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Help and Healing From Porn

Many need healing From Porn in the Czech Republic and, if you know me, you know that half of my heart is in there. From my first visit in 2000, I felt connected to the country in a way that I cannot explain. I have prayed for the Czech people since that time, and God has answered these prayers in amazing and unexpected ways. In addition to now having Czech family members, God has birthed an amazing ministry there to help people who are addicted to porn find freedom. How amazing is God?!

Pete Lupton is a director of an NGO in the Czech Republic called NePornu (“no to porn”). This organization focuses not only on raising awareness of the dangers of pornography, but also helps people struggling with porn addiction, their partners, parents, or church leaders. Please read Pete’s story and consider donating to this amazing ministry. Pete is a family friend, and I’m honored to know him! Every small gift can make a HUGE difference to men and women coming to freedom!

Help and Healing From Porn in the Czech Republic

TG: Pete, what led you to start the NePornu project?

I myself used to be addicted to porn. I come from a broken family with lots of issues including domestic violence and alcohol addiction. So when I discovered porn around the age of 11, I got hooked up pretty quickly, since it was a form of escape from the reality that I experienced at home.

Then I became a Christian at the age of 15 and realized that I am actually addicted to porn, so I tried to quit. But I felt really alone within the church and I was afraid to talk about this issue, so I kept on struggling myself for about 10 years.

When I finally got free, I also got the opportunity to start this project. And from the start, I knew that our main slogan has to be “You are not alone in this!”

TG: Ok, and what did actually help you get free from your addiction?

Well, I tried everything and nothing worked. Looking back I can see that the main problem was that I was trying to keep it a secret from everyone. And this may surprise you, but the breaking point actually happened after one of your seminars that you taught with your husband and that I attended with my wife here in the Czech Republic. You talked a lot about honesty in marriage, and so on the way back home I confessed to my wife that I was addicted to porn. So thank you for that!

Later, I started an accountability group with some men in our church, and that helped as well. Suddenly, all the things that didn’t work before started working. I limited my access to porn, I worked on recognizing my triggers, I started working on creating healthy habits, and so on. But since anonymity is considered one of the main problems behind porn addiction, being open about it with my wife and friends was the most important step towards freedom.

TG: How do you specifically help people addicted to porn?

Raising awareness is a big part of the process because many people are still not aware that one can develop an addiction to porn. So, we write articles, publish life stories of people struggling with this issue, and make podcasts.

We’ve also created a number of online courses for people addicted to porn on how to overcome the addiction. We also have an online course for spouses on how they can deal with the information that their partner is addicted to porn, and how they can possibly help them. We have an online course for church leaders on how to open this topic within the church.

For your readers, it might be especially interesting that we have an online course for parents on how to open this issue with their kids.

As for the help itself, we offer main online coaching through emails, and we are working on local support groups called Pornoholics Anonymous. Our main goal is to help the addicts be set free, and we try to accompany them on their journey towards freedom. Not to mention, that everything we do is free for our clients.

TG: As a NGO, what are your current needs?

We are always looking for new e-coaches (volunteers) that would help our clients, but they would have to speak Czech 🙂

However, as a NGO, we raise funds to cover everything that we do. The budget for this year is 66,000 USD, and we still need to raise about 20,000 USD to cover the whole budget. This also includes the process of translating Good Pictures, Bad Pictures books into Czech, which will help the parents to open this topic with their children.

If someone would like to support us, here are ways to do it:

  • Donate through JARON Ministries International (especially for US citizens)
  • Donate through Darujme (especially for EU citizens)
  • Donate directly to our Czech Bank account:
    • IBAN: CZ27 2010 0000 0026 0174 5437
    • BIC/SWIFT: FIOBCZPPXXX

 

Help and Healing From Porn in the Czech Republic

Thank you for taking the time to learn about what NePornu is doing in the Czech Republic to aid those who need help and healing from porn. Together, we can make a difference and bring the light of Christ to those struggling with porn addiction.

 

Also, want a wonderful way to connect with your spouse and foster healing? Download and print this Couples Bible Reading Plan.

 

 

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My Review of the Movie Redeeming Love

Today I’m sharing my review of the movie Redeeming Love. Like many others, I’ve been anxiously awaiting the transition from book to movie. With such an important message it’s no wonder the movie is drawing lots of commentary. Let’s talk about the movie and how it might be a great retelling of a timely message from God to His people.

my review of the movie redeeming love

My Review of the Movie Redeeming Love

I saw Redeeming Love last night. I’ve previously read the novel by Francine Rivers. And, reading through the Bible 7-8 times, I’ve read the book Hosea numerous times, too.
For those who aren’t familiar with the biblical narrative, Hosea is a prophet of God who is asked to physically portray a message of repentance to a woman named Gomer. The name Hosea means “salvation,” and his life was a prophecy to the nation of Israel. Hosea’s wife was a prostitute who continued to return to her sin. Yet even then, Hosea would go to her and “redeem” her, repurchasing her from the darkness she had surrendered herself to.

Hosea’s life was a prophecy to the people of Israel, a statement that although God will bring judgment to sin, He will also always bring His people back to Himself through His love. The cycle of repentance, redemption, and restoration is evident in this story.

In 1991, my friend Francine Rivers published a book that follows this storyline. Although I started it many times, I only finished it last year because it’s a brutal story. In it, Angel is sold into prostitution as a child, and as an adult, she’s tried to escape, but she finds herself right back where she started: in prostitution.
Through the pain, Angel has lost her soul. There is no hope for a future until a man named Michael Hosea comes and tells her that God told him to take Angel as his wife.
I will not go into all the details, but this story is HARD and heartbreaking. With the tenderness of Christ, Michael loves Angel, yet she rejects him again and again.
Seeing Michael’s heartbreak is difficult. I wanted to shout, “Just accept his love! Why won’t you accept his love?” And that is when it hit me. This is Christ and me. So many times, I’ve tried to do things my way, yet Jesus is right there just wanting me to accept the love He has for me. THIS is what made me cry when I watched Redeeming Love. I saw Christ’s love displayed for me so clearly. But I’m getting ahead of myself …

My Review of the Movie Redeeming Love

I want to go back and say that I’ve known about this movie for the last four years or so. (Maybe longer.) You see, Frani is a good friend of mine. Over the previous eighteen years, we’ve both been part of a group of writers who have gotten together every summer to Plot, Pray, and Play. So I’ve prayed for this movie for many years, and I honestly think it turned out amazingly beautiful. Hard, yes, but amazingly beautiful. There isn’t one scene I would change. I know the purpose of every scene and why it’s essential to the story.
More than that, I know Frani is a woman of Scripture and prayer. On days when we were playing and plotting, Frani often sat pouring over Scripture at the dining room table. When she writes about a topic in fiction, Frani wants to know every place God speaks on that topic before writing one word. And you know what? God displayed what He had to say about redemption through the real-life story of Hosea marrying a prostitute.

When it comes to people speaking against this movie, their main concern is the sexual content, and I want to address that. (Let me remind you, this story is about a prostitute!)

First, the sexual scenes that hint at Angel’s abuse are AWFUL. Like my husband John told me, “No one should call those scenes pornography or worry they’ll bring arousal. Instead, what they bring is complete heartbreak.” Enough abuse is shown that Angel’s pain is clear, and it’s not pretty.
Second, there are scenes of married love–these are the hot and passionate ones. And do you know why they are essential to this story? Because as someone who was used and abused, sex was not a gift for Angel to give or receive until she allowed herself to love and be loved. When Michael and Angel, man and wife (finally!) come together, that’s how it’s displayed: as a beautiful gift. As healing. As hope.
Now you may say, “Well, that shouldn’t be shown in a movie.” My response is, “Okay, then close your eyes if you don’t want to see it.”
Actually, I had to go to the bathroom, and I missed the big sex scene. That works, too! (It’s funny how the timing worked out. I just really had to go.)
Yet when I asked my husband John about it later, he had something insightful to say,

“To deny the positive sexual experience is to accept the negative.”

Is that profound or what?
As horrible as sexual abuse is, married love and sex are beautiful. The fact that someone can find healing after such abuse is a true miracle. And that’s the whole point of this story: redemption.

True love, God’s love, can bring healing to the darkest of places.

Now, if you choose not to see Redeeming Love, that’s fine. It’s your choice. But I want you to know the heart behind this movie and this story. So then, if you choose to watch, you’ll see Francine’s heart. But more importantly, you’ll see God’s heart. No matter what you’ve done or how you’ve hurt Him, God’s love is faithful, and He longs to redeem you and make you His own. Now that’s a beautiful story.

-Tricia Goyer
Here is the trailer that might help you decide:

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6 Ways to Craft a Family of Purpose

Do you want to craft a family of purpose and chase God together? That doesn’t just happen by accident. Living a lifestyle with the freedom to follow God’s call requires us to be intentional. Let me share the steps we took to order our family so we could make an impact on the world for Jesus.

6 Ways to Craft a Family of Purpose

Many years ago my husband John and I set up a framework for our family. Identifying our priorities and eliminating what didn’t fit helped us to establish a family life filled with meaning and purpose, one that included the space to follow God wherever He would lead. Stated another way, we formed (created) our family value system and framework before we filled (added things into our lives.) The idea of forming and filling isn’t something we came up with on our own. It came from the first pages of the Bible.

In the first three days of creation, God “formed.” He established supportive systems necessary for life and humankind‘s existence. He created the heavens and the earth. He separated the waters from the land. He built the framework that would sustain his creation. The last three days, God “filled.” He filled his creative world with plants, flowers, animals, and humankind.

Problems come when we fill our weekly and monthly schedules before we build a structure for them. We make decisions out of our emotions or desires without contemplating their impact on us or our family. But as I’ve experienced, this never works. Few good things ever happened by accident. As John and I consider the type of people we wanted to be in the type of children we wanted to raise, Six priorities rose to the top.

Identifying our priorities and eliminating what didn’t fit helped us to establish a family life filled with meaning and purpose . . .

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6 Ways to Craft a Family of Purpose

1. Attending Church

For us, church attendance has never been optional. God‘s Word is clear on this. We read in Hebrews 10:25  “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (NLT).

Attending church is important for our family and we are happy to set aside time to honor the Lord and gather with other believers.

2. Serving Others Together

We wanted our kids to learn how to serve, even from a young age. When I launched Hope Pregnancy Center, they helped remodel our ministry building by pulling up carpet and picking up trash. They folded baby clothes and stacked diapers. My daughter Leslie even babysat for a teen mom support group. At first I felt guilty. Other kids were outside playing or hanging out with friends, but I soon discovered that our kids were proud of their efforts, and it became easier for them to serve in other ways.

3. Reading the Bible and Praying Together

Every school Day morning we read from the Bible and a devotional book, then pray together. We do this first thing. I want to show my kids that reading the Bible is always a priority.

John and I also read the Bible and pray with each other in the mornings. We don’t succeed every day, but we do it most days. Our youngest children are often awake at that time, and though they know they can’t interrupt, they love watching us. Sometimes when I open my eyes after praying I find three little kids sitting at our feet, listening to every word. It is especially sweet when later, during their prayer time, I hear my words repeated as they pray for family members and concerns. Although having kids watch me while I pray sometimes feels awkward, I know it’s important.
It models for them what a healthy spiritual life can look like.

4. Eating Family Dinner Together

John and I decided our kids knowing each other and us was important, as well as face-to-face connection while eating a meal around the table. During family dinners we talk about our day and enjoy the conversation. We expect our kids to help out with these meals. Some of them help cook dinner, others set the table. Afterward our kids help clear the table and put away food, unload and load the dishwasher, wash pots and pans, wipe down the counters and sweep the floor. Together all these activities teach our children what being part of a family is all Out.

Reading at bedtime together one of my favorite times of the day is when I get the little kids settled in at night and it’s time to read. We turn off all electronics, the kids get ready for bed, and then we sit down together. Our adult kids still look back on reading time with fondness. We’ve never regretted the time we spent together within the pages of a book.

6. Supporting Everyone’s Talents and Activities Together.

Whenever one of our children is involved in an activity, we show up as a family to support them. This has included attending football games to watch our daughter in the marching band we’re going to statewide basketball games for our son. We want our children to know they are uniquely special and their whole family is cheering them on. These priorities lead to habits that fostered a more focused and settled spirit as a family.

I have no doubt that if John hadn’t stepped in and helped me learn to create white space and consider our family priorities and foundation, at least part of the foundation would’ve been built on sand. You can only be blown in so many different directions for so long without collapsing like a house of cards. Thankfully our family is now strongly structured and focused on the purposes God has for us together.

What causes you to add activities to your schedule? Do you worry about what others will think or fear that you’re not doing enough? Feelings of inadequacy and a desire to prove yourself can lead to disappointment. This week name one thing God is asked you to join him in but you have been unable to do because you haven’t had the time and space. How could you re-order your priorities and what activities or commitments could you give up to make room for God‘s calling on your life?

6 Ways to Craft a Family of Purpose

Want to learn more about how our family has made choices that support our goal of following God together? You might enjoy my book Walk It Out! Available now in my online shop: Walk It Out

Women often pack their lives with family, friends, and faithful service, yet still, end up feeling empty and unfulfilled. In Walk It Out, Tricia Goyer demonstrates to women that walking out the mandates of Scripture allows God to spark passion and mission within them.

Whether believers realize it or not, God intended for them to do what the Bible says: adopt the orphan, take the gospel into all the world, and care for the needy. These are mandates that point believers down the path of true living and eternal life.

Sometimes those steps are easy, but many times they require a move outside of what feels safe or secure. When women stop focusing on their own dreams and purposes and instead focus on God’s dreams and purposes, everything changes.

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Walk it Out #170: Husband Auditions with Angela Ruth Strong

Husband Auditions with Angela Ruth Strong

What if you were a romance author and you decided that romance was simply an illusion? What if you then discovered a love that will last only find out you have cancer? As writers, we create all types of conflict for our characters, but conflict in real life often brings us to our knees. I’ll be talking about all these things with my author friend Angela Ruth Strong. We’re also talking about her new book Husband Auditions, which is adorable! I know you’re going to enjoy our chat!

Who is Angela Ruth Strong?

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there’s nothing else she’d rather write about. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been optioned for film, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best-sellers. She also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at WRITE THAT BOOK.

You can pre-order Husband Auditions HERE.

About the Book:

How far would you go to find the perfect husband? All the way back to the 1950s?

In a world full of happily-ever-after love, Meri Newberg feels like the last young woman on the planet to be single, at least in her Christian friend group. So when she’s handed a strange present at the latest wedding—a 1950s magazine article of “ways to get a husband”—she decides there’s nothing to lose by trying out its advice. After all, she can’t get any more single, can she?

Her brother’s roommate sees the whole thing as a great opportunity. Not to fall in love—Kai Kamaka has no interest in the effort a serious relationship takes. No, this is a career jump start. He talks Meri into letting him film every silly husband-catching attempt for a new online show. If it goes viral, his career as a cameraman will be made.

When Meri Me debuts, it’s an instant hit. People love watching her lasso men on street corners, drop handkerchiefs for unsuspecting potential beaus, and otherwise embarrass herself in pursuit of true love. But the longer this game goes on, the less sure Kai is that he wants Meri to snag anyone but him. The only problem is that he may not be the kind of husband material she’s looking for . . .

With droll comic timing, unbeatable chemistry, and a zany but relatable cast of characters, Angela Ruth Strong has created a heartfelt look at the reality of modern Christian dating that readers will both resonate with and fall for.

Walk It Out Scripture

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

If you are enjoying the show, I have a quick favor to ask! If you haven’t yet hit the subscribe button and left a rating and a review on iTunes, please take a moment and do so! I love reading your reviews and it keeps the algorithms happy so new listeners can find the podcast as well!

Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Angela Ruth Strong

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Connect with Tricia

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub

See Tricia’s Amazon Favorites here!

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Walk it Out #169: The Power of Writing It Down with Allison Fallon

WIO #169: The Power of Writing it Down with Allison Fallon. This episode will have you reaching for your pen to write! There is power in writing it down!

The Power of Writing It Down with Allison Fallon

Can good things come to those who write? Today’s guest Allison Fallon knows that most people think of writing as a chore, but she considers it self-care. And, after this interview, I agree!

WIO #169: The Power of Writing it Down with Allison Fallon. This episode will have you reaching for your pen to write! There is power in writing it down!

Writing has power. Writing helps us find our voice and pay attention to our lives. Writing can help us to get us unstuck in many areas of our lives.

WIO #169: The Power of Writing it Down with Allison Fallon. This episode will have you reaching for your pen to write! There is power in writing it down!

Writing down your story is one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal to see your life with clarity and become the most empowered version of you. You have something totally unique and immensely valuable to offer the world—and writing can help you unlock it. In this episode, Allison and I unpack all that writing can offer you! I know you’re going to be inspired to pick up your pen after listening to this episode!

WIO #169: The Power of Writing it Down with Allison Fallon. This episode will have you reaching for your pen to write! There is power in writing it down!

Who is Allison Fallon?

Allison Fallon is an award-winning author, sought-after public speaker, and nationally recognized writing coach. She has worked with thousands of people to realize their writing potential and become published authors.

WIO #169: The Power of Writing it Down with Allison Fallon. This episode will have you reaching for your pen to write! There is power in writing it down!

You can order The Power of Writing it Down HERE.

About the Book:

Discover the power of (finally) getting unstuck, claiming your clarity, and becoming the person whose life you want to live—all through a simple self-care practice you can build into your daily routine. 

For anyone who’s trying to make sense of their life, who wants to get unstuck from the patterns that hold them back, hear this incredible news: everything you need for the freedom you want is entirely within reach. This practice and pathway are free, it’s readily available every day of your life, it takes just minutes of your time, and anyone can do it.

Author, writing coach, and speaker Allison Fallon’s life transformed when she discovered the power of a daily writing practice. As it turns out, using your words is one of the most powerful means you have for unlocking your life. The Power of Writing It Down is your guide to this transformative tool available to us all. In as little as five to twenty minutes a day, scientific research shows this daily practice can help you:

  • Identify your ruts and create new neurological grooves toward better habits
  • Find fresh motivation and take ownership of your life
  • Heal from past pain and trauma
  • Relieve anxiety and depression
  • Contextualize life’s setbacks and minor frustrations
  • Live a more confident, balanced, and healthy life
  • …and so much more

Drawing from years of coaching hundreds through the writing process—from first-timers to New York Times bestselling authors—Allison shares tried and tested practices for getting started, staying inspired, and using this simple habit to shift how you feel and show up to your life. Pen and paper is simply the method, but the reward is the real magic: new depths of self-discovery, creativity, and intentionality for living.

WIO #169: The Power of Writing it Down with Allison Fallon. This episode will have you reaching for your pen to write! There is power in writing it down!

Walk It Out Scripture

My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1

If you are enjoying the show, I have a quick favor to ask! If you haven’t yet hit the subscribe button and left a rating and a review on iTunes, please take a moment and do so! I love reading your reviews and it keeps the algorithms happy so new listeners can find the podcast as well!

WIO #169: The Power of Writing it Down with Allison Fallon. This episode will have you reaching for your pen to write! There is power in writing it down!

Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Allison Fallon

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Podcast

Connect with Tricia

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub

See Tricia’s Amazon Favorites here!

Special thanks to May’s sponsor

 

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Walk it Out #168: The Nature of Fragile Things with Susan Meissner


The Nature of Fragile Things with Susan Meissner

Don’t you love to get swept away by a novel? I do! One of my favorite novelists is Susan Meissner. I’m currently reading The Nature of Fragile Things and it’s so good. It’s one of those novels that you can’t help but thinking about even when you’re not reading.

Yesterday, I felt this tension in my shoulders. I couldn’t figure out what had me stressed out, then I realized I was worried about the characters in this novel! Yes, it’s fiction, but it seems so real. If you love to hear the “story behind the story,” I know you’ll enjoy this podcast!

Who is Susan Meissner?

Susan Meissner is a former managing editor of a weekly newspaper and an award-winning columnist. She is the award-winning author of The Last Year of the War, As Bright as Heaven, A Bridge Across the Ocean, Secrets of a Charmed Life, A Fall of Marigolds, and Stars over Sunset Boulevard, among other novels.

You can order The Nature of Fragile Things HERE.

About the Book:

April 18, 1906: A massive earthquake rocks San Francisco just before daybreak, igniting a devouring inferno. Lives are lost, lives are shattered, but some rise from the ashes forever changed.

Sophie Whalen is a young Irish immigrant so desperate to get out of a New York tenement that she answers a mail-order bride ad and agrees to marry a man she knows nothing about. San Francisco widower Martin Hocking proves to be as aloof as he is mesmerizingly handsome. Sophie quickly develops deep affection for Kat, Martin’s silent five-year-old daughter, but Martin’s odd behavior leaves her with the uneasy feeling that something about her newfound situation isn’t right.

Then one early-spring evening, a stranger at the door sets in motion a transforming chain of events. Sophie discovers hidden ties to two other women. The first, pretty and pregnant, is standing on her doorstep. The second is hundreds of miles away in the American Southwest, grieving the loss of everything she once loved.

The fates of these three women intertwine on the eve of the devastating earthquake, thrusting them onto a perilous journey that will test their resiliency and resolve and, ultimately, their belief that love can overcome fear.

From the acclaimed author of The Last Year of the War and As Bright as Heaven comes a gripping novel about the bonds of friendship and mother love, and the power of female solidarity.

Walk It Out Scripture

Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

If you are enjoying the show, I have a quick favor to ask! If you haven’t yet hit the subscribe button and left a rating and a review on iTunes, please take a moment and do so! I love reading your reviews and it keeps the algorithms happy so new listeners can find the podcast as well!

Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Susan Meissner

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Connect with Tricia

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub

See Tricia’s Amazon Favorites here!

Special thanks to May’s sponsor

 

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Walk it Out #167: How Loving Your Neighbor Changes The World


WIO 167 How Loving Your Neighbor Changes the World. You can change the world just by loving your neighbor. I loved chatting with Jon and Dave! You are going to be inspired by this episode!

How Loving Your Neighbor Changes The World

We often think that leading someone to Christ is all about us saying the right things or doing the right things. Today my guests Dave and Jon Ferguson help us take the pressure off. Through their book B.L.E.S.S, these pastors/brothers invite us to really reach out to our neighbors by building friendships. Impacting those you know for Christ just might be easier than you think.

WIO 167 How Loving Your Neighbor Changes the World. You can change the world just by loving your neighbor. I loved chatting with Jon and Dave! You are going to be inspired by this episode!

Dave and Jon share about why prayer is an important place to start, and why listening matters. They remind us that instead of trying to give all the answers how it’s important to allow our friends to draw their own conclusions. They share an amazing story about how being a “blesser” instead of a “converter” can really change a community in the long run. Finally, you’ll walk away with two simple ideas use B.L.E.S.S. to reach those around you. It all comes down to slowing down, listening to others, and investing in their lives. You’re going to love this conversation!

WIO 167 How Loving Your Neighbor Changes the World. You can change the world just by loving your neighbor. I loved chatting with Jon and Dave! You are going to be inspired by this episode!

Who is Dave Ferguson?

Dave Ferguson is an award-winning author and lead pastor of Community Christian Church in Chicago. He also provides visionary leadership for the international church-planting movement NewThing and is the president of the Exponential Conference.

WIO 167 How Loving Your Neighbor Changes the World. You can change the world just by loving your neighbor. I loved chatting with Jon and Dave! You are going to be inspired by this episode!

Who is Jon Ferguson?

As the co-founding pastor of Community Christian Church, Jon Ferguson serves as one of its lead teaching pastors and provides leadership in new ventures. Jon has also helped co-launch NewThing and serves on the board of directors for the Exponential Conference.

You can order B.L.E.S.S.  HERE.

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WIO 167 How Loving Your Neighbor Changes the World. You can change the world just by loving your neighbor. I loved chatting with Jon and Dave! You are going to be inspired by this episode!

About the Book:

What If You Could Change the World without Changing Your Daily Routine?

When you’ve been transformed by God’s love, you can’t help but want others to experience the same grace and freedom. But how do you share it without scaring them away or offending them? For most Christians, “evangelism” is an intimidating word that suggests handing out tracts to strangers or doing other awkward things.

But what if there was a more organic, more authentic way to share your faith with your friends, neighbors, and coworkers?

Dave and Jon Ferguson have found five simple, straightforward practices that will allow any believer to do just that. And by consistently living them out, you can affect not just individual lives but your entire neighborhood and community—one person at a time.

Walk It Out Scripture

WIO 167 How Loving Your Neighbor Changes the World. You can change the world just by loving your neighbor. I loved chatting with Jon and Dave! You are going to be inspired by this episode!

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34

If you are enjoying the show, I have a quick favor to ask! If you haven’t yet hit the subscribe button and left a rating and a review on iTunes, please take a moment and do so! I love reading your reviews and it keeps the algorithms happy so new listeners can find the podcast as well!

WIO 167 How Loving Your Neighbor Changes the World. You can change the world just by loving your neighbor. I loved chatting with Jon and Dave! You are going to be inspired by this episode!

Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Dave Furguson

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Connect with Jon Furguson

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Connect with Tricia

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub

See Tricia’s Amazon Favorites here!

Special thanks to May’s sponsor

 

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Walk it Out #166: Is It Just Me? With Grace Valentine


Is It Just Me? with Grace Valentine

Many people in their twenties feel alone in hurt, doubt, and fear. Many young people feel they have to earn God’s love. They also feel it’s easier to trust themselves than God. Yet, they also want to introduce others to Christ. That’s hard to do when you have your own questions!

#WIO #66 Is It Just Me? With Grace Valentine. If you have young girls in your life, they need to listen to this episode! Grace so encouraging and a great role model. They are going to love this episode!

Today’s guest Grace Valentine speaks to young people as one of them. Grace says:

“We want people to see the good parts of being a Christian. When we do the right things, when we serve our community, when we hang with our fellow pretty Christians, serve at our pretty camps, and maybe, if you’re the best of the best, get married to a pretty spouse by the age of 22.

#WIO #66 Is It Just Me? With Grace Valentine. If you have young girls in your life, they need to listen to this episode! Grace so encouraging and a great role model. They are going to love this episode!

“But does anyone know about how much you gossip? Does anyone know about your mistake from freshman year? Does anyone know anything about you that doesn’t make you sound pretty? Probably not. We hide those parts. We aren’t honest with others and we aren’t honest with ourselves …. We all have issues but you have a God who loves you.”

Grace speaks to the heart of young people, and on today’s podcast, she teaches us to do the same. Listen in!

#WIO #66 Is It Just Me? With Grace Valentine. If you have young girls in your life, they need to listen to this episode! Grace so encouraging and a great role model. They are going to love this episode!

Who is Grace Valentine?

Grace Valentine is an author, blogger, podcast host, and speaker. Her readers love that she is so relatable. They say her fresh voice helps them navigate their own faith and life, which in turn helps fulfill her mission to show others that Christianity is an adventure worth living. After growing up outside New Orleans, Louisiana, Grace attended Baylor University, graduating in 2018 with a degree in journalism. She now resides in Orlando, Florida, where she enjoys running and eating lots of sushi.

You can order Is It Just Me? HERE.

#WIO #66 Is It Just Me? With Grace Valentine. If you have young girls in your life, they need to listen to this episode! Grace so encouraging and a great role model. They are going to love this episode!

About the Book:

If you’re feeling lonely, doubtful, and hurt—you aren’t alone. But what if you realized you can experience true trust?

Many women joke about having trust issues—laughing at their struggle because it feels common but secretly feeling there is no hope. Grace Valentine was one of them. In her twenties, she realized her trust issues were not humorous because, in reality, hers were trust issues with Jesus, her community, her family, and herself. And they were destroying her faith. Grace told herself she was simply being realistic, but the truth was, she was entangled with doubt and lies.

In Grace’s second book, Is It Just Me?, she offers readers a new perspective by helping them find answers to five deeply felt questions:

  • Am I the only one who is tired, overwhelmed, doubting, and fearful?
  • Am I the only one who feels hurt and lonely?
  • Am I the only one who still is struggling to find my purpose?
  • Am I the only one struggling to trust that God is there?
  • Am I the only one confused about how to be an adult?

Grace’s personal story and perceptive insights show other young women that they are not alone and they can trust God in the middle of their hurts, doubts, and fears.

#WIO #66 Is It Just Me? With Grace Valentine. If you have young girls in your life, they need to listen to this episode! Grace so encouraging and a great role model. They are going to love this episode!

Walk It Out Scripture

Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:30-31

If you are enjoying the show, I have a quick favor to ask! If you haven’t yet hit the subscribe button and left a rating and a review on iTunes, please take a moment and do so! I love reading your reviews and it keeps the algorithms happy so new listeners can find the podcast as well!

#WIO #66 Is It Just Me? With Grace Valentine. If you have young girls in your life, they need to listen to this episode! Grace so encouraging and a great role model. They are going to love this episode!

Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Grace Valentine

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Podcast

Connect with Tricia

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub

See Tricia’s Amazon Favorites here!

Special thanks to May’s sponsor

 

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Walk it Out #165: So Worth Loving with Eryn Eddy

So Worth Loving with Eryn Eddy

“I’ve made some poor decisions in life; I’ve also made some bold decisions about moving forward and doing the best I can with what I know,” writes this week’s guest Eryn Eddy. “After my choices left me battling a diminished sense of self-esteem and wondering if I had a purpose on this earth, I didn’t have many places left to turn. So I took a chance and invited God in.”
I love Eryn’s story!
The weight of our past, present, and uncertain future stops us and keeps us dead in our tracks. The all-too-familiar feeling of unworthiness becomes prominent, causing us to live from a place of fear and despair. But what if it chose to talk about it, rather than push it down?
Eryn Eddy has been there and wants readers to know the truth that changes everything: they are valuable. In her new book, So Worth Loving: How Discovering Your True Value Changes Everything, the speaker, creative director, and founder of the So Worth Loving movement shares her stories and revelations, honest insights, and the struggles she encountered in her pursuit to discover her worth.
You’re going to love this podcast!

Who is Eryn Eddy?

Eryn Eddy is a social entrepreneur, a writer, a speaker, and a creative director. The founder of the lifestyle clothing brand So Worth Loving. Eryn speaks and writes about personal struggles, community, empathy, entrepreneurship, the power of honest conversations, and the impact of self-doubt. She lives just outside of Atlanta.

You can order So Worth Loving HERE.

About the Book:

To be human means to try and sometimes fail, to love and sometimes lose, to risk and sometimes regret. There are times when we realize where our choices have brought us and we’re afraid to be honest—with ourselves, with others, with God—about how we’re really feeling and how we got to where we are. Because what if no one understands? What if they think less of us? What if God is disappointed with us?

Eryn Eddy wants you to know that no matter your past mistakes, relationship status, career choice, or feelings, nothing can change the truth that you are so worth loving. In this open-hearted book, she takes you by the hand and helps you look in, look up, and look out, exploring your relationship with yourself, God, and others. She gives you permission to feel deeply and openly before God, who isn’t afraid of our feelings, no matter what they are. And she lovingly reminds you that you are not crazy, you are not alone, and you will get through this.

Walk It Out Scripture

Do not despise these small beginnings. Zechariah 4:10

If you are enjoying the show, I have a quick favor to ask! If you haven’t yet hit the subscribe button and left a rating and a review on iTunes, please take a moment and do so! I love reading your reviews and it keeps the algorithms happy so new listeners can find the podcast as well!

Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Eryn Eddy

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Connect with So Worth Loving

Website | Instagram | Twitter

Connect with Tricia

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub

See Tricia’s Amazon Favorites here!

Special thanks to May’s sponsor!

 

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Walk It Out #164: A Habit Called Faith with Jen Pollock Michel


WIO 164 A Habit Called Faith with Jen Pollock Michel. If you are looking for ways to build your faith, you are going to love this episode!

A Habit Called Faith with Jen Pollock Michel

What does faith look like to you? Have you ever thought of faith as a habit? Today’s neurological research has placed habit at the center of human behavior; we are what we do repetitively. When we want to add something to our life, whether it’s exercise, prayer, or just getting up earlier in the morning, we know that we must turn an activity into a habit through repetition or it just won’t stick.

WIO 164 A Habit Called Faith with Jen Pollock Michel. If you are looking for ways to build your faith, you are going to love this episode!

What would happen if we applied the same kind of daily dedication to faith? Could faith become a habit, a given—automatic? Jen Pollock Michel, today’s guest believes it can be, and she’s created a wonderful resource for those who wish to develop this habit. A Habit Called Faith is divided into 40 daily readings, and it’s for anyone who wants to grow closer to God … or even those who want to know more about Him.

WIO 164 A Habit Called Faith with Jen Pollock Michel. If you are looking for ways to build your faith, you are going to love this episode!

“Wherever you find yourself across the spectrum of faith, whether you’re more hostile or more indifferent, more curious or more convinced, I think that the commitment to forty days of reading the Bible might open some back door of faith without your even struggling to open it,” says Jen “It’s an ordinary habit with extraordinary results.”

I know you’ll enjoy this faith-building podcast!

WIO 164 A Habit Called Faith with Jen Pollock Michel. If you are looking for ways to build your faith, you are going to love this episode!

Who is Jen Pollock Michel?

Jen Pollock Michel is the award-winning author of Teach Us to Want, Keeping Place, and Surprised by Paradox. She holds a BA in French from Wheaton College and an MA in Literature from Northwestern University.

An American living in Toronto, Jen is a wife and mother of five. She is the lead editor for Imprint magazine, published by the Grace Centre for the Arts, and host of the Englewood Review of Books podcast.

WIO 164 A Habit Called Faith with Jen Pollock Michel. If you are looking for ways to build your faith, you are going to love this episode!

You can order A Habit Called Faith HERE.

About the Book:

Today’s neurological research has placed habit at the center of human behavior; we are what we do repetitively. When we want to add something to our life, whether it’s exercise, prayer, or just getting up earlier in the morning, we know that we must turn an activity into a habit through repetition or it just won’t stick. What would happen if we applied the same kind of daily dedication to faith? Could faith become a habit, a given—automatic?

With vulnerable storytelling and insightful readings of both Old and New Testament passages, Jen Pollock Michel invites the convinced and the curious into a 40-day Bible reading experience. Vividly translating ancient truths for a secular age, Michel highlights how the biblical text invites us to see, know, live, love, and obey. The daily reflection questions and weekly discussion guides invite both individuals and groups, believers and doubters alike, to explore how faith, even faith as small as a mustard seed, might grow into a life-defining habit.

WIO 164 A Habit Called Faith with Jen Pollock Michel. If you are looking for ways to build your faith, you are going to love this episode!

Walk It Out Scripture

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

If you are enjoying the show, I have a quick favor to ask! If you haven’t yet hit the subscribe button and left a rating and a review on iTunes, please take a moment and do so! I love reading your reviews and it keeps the algorithms happy so new listeners can find the podcast as well!

WIO 164 A Habit Called Faith with Jen Pollock Michel. If you are looking for ways to build your faith, you are going to love this episode!

Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Jen Pollock Michel

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Podcast

Connect with Tricia

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub

See Tricia’s Amazon Favorites Here!

Special thanks to April’s sponsors

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Walk it Out #163: Faith, Farming, and Family with Caitlin Henderson

WIO #163: Faith, Farming, and Family with Caitlin Henderson. I so enjoyed chatting this week with Caitlin Henderson about her new book Faith, Farming, and Family! If you've ever had a dream of living on a farm, you're going to love this episode!

Faith, Farming, and Family with Caitlin Henderson

Many of us dream of what it would be like to live on a farm. It seems so idyllic, yet in reality, we know it’s a lot of work, too. I was thrilled to get the inside scoop from today’s guest Caitlin Henderson. We talk about Faith, Farming, and Family … which is actually the title of her book!

WIO #163: Faith, Farming, and Family with Caitlin Henderson. I so enjoyed chatting this week with Caitlin Henderson about her new book Faith, Farming, and Family! If you've ever had a dream of living on a farm, you're going to love this episode!

Caitlin is a wife and mom living on a grain and cattle farm in Kansas. She didn’t grow up on a farm, but she married a farmer and was quickly thrown into that way of life. On the podcast, Caitlin shares stories from her life on the farm (often wild stories!). But more importantly, she relates how God has met her in her weaknesses time and time again. On this podcast, Caitlin invites listeners to recognize God’s beauty right in front of them. This podcast is a true delight!

Who is Caitlin Henderson?

Caitlin Henderson is a small-town girl from Kansas who fell in love with a farmer. She and her husband have three kids who keep her on her toes and clinging to coffee. Caitlin is passionate about showing people Jesus and writing about her family’s life full of grace, craziness, love, dirt, and cows. The Henderson family lives on a grain-and-cattle farm in south-central Kansas.

You can order Faith, Farming, and Family HERE.

WIO #163: Faith, Farming, and Family with Caitlin Henderson. I so enjoyed chatting this week with Caitlin Henderson about her new book Faith, Farming, and Family! If you've ever had a dream of living on a farm, you're going to love this episode!

About the Book:

A young farmer’s wife draws on her life with kids, cows, and a front-porch view to help us see God’s goodness and beauty wherever we are, reminding us that the simple life is not a place to be but a way to be.

“Grab a cup of coffee and join Caitlin on her porch to hear the lessons God has taught her through the good and hard of everyday life.”—Vivian Mabuni, speaker and author of Open Hands, Willing Heart: Discover the Joy of Saying Yes to God

When Caitlin, a small-town girl, fell in love with a farm boy named Jake Henderson, she had little idea what farm life—or marriage and motherhood—would bring. But raising a family on a farm is teaching her more about God’s goodness and grace than she could have imagined.

Faith, Farming, and Family is a rich, story-filled walkthrough farmhouse hallways, harvest-ready fields, and God’s bountiful dreams for our lives. As Caitlin reflects on everything from wayward tractors to watching a marriage grow from surviving to flourishing, she reminds us to see the redemption in our own stories.

Join Caitlin in exploring biblical truth through the eyes of a farmer’s wife, whether you are wrangling kids onto a school bus, sowing creative seeds in a business meeting, or walking the pastures of your own family farm. Faith, Farming, and Family invites us to recognize God’s beauty right in front of us so that we might find the courage to take the next step—or the first step—into His incredible calling.

WIO #163: Faith, Farming, and Family with Caitlin Henderson. I so enjoyed chatting this week with Caitlin Henderson about her new book Faith, Farming, and Family! If you've ever had a dream of living on a farm, you're going to love this episode!

Walk It Out Scripture

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13

If you are enjoying the show, I have a quick favor to ask! If you haven’t yet hit the subscribe button and left a rating and a review on iTunes, please take a moment and do so! I love reading your reviews and it keeps the algorithms happy so new listeners can find the podcast as well!

WIO #163: Faith, Farming, and Family with Caitlin Henderson. I so enjoyed chatting this week with Caitlin Henderson about her new book Faith, Farming, and Family! If you've ever had a dream of living on a farm, you're going to love this episode!

Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Caitlin Henderson

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Connect with Tricia

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub

See Tricia’s Amazon Favorites Here!

Special thanks to April’s sponsors

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