two things: 1. to never get too close to anyone and, 2. to never disappoint —until she could no longer live under that kind of pressure. Jesus set her free in her 20's, but not until much later in her story did she understand the value of walking through her pain and loss alongside godly mentors. Now she and her husband provide couple's counseling and as well as life and relationship coaching. Halee and her beau, Ron, have been married for 19 years, and, in addition to 2 children in heaven, they have 2 boys at home (9 and 15). Daily she strives to spread this truth - each of us are worthy of and designed for intimate relationship with God and with each other. As a Certified Life and Relationship Coach (CLC/CRC), mentor, Bible teacher, inspirational speaker, and writer, Halee, along with her husband (Licensed Professional Counselor), own and operate “Run the Race Together.” They work independently with clients and work together serving couples - a dream come true for each of them! Connect with Halee through her website (www.RunTheRaceTogether.com) or by email, [email protected] A few fun facts: I am a former Chemical Engineer turned Certified Life & Relationship Coach (CLC/CRC). (Weird, right? I worked more than 15 years in the oil industry) I also serve on the preaching team at Highland Park Christian Church in Tulsa, OK Besides Jesus and family, things I really enjoy are storytelling (a trait I inherited from my father), good belly-laughs, and going for long runs. I am quite a talker and was diagnosed with ADHD late in life... totally made sense to me (and most everyone around me)! I seriously love Jesus and can't believe He has somehow turned my brokenness (loss and trauma) into something beautiful and beneficial. Halle put together a free resource for you called: "Generational Togetherness"— Thank you so much for listening in as Sue Donaldson and I discussed "we vs me" as we run this race called "life"! This journey can be so challenging, so I'd like to share with you a 5-day devotional series called "Generational Togetherness" to encourage and inspire you with all the beauty that comes with inter-generational oneness and relationships. Halee can be found here: FB Page : @runtheracetogether FB Free, Private Group: The Simple Marriage Website: www.RunTheRaceTogether.com Yay! A recipe from Halee—perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast. Aunt Peggy’s Banana Bread 3 overly ripe bananas (smashed) 1 c Sugar 1- 1/3 c Flour 1 tsp Vanilla 1 tsp Baking Soda ¼ tsp Salt 2 eggs (beat lightly) ½ c Vegetable oil ½ c Walnuts (optional) Put all ingredients into a large bowl and stir until mixed well. Transfer to a bread pan, and bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean! Voilà!

Music changed Steve Moore's life, and began a long life of living a legacy life for God and by God. Steve is one of my favorites and will soon become one of yours as well. His legacy is wide-sweeping and God-centered and includes the wonderful gift of music, playing and making music. Steve says you are never too young or too old to begin playing a muscial intrument. Here's your opportunity to begin or to continue something you may have set aside due to "life" and others' needs. Trivia: the Japanese word kyotsugo = "universal language." He's offering three different winners a 20-minute zoom music lesson--leave comment to be entered! Steve's "music room"-- Steve says you are never too young or too old to begin playing a muscial intrument. Here's your opportunity to win. He's offering three different winners a 20-minute zoom music lesson--leave comment to be entered! Here we are at Disneyland, the happiest place on earth especially with my siblings and the Man-in-Plaid. Steve's bio: Steven Douglas Moore "Steve" (76), married 56 years (6/11/66) to Karen Lou (Colby) Moore (76) Three daughters, one son (in heaven) 11 grandchildren 5 great grandchildren Public School Teacher grades 4-8 (13 years) classroom (all subjects) and music and band teacher Christian School Teacher grade 4/5 (1 year) Church ministry: Youth Pastor, Children's pastor, Music Pastor, Associate Pastor, Senior Pastor (35 years) Private Music teacher (6 years) Instruments taught; guitar, ukulele, piano, harmonica, banjo, bass, saxophone Lessons offered now: $40 for 30 minute lesson Since retiring from full time pastorate I have served in the church as an assistant pastor and worship pastor (6 years, continuing now) We mention his "pep talk" he gives to all new students, as any age. Click here to read. Steve is offering three different winners a 20-minute zoom lesson in the instrument of your choice below--leave comment to be entered in drawing: Piano Guitar Ukulele 5 String Banjo Harmonica Music Theory (a concentrated tutorial to aid songwriting and leading) Steve currently has openings for regular music students on zoom or in person if you live in Arkansas! Email him for prices and times available: [email protected] He plays all sizes of harmonicas and writes poetry. THIS IS THE LIFE I HAVE LONGED FOR by Papa Steve 3/25/12 This is the life I have longed for For a long, a very long time: To teach little children my music While youthful and still in their prime. But I will take any for students Who’ll seek to discover this treasure, And follow me in my life’s motto: “No fear – lots of fun – for HIS pleasure!” Strumming and humming and singing My songs and tunes and rhymes. The worst I can say about it Is that this is my best of times! I’ve worked hard all of my life As a teacher and preacher and friend; But what I did in the beginning Is how I now want it to end: To make my own kind of music, Teaching others to make their own, too. Since Jesus blest me with this favor, I’ll pass on the favor to you. This is the life I have longed for Since my earliest mem’ries and days: To revel in music – then share it, And send up to heaven my praise! He is a hootenanny and a half!

I love the holidays and I love family. And mostly, I love them at the same time! These 5 tips help me not only survive hosting family at the holidays, but actually enjoy it. As believers, we have God as our greatest peace and resource for joy. He's in our details and sometimes we need to do some planning to make things run more smoothly so that we can focus on what matters: Jesus and our people. Life is easier if I my “To-Do” list is shortened by half on the same day Uncle Tom, Dick and Harry arrive at the door needing coffee and a muffin. You may not need a “hosting planner” but you do need a planning system, if only using paper and a pencil with an eraser. A practical way to create gracious boundaries is to limit the number of traditions. The most important part of preparations is preparing my heart. Asking questions and listening to the answers may not be what you think of when preparing to host family, but it can be our biggest act of love and service. As much as I want to be all things to all people, I’m wise to know my limits and, when necessary, let others know. Here are 5 tips we will cover in today's podcast: MAKE A PLAN MAKE BOUNDARIES MAKE PREPARATIONS MAKE IT FUN MAKE IT MEANINGFUL God is concerned with what concerns you. He’s in the details and will help us all along the way. Commit your work to the Lord,and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3 It's not too late to make your own Pilgrim Scavenger Hunt. This will help. Conversation Starters on SHOP

