WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life

Ep 59 What Does God Say is Most Important About the Holidays?

What does God say is MOST important about the holidays? I'll give you a hint: it's not the food. (Darn.)
Be careful what you pray for, the saying goes. You may also want to be careful who you ask to pray for you. My friend, Debbi Weeks prayed and a 14-year tradition was begun. I'm forever grateful. 
Here's your Recipe for a Birthday Party for Jesus.
One of my favorite Scriptures on hospitality is from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said:
"Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16
 
I didn't forget. Two simple and delicious favorites: 
Recipe for DeDe's Deep, Dark Chocolate Cake
Christmas Tea Punch Recipe
 
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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 58 A Legacy to Live By Faith (When We Cannot See), with Bonnie Masten

Bonnie Masten is a wise woman and a great friend. She likes to say that a whole lot of God's working is going on that we just can't see. If we could open that "zipper in the sky" we would see God's hand and trust Him more.
If only!
But faith is how we live for the time being: trusting and praising our Sovereign God, no matter our circumstances. Listen today to Bonnie's 3-pronged legacy. You will love it! Add any comments or questions in the comments.
A word from Bonnie:
I was raised with my brother in a loving home in San Luis Obispo, CA by parents who lived their faith out loud & valued God & family above all.
I have been married to one of the most patient men for 39 yrs this coming October 24th. We’ve welcomed three precious children into our world. All married to three incredible “in-loves”. We have one beautiful granddaughter & a grandson due this November! 
I believe my reason for being is to be an encourager. To allow others that I meet to feel loved & accepted as God has done & continues to do for me. My faith is simple & my love for Jesus is deep. My life has been & continues to be blessed each & every day I live. Ephesians 1&2 have been my daily reminder of who I am, because of who He is. I just celebrated my 71st birthday.
It just keeps getting better. 
 
Wayne's Favorite Apple Pie from Grace Church Cookbook
(I love church cookbooks!)
 
6 lg or 7 medium Pippin Apples
1 T. flour
3/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 t. cinnamon
3 T. butter
2 t. lemon juice
1 double 9-inch pie crust
 
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Core, peel, and slice apples. Toss in lemon juice, flour, cinnamon and sugar. Mix to coat. Spoon fruit into bottom of pie crust. Put butter on apple mixture by the tablespoon. Cover with top pie crust. Slit top curst so steam can escape. Cover crust edges with foil to prevent burning. Remove foil after 40 minutes. Bake at 450 for 15 minutes. Reduce to 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Pierce with fork to check if apples are tender. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Heaven on earth! (I added that last part.)
 
 
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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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Ep 57 Legacy of Gratitude: Why Aren't We Thankful (When We're Not?)

To be a thankful person should be the easiest thing to be, right? We know God. He's given us His Son and forgiveness from sins - sins we have a tendency to repeat. . .
Yet, we don't always feel grateful nor show an attitude of gratitude.
Why is that?
I talk about two reasons common to all. Please share in comments what other reason you may have to keep your thanks to yourself.
 
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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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If you need a little motivation -- or your family -- download this Thanksgiving placement and get to work. I've used it on the the BIG TURKEY day itself to keep everyone occupied with God's blessings while the bird finishes up and the gravy gets the lumps out (or not!)
"Thanking God Through the Alphabet"
If you have someone who's particularly like our loveable friend, Eeyore, ask her or him to pass these placemats around and make sure everyone stays on task. We all need a little family administrator. It might cheer them right up!
 
 

Ep 56 Your Legacy: Thriving At Home, with Jed Jurchenko

Jed Jurchenko and his wife, Jenny have four daughters and one foster daughter which gives him all sorts of credibility in my view! What a delightful conversation from a godly man who loves his family and is working daily to leave a legacy that counts. Listen today to hear how he is teaching his girls to live gratefully even when it's 70 below.
To thrive at home includes teaching your kids a heart of gratitude.
To thrive at home includes discerning the right "no's" and "yes's."
 
"A 'no' to one opportunity is really saying a 'yes' to the better and best one."
Jed Jurchenko
 
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Jed Jurchenko is the husband to an incredible wife, daddy to four amazing girls, and a foster dad to one more. He's served as a children's pastor,  marriage and family therapist, psychology professor, and life coach. Jed is the author of 23 books on relationships, parenting, and doing life well. In his free time, you'll find Jed reading, preparing for an upcoming marathon, barbecuing, paddle boarding, and enjoying life with his incredible family. Find out more about Jed's books, coaching, and courses at www.ithrive320.com
PS Jed's favorite "recipe" is BBQ! 
PPS My favorite BBQ is Crock Pot Ribs!
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 55 "Growing is a Privilege"- Growing Something Besides Old, Part III

At salvation, we were reborn into the life of God.  And we have the greatest privilege of all—to be able to grow up into all aspects of Jesus as much as possible this side of heaven -- “like Christ in everything.”
Do we value this privilege? I know I don't always do.
My friend, Susan Anderson said, "Christians can be very good at knowing and doing their responsibilities, but not half as good at living out their privileges."
Wow. What do you think?
What does it mean to abide in Christ? Here's your Pdf on Glyn Evans' explanation.
"What Does it Mean to Abide in the Vine?"
Abiding comes from spending time alone with God, often a challenge. This could help - for you:
Retreat in a Basket: A Simple Strategy to
Spend Time Alone with God
 
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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 54 A Call to Unity, with Tim Theule

Not everyone can say "pastor" and "friend" in the same sentence. I'm happy to share with you my friend and pastor, Tim Theule,  on a series of quick topics that will inspire, instruct and convict - all good things from a pastor who loves his job, his flock, and his God.
Part of Tim's living legacy is calling our church to unity despite the diversity of opinions and stances even in our small town of San Luis Obispo by "keeping the Gospel the main thing." He checks in regularly with his four kids to make sure they are "good" with being pastor's kids, and that invitation to dialogue is what helps keep his relationships authentic and healthy. 
Grab a pen. You'll want to listen more than once and take notes. Let me know what you appreciate most in comments and share with a friend who needs encouragement to invest most in what matters: God and His Word. Thanks, Tim!
Tim was born and raised in Southern California. He trusted Jesus Christ as a child and was actively involved in Campus Crusade for Christ throughout high school and his college years at UC Santa Barbara. After receiving a B.A. in Business Economics at UCSB, Tim went on to pursue a Master of Divinity degree at Talbot School of Theology. Before coming to Grace, Tim served for 10 years at the Evangelical Free Church of Laguna Hills. During that time, he was both licensed and ordained by the Evangelical Free Church of America. After a wild and wondrous soul-searching process, sensing the clear call of God, Tim became Grace's fifth Lead Pastor in March 2003.
You can listen to Tim's messages here at GraceCentralCoast.org.
Tim is passionate about the power of the Gospel to transform lives, families, and communities here on the Central Coast! He's committed to the centrality of the Gospel, the doctrines of grace, relevant expository preaching, and authentic, multi-generational community. He desires that Grace becomes a church in the community, for the community, as we live and apply the Gospel throughout all life, in all relationships, in all circumstances.Tim and his wife, Susie, were married in 1993. Susie is a licensed clinical psychologist and Tim's balancing factor in ministry. Together they have four great kids; Sage, Eden, Ezekiel, and Haaken. In his free time, Tim enjoys surfing, mountain biking, reading, and gardening.
 
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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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Only God provides internal peace. But we need to be attentive to His presence. He's a gentleman and won't barge in. Download these 7 prayers to pray thoughout your day and keep God central in your heart and mind.
 
 
 

Ep 53 "Growing is a Partnership" —Growing Something Besides Old, Part II

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Can we grow into and become God’s idea of a strong, mature woman in our own strength?  Or course not.  That’s what I love about this:  God has high and purpose-filled expectations, but He knows we can’t do it by ourselves. 
He knows we are weak and frail and given to fits of petulance and self-pity and pride.  The three ugly P’s. I indulge in any and all, all too often.
That’s why we need God and other believers for our maturing process.  And the older and wiser woman realizes that truth sooner rather than later.
Need some peace? Subscribe to my blog to receive MINDFULLY HIS: 7 Prayers and Scriptures to Pