WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life

Ep 79 Is Ziplining Part of Your Mission Statement?

I went ziplining once. Just once. To say I did. Today's episode is about what it means to create a "Mission Statement." Do you have a manifesto for life?
Paul's mission rang out loud and clear in Philippians 1:21—"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain!" (I felt that dying part right before running off the ledge. Six times.)
To write a mission statement is a great exercise. To base it on who we are in Christ—and then live out that mission statement—is greater yet. 
I'd love to hear what you come up with. Mine is my tagline on the blog: "To know and show the heart of God."
Sometimes that can feel like ziplining. 
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Have you gotten your new copy of The Joyful Life Magazine? It's all about creativity. For this we were born! So beautiful. Order yours today and one for a friend, HERE.
I love their Mission Statement:
"The Joyful Life inspires women to pursue joy and discover beauty in their daily lives by grounding their hearts in Christ and leading them to live and love well—for the purpose of glorifying God."
There you go! Pursue joy, discover beauty, grounded in Christ, leading to live and love well. Now it's your turn!
 
Subscribe here to receive weekly inspiration, including some recipes, not necessarily healthy. And a free first chapter of my Bible Study: Lessons From the Ultimate Host! (including 12 recipes.)
Food does bring folks together and to God's table. I invited 32 or so this week but divided it up—friends will come Tuesday or Wednesday and we'll be in the side yard. Should be a blast. 
 
My mission statement (which doesn't include ziplining anymore) is all about the inviting heart of God. He calls out from Creation to the Cross til the Marriage Supper of the Lamb: "You are welcome here!"
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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 78 Legacy of a Re-Purposed Life, with Michelle Rayburn

Michelle Rayburn, host of Life Re-Purposed Podcast, wanted a transformed life, but as you know, we often need to admit we need transformation before change can begin. She reminds us that change is often slow and usually layered through the years. We can't hurry what God is doing; rather, trust that He is doing a good work inside our hearts and minds while we humbly draw closer to Him. Michelle's legacy of faith, humility, and fun shows through her desire to love others well, as Jesus does.
Michelle Rayburn is a freelance writer and podcaster who appreciates how life’s difficulties can turn out to be opportunities to learn and grow. She loves dark chocolate, iced coffee, and a breezy afternoon in the hammock with a good book. She’s the author of several Christian living books, including Classic Marriage: Staying in Love as Your Odometer Climbs. She has been married to her husband, Phil, for 30 years and they have successfully launched two sons into adulthood. If lighthearted sarcasm were a course for credit, she could teach it as a second language.
More books from Michelle:
Life, Repurposed: Stories of Grace, Hope, and Restored FaithYou’ll find comfort, inspiration, and wisdom in these 34 stories from women just like you. Every encouraging account shows hope and renewed faith as they have come through trials and tough times, including family struggles, infertility, health challenges, doubt, fear, human trafficking, depression, heartbreak, loss, and more. Plus, thought-provoking questions to use on your own for reflection or for group discussion.
PS I'm one of those 34 stories - get your copy today!
 
 
The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to TreasureAre there experiences you'd rather toss in the dumpster? Discover the repurposed and upcycled life. With her laugh-out-loud way of looking at life, Michelle will help you see how some of your greatest disappointments, mistakes, and hurts can be beautiful treasures from God. Part memoir, part inspiration and self-help, this book will help you move forward with new purpose, even in the midst of the trashy stuff of life. A separate small group Bible study is also available.
 
 
One of Michelle's favorite recipes:
 
Gluten-Free Zucchini Chocolate Bread
This isn’t my recipe at all, but I am gluten-free currently, this has been my favorite thing to bake! I keep loaves on-hand in the freezer so I can be ready for any guests. 
 
https://glutenfreeonashoestring.com/gluten-free-zucchini-bread-double-chocolate/ 
 
Thanks, Michelle. I love that you keep these loaves on-hand. I may just make back it to Wisconsin someday!
 
 
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Two Perfect Gift Ideas for Mother's Day:
Life, Repurposed: Stories of Grace, Hope, and Restored Faith
The Joyful Life Magazine
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Jesus said this about legacy:
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 15:16
 
Booking Now for 2022:
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.
Subscribe:
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OR
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Ep 77 Are You a Creative Person? For This You Were Born

Creativity isn’t one particular path. It doesn’t look the same on you as it does on me.
Isn’t that a wonderful thing? We are made in God’s image, we try to love as He loves, but the way we create looks different on each one of us.
Three questions today:
 
Do you view yourself at a creative person?
 
If not, how might you begin to change your mindset today?
 
What trusted friend can you ask this week to help you see yourself as a creative person?
 
Let me know how you do. Better yet, tell me what you created this week!
 
For this we were born.
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I'm mostly a rule follower when I cook—unless I don't have the right ingredient!
I was extra creative the other night while making a favorite pasta recipe. Enjoy this anytime for any occasion:
Mushroom, Sausage, Tapenade Pasta
I didn't have tapenade so I used a jar of marinated artichoke hearts. I had some leftover pan-fried slivered brussel sprouts, so I added those for more "green" in my diet. Delish! (and creative!)
 
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Setting up speaking engagements now. Book me here

Ep 76 A Long Obedience in the Same Direction with Lauren Sparks

Lauren Sparks wants to live a legacy of loving others. She talks of how she manages to do that through the singular challenges of being a mom of a special needs young adult, as well as loving others in their hard places. 
I love her tagline:
"Where thoughts of a special needs mom intersect with the Cross of Christ."
Do you know anyone who could be blessed by hearing Lauren's story today? Prayer and listening are high on her list of loving others well.
Join me today and be encouraged to love and live as Jesus does.
Lauren Sparks is a wife and mom to two daughters – one with special needs – and one bonus son.  She lives, worships Jesus, and teaches yoga in the Dallas, Texas area.  She is a contributing author for Perseverance:  30 Devotions for Faith that Moves Mountains, and Prayer:  Approaching the Throne of Grace.  She shares her adventures, victories, and flub-ups from her laptop at laurensparks.net. 
 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lauren.k.sparks
Twitter - https://twitter.com/LaurenRSparks
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sparksbefit/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/sparksfit/
 
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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.
Subscribe:
Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:
    
OR
Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!
 
 

Ep 75 Facing the Unexpected: Trust is a Decision with Maree Dee

Maree Dee made a choice long ago to trust God, no matter what the circumstances. Her family includes those suffering with mental illness - something that isn't talked about enough in circles of faith. Her pastor counseled her in the midst of her grief:
"Maree, we make a decision to trust God. You don't need to waste time in re-visiting that decision every time life throws a curveball, no matter how hard that curveball comes."
Maree is an advocate for those whose lives are touched by mental health issues. If you know anyone who could use her experience, training, and godly encouragement, be sure to check out her resources. Here's a link she mentions in our interview: mental health resources.
I love what she shares about two things being true at the same time. Listen and be encouraged.
Maree Dee is a Writer | Speaker | Advocate | Ministry Leader
Maree's passionate about encouraging and equipping others to embrace life in the midst of the unexpected. She is a warrior who doesn't give up when the journey gets tough. Maree believes, together with God, we can all find incredible joy along the way, even when surrounded by tremendous pain. 
Drop by and visit Maree's blog on Embracing the Unexpected - www.embracingtheunexpected.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Embracing Faith and Mental Illness from a Caregiver's Perspective.
 
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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:
 

Ep 74 Legacy of Rest: Take Yourself on Sabbatical

Last Fall I was a train headed for a wreck. Every day filled to the brim with all good things. Just too many of them. Reminds me of the time I asked the Man-in-Plaid, "Aren't you proud of me for finding bargains?" And he replied, "Yes, you just find too many of them!" (Still true.)
I decided to block three days off on the calendar and the rest is history. Listen today to find out how God used it in my life. 
I promised to leave you this list:
Simple Steps to Taking a Sabbatical
 
Put it on the calendar
Design what works: an afternoon, an overnight, a week away
Leave your planner at home or in the next room
Put your phone on mute
Pack a lunch, a snack, or make a reservation for one
Take a book you’ve been wanting to read and a blank journal
Read Scripture in the first person or rewrite Scripture back to God
Set the scene: candle, ocean, flowers, walking
Listen to God and, if needed, re-write your banner of love
Plan your next sabbatical and put it on the calendar
I went to Morro Bay for my first sabbatical!
 
Do you know someone who might benefit from hearing this podcast today? Send it on to her. She may need permission to make room for God! And please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks so very much. 
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Do you love people but you don't love doing hospitality? 
Are you hesitant to host because of your home?
Your cooking?
Your experience—or lack of?
Your ________? 
Hospitality is one of my favorite characteristics of God. When we invite, we are more like Jesus Who once said, and continues to say, "Come to Me!"
 
Join my Five-Day "Simplified Hospitality" Challengewhich is happening in my Facebook group March 22 - 26.
 
Practice five simple ways to reach out and touch someone with God's welcoming heart.

Ep 73 Learning to Thrive in Every Season, with Aimee Walker

New Zealander, Aimee Walker—pastor, author, Bible Study writer and teacher—first came on my show early on in December of 2019. She recently launched her first book: But I Flourish: Learning to Thrive in Every Season and I wanted to share some of what you will gain from reading it,  as well as introduce you to Aimee in case you missed her the first time round. 
Aimee knows that we all are called to mentor and to be mentored by someone who is just a little further down the road in their spiritual maturity, and she wished she had had someone in her life ten years ago while wrestling with some of these issues in her walk with God. Her prayer is that her book will encourage those women who may be struggling in similar areas. 
Some of my favorite parts had to do with "living loved," looking at my circumstances through the character of God, and reflecting on the difference between resignation and surrender. (And about 27 more good points.) You can purchase your copy of "But I Flourish: Learn to Thrive in Every Season" on Amazon.
Welcome back, Aimee! Thanks again for your time and ministry.
You can find Aimee here:
https://www.aimeewalker.co.nz/
 
And her Bible Studies here:
 
https://joyfullifemagazine.com/product-category/bible-studies/
 
 
 
Order your copy of The Joyful Life Magazine today!
Spring Issue is now available for preorder (and I'm grateful to have a few words included.)
 
 
In case you didn't try Aimee's recipe for Caramel Slice last time around, I'll repeat it below. Let me know if you make it and send me a pic!
Aimee's Caramel Slice Recipe
"It's not quick but, boy, is it worth it!" 
 
Ingredient List:
 
Base 
1 cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
2/3 cup plain flour (if using a gluten-free flour you may want to use closer to 1 cup)
1/2 cup desiccated coconut 
pinch salt
 
Caramel
 
11 tbsp. butter
1 cup brown sugar
4 tbsp golden syrup 
1 tin sweetened condensed milk
4 tbsp plain flour
 
Icing
 
7 oz. dark chocolate (I use 85% cocoa solids)
3 tbsp butter
 
Method:
 
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease and line a slice tin with parchment paper.
 
Cream the butter and sugar together until thick and pale. Beat the egg in and then add in the flour, coconut, and salt. Beat until well combined. Spread the mix in an even layer into your prepared tin and then bake for 18 minutes. Remove the base from the oven.
 
While the base is cooking, make your caramel by melting all the ingredients in a saucepan/pot over medium heat. Stir continually to avoid burning on the bottom until the butter has melted and the sugar is dissolved. Pour it over the hot base and then return to the oven for another 10 minutes.
 
Remove from the oven and then cool in the tin before icing.
 
To make the icing, gently melt the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water, stirring gently to combine. Pour over the top of the caramel and place in the fridge to set. Cut into slices and serve. (store the slice in the fridge)
 
 

Ep 72 Surprised by Joy with Michele Morin

Author, blogger, Bible teacher, Michele Morin was surprised by joy--never in a million years did she think she would live in rural Maine, raise four boys, and mow lawns with her husband of over 30 years. She likes to think the Bible isn't an Answer book so much as an Asking the Right Questions book.
Michele won't care if her grandkids and their grandkids forget her name, but she does work at making sure they don't forget two very important things. Listen today and be encouraged to write your story, a story with a good ending. (I do love a good ending.) She also makes amazing pizza for her family and all those boys (and girls) that her boys bring home. Michele in writing a book on raising boys, and I hope it includes hearty and generously portioned recipes.
 
You can read more from Michele and follow her at these links:
The Blog:   Living Our Days-- https://michelemorin.net 
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/livingourdays 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micheledmorin/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MicheleDMorin
 
 
Michele Morin is a teacher, reader, writer, and gardener who does life with her family on a country hill in Maine. She has been married to an unreasonably patient husband for 30 years, and together they have four sons, two daughters-in-love, and three adorable grandchildren. Michele is active in educational ministries with her local church and delights in sitting at a table surrounded by women with open Bibles. Recently, she's become a regular blog contributor for The Joyful Life Magazine on the topic of raising boys!
 
 
Two recipes from Michele:
 
She writes: The last time I had last-minute guests, I whipped up some soft pretzels and lemonade, so here's the recipe I use for the pretzels. 
 
1 pkg. active dry yeast
1/8 cup warm water
Dissolve yeast in the water in a large bowl.
Stir in:
1 1/3 cups warm water
1/3 cup brown sugar
5 cups flour
Beat until combined and then knead until smooth.
Heat oven to 475 degrees.
 
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, dissolve 5 T baking soda into 3-4 quarts of water and bring to a boil. 
Twist pretzels, then place in boiling water for 10 seconds (they will float to the top). Remove with slotted spoon and place (not touching each other) on a well-greased baking pan. Salt top of pretzels with coarse salt. 
Place in oven and bake for 8 minutes until golden brown.
We always serve them with lemonade.
 
And it occurs to me that our conversation may turn to the topic of pizza (since it usually does), so here's the link to my pizza recipe:  https://michelemorin.net/2018/08/09/big-pizza-love-recipe/
 
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Did you think you might add some good habits in 2021 and here it is the end of February and you haven't started yet? This simple strategy got me started in the right direction. Free tool for you here. 
 
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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:
    
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Book Me to speak at your next women's event - indoor or outdoor or online.
For topics and retreat series.
For testimonials.
To contact Sue.
 
 

Ep 71 Is Hospitality Your Legacy? God is the Ultimate Host So When We Invite We Are More Like Him

Do you live out your legacy of hospitality? Did you know we all have a hospitality legacy?
What does yours look like?
Here's the reason why we want it to look welcoming: God welcomed us to His table. We get the distinct privilege to pass along His invitation.
You don't need to invite like my friend, Ceslie, invites. Or how Maria Goff invites. Or my sister, Lynnel invites. Or how I invite. 
As a follower of Jesus, you just need to invite.
I like a good recipe. This should help:  Recipe for Practicing Hospitality
God will provide all you need to follow Him. Hospitality is different than entertaining. Listen today and let me know who you will invite this week, all for Heaven's sake!
 
And here's an ample reward: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies from my friend, Patsy.
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Still in quarantine? Here are Seven Prayers for Quarantine.
Would love to hear what you've been praying.
 
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Booking speaking gigs now as things are beginning to open up for later this year and 2022. Let me know how I can serve your women's ministry.
Questions? Email me: sue@welcomeheart.com
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.
Subscribe:
Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:
    
OR
Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!
 

Ep 70 Six Legacy Words to Live By, with Susan Anderson

Susan is a delight, most of all because she laughs heartily and believes in God's word in equal hearty measure. I know you will love her practical wisdom and six words to live by. Maybe you'll adopt her six for your legacy. I plan to. 
Some fun facts about Susan Anderson:
"Glenn and I have been married for 46 years, mother of four adult sons, mother-in-law to three wonderfully loving “daughters”, and having the most fun ever being Gramma/Gaga to 7 grandchildren.  In my “past” I’ve been a classroom teacher, reading “specialist”,  Sr Pastor Administrator, Bible teacher to kids – adults, women’s Bible study leader.  God switched things up 10 years ago when I took a class in how to teach English as a Second Language. He opened the door for me to begin my “new teaching career” in the Tacoma mosque!!  I co-taught Arabic speaking women for almost 8 years (3 years in the mosque).  I currently co-teach an adult ESL class once a week and tutor or conversation partner with three adult ESL students each week." 
If you had six words to live by, what would they be? I might include all of Susan's plus add "chocolate cake." Here's my favorite. I make it when I have a cup of leftover coffee.
 
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It's February already! Did you think you wanting to start a new practice in 2021 and not sure how to begin? I wrote up this short list to help us make a Godly change. Ready-SET-Goal
 
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Did you know you can download my podcast on your phone app store?
 
Type in: Make it Count Legacy and you can scroll through all the podcasts you want to hear that you've missed or may want to repeat.