Today, the darling and wise, Laura Padgett, an award-winning author, dancer, and fairly new podcaster—she began her podcast, Livin' What You're Givin' on her 70th birthday—speaks of the gifts of age, the necessity of inclusion, and enduring-through-dance her life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Laura looks out for those who may be new to the church, inviting those to the choir who may not know they were "allowed to sing." Her mission is to show and tell the world that aging isn't a disease; rather, we look for more and maybe different ways to serve our Saviour with the varying gifts each season and stage we meet along the way. Some Laura gems: Jesus plus nothing; there is no Jesus, plus. I start each day with, "Wow! Thank You!" Start looking at what you have instead of what's been taken. I'm not going to put other people's stuff on my credit card. Art lives in the heart, not the hands and feet. (That's why anyone can dance!) Laura wrote a book about her mentor entitles, Delores, Like a River and she's giving a copy away this week. Leave a comment below or on instagram to be entered. About her book: The story of an extraordinary relationship between two women who would have been unlikely companions if not for the plans of the Almighty in bringing them together. As you follow the narrative of their thirty-five-year relationship, it may change the way you see beauty and purpose in aging. And it may convince you of or reinforce your belief in the God who spares no effort when reaching out to the broken and lost. Laura is Italian and I love it that she shares a part of her kitchen heritage with Papa Cavalla's Recipe for Spaghetti Sauce: This is a recipe my father, Albert Carvallo, (Papa) learned from his Sicilian mother. He was first generation Italian and the only one of ten children born on American soil. This like many other recipes brought from Italy, was handed down to his daughters in his distinctive way of teaching the culinary secrets of our homeland. Please know the exact measurements are not known but for the purposes of this offering, I have tried to be as accurate as possible. Mostly we just always knew that the recipe was right by the taste. Ingredients 2 large cans (28 oz) whole tomatoes in juice 2 large cans (15 oz) of tomato sauce 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste 4 large pork spare ribs, lean ½ pound ground mild Italian sausage 2 teaspoons each dried oregano and dried basil 5 cloves garlic In large sauce pan, in 1 inch of water and 3 cloves of garlic, chopped but not diced into small pieces, braise the pork ribs until done over low heat. Remove to cutting board and let cool. You may need to keep adding water so the ribs do not stick and the garlic does not burn. While pork is cooking place the tomatoes with juice, sauce and paste into a large bowl and mash together with a potato masher and 1 teaspoon each basil and oregano. You can used canned crushed tomatoes but they usually do not have as much juice. Once pork is cool, cut it off the bone into bite size pieces and return to pan having removed any excess water from the pan. Add the tomato mixture and bring to a simmer. Allow mixture to simmer on medium to low heat covered for three hours. Turn off heat but keep covered and leave on stove top for one hour. Braise Italian sausage in same manner as ribs, drain and cool. Put into the tomato mixture and cook for another three hours. Add remaining chopped garlic and spices. Return mixture to slow simmer for another three hours. Turn off heat, let cool on stove and either serve over pasta of choice or refrigerate for use the next day over pasta of choice. *Note: You may want to had a bit more seasoning prior to refrigeration or ½ hour prior to serving, while sauce is still simmering. Also, this recipe can be used with chicken if pork is not a meat that is desired. Follow all other directions as listed above. ________ When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

We don't all have to remodel our dining rooms just because we host 60 people every Monday night for dinner, but that's exactly what Tim and Allie Cleath set out to do when the guest list got bigger and bigger. Hear their story today of "radical hospitality." Try out Allie's biscuit recipe and invite someone over. I love Allie Cleath's and her gracious giving heart for others. I reminded her recently of the time she handed me a pot roast in a plastic bag. “See?” she said, “I don’t do fancy. I just cook and give because of all God’s given me.” I was grateful that night so many years ago, and many are grateful every Monday night. If you’re ever in San Luis Obispo, give me a call and we’ll head on over to the Cleath’s. We may need to wash dishes or fold up some chairs, but we’ll be blessed with radical hospitality for the glory of God Allie’s Homemade Biscuits Stir together: 2 cups flour ½ t. salt ¼ t. baking soda 2 ½ t. baking powder Mix in with a fork: 1/4 c. shortening Add: 3/4 c. buttermilk Stir then knead 10 – 12 times on floured surface. Roll out to ½ inch thickness. Cut with biscuit cutter. Bake 450 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until puffed and golden. _______ Free eBook What’s your #1 tip for making the holidays less stressful? How do you practice self-care during the holidays? How do you get your family members & other helping hands more involved in holiday preparations? What’s your #1 tip for saving money during the holidays (whether on gifts, food, decorations, or other things)? Free eBook for Happier Holidays (:

Mom of five, writer, speaker, spiritual director, Anjuli Pasquall, knew how it felt to always be running after a more-and a later-on and someday-I'll-catch-up kind of life and she knew it wasn't how God wanted life to be— for her, for anyone. She began a quest to find out what it meant to live fully awake—to God's presence, to love, to connection. And she wrote a gem of a book about it. Leave a comment here or on social media to be entered to win your own copy of AWAKE: Paying Attention to What Mattters Most in a World That's Pulling You Apart "From a young age, I trusted God. I knew He loved me in my head, but there was a disconnect because I didn’t believe He loved me in my heart. I knew a lot of the right answers, but deep down I was a disaster." -Anjuli Learn more about Anjuli HERE, and her soul-care course HERE. We chat about her fabulous "club" that supports moms who need more than the average support. Check it out: "I founded “The Moms We Love Club.” It is a social media campaign. We raise money and prayers for moms enduring long term hardship. Over the past two years we’ve raised over $200, 000 just by posting a picture. Join the club!" Follow Anjuli on instagram @lovealways.anjuli

I taught high school with the wonderful and exuberant pastor, teacher Cal Samuels back in the day, and today he continues to teach, disciple and pour into young people with his whole heart and soul. A fellow Marine who had been saved a whole 5 days took it upon himself to read the verse, John 3:16 to Cal after a night on the town, and at that moment he believed and began a life steeped into and led by the Word of God. His legacy is one we all want to live. Enjoy my friend, Cal, who daily desires to imitate his Master, Jesus Christ in the 3 C's and teach, show and "let them go", growing deeper in faith and strength. Cal, in his own words: l was born in Fredericksburg, VA, the youngest of four kids. Growing up in a small town was absolutely wonderful. I spent four years in the Marines right after high school and became a Christian in the Marines while stationed in Japan in 1970. After getting out of the Marines in 1971, I stayed in California to work with The Navigators in a lay capacity doing military and collegiate ministries. I married Pam while I was still in college, and later earned a Bachelors in English from Cal State Fullerton. After graduation I taught at Whittier Christian High School for three years. We moved to San Diego and I taught three years at Christian High in El Cajon. Pam also was a teacher in the public schools.I left teaching and went to work in the corporate world as a training administrator and Human Resources manager.When I was 45 the Lord called me into ministry, so I stopped working and went to seminary to earn a Master of Divinity degree. I pastored in San Diego and later relocated to Temecula to pastor Filipino-American churches. I retired and served at our church doing discipleship and men's ministry for five years. I had some friends who taught at Linfield Chritian High School and they encouraged me to do substitute teaching.I started subbing in September 2018, and after two weeks one of the Bible teachers suddenly moved to Texas. The school offered me the position, and I am finishing up my fourth year there. Linfield has been thrilling! Pam and I have been married 46 years. We have three sons and three grandchildren. Our youngest son went to be with the Lord two years ago. You can follow Cal on Facebook where he continues to teach and disciple through posts and commentary. His heart's desire on a daily basis is to commit himself to the words in Isaiah 58:10 and 11— AND IF YOU OFFER YOURSELF TO THE HUNGRY AND SATISFY THE NEED OF THE AFFLICTED, THEN YOUR LIGHT WILL RISE IN DARKNESS, AND YOUR GLOOM WILL BECOME LIKE MIDDAY. AND THE LORD WILL CONTINUALLY GUIDE YOU, AND SATISFY YOUR DESIRE IN SCORCHED PLACES, AND GIVE STRENGTH TO YOUR BONES; AND YOU WILL BE LIKE A WATERED GARDEN, AND LIKE A SPRING OF WATER WHOSE WATERS DO NOT FAIL. Isaiah 58:10,11 __________ When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

Writer, thinker, self-named "chronic doubter", Lore Wilbert talks today about how asking questions are not only welcomed by God, but often essential to our journey of faith. Whether you are a staunch believer, never doubting, or more in a messy faith situation right now, you will find comfort, grace—even some answers to your questions—in our podcast conversation today. Lore Ferguson Wilbert is a writer, thinker, learner, and author of the book, Handle With Care. She writes for She Reads Truth, Christianity Today, and more, as well as her own site, Sayable.net,as well as at LoreWilbert.com. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @lorewilbert. She lives in New York and has a husband named Nate, a puppy named Harper Nelle, and too many books to read in one lifetime. Her wonderful new book is A CURIOUS FAITH: The Questions God Asks, We Ask, and We Wish Someone Would Ask Us. I love her latest book, A CURIOUS FAITH: The Questions God Asks, We Ask, and We Wish Someone Would Ask Us. I thought I'd get this book for some friends, but the more I read it, I knew it was meant for me. Funny how the Lord does that. (My friends will still get a copy and you should, too.) Lore says this about herself: My life is small and simple. Grace is the marked measure of all things in me. God is the ultimate Creator and He’s crafted all things for His glory and my good. I learn this, albeit slowly at times. I am a Christian for whom doubt has been a near constant thread. I am not funny or vivacious or the life of the party. I am the one who hangs out on the margins, the one who sounds slightly, maybe impressive until you meet me, the one people don’t recognize when they see me. And it has taken me nearly 40 years to finally be okay with that. I have lived in ten states. Nowhere is quite home. The writer of Hebrews quotes the Lord as saying, “They’ll never get where they’re going, never able to sit down and rest.” A favorite author, Wendell Berry, says in one poem, “We must arrive at the ground beneath our feet,” and in another, “at peace, and in place.” I have done neither, not completely. I am perpetually homesick and I wonder if God did that to me on purpose, so I would never feel too much at home on this earth. Some gems from Lore: The Gospel is much more accessible and simple than we could ever imagine, and much more complex and majestic than we could ever imagine. One of the most difficult parts of faith is getting honest about what we really want from God. God is not interested in followers with all the right answers or even the right questions. He wants us to ask the quesitons, whatever we want, to lead us right to the locus of his love. The Bible is a permission slip from God to ask questions. Living my questions led me to more surety and stability. You will love hearing Lore's legacy. Enjoy and if you have questions? I'd love to hear them: [email protected]

Becky Keife, wife and mom of 3 boys, talks today of her parenting struggles that led to writing her first book: No Better Mom for the Job: Parenting with Confidence, as well as her encouragement to people in all seasons of life that we have a God-given purpose: to display God's loving kindness whenever we get the opportunity. She speaks candidly of her own struggle with anxiety and depression, claiming that admitting and naming our struggles is the first step in coping and healing. We're thrilled to be offering two giveaways this week—so be sure to comment here or on Instagram to be entered. Becky's latest books: The Simple Difference: How Every Small Kindness Makes a Big Difference and her companion Bible Study: Courageous Kindness: Live the Simple Difference Right Where You Are. Author, speaker, Becky Keife is the Community Manager for DaySpring’s (in)courage, a widely followed online community where authentic women link arms to build community, celebrate diversity, and live courageously for Jesus. Know a mom who needs encouragment? Becky wants you to have the first two chapters of her new book, The Simple Difference: How Every Small Kindness Makes a Big Impact for FREE. Download it here: bethesimpledifference.com. ______ When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

Jen Pollock Michele's legacy is about faith and the object of her faith; to stay close enough to Jesus— connected as a matter of habit—so that she knows His voice and obeys what she hears. Michele writes on faith in all her books and articles and the one we talk about today, A Habit of Faith--40 Days in the Bible to Find and Follow Jesus—is written for skeptics, seekers as well as old-timers like myself. She's offering a copy as a giveaway all week-long, so be sure to leave a comment to be entered by Sunday night. It's a Bible-reading experience for the convinced and the curious, in other words, everybody will benefit. I LOVED THIS BOOK! And, see where you can begin this habit journey on her website: A 5-Day Jumpstart to Your Habit Called Faith. About Jen in her own words: I’ve loved stories since childhood: the intrigue of my dad’s boyhood adventures with his dog, Chief; the friendship of books when I was—yet again—the new kid in town. I followed stories into university, then graduate school where I studied literature. After I became a mom, I passed years with my children, crowded around picture books and reading good stories. As a Christian, it’s always been the stories of Scripture that have interested me most. In the Bible, we come to discover that the events of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the climax of God’s story. Though many turn to the Bible exclusively for instructions about what to believe and how to behave, I’ve come to think that it offers us something even more expansive and beautiful and imaginative. Jen the author of four books: A Habit Called Faith, Surprised by Paradox (winner of Christianity Today’s 2020 Award of Merit for Beautiful Orthodoxy), Keeping Place, and Teach Us to Want (winner of Christianity Today’s 2015 Book of the Year). She's currently living in Ohio with her husband and their five children. Some gems to contemplate while you figure out if today you'll begin your 40 days of reading, listening, talking to the God who is in pursuit of you: If sin has to do with habits of autonomy, faith has to do with habits of dependence. When meeting with God, have a plan so you don't need to "start again" each time you meet. At God's initiative, he has made his home in us, and invites us to make our home in and with him. Jen's new book releases Decemeber in time for Christmas! But you can pre-order now: In Good Time: 8 Habits for Reimagining Productivity, Resisting Hurry, and Practicing Peace Whether we're trying to find time, save it, manage it, or make the most of it, one word defines our relationship with the clock: anxiety. Yet is productivity really the only grid for the good life? Have you ever imagined a life without hurry, relentless work, multitasking, or scarcity? A life that is characterized instead by presence, attention, rest, rootedness, fruitfulness, and generosity? This is the kind of life we are meant for, says Jen Pollock Michel. But if we want to experience freedom from time anxiety, we have to reimagine our relationship with time itself. In the pages of In Good Time, she invites you to disentangle your priorities from our modern assumptions and instead ground them in God's time. Then she shows you how to establish 8 life-giving habits that will release you from the false religion of productivity so you can develop a grounded, healthy, life-giving relationship with the clock. _____ When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

Jolene Underwood, MA, is a trauma and abuse informed mental health counselor as well as a spiritual and emotional growth coach. She believes a cultivated life is one that experiences more of God and more of the life we've been given by God. Jolene helps individuals cultivate the courage, character, and connection they need to live as the person they're designed to be. She's offering a one-page printable to all our listeners today to help us dig deeper into Scripture in a unique way. To download, click here: "Cultivate Connection with God." Jolene's personal journey towards emotional health, and training in Christian counseling, inform the practical support she provides for spiritual growth and emotional healing. Her tool, Unleash : Heart and Soul Care Sheets, has helped hundreds experience greater freedom and grow closer to God. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her enjoying the journey by laughing with loved ones or adding to her collection of vintage glassware with a 70s flair (see part of her collection on YouTube!) Want more? Consider Unleash: Heart & Soul Care Sheets for a deeper connection by processing life’s challenges with God and learning to hear His voice in your life. A great gift for yourself and for a friend. Connect with her online via YouTube/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest at @theJoleneU or via the Cultivated Life Newsletter. _________ When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

Today we celebrate Ep 150 by turning our hearts and minds to our great Savior, Lord and King with "31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers." They are brief—brief holds my attention—I don't think it's my age, but it could be. And anytime I attend to my relationship with God, He pays attention. God is so very good. He created us to relate with us, and praying is a great way to keep our relationship fresh and strong even when we don't feel fresh or strong. If you'd like a prayer to drop in your inbox every day for 31 days, sign up here. My relationship with God isn’t complicated. He makes things simple: “Love Me, Sue. That’s it. And, your neighbor. That’s all.” He’s clear, even gentle, as He bids me follow and obey. I’m the one who makes it complicated. Hear "31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers" on today's podcast episode. These simple prayers will help you love God more and your neighbors well. Some excerpts: Father, I’m always trying to figure out what’s next. This constant striving to know what’s around the corner shows I have trust issues. With You. Lord, when I’m about to say something that isn’t really a good idea, please (please) keep these lips closed. Use duct tape, if necessary. Dear Father, is it wrong to pray for something I want, but may not need? Like, a housekeeper? Father, it’s totally beyond me how this problem I’m facing is going to get sorted out. I’ve run out of ideas. I’m pretty smart, but You’re wise. And, Your ideas are much bigger than mine. Why does that continue to surprise me? When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. That's why I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated. Prayer Journal available in SHOP. If interested in viewing the prayer journal that includes all 31 prayers, view in SHOP.

Author, speaker, co-founder of HopeWriters.com, entrepreneur and marketing mentor, Brian Dixon speaks today on how he is living out his legacy, for his three kids and the next generation. As Brian says, “We are only stewards of our message, not owners.” I want to be a good steward of all God’s given me. Brian helps me figure out what that looks like. Get a pen. You’ll want to take notes. As a coach, author and marketing mentor, Brian's biggest message is that God has called us to live boldly, adhere to Scripture, know God and make Him known—and not in a shy way. Check out his book, Start With Your People: The Daily Decision That Changes Everything. Read more about Brian's journey and how he could serve you and your business well at briandixon.com. Brian offers a free 15-minute coaching call. Sign up on his website. Get a pen. Take notes. Some gems: What's simple to you is magic to others. When people pay, they pay attention. I want to be called a son of encouragement and live boldly bathed in God's Word. How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there: OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here! Need to increase your gathering skills? Try out one of my 25 Theme Gathering Ideas. Use one or several or use the list to launch your own creative spin. The point is people. Ask God. He knows and loves and cares.

When we wake up each morning, do we actually think that what we do can change to world in some way? Most of us are grateful to change the sheets on a regular basis, clean the coffee pot with vinegar a few times a year, and water the plants when they show signs of an early death. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we are not only called to an eternal purpose, to love God and our neighbor, we also get the privilege of partnering with the Son of God to change lives—one life, perhaps—all for His glory and our good and theirs. Does that sound too hard? Too overwhelming? Too exhausting? It can to me, until I remember how Jesus spoke to many individuals, not only crowds of 5,000 and more. And He met needs one-on-one, as well as breaking bread and fish for hungry men and women and their kids on a mountain more than once. I've learned that inviting one person for a cup of coffee can change their world, one which seems frightening, one where they feel isolated when faced with difficulty, divorce, and desperate circumstances. God loves people, and He wants to use our tables and teapots to show people that He does. Your cup—coffee or tea, soup or water—can be an introduction to God that they've been looking for their whole lives. As my new sweatshirt reads, "My real home is heaven. I'm just here recruiting." (I don't usually wear that on a first time meet-up.) Here are three stories of how God changed lives through a simple invitation. Maybe you've been the recipient of an invitation that changed your life. I'd love to hear about it. I'd also like to hear if you invite someone over and would like me to pray alongside. Email me: [email protected]. We're partners, after all. ________

Chris Martin wrote a book on social media, not to scare us—okay, scare us a little—but to make us ask this question: "Do we use social media or are we being used by it?" His book, Terms of Service: The Real Cost of Social Media out in February asks this question and many more that we need to ask and answer. Chris, husband and father of a two-year-old Magnolia, formally with Lifeway marketing, now works as content editor of Moody Publishing. He wrote Terms of Service to educate us as to how we can continue to use it for good without begin trapped in its manipulative clutches, while enjoying the benefits of something in our culture that is not going away. His legacy is delightful--listen to the end. You will be encouraged, I guarantee. Am I finding my worth in the number of my Facebook likes? The more Facebook flourishes as a force in social media, the less that people flourish. Will we allow Social Media more power than it deserves—like allowing it to define our worth, something that has been settled by God and His pursuit of us? Will we use Social Media for good instead of it using us? Chris mentions a great resource--ask your questions about faith here: BibletoLife.com You may not have a question, but a friend or family member does so pass it along! Find Chris Martin here: Book Newsletter Twitter Chris Martin is a content marketing editor at Moody Publishers and a social media, marketing, and communications consultant. He writes regularly in his newsletter, Terms of Service and is the author of his new book, Terms of Service, published by B&H Publishing. How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Download app: Welcome Heart Legacy or Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there: OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

With our backs up against the doorframe, our shoulders arched, we stood tall while Dad placed a ruler across the top of our heads, scraped the pencil back and forth, and added the date. “Look at that,” he’d say, “You are officially taller than your sister (or brother or mom.) Clapping each other on the back, we congratulated ourselves for something we had nothing to do with, and asked for another piece of cake. “Who’s tallest?” had more to do with DNA than if we took our vitamins (or ate more cake.) Growing happened to us, not because of us. Pencil marks and dates faded with time and new paint. No longer did we measure. No longer did it matter. What does matter is my spiritual growth. It’s a goal worth pursuing. God invites me to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1). He had maturity in mind when He created us. God loves us as we are, but too much to let us stay there. Can a ‘worthy’ life be measured with a pencil and a list? Not really. Some days the mark on the wall shows one thing but my life shows another. I wish all it took was a list. I know how to check things off. But I get discouraged when the same things end up back on the list I still like to make lists but this is a different kind of list—a short list of three things to keep me on track for growth. I don’t mind that I never get to cross them off til Glory. I don’t expect to reach a plateau and think: “I am now all grown up.” But keeping these three things in mind keeps me on the right track: KEEP SHORT ACCOUNTS KEEP A LONG MEMORY KEEP A QUIET HABIT Hear more on the podcast on how to keep on a spiritual growth track. I refer to the God is Faithful party where we remember how God's been faithful in the past. Click HERE to get a list of all 25 Theme Gathering Ideas _____ How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there: OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

Amy is a speaker and writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries, the author of Exhale and Breaking Up with Perfect, and co-host of the Grit ‘n’ Grace podcast. She also serves other women who are called to speak through Next Step Coaching Services. She's been married to Barry for over 30 years and they have two grown sons and one daughter-in-love. She wrote her first book out of a deep conviction that her perfectionism was ruining her relationships and God needed to do a work in her heart and the book did that for her. Perfectionism is a sin and a burden, and Amy is incredibly grateful for God's great love that covers all our sin and gently invites us to grow more like His son, Jesus. Follow and find Amy's resources at amycarroll.org. Amy's latest book is about one my favorite Bible characters, Esther: Esther: Seeing Our Invisible God in an Uncertain World What do you do when God seems to have vanished? When you have a decision to make, when your stability is shaken, when your sure-fire plan fails—when everything is spinning out of control… Esther is the perfect partner for seeing our invisible God in uncertainty. This six-week, in-depth study of the book of Esther is a gritty dive into a woman’s story that teaches us to: Listen to wise people who fill our gaps of understanding Embrace your feelings as a catalyst for God-directed action. Do the work God assigns you even when in doubt. Speak up with confidence, knowing that God has a place for your voice in His story. This study guide includes biblical and historical background insights, Bible study, practical application, and questions for reflection. ______________ How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there: OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

Today we talk loneliness vs solitude—a topic as painful as it is shameful. No one wants to admit (out loud) they may have difficulty making friends, keeping friends, feeling loved with a full dance card every Friday and Saturday night, and lunch date on Wednesday. As one of the most extroverted people I know, I have still found myself lonely at times. I don’t like it. It’s a killing feeling. It’s different than solitude because it’s not by choice. And it sucks the joy out of life. Look what Paul Tillich wrote: "Language has created the word 'loneliness' to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word 'solitude' to express the glory of being alone." We all need some solitude, some of you more than others. That’s the good, the positive part about being alone. We need solitude so we can make our lists, to evaluate our accomplishments, to pray for our families, to read a good book, to get re-energized, to be still know that God loves us and to remember that God is in control. Yes, we do. Jesus modeled that for us: stealing away from the crowds and even from his 12 best friends to be alone with His Father. But solitude is not the same kind of aloneness as loneliness. Loneliness is negative, solitude is necessary. Loneliness can hit you in a crowded courtyard after church or surrounded by family or in a marriage, even a good marriage. Listen today to hear what we can do when feeling isolated and alone. _________ When I host, it can be categorized as sanctified self-serving since sometimes I need company as much as the guests need to be my company. If you're wondering how to get started, here are 25 Theme Gathering Ideas to get your creative juices running. Email me if you have any questions. I believe I've done them all.

Speaker, author, social media expert, Tonya Kubo, joins me today to talk about how we can choose to heal, get help and do life differently from how we're raised. Although Tonya's story may be different than ours—her mom was a hoarder til the day she died—we all have a past filled with mistakes, ours and others', and we all can choose to accept God's lavish grace to help us move forward, and do things differently for the kingdom and for our families. Tonya's business is marketing and social media, but it all comes down to connection. She says, "People are just people and human connection never goes out of style." She asks this great question in re: to how toxic social media can be: "How are to going to bring light to social media if you leave? You can't change things if you exit the conversation." Tonya would love to share her "Family Blueprint" with you HERE. Learn how she and Brian have outlined what they want their family to be and how they use it as a guide to help them flourish as a couple as well as parents to their two young girls. You can connect with Tonya on all the socials. Join her free facebook group: The Secret to Thriving Facebook Communities To learn more about her services, go to tonyakubo.com. ________ When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

Lisa Lewis talks today about the need for growth and transformation and how using the Enneagram as a tool to help us change into a better likeness of Jesus. As the founder of Let Go, Lean In Podcast where Lisa focuses on women in leadership, she explains how knowing how God has wired us can help us get "un-stuck", get out from the comparison monster, and lean on Him to help us serve the many needs around us. We talk about what makes the Enneagram unique as a personality tool, how we can bless others by knowing ourselves better, and why that can be a great part of our legacy. Lisa was one of my early guests on Living a Legacy and, you can listen to our first conversations here where she describes the legacy she is currently living: Ep 24 "A Legacy of Connection and Ignoring the Naysayers in Your Head" You may want to take advantage of a free first coaching opportunity, check it out here. Lisa says: I’ve worked as a coach for 8 years. Prior to coaching I was an educator for 25 years. I’m also a wife, mom of two and now Mimi to three darling grand-littles I am an Enneagram 7 who loves learning about people and experiences fun in the outdoors; hiking, biking, and gardening are my three favorites. I’m also an avid reader and known to take a book outdoors, too. I’m committed to my own learning & transformation Transformation takes investment of time and resources. You are worth it. You can find Lisa and her resources here: Letgoleaninpodcast https://lisalewiscoaching.com @lisa_lewis_coaching ___________ When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

I first heard Cynthia Heald speak over 30 years ago and she made a difference in my relationship with God then and still and again, every time I go through one of her Bible Studies. She's wise, humble, and biblical and knows what it means to be "in process"—that's why she entitled her first book: "Becoming a Woman of Excellence" and went on to write many more in that series, "Becoming a Woman of Freedom...Prayer...Faith, and Whose God is Enough." We continue to "become" all who God wants us to be while earnestly seeking to stay connected to Him. Cynthia is still speaking to women today, and she wants to be known as a woman who loves God, loves His Word and keeps her hand in His. You can find Cynthia at: cynthiaheald.com Her books are listed here and here. Cynthia shares what she prayed at age 40, and how God showed her in the night that He was stretching our His hand for her to hold, and that has made all the difference. A life continuing to be well-lived, Cynthia continues to mentor and speak so that we can all become women of excellence. She's holding a giveaway this week - comment to be entered to win a copy of her first book, Becoming a Woman of Excellence! ____________ Do you ever feel like hospitality could be more than just food and fellowship? It can be, it's meant to be. Investing in people and the Word is an eternal investment. Doing hospitality is living a legacy life. These ideas can help get you started. Sign up here to receive: "25 Theme Gatherings: Parties With a Purpose!" How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there: OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

At 18, Ruthie Kim took a risk: she left her quiet village in the UK for the noisy city of San Francisco because she heard God tell her to go show His love to people on the streets. She admits now she had a ton to learn and one thing she learned from personal experience is this: when we take a risk and step out of our comfort zone, that's when we unlock our God-given potential. She now teaches and coaches others to do the same. She doesn't want to leave anything on the table; to not live out all that God's given her to serve alongside of Him for His kingdom I love that kind of surrender. I want to do the same: "Lord, show me what I'm missing. All great gifts are from You. I want to open them all, even the risky ones. Amen." WRITER / SPEAKER/ COACH / FOUNDER BECAUSE JUSTICE MATTERS Ruthie Kim is an executive coach, an ordained minister, and a member of the teaching team at Reality SF church. She is a prophetically gifted and sought-after speaker and a relentless advocate for women and girls. Having grown up in the UK, Ruthie traded in the English countryside for the inner city of San Francisco, where she founded Because Justice Matters, an organization building pathways to brighter futures for women and girls in urban communities. Ruthie’s passion for unlocking potential led her into the world of executive coaching, where she now specializes in working with influential leaders at key moments of transition. Ruthie loves taking her rescue pup Callie for walks on the beach and hunting for travel deals to satisfy her desire to explore and experience new places. Ruthie’s life and work are greatly inspired and enriched by being a wife to Brian and mom to two boys. Click here for information on GOLDEN, Ruthie's women's retreat in Maui in September, 2022. Register by July 4 for lower priced tickets. Ruthie is offering her pdf of "Living in Pursuit of God: 20 Practices from 20 Years" for every listener. Click here for your copy. ____________ One way to love people is through food. You may not love cooking. This is for you: My Favorite Relaxing Recipes They are simple. I only do simple. Enjoy and let me know if you make them. I like to say, Make some, Eat some, Serve some, Freeze some I also like to say, Brownies are my love language. How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there: OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

Whatever the size and shape of my home, I want it to reflect Christ’s light and offer His peace. That can happen with dishes in the sink and laundry on the sofa. If Jesus walked in my home today, I may caution, “Lord, mind Your step. I haven’t vacuumed recently.” I hope I could add, “Jesus, come this way—see this treasure? You gave it to me. Peace, love, joy, contentment, all from and for You. All because you built my extraordinary home.” Do you have a verse for your home? This one is a good one. “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches” Proverbs 24:3 and 4. I miss out on God’s rare treasures of joy and delight, peace and daily wonders because of my clutter of: self-pity over-indulgence self-righteousness entitlement laziness too many jobs and ministries, and bouts of unhealthy introspection, better known as navel-gazing I need time alone with my Master-Builder and Home-Designer on a daily basis—(so much better than Marie Kondo)—to help me clear the surfaces, repent again and again, and recover the joy and peace that comes with regular deep-cleaning. ________________ Do you need a Women's Event Speaker? Here's my information. Please pass it along and we will see what God does. Here you go.

Teacher, coach, podcaster and founder of Leading Better Together, Annie Perdue-Olson's mission is to help leaders get along. Sound simple? I don't think so. In fact, I think anyone could benefit from coaching from Annie Perdue-Olson—moms and dads, included. A fancy explanation is this: to equip ministry leaders to confidently address teh complex people dynamics that trip them up. Face it: when we get tripped up, it's usually because of people. Not everyone will admit that they are part of the problem. Annie comes from a place of compassion, intelligence and grace as she moves a tangled web of disagreements and conflict out into a place of freedom where groups and individuals use their God-given strengths to enlarge rather than diminish. Based on her own experiences, she's felt God's calling to be the best friend she can be—to those closest to her as well as anyone she meets. She's offering a free 27 minute clarification-call to see if she can be of service to you and your ministry. Sign up here: https://www.leadingbettertogether.com/about _____________ Not everyone has close friends nor family but when we do get together with those we love or want to love better, I find it helps to ask questions. Listening is a great part of hospitality. Summer is here and that means family reunions - sometimes with family you don't see often or know well. A little gift for you this month: Six questions you can ask to make your gathering the best ever! ______________ How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there: OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

Amy's been scared most her life. Her brother died suddenly, and she and her husband lost their firstborn at four months. She lived in the land of anxious "what-if's" even as a believer and didn't even realize it until one day she discovered she didn't have to live that way, trapped in fear and anxiety. Hear Amy's story and learn what it takes to live boldly, taking God at His word. Amy and her daughter, Blair, co-authored the book Em.bol.den. 1. To give someone courage or confidence to do something or behave in a certain way And she's giving away a copy this week... Leave comment on blog or Insta to be entered in giveaway @suemooredonaldson Amy Debrucque is a wife, mom of four, cancer survivor, and co-author of Embolden. She is the founder of the Life On Purpose Movement and host of the Life On Purpose Podcast where she encourages women to live on purpose instead of fear. Amy loves entertaining with family and friends. A self-proclaimed "beach junkie", health nut, and chocolate lover, she loves cooking, baking, attending her kids sporting events and getting in weekly HIIT workouts with her friend Alice. Website https://www.amydebrucque.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amydebrucque/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/surrenderyourfear Em.bol.den by Amy and Blair Debrucque https://www.amazon.com/em-bold-en-Amy-Blair-Debrucque/dp/1735632821/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Amy+debrucque&qid=1634603665&sr=8-1 Embolden Press Kit (includes sample questions if you need them) Life on Purpose podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-on-purpose-podcast-with-amy-debrucque/id1498212623

I haven't learned all there is to know. But I do know a few things. At least 70. Some are serious, some are funny, some are seriously funny. But what counts is that I've attempted to live a life that counts, and God promises favor, purpose, guidance, and tons of mercy and grace. And, wisdom, when we ask. The most important thing I've learned goes back to early Sunday School: Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Paul thought that pretty important too, as he prayed that he and his friends could understand just how great God's love is. So I pray the same, for me and for those I love. You can never go wrong with the Word or one of Paul's prayers. That's not on my 70 Things list. I may need to begin a list for the next decade. Pray along with Paul and me—we'll be pals in heaven—you too, I hope: And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:17-19)NIV. If you need the whole list, to read or print, here's a pretty version. Oh, dear. I think I forgot this one, too. Must be age.

Michaela O'Donnell joins me today to talk about our work, our vocation, our calling - does it matter? And, do you feel like it doesn't and what to do about it? She wrote a book about it and will be giving away two copies. Comment below to be entered in the giveaway. Michaela tells her story of wanting to live seamlessly—integrating work, home and faith—and provides a guide of how to do so in her book, Make Work Matter: Your Guide to Meaningful Work in a Changing World. The Max Dupree Center for Leadership will be giving away two copies so be sure to comment here or on Instagram to be entered. Michaela O'Donnell, PhD, is executive director of Fuller Seminary’s De Pree Center for Leadership. She is an entrepreneur, a teacher, and a sought-after speaker and consultant who regularly presents on the topics of vocation, career, and leadership to religious, secular, academic, and lay audiences. Website: https://depree.org/ Twitter: @depreecenter Instagram: @depreecenter Facebook: @DePreeCenter _________ When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

Today Tim Winders, soft-spoken with a hint of his Georgia roots, shares his story of how God changed his heart, his vocation and his housing once he sat still long enough to listen to his Creator. He and his wife currently live in a 39 foot motor home on the edge of a river in Southern Utah. He runs a worldwide business coaching business and this week his book releases to the public: "COACH: A Story of Success Redefined" — a business novel with principles for life. Tim is giving away a free chapter this week to our listeners. But if you order his book by Monday, May 16th, you can receive the Audible version FREE: click here to pre-order and receive the Audible version FREE. Tim Winders is a strategic coach, author, and host of SeekGoCreate, a podcast and YouTube interview show. He has worked in the areas of leadership, business, and ministry for almost 40 years. Tim was the guy that looked like he had it all: the big house in a Country Club resort, two businesses valued at over a million dollars each, plus over $15 million in real estate. But, in 2008, the real estate markets crashed. After a slow and painful erosion of his companies, he and his wife were bankrupt and homeless living out of their Honda van by 2013. Fast forward to today. Tim and his wife are still homeless, but they consider themselves essential nomads. They live, travel, and work in their 39-foot motorhome while enjoying the best locations North America has to offer. Through this journey, he is convinced that we must redefine success in order to live our best life. This topic is what he has explored with his guests on the SeekGoCreate podcast since 2019 Tim's legacy is one that every Christ-follower needs to include in his and her arsenal. You will be blessed! Topics: What is the ONE thing Christians need to do? Why did Tim choose to write fiction? What's one way God prepares us to be used by Him for the Kingdom? What's TIME got to do with anything? _____ How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there: OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

Lindsey's world was turned upside-down when her dermatologist discovered her 7-year-old daughter, Claire, had cancer. After months of treatment, they rejoiced to learned she was cancer free and that life could resume normalcy. But then it didn't. Hear a mother's heart today as Lindsey describes their family's story of pediatric cancer—what God continues to teach her about Himself and how she is leaning into Him in the midst of an unfinished journey. Lindsey Noland is an experienced speaker, mother to a pediatric cancer patient, ambassador for Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, and runs a private wedding venue in San Luis Obispo, CA. With a background in Communication Studies (BA Westmont College), and an honorary degree in cancer fighting (school of life), Lindsey knows the power of owning and telling our stories. Lindsey is passionate about sharing her experience of leaning into her struggle, not her strength. Her stories will make you laugh and cry and remind you that there is power in weakness and joy in leaning into your struggle. When she isn’t working or hiking the trails of the Central Coast, Lindsey spends her time writing and rewriting her first book, traveling with her husband of 19 years, and jumping on the trampoline with her three children (14, 13 & 9). If you know of someone you could use Lindsey's words today, please share this podcast. _________ People love to know and be known. From experience, I know these questions work for a fabulous family gathering. Subscribe to receive "6 Questions for a Meaningful Family Reunion" directly to your inbox. Mark and I just got back from our Sibling Reunion #4 in Arkansas - we used these questions, spent time affirming each other and then praying over one another. A blast and blessing, as you can see. Kleenex and ping pong and eating and laughing were involved in equal measure. Get your list of 6 Questions for a Meaningful Family Reunion HERE.

I interviewed the three great women that make up The Ruth Experience back in 2019, Ep 40 - "A Legacy of Kindness" and now today we have two back again, Kendra Emery and Julie Fisk, who, with Kristin have co-authored another powerhouse of a book (WHICH THEY ARE GIVING AWAY THIS WEEK!) entitled: One Good Word a Day: 365 Invitations to Encourage, Deepen and Refine Your Faith. Wow! Such a great idea to focus on just one word for your day. Today we discuss how their idea for leaving a legacy for their families turned into a kindness movement for this generation and the next, and how one word, whether a hard one like "lament" or one more welcoming like "inclusive"— can guide our hearts and deepen our faith, one day at a time. Check out The Ruth Experience on their website and follow on Instagram. Leave a comment on my insta this week or on my blog to be entered to win your own copy of their latest offering. This is a great gift idea for Mother's Day for the woman who may have enough candles, candies and cannisters, order HERE. For more great legacy stories that show off God's welcoming heart, subscribe to WELCOME HEART: LIVING A LEGACY LIFE :::::::::: How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

Susan Vandenheuvel joins us today on Living a Legacy Life where she talks about living free from lies and in the freedom of our identity in Christ. God does a workin us and then a work through us. Love it! Susan was a great "stuffer" —she discovered she had "stuffed" down her wounds and hurts and lying messages told to her for many years until she couldn't ignore them any longer. God met her during a healing retreat and provided someone to walk alongside of her as she explored why she felt about herself the way she did, and then allowed the truth of God's word to transform and heal her. She now uses her freedom and healing as a platform to teach women that we don't need to hide or stuff, but, instead, live from our true identity in Christ. You will be encouraged as you listen. Leave a comment on instagram or blog to be entered to recieve her 31 day devotional that speaks to living in the truth of God's Word: The Confident Woman Within: 30 Day Devotional Comment on blog, share on FB or comment on Instagram to be entered into giveaway - closes Friday at midnight. Susan is a pastor, author, mentor, and founder of She Rises MN. She Rises exists to help women set aside anything keeping them from walking in the truth of who they are in Christ and discover their God-given potential. Susan also ministers within the federal and state prison settings, where she shares her story and the redeeming love of Jesus. Susan is also the host of the She Connects Podcast. I had the privilege of guesting on Susan's Podcast - take a listen here. Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/susan.vandenheuvel.90/ Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/susan_vandenheuvel/ Website link: https://www.sherisesmn.org/ Podcast link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/she-connects/id1508048601 _________ One simple way to spread God's message of love and forgiveness is to welcome others like He welcomed you. Join my series of doing simple hospitality, one task a day for 4 weeks: Hospitality By the Day What to do Today to Host Guests in a Month. It's fun. It's simple. I promise. Sign up here and it will begin next Monday. Can't wait to hear all about it!

What a great duo we have today on Living a Legacy Life—so much wisdom, practical truth and joy. Cheri Gregory and Kathi Lipp come together to talk about their latest writing collaboration, An Abundant Place: Daily Retreats for the Woman Who Can't Get Away. A great Mother's Day gift for the women in your life, and you will also want this book for your quiet time basket. Cheri and Kathi created a devotional that invites us to create a space to reconnect with our Saviour, feeding our soul and mind with truth, love in “small bites”, helping us glance at God's creation, while redirecting us to take the next step when we need redirecting (which I do need on a daily basis!) Leave a comment on my blog show notes or on instagram to be entered to win a free copy of An Abundant Place. Through Scripture and storytelling, Cheri Gregory delights in helping women draw closer to Jesus, the strength of every tender heart. She is the founder of Sensitive and Strong: the place for the HSP Christian woman to find connection; and the coauthor, with Kathi Lipp, of You Don’t Have to Try So Hard,Overwhelmed, and An Abundant Place. She and her college sweetheart, Daniel, have been married for more than three decades. They’ve spent the last 15 years living and serving on the campus of Monterey Bay Academy on the central California coast. Check out Cheri's free HSP quiz - link below: Facebook page — https://www.facebook.com/SensitiveAndStrong Facebook group — https://www.facebook.com/groups/323525262143706 Website — https://sensitiveandstrong.com/ To receive FREE "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" self-quiz printable — https://sensitiveandstrong.com/join/ Kathi Lipp is the host of the Clutter Free Academy podcast, and the bestselling author of The Husband Project, Clutter Free, Ready for Anything and An Abundant Place. She and her husband, Roger, live in the mountains of northern California (near Placerville) where they run the Red House Writing Retreats. Using humor and wisdom, Kathi offers hope paired with practical steps to women looking to live with meaning. Find Kathi at KathiLipp.com. FB: www.facebook.com/AuthorKathiLipp IG: @kathilipp FB Clutter Free Academy: www.facebook.com/groups/clutterfreeacademy Kathi Lipp loves soup and loves sharing soup. Here's one of her favorites. I made a double batch last week (and shared it!) TOMATO GIN SOUP READY IN 50mins SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS: 1 28 oz can peeled tomatoes 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1⁄8 teaspoon thyme 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika 1⁄8 teaspoon sugar 6 slices bacon, chopped 1⁄4 cup salted butter 4 ounces brown mushrooms, sliced 1⁄3 cup gin 1⁄2 cup heavy cream salt and pepper 2 t chives, diced DIRECTIONS: Combine tomato, garlic, thyme, paprika, sugar in a blender and puree into a liquid. In a soup pot, sauté bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, but leave the drippings in the pot. Add butter to pan with bacon drippings, melt butter, add mushrooms and sauté until golden. Add gin and bacon, stir; add tomato sauce and simmer 15 minutes. Add cream, season with salt and pepper, top with chives. Serve as appetizer or alongside a hearty salad. ___________ Jesus said, "Love God and love your neighbor." You might love God but wonder about Part B. You don't remember your neighbor's name or even which house they live in when you walk by with your puppy or they walk by with their puppy. You say "Hello" but you don't really know them. I can relate! We have 90 homes in our neighborhood, we've lived here over 30 years and I certainly don't know them all. It sounds too hard to obey Christ's command to "go into all the world starting with Jerusalem." But I like to think my neighborhood is my Jerusalem. You, too? You want to show your neighborhood God's love but you're not sure how to go about it. Click here today for 12 simple tips to help you invite your neighbors over for coffee. I include two delicious and easy recipes. Try them out and I'll come over! (I won't bring my puppy.)

I first met Diana Stuhr on a missionary trip with Practical Missionary Training. It was love and laughing at first sight. Diana has served with World Vision, Central American Mission and has worked with Wycliffe Bible Translators for the last 34 years. Currently, semi-retired in Waxhaw, NC, Diana oversees the events for seniors and she was born for it! Always with a good word of encouragment and a ready laugh, Diana's legacy is evident to all: to be a woman known for loving Jesus, talking about Him as a matter of course in the "dailies of life." What a great reminder to pray to God to open our eyes to how He works in and around us. And to be ready to talk about it out loud to anyone who may be listening. You will love Diana! I sure do. Sign up for her weekly email here: Monday Memories: [email protected] Diana writes a weekly email with many of her "parables" as well as some of her photography. Here's a sampling: Occasionally, I encounter someone spectacularly rude, astonishingly so. I encountered someone like that this week at the synagogue (Luke 13:10-17) Jesus was teaching and sitting just a few rows away from me was a bent over and crippled woman. I wondered how Jesus came to be at the podium (perhaps the synagogue leader had invited Him to speak), when suddenly He called out to the crippled woman. He invited her to come forward. You could have heard a pin drop in the seconds it took her to rise to her feet and the minutes it took her to shuffle forward. I was embarrassed for her. She reached Him and He simply said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." There should have been laughter and clapping, but rudeness but a squelch to that straightaway as the synagogue leader rose up indignant and instead of speaking to Jesus who stirred his ire, he spoke to us. He scolded us as if we were the ones who caused the stir. He accused Jesus of breaking the law without speaking directly to Him. Rude, indeed. Stunned everyone was just trying to take it all in, when Jesus spoke directly back to the synagogue leaders. He called them hypocrites. In essence, He humiliated them. He had the last word, too, as far as I know. It just goes to show, you never know what might happen at church. I left assured: Jesus cares about those in bondage whatever form it takes and regardless of who it is. Jesus has power over all bondages and with just a word He can bring healing. Jesus invites, but waits for those He's invited to come. Sometimes laws are meant to be "broken" because a higher law prevails (ie compassion and kindness). I also left with some questions: What constitutes work? Why did this woman have to suffer for 18 years? The woman came forward without knowing what Jesus would do. Could I have been brave enough to do what she did? Shame is a powerful emotion. In essence the synagogue leader, while being rude to Jesus, was also shaming the woman. He was substituting the shame of her affliction with the shame of her healing, which had no basis in reality. How does one battle that kind of shame successfully? On the other hand, Jesus shamed the synagogue leaders, but their shame was based in reality. How does one battle that successfully? By repenting. Sign up for her weekly email here: Monday Memories: [email protected]

Sheree Shannon knows that what we think makes all the difference in how we live. "You can't change your life," she says, "without changing how you think about it." Good stuff. And practical. The more we know and believe what God says about Himself and ourselves, the more we can be Who God designed us to be and live with peace, strength and a security that all will be well in the end. As believers, we want to look different from those who don't understand how much God loves them, but often we can "fit in" all too well to the rest of the world. Sheree noticed this and came to understand that this starts in the mind. When our minds are whole and in tune with God, we can fight the doubts and insecuirties that are common to all of us. She wrote a book about it called: The Journey to Wholeness of Mind which sounds like a great place to start. She's offering a free copy this week—please comment here, on the blog or on instagram to be entered. I hope you win! Sheree Shannon-Author, teacher, public speaker, coach, wife, mother and gigi but most importantly a child of God. She has lived a life of service empowering and equipping others to live their very best life. Her message is one of hope, vision, clarity, and yes, the know how to help transform any life, situation, or future all for the glory of God. You can reach out to Sheree here https://www.shereeshannon.com/ https://www.instagram.com/journeytowholenesswithsheree/ ________ One simple way to spread God's message of love and forgiveness is to welcome others like He welcomed you. Join my series to do simple hospitality, one task a day for 4 weeks: Hospitality By the Day What to do Today to Host Guests in a Month. It's fun. It's simple. I promise. Sign up here and it will begin next Monday. Can't wait to hear all about it!

Today meet, Tiffany Jo Baker, a 3-time surrogate mother, life and project coach, and all-around encourager. I knew I loved her when I saw she signed off all her emails with "cheering you on!" No matter what season we are in or how far we have come or how far we've drifted, we all need someone in our corner "cheering us on." Hear Tiffany's story of surrogacy and how God used that to "birth" her ministry of holding others' dreams and helping them flourish. She reminds us that God made us differently to uphold His unique purposes. You may be an arm, she's obviously a womb—and I may be a mouth. But what it is doesn't matter. What does matter is that we listen to God's voice, act in obedience and, take the next step in living out our God-designed life. Check out Tiffany's book: Soul-Care for Go-Getters, Refresh and Refocus in Five Minutes a Day, a 31-Day Devotional. I have many go-getter friends who may be getting this for Christmas or birthday - don't tell! Tiffany will give one away this week--leave a comment on blog or instagram to be entered to win. I hope it's you! Cheering you on, Tiffany Tiffany Jo Baker MA, CLC Creator of the video podcast: All the Things TV plus instagram encouragement of womenwalking out their why - Need to know your "Why?" Contact Tiffany @ www.tiffanyjobaker.com 3x Surrogate | Speaker | Strategizer Uplifting the soul + success of women walking out their WHY at home + online www.TiffanyJoBaker.com @TiffanyJoBaker Instagram | Facebook Host of All the Things TV podcast Author of Soul-Care for Go-Getters Creator of purposeful products Lover of a good laugh _____________ When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

Happy Spring! A new year is here—well it still feels like the year has just begun, even though it's March—and time doesn’t stop when I feel stuck, inadequate or needing longer showers (my shower is my “prayer closet” so we need more rain.) I want to take stock, re-evaluate my days and months to make sure I’m investing in what counts. How do we know what lasts? We read in I Peter, “ . . . since you have been born again . . . through the living and abiding word of God . . . the word of the Lord remains forever.’ (I Peter 1:23-25 ESV) No matter how small or insignificant our daily actions seem, living a life that counts means investing in people and the abiding word of God, and then leaving the results of those actions with Him. The Bible is clear that this life is brief, a “mist” we read in James 4:14 — a “blade of grass” says the Psalmist in Psalm 103. I forget that truth when caught up in my busy day, and stressed by all I’m not doing nor can’t do. God is gracious to remind me that when I bake with a young gal, meet a lonely friend for coffee, or listen to my children, I am investing in what’s eternal. Listen today and be encouraged that we can live a life that counts for eternity when focused on God, His word and the people He brings our way every day. To help us determine what we should be doing, here are the questions I listed: TAKING STOCK: SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK Think about your natural abilities and talents. What gives you joy? When do you feel God’s pleasure? An inordinate amount of self-examination can keep me stuck, but a healthy dose of self-knowledge helps me determine which direction to take. Do I need to take a course, invest money or time so I can get better? Should I try something I’ve never tried before? Do I need to stop doing what I’m currently doing? Have I exercised the sanctified “No” lately or am I running frantically from task-to-task in the name of Christian service? God calls us to be empowered by Him, not to be exhausted by perceived expectations of others or ourselves. Do I have the courage to pray, “Lord, do you want me to stop what I'm doing right now and try something new?" _________ A great way to invest in what counts is getting to know your neighbors. Here are simple steps. Happy Hosting for Heaven's sake! Jesus said, "Love God and love your neighbor." You might love God but wonder about Part II. You don't remember your neighbor's name or even which house they live in when you walk by with your puppy or they walk by with their puppy. You say "Hello" but, you don't really know them. I can relate! We have 90 homes in our 'hood and we've lived here over 30 years. It sounds too hard to obey Christ's command to "go into all the world starting with Jerusalem." But I like to think my neighborhood is my Jerusalem. You, too? You want to show your neighborhood God's love but you're not sure how to go about it. CLICK HERE today for simple steps to invite your neighbors over for coffee. I include two delicious and simple recipes. Try them out and I'll come over!