WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life

Ep 117 A Legacy of a Welcome Mat Life with Laura Crosby

Meet Laura whose heart is as big as her welcome—we are kindreds that way, and I'm delighted to introduce her to you!
Laura Crosby lives her welcoming legacy each day as she prays, "Lord, may there be Your welcome mat out in front of my life today so that I can love and welcome others to You." She's been mentored well and now mentors countless of men and women on knowing God and representing His welcome heart well. She loves hospitality like I do and you'll love her stories of what she's learned and what she prays for her children on a daily basis.
Laura Crosby is working on her first book which addresses the much needed topic of “choosing welcome”.
Whether introvert or extrovert, single or married, if there’s one thing Covid taught us, it is that we crave connection beyond pixels on a Zoom, or text messages. 
This is a book of stories about connection to God and others that happens when we choose welcome. 
It encourages the reader to put out a metaphorical welcome mat at the door of her life. 
It explores the ordinary, the unexpected, and the profound ways we are welcomed to connect with God and extend welcome to others for encouragement, comfort, insight, and a sense of being part of something bigger than ourselves.
In her own words:
"My passion is connection which is most often through different types of welcome, but another way I love is through notes."
 
“If you see something, say something.” There are signs like that all over airports - be on the alert for something “off” or dangerous.
 
But I love applying this positively to note writing. In fact I feel so strongly about the power of encouragement through hand-written notes that I created a free resource with monthly prompts and brief spiritual reflections. You can snag your “Year of Grace Notes” by clicking on the link https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5e23063ed9dee30026924946
 
Thanks so much, Laura. Note-writing is a lost art and I love it that you include it as part of your "welcome!"
Laura and her husband John served in ministry at a large church in Minneapolis for 30 years.They have traveled the world as pastors and John as a board member of World Vision. Over the past two years they have taken on roles as interim pastors first at an international church in Lucerne, Switzerland and currently in Menlo Park, CA. Additionally, Laura and John mentor cohorts of young leaders in ministry. Laura writes, preaches and speaks to women’s groups around the country. She loves creating all kinds of things, including a welcoming place in her home where there is good food and lively conversation. Starbucks mochas, Lou Malnati’s pizza, puppies and any outdoor activity, especially tennis and hiking are passions!
 
 
Connect with Laura:
lauracrosby.me
Inspiring joyful, creative connection to Jesus and others.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauracrosby/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauracrosby.me
 
Here's the recipe Laura talks about on our conversation today:
 
My Go-to Fancy Fast Chicken Recipe
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
6 slices deli swiss cheese
1/4 lb. sliced mushrooms (optional)
2 cans (10 3/4oz) cream of chicken soup (can use one if you want it less soupy)
1/2 cup dry white wine (you can omit if you want)
2 cups herb stuffing mix (the BLUE Pepperidge farm bag - it's shredded, not cubes)
1 stick margarine melted.
 
Preheat oven to 350. Place chicken in a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish
Top each piece of chicken with a slice of swiss cheese.
Arrange sliced mushrooms on top.
Mix soup and wine and spread over chicken.
Sprinkle with stuffing and drizzle melted butter on top. 
Bake about 45-50 minutes, uncovering for the last 15 minutes.
 
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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.
 
 
 

Ep 116 Sue’s Thoughts on Connection: Breaking the Chain of Loneliness

We just got through the holidays and they say that the holidays can be one of loneliest times of the year. We want to feel like we are part of a big, happy family that loves and accepts us just the way we are, but instead, we may feel lonely, no matter how many people are around us.
Mother Theresa said that the most terrible poverty in the world is loneliness, and she faced poverty every day.
 
Are you lonely? It can be hard to admit. Everyone is lonely some of the time. 
What can we do about it? Let me know in comments if you have some good ideas that help you when feeling lonely or that can be helpful to the world full of lonely people.
 
I remember when we first invited my friend, Suzanne for dinner. A single mom whose best friends had just moved away. She and her daughter Heather became part of our family from that time on.
Do you know a single person who could use an invitation? We are invited to God so that we can pass along His invitation. 
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One simple way to break the chain of loneliness is to do simple hospitality. Join my series:
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!

Ep 115 A Legacy of a Healed Life with Mary DeMuth

Happy New Year! I'm pleased to introduce you to Mary DeMuth and all she has to offer to get our new year started off right.
When you ask Mary DeMuth what is the most important thing to know about you, she readily answers: "I love Jesus—He healed me. I couldn't be who I am today without His love." Mary goes on to tell her story of trauma, abuse, and neglect in a way that glorifies the Great Healer and encourages everyone she meets to trust God for complete restoration, love and acceptance. 
No matter our background, Mary tells us that our healing can't begin until we begin to tell our story to someone who can be trusted. Both she and her husband are "pioneer parents" in that they wanted to parent differently than how they were raised. You can read about that journey in her book, "Building the Christian Family You Never Had, a Practical Guide to Pioneer Parenting."
Author of 44 books, literary agent, podcaster, speaker, and encourager, Mary DeMuth sends out a prayer for you in your email every Monday - I get one, too! And reads Scripture and prays for you on her daily podcast, Pray Everyday Show.
Mary is giving away a copy of her book:
Outrageous Grace Every Day: Daily Reflections on the Gospel's Hope
You can enter to win by leaving a comment below or on instagram: @suemooredonaldson through midnight January 7.
From Mary:
Ever have days where you try to pray, but the words get tangled in your throat?
Me too.
So I came up with an idea a few years ago that might help. An idea that’s already helped thousands and thousands of people around the world just like you. Just like me.
It’s called, Pray Every Day.
With Pray Every Day, I give you the words and scriptures to pray based on my studies from Genesis to Revelation, as well as my personal joys and sorrows.  It’s easy to get started. Go here to subscribe in itunes or here forSpotify. Every day you’ll get a short audio prayer from me that you can pray along with, or simply listen to.
 
Mary DeMuth is an international speaker, literary agent, podcaster, and she’s the novelist and nonfiction author of over forty books, including Pray Every Day (Harvest House Publishers 2020). She loves to help people re-story their lives. She lives in Texas with her husband of 31 years and is the mom to three adult children. Find out more at marydemuth.com. Be prayed for on her daily prayer podcast with 2 million downloads: prayeveryday.show. For sexual abuse resources, visit wetoo.org.  For cards, prints, and artsy fun go to marydemuth.com/art. Find out what she’s looking for as a literary agent at https://www.booksandsuch.com/our-agents/meet-mary-demuth/
Mary loves to cook and shared this hearty casserole recipe with us. It's delicious, I tried it out!
Chicken Artichoke Heart Casserole
4 whole chicken breasts1 ten-ounce frozen package of artichoke hearts1/3 cup butter (I will use less)1/3 cup flour (I will use less, more like 1/4 cup)2 1/2 cups chicken broth1/4 cup white wine4 cups shredded cheddar cheese2 Tbs green onions1/4 cup Parmesan cheese1 cup bread crumbs
Saute chicken breasts in a little olive oil until done. Cut into large chunks. Cook artichoke hearts according to package directions then drain and pat dry. Layer chicken and artichoke in a 9×13 pan. Melt butter in medium sauce pan, add flour to create a roux. Add chicken broth and stir until thickened and combined. Add wine and cheddar and onions over low heat. Stir until melted. Pour sauce over casserole. Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan and sprinkle over casserole. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Serve with rice or pasta.
 
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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.
 

Ep 114 A Legacy of Trusting God with Megan Fate Marshman

I first heard about Megan Fate Marshman when our girls came home from Hume Lake Christian Camp and said, "We loved Spirit Girl!" (And Bethany wanted to BE the Spirit Girl--the one who led all the games and was so funny and fun!) Megan still works for Hume Lake as Director of Women's Ministries and is still funny and so fun, but also a great speaker and author. She pastors at Willow Creek Church and ministers at her home church, Arbor Road in S. California. At the time of this recording, Megan had been married 10 years but her dear husband passed away suddenly a few mid 2021 and we pray for her heart to heal and her life to continue to bless hundreds and thousands of her listeners.Please join me in praying for Meg as she mothers her two darling boys.
Today's episode is about her latest book, Meant For Good—The Adventure of Trusting God and His Plans for You. A must-read. Put it in your own stocking!
Some of the many great quotes from Meant for Good: 
We want answers, God wants trust.
God knows His plans for our lives; it doesn't say He will tell us those plans.
We must prioritize time for intimacy with God; no one will do that for us.
The purpose of prayer is not to share our agenda with God. It's to align our lives with His agenda.
About Meg:
As an international speaker at churches, conferences and university chapels, Megan Fate Marshman is a leading voice to this generation. She has devoted her life to loving God and overflowing His awesome love to others.
Megan is currently a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church and the Director of Women’s Ministries at Hume Lake Christian Camps. She also shepherds women at her home church, Arbor Road. She also enjoys adventuring all over the globe with her boys speaking and sharing the love of Jesus.
She authored the books “Meant for Good” and "SelfLess," and co-wrote the book, "7 Family Ministry Essentials," with Dr. Michelle Anthony. Megan also served as the Director of Student Resources for David C Cook Publishers, where she led a team in creating TruIdentity, a spiritually forming, Christ centered, and family empowered youth ministry curriculum.
 
 
In February of 2021, Megan’s husband, Randy Marshman, went home to be with Jesus after suffering a heart attack. For Megan, “to live is Christ, to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).” She grieves with hope and lives to become more like Christ so others may know Him more through her.
Megan lives in Lakewood, California with her two boys, Foster and Jedidiah.
 

Ep 113 A Legacy of Good News: Invited to God‘s Table

God is in the hospitality business. He continually invites people to His table. He knows He is the only One Who is “perfectly suited to satisfy and sustain us.” So He reaches out to us.
You may have received an invitation before, but never thought it was for you, or, you were too distracted by life to think any more about it.  Listening today to this podcast is yet another invitation from the Ultimate Host.
The invitation reads:
Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
So, come.
John wrote in John 1:4:”In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” If you want life, come.
I’m only half-alive if I haven’t entered into life with God. How do I do that?
Admit that I need God.
God already knows we need Him, but there’s a big problem. He’s holy; I’m not. Due to our sin, we are on a fast track to permanent separation from God, hell for all eternity. Jesus talked a lot about hell. If you believe Jesus on one thing, you have to believe Him on everything.
The honest person admits he’s not perfect enough for God; God’s invitation--followed by our RSVP--rescues us from that death and separation. That’s why it’s called: Good News!
 
To receive a Pdf of this podcast, click here - my gift for you! Do you know someone who needs to hear that they are invited to God's table? Forward this podcast and this Pdf. Blessings from Welcome Heart!
 
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Perhaps you have already RSVP'd to God's invitation to know Him. It's time now to invite someone to your table, and perhaps that will be the first step in their knowing God loves them so much that He sent His Son.
 
But. Hospitality seems daunting!
 
That's why I made this for you: What to do today to host guests in a month!
Join today!
Here's the plan: I will send you a small task to complete starting on a Monday. There will be one email sent each day of the week except for Sundays (day of rest!) By the end of four weeks you will have hosted company. For some of you, this is no big deal; for others of you, it's no small thing. Rome wasn't built in a day, and inviting people over with ease and confidence takes small steps that lead to good practice.
 
Here's the deal: when we feel at ease with ourselves, we can focus more on the guest. And that's the main difference between hospitality and entertaining. We want to focus on our guests to help them feel loved, noticed and welcomed just like God loved, noticed and welcomed us to His table. 
Sign up today.
 
Hospitality Tea Towels, all for Heaven's sake! See Shop. 
 
 

Ep 112 A Legacy of Serving Wherever God Puts You with Billie Jauss

Billie Jauss can't remember how many places she's lived or how many times her family has moved—she's married to pro baseball coach, Dave Jauss, and that's how that profession rolls. Billie's learned through 30 years of marriage that she can serve God wherever she lands, and she and her husband have made an effort to do just that. Billie has had great opportunities to teach her three sons that loving everyone equally is the way that God loves, no matter if they are a famous pitcher or the one who sweeps up after the game is over. 
Join me today to hear author, speaker, podcaster, Billie Jauss. 
Follow Billie at Start Small Believe Big, billiejauss.com
We will be giving away Making Room: Doing Less So God Can Do More. Leave a comment to be entered!
She wrote this book for you if you feel like you’re spiritually crashing. God hasn’t given up on working in and through you.
Every believer experiences dry seasons—times when you’re doing all the right things but feel painfully disconnected from God. Bible study? Check. Volunteer in ministry? Check. Daily quiet time? Check. But nothing seems to be working. Discouragement overwhelms you, and complacency sets in.
I hope you win!!
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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com
 
How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
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Ep 111 Making Room for God at the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

"No room in the inn!" Sounds like Christmas is around the corner and it is! Do I have room to celebrate the Christ Child or is my planner too full? My life can get cluttered—not just with ordinary stuff—but with good, valuable, worthwhile stuff. And, worship, adoration, joy and peace get thrown out the window in the interest of "getting all the things done."
My mind can get like my pantry. Last year my daughter blessed me with a gift I requested: an organized pantry. This year I'll let her attack my closet, bless her.
God will guide us through the holidays and any season of the year when we take time to make room for Him in our lives. The amazing thing is that we don't! As Mary Grace made the point while organizing for me, "Mom, you can leave space on the shelf--it's soothing to the eye and you can find things easier."
I am more at peace and can find His leading better when I make room for Him.
Listen today and see how God may be leading you to change how you organize your life, all for heaven's sake and yours.
 
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Welcome Heart Presents
Hospitality Tea Towels!
See Shop for details (and more on the way)
Make your favorite pumpkin bread or fruit cake, add one of these pretty towels and you are DONE!
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Here are 5 ideas for inviting others into the true meaning of Christmas, but I don't suggest you do all 5!! (If I did, I definitely would not be making room for Jesus!)
Click here for 5 ideas plus 2 well-loved recipes, all for heaven's sake. 
 
 

Ep 110 A Legacy of Certainty and Identity with Janell Wood

Janell Woods, mother of 4 of her own and 4 abroad, and host of "Finding Something REAL" Podcast shares today her struggle to embrace her identity in God and how that made all the difference in facing disappointment, insecurity, and loss. Because she knows firsthand how God is the only one who can meet our deepest needs, she goes after the "girl in the back pew who is unsure about her faith." 
If you are wondering if you are enough, or you want to make sure that your kids grow up with confidence in how God's made them, you will love today's podcast. 
Janell's daily questions to her kids when she lets them off for school are:
1. Who are you?
2. Who loves you?
3. Is anything today going to change any of that?
So, go and be a light for Jesus.
From Janell:
What I hope you’ll find whether listening to the podcast, reading my writing, or hearing me speak, are humble stories about finding something REAL. My prayer is that everything I share is an invitation saturated with grace, sometimes, a good dose of humor and and an ever-increasing love for Jesus Christ and the REALness He alone offers this world.
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
Read Crazy Love if ever in doubt about what does the Bible says about who I am and who God is.
 
 
Find Janell here: www.janellwood.com
Parable of the Talents found here.
Link to the exchange program.Ep

Ep 109 Home is Where Our Legacy Begins with Meg Glesener

Meg Glesener, a wife of 31 years, and a mother of 8, loves pouring into her family, friends, and church in a very intentional way. She began her podcast, Letters From Home--Everyday Extraordinary Faith Stories - so that we can celebrate the faithfulness of God in His followers, based in the passage in II Corinthians 3:3, "You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone." 
Hear Meg's legacy and be encouraged! To live a life that is available to others, offering a home and life that provides healing and refreshment, providing a "visual" of God's ongoing work in our lives.
 
FREE APP* Letters From Home Podcast has its own downloadable app., with all of our episodes in one easy place. Search our podcast name in the Apple APP store, and in the Google Play store. All free!Email: lfhpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/Facebook:facebook.com/letters from home podcast/Instagram:instagram.com/letters from home podcastLetters From Home Monthly Newsletterhttps://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/We are on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, IHeartRadio, Amazon and all of the places podcasts live. :)

Ep 108 The Powerful Purpose of an Introvert: A Legacy of Embracing Who God Made You to Be with Holley Gerth

You may know Holley Gerth as the author of inspiring devotional books and co-host of the popular podcast, Not Just Small Talk, but today we are talking about a book I'm very excited about because I love some wonderful introverts! Holley's book, The Powerful Purpose of Introverts-Why the World Needs You to be You can change your life, introvert or not. I told her I was a raging Extrovert and she smiled benignly and continued to encourged me to be exactly who God made me to be.
So refreshing! Trying to be someone you're not can be so lonely and exhausting. Six years ago, Holley faced burnout and began researching what it meant to be an introvert and how God made us a certain way for His pleasure and purpose. She writes this as a gift to help introverts thrive in a culture that celebrates the extrovert until they take the time to appreciate all that an introvert brings to the table. You will love this interview. Thanks, Holley!
Leave a message in comments to be entered to win your own copy.
Since the time of this recording, Holley's latest devotional is out. You can also win a free copy by commenting here or on instagram
About Holley:
The Short Version: I like humans, words, and good coffee.
The Longer Version: My grandparents owned a little Christian bookstore in Texas. I had a good childhood, bad bangs, and spent a lot of time reading in trees.
I grew up to be a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, life coach, and podcaster with a Masters of Science Degree in counseling. I’ve spent the last decade empowering about half a million people to realize more of their God-given potential through books like You’re Already Amazing, Fiercehearted, and The Powerful Purpose of Introverts.
I know what it’s like to fight anxiety and depression, perfectionism and insecurity, doubt and burnout. I also know what it’s like to become a kick-butt overcomer who refuses to let any of those things win, who finally discovered how to be comfortable and free in her own imperfect introvert skin.
 
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Introverts can be best at hospitality. They know how to notice others and they listen with their hearts.
Now is the time to begin opening your doors. This will help: 
HOSPITALITY BY THE DAY
WHAT TO DO TODAY TO HOST GUESTS IN A MONTH--A 4-Week Plan
 
JOIN HERE
 
Join today and the first simple task begins on the following Monday. Let me know how it goes. Email me at sue@welcomeheart.com