WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life

Ep 97 A Legacy of Telling the Whole Story of our Spiritual Life with Eric Nevins

Eric Nevins claims we are all "halfway there" because our spiritual growth is an ongoing journey and we can never come to the end of knowing God better this side of Glory. Spiritual Formation isn't just a course of study for Eric. He brings stories of how everyday believers to light by sharing people's stories of their walk with God, whether at the very beginning, the muddled middle or those who are so close to Jesus you can feel it.
 
The whole story often includes the rough parts. Eric says, "I'm not afraid to walk with someone through their desert because nine times out of ten, they mostly just need us to listen and maybe ask one question: 'What is God telling you through this time?' And if they answer, "I don't know" to be okay with that as well. 
 
 A husband and father of four, Eric divides his time with his online media business, encouraging Christian podcasters through his brain child, Christian Podcasters Asssociation, and hosting his own podcast, Halfway There, a podcast devoted to honest conversations with ordinary Christians about today's Christian experience. Listen now at ericnevins.com!
 
A few more details from Eric:
I grew up in an Evangelical family in Iowa and always knew the Lord. Married my high school sweetheart and moved to Chicago to earn my degree in Biblical Studies. Started seminary at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and entered a dark night of the soul while marriage struggled, had our first baby, and parents got divorced. That took three years and two kids. But I couldn’t shake a sense of calling.
 
We discovered spiritual formation as a topic and I finally finished my M.Div at Denver Seminary in 2009 with an emphasis in Spiritual Formation. Never found a church job but got interested in online media. Eventually, this led me to podcasting. In 2016, I started Halfway There, a show dedicated to sharing the entire spiritual journey. Today, I produce my show, market missions books, and run Christian Podcasters Association, a Facebook group for Christian podcasters that I wish I had at the beginning.
 
His favorite recipe is Ribs! I don't blame him.
 
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The brand new BECOME issue of The Joyful Life Magazine is now available!
I write about that great topic, Growing Up Spiritually —an ongoing endeavor.
 
ORDER HERE
 

Ep 96 A Legacy of Seeing God in Your Dailies with Kristi Woods

Kristi Woods didn't meet God until her mid-20's, and from the very beginning she knew that going deeper in His Word was not only key to eternal peace, but also a daily passion—a dance, if you will, of seeing Him work in and around her days and moments. From her own experience of knowing God, Kristi longs to encourage others to grow deeper in their spiritual walk.
Her prayer on a regular basis keeps her close to her Savior:
"Lord, show me what's in my heart that doesn't belong there. Amen."
And He does! May we dare to pray this prayer with Kristi.
Kristi Woods is a writer and speaker—but mostly a Jesus girl. She encourages readers to grow in faith with downloadable Bible studies such as Fear What? Debunking the Power of Fear and free, faith-building printables like 30 Days in Psalms: A Bible Reading Plan, available at www.KristiWoods.net. You'll find her work published with BibleStudyTools.com, Crosswalk.com, Focus on the Family, Life Audio, and many others. Kristi, her handsome, retired-from-the-Navy husband, and their three children survived a nomadic, military lifestyle and have set roots in Oklahoma—where she keeps a close watch for tornadoes and good chocolate.
Find all Kristi's Bible Studies here—https://kristiwoods.net/bible-studies/
Kristi is giving away a copy of her printable Bible Study on being not afraid: Fear What?
 
Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing! Thank you, Kristi!
Fear’s on a mission. Maybe you or the people surrounding you are living afraid due to health conditions or disease. Perhaps the social climate brings rise to fear. Or, how about everyday situations like rejection, failure, not being enough, etc.?Most, if not all, of us feel fear’s impact. Sadly, it can stop us in our spiritual tracks. Let’s declare, “No more.”Truth debunks fear’s power. It really does. Here’s a Bible study to help you in the journey.
 
A favorite recipe of Kristi's which looks amazing and simple is:
Shoyu Chicken 
We gathered this recipe when we lived in Hawaii. It's not precise, but close enough. :-) 
8-12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup soy sauce or Bragg's Liquid Aminos
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2" minced, fresh ginger
Opt: Add 1 c. sugar to soy sauce/Bragg's Liquid Aminos if sweetness is preferred.Add thighs to a slow cooker. Top with other ingredients and cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken temperature reaches 165 degrees. Sides: Cooked short-grain or Jasmine rice make a nice side dish. Add a simple lettuce salad. This is a typical Hawaiian meal. 
 
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Maybe your biggest fear is inviting someone into your home. During Covid, I can see why! But how about your backyard? Here's a free printable for you to get it on the calendar:
Print here.
To get four more printables to help you serve up what's simple and great from a heart-full of love, subscribe here (and unsubscribe anytime).
Kristi Woods is a writer and speaker—but mostly a Jesus girl. She encourages readers to grow in faith with downloadable Bible studies such as Fear What? Debunking the Power of Fear and free, faith-building printables like 30 Days in Psalms: A Bible Reading Plan, available at www.KristiWoods.net. You'll find her work published with BibleStudyTools.com, Crosswalk.com, Focus on the Family, Life Audio, and many others. Kristi, her handsome, retired-from-the-Navy husband, and their three children survived a nomadic, military lifestyle and have set roots in Oklahoma—where she keeps a close watch for tornadoes and good chocolate. 
A favorite recipe of Kristi's which looks amazing and simple is:
Shoyu Chicken 
We gathered this recipe when we lived in Hawaii. It's not precise, but close enough. :-) 
8-12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup soy sauce or Bragg's Liquid Aminos
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2" minced, fresh ginger
Opt: Add 1 c. sugar to soy sauce/Bragg's Liquid Aminos if sweetness is preferred.Add thighs to a slow cooker. Top with other ingredients and cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken temperature reaches 165 degrees. Sides: Cooked short-grain or Jasmine rice make a nice side dish. Add a simple lettuce salad. This is a typical Hawaiian meal. 
 

Ep 95 Legacy of Contentment, Part 3: Trusting God in the Dark

A contented woman expects great things from God – because He loves her and because He is a great God.
And a contented woman is a surrendered woman. She places all her heart’s desires and needs into the hands of her Savior, and keeps them there.
That’s always the key, isn’t it?
A contented woman surrenders her time schedule to the one who holds her hand in the dark. She chooses the best camping spot—one in which she is not alone and not dependent upon herself.
None of us can see the future, so in a way, we're in the dark. Yet, we can still live with contentment because we know Who does.
“Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord, and rely on his God.” Isaiah 50:10
Cyndie Hamley came up with a simple way to recall who God is:
God knows - Jeremiah 29:11
God cares - 1 Peter 5:7
God can - Ephesians 3:20
God is - Romans 8:28,29
God knows you and your needs.
God cares for you and loves you with an everlasting love.
God can do anything.
God is continually working to do all for our good, period.
Share with a friend sometime this week and discuss these questions:
 Do you believe all these things about God? 
 Do you live like you believe all these things about God?
 Which of the four do you need to grow in the most?
 
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Pre-Orders Now for BECOME Issue of
The Joyful Life Magazine
I write about that ongoing endeavor, Growing Up Spiritually
 
ORDER HERE

Ep 94 A Legacy to Encourage the Next Generation with Patsy Burnette

Patsy had an idea. She knew a little bit about tech and she knew a lot about her God and the great comfort and truths found in His Word. She said: "I needed a place to share what God was giving me."
Patsy made a committment to share whatever He would teach her that day on a social media platform every day—that's a big commitment. From that decision was born her ministry: InstaEncouragements. 
Patsy Burnette knows why she was born: to encourage others, especially the next generation. Listen to the founder of Instaencouragements.com today and find out how she does just that. Being raised under the banner of: "To Know God and to Make Him Known" inspired who Patsy is today—an empty nester yet poised for her next role of caregiving for her elderly parents. She's making her days count, and that's what legacy is all about.
Her goal? To build a worldwide community of online encouragers, encouraging others to faith in Jesus Christ. She invites us to grab a cup of coffee and join the movement. Are you in? Follow Patsy on instagram for daily encouragement: @instaencouragements
www.InstaEncouragments.com
She's put her encouragement into a new devotional, Sweeter Than Honey which launches October 1 - just in time for Christmas gift-giving (and all around self-care.) It's a 365-day devotional journey that leads the reader through the Bible in chronological order of book authorship. 
Read more about it HERE.
Patsy is a wife, mother of four, and grandmother. She is a Christian lifestyle blogger and content manager at InstaEncouragements.com and has a heart for encouraging women to grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ and then to share that with others. Patsy drinks more coffee and eats more dark chocolate than the average person. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and Ellie the cat.
Follow and view her books and resources here:
The Heart That Heals: Healing Our Brokenness Through the Promises of God https://amzn.to/2zkzutm
InstaEncouragements blog www.InstaEncouragements.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/instaencouragements
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/InstaEncouragements
TWITTER https://twitter.com/InstaEncourage
PINTEREST www.pinterest.com/instaencourage
ETSY https://www.etsy.com/shop/InstaEncouragements
 
Patsy doesn't view herself as a cook or baker ("skipped a generation"!) I get that. Art skipped me, as well as exercising on a regular basis. BUT she does share her husband's favorite breakfast recipe she makes for him—even bakes a loaf to take on vacations. Now, that's commitment!
Thanks, Patsy. I've never baked a banana, but will try now.
 
 
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Summer can be the perfect time to welcome people in because they don't actually have to come in the house. Send them around the back and forget the vacuuming.  See my FREE Summer BBQ Check-list below.
In addition are 4 more printables to help make your neighbors (and relatives!) into friends, all for heaven's sake: 6 Conversation Starters for Family Reunions, Fresh Tomato Salad, Chicken Ceasar Wraps (My sister says, "Use restraint while slicing your chicken and don't take too many bites or you won't have enough for your company." She's right. I've made these many times.) And, my favorite Scripture verse regarding opening our homes.
Subscribe Here to receive my four printables besides your ultimate BBQ Checklist.
In the meantime, this is for you:
 
SUMMER BBQ CHECKLIST Click here
 
 
 

Ep 93 Legacy of Contentment: A Contented Woman Prays Expectantly

I Timothy 6:9 says this:
“People who want to get rich, fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction…some people eager for money, have plunged themselves with many griefs.”
And Jeremiah 2:13 adds this practical warning:
“For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me— the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all! 
Not only does drinking at the wrong wells—looking for satisfaction in anything or anyone but God,  lead to wrong attitudes but it can lead to actions that ruin lives—yours and your family’s
I usually think of coveting as having to do with things. But, a more serious sort of coveting is coveting a neighbor—not just their house or their car. It leads to adultery and ripping up of families.
If struggling with living contentedly, we can pray and tell God all about it. Our loving God tells us we can "pray big." If you have trouble living expectantly, anticipating a great answer from a great God, choose this verse as your verse for the year and it will help you put your eyes where they need to be.
Ephesians 3:20 – this was my theme verse all through college:
“Now unto Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us…” I learned it as “abundantly above all that we can ask or think…”
What will you pray for today with an expectant heart? God loves you, you know.
 
Jenny Nanniga wrote a great piece on embracing Contentment for The Joyful Life Blog. Here's a peek:
Our difficult circumstances may not be going away anytime soon. Do we fight against it? Do we rail, wail, curse, and complain? Or, do we let go, reach into the difficulty, and take hold? Maybe we need to become familiar with our circumstances, get to know them so intimately that they no longer frighten us. Maybe we will even discover new sides to them.—Jenny Nanniga
 
 
 

Ep 92 From Abuse to Bounty—A Legacy of Freedom with Elizabeth Oschwald

Elizabeth Oschwald, entreprenuer and mother of 7 in her new blended family, shares how she now lives in the freedom Christ offers after enduring an abusive marriage.
She found herself facing the question: "Who am I?" followed by an even more important one: "Who are You, Jesus?"
Follow her story of how God brought her to freedom and how she now lives to encourage others to receive all God has for us as His children. Part of that story includes learning from five different mentors. She would be the first to say, you can't grow and learn and heal all by yourself.
You can find Elizabeth at her website: thejoyfulmama where she writes:
My journey of motherhood has not been typical or average.  In fact, there have been some pretty sharp twists and turns.
I have been a weak mama to 2 little girls in an unhealthy, and sometimes terrifying, marriage.
I have been a brave mama starting over with those same 2 littles, but struggling with their behavior, healthy boundaries, and my own identity.
I have been a hopeful mama as I gave it all to Jesus and allowed Him to hold the pen and rewrite my future.
I have been a diligent mama as I put in the work to correct a lot of wrongs and bring my daughters and I into alignment with who God was calling us to be.  {And without this step…I couldn’t have received the blessings God had in store for us.}
I have been grateful mama as I met the man of my dreams, David, and became Imma (that’s Hebrew for Mom…we like that better than “stepmom”) to his 4 beautiful children.
In every season- of fear, of uncertainty, of humble beginnings, of rebuilding, of hard work, and of receiving God’s immeasurable favor and grace– I have learned so much.  I have failed.  I have grown.
And I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to have it all together to experience joy in your journey.  You may be thriving, you may be barely surviving, or you may be somewhere in between– the key to joy, and to freedom, isn’t found in our circumstances.  It’s found in surrender.  When we give our lives away for something bigger than ourselves– that’s where we find joy.  And isn’t that exactly what being a mom is?
You can find Elizabeth on FB here,  where she ministers to single moms, step-moms, and all the moms feeling along in their parenting challenges. Thanks, Elizabeth, for allowing us a peek into your life and how God redeemed you into the freedom He meant for you all along. 

Ep 91 A Legacy of Contentment: 3 Good Ideas Why it's a Good Idea

Satan doesn’t come at most of us with temptations to take drugs or rob banks. His main temptation is to rob our joy and rob God of glory by keeping a bunch of unhappy, complaining, whining believers on the loose.
I don't want to be one of those.
I'm not an expert on being content 100% of the time. Maybe that’s why I’m a good person to talk about it. I do know it’s  all about trusting God and I always need help in learning to trust God better and deeper. So thank you for joining me on this part living a legacy life.
I thought it might be fun if I could pass out $5.00 to everyone and we get on a bus and go to the outlets up the road and practice buying more for less – sometimes it’s the thrill of the deal that can keep us shopping. I’m always telling my husband how much I just saved by what I spent, but he doesn’t always appreciate my logic.
Speaking of my husband—he’s part Norwegian and part German and he’s from Iowa—I tell you this because my husband is very low-maintenance.
You really wouldn’t want him speaking on this topic – it would be over in about 30 seconds. “I don’t need it, so I don’t buy it or want it, or whatever.”
I want to leave a legacy of being a contented woman. Hear three good reasons why it's a good idea in today's episode.
Oh, and if you want to share the Contentment Quiz, or review for yourself, here you go:
 
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We all grow older, but do we all grow up? Contentment, not complacency, is a sign of maturity. Here are "13 Characteristics of a Mature Believer."
I'm a long ways away, but pressing on.
 
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Philippians 3:12
 
 
 

Ep 90 Legacy of a Worthy Life with David Hegg

David Hegg, husband of 44 years, father of three, grandfather and pastor, loves the Word of God because he's seen the power of transformed lives, starting with his own. You will hear him say more than once, "The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to do the work of God." 
"I'm a better husband, a better man, when I study God's Word, so that helps me get up early in the morning to spend time reading and studying." 
Listen here to find out his three-point discipleship tips from II Timothy 2:22. Grab a pen. You'll want to take notes.
David has served as pastor/teacher for Grace Baptist Church, Santa Clarita, CA since March, 2009. David serves as an adjunct faculty member at The Master's University (Santa Clarita, California) in the areas of Preaching, and Theology. David also conducts the annual Speaking by Listening conference for those who teach the Bible and is committed to championing the growth of expositional preaching in our day.
David speaks regularly at Men’s Conferences, Couples’ Retreats, Family Camps, and Pastors’ Conferences, in addition to leading trips to Israel and Jordan.
 
Check out David's books and messages at DavidWHegg.com including The Obedience Option: Because God Knows What's Good For Us
 
 
 
 
 

Ep 89 A Legacy of Mentoring: Coming Alongside for Our Good and Another's

God has blessed me through short-term and ongoing mentoring relationships. I’m grateful for my many mentors through the years. For Jeanne, who said, “Your spiritual growth is not dependent upon a man.” For Joan, who said, “Do what’s right and God will strengthen you.” For Annadale who said, “Hearts break but they also heal.” For Lorraine who said, “Choose where to camp: in the land of worry or the land of trust?”
And Laurie, who still says: “Trust God and do the next thing.”
And I love to get texts from Hope and Jenny and Jaime and Katie: “When do you want to meet? Let’s get coffee.” And we do.
We are better together. God made us that way: to receive and to pour. Mentoring is a legacy that must not be ignored, for the sake of your soul and your sister’s soul--that sister sitting right behind you in church.  Ask God to bring you alongside another, to invite to your table, to receive and to pour. Begin a legacy of mentoring. It will bring blessings and gifts for a lifetime.
 
Listen today to learn:
Why it's a good idea to be in a mentoring relationship?
What is our two-fold "posture" toward beginning one?
Five questions to ask in your first mentoring meet-up.
 
If you want to mentor but you're not sure how to begin, here's what you need: 
Table Mentoring: A Simple Guide to Coming Alongside
And if you only want the worksheets included in the book, here you go:
The Mentoring Printable Pack
We all know someone older and younger in this journey with our Savior. We are better together. 
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Are you looking for a new and fresh Bible study to do this summer? I'm offering the first chapter of Hospitality, 101: Lessons From the Ultimate Host, A 12-Week Bible Study FREE 
Sign up here and get a taste of God's hosting and how to pass along His welcoming heart. Twelve recipes included. 
Pray about who to invite to the study and to your table. You'll know God better. You'll love each other more. And, you can try a new recipe every week. ENJOY!
 
PS With an order of three or more books, you can receive the Digital Leader's Guide FREE. Send me your Amazon order number and I'll email it to you!
View all products on welcomeheart.com/shop
 
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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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For further thoughts on faith, food, and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com
 
 

Ep 88 The Legacy of Re-purposed Pain, with Melissa Moore

Melissa Moore speaks from her own experience, not just to tell her story, but to offer hope and strength to those who have suffered loss or mental illness. She's passionate and real and biblical. A great combination.
In her own words:
I want people to understand what it truly means to be loved by God. I have struggled with depression off and on my whole life but my faith, and the right medication, have helped me tremendously to walk in health.
We have to know why we are doing what we’re doing, making the story of Jesus central to our lives and hopes and dreams. Jesus will last forever and is the only thing that will bring true freedom and hope to so many that need it right now. We have to be willing to share our story, even the uncomfortable parts, because Jesus met people (including us) in the middle of their hurt, imperfection, and sin.
Romans 5:3-5 is her calling card as Melissa shares with others that God loves them and will bring hope for our lives no matter what we're going through. And she's only 30! Enjoy Melissa and learn from her wisdom.
Melissa Moore is a Christian writer, women's speaker, and the host of the Faith Hope Love Show. 
She and her husband, Chris, live in Visalia, CA with their two miracle boys: DJ and Oliver. 
She has a BA in Psychology and Biblical Studies from Azusa Pacific University and a Graduate Diploma in Pastoral Care to Women from Western Seminary.
God walked her through 3 miscarriages in 2013 and the passing of her mom in 2016, and has called her to share His hope for women in the midst of grief. She has seen, first-hand, how faith in Jesus gives us hope for our present and the future, freeing us up to receive God's love and share that love with others. You can watch Faith Hope Love every Wednesday 7pm PST on her website www.moorefaithhopelove.com, Instagram at @moore.faith.hope.love and Facebook at Faith Hope Love with Melissa Moore or listen anywhere podcasts are available!
 
Follow her:
Website:
https://www.moorefaithhopelove.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/moore.faith.hope.love/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/moorefaithhopelove/
YouTube: 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcLRSjkj2rV9Vi6u57xTIXQ
 
Melissa's go-to recipe:
Honey Sriracha Salmon/Chicken with asparagus—we don’t get guests much these days but this has always been my go-to. I skip the sriracha for the kids and they love it!
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Looking for a new summer Bible Study to do on your own or with a couple of friends? Check out: Hospitality, 101: Lessons From the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study
When we understand God’s welcome, we can better pass it on to another.
For a limited time, I’m offering Chapter One of my Bible Study: Hospitality, 101—Lessons From the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study.
 
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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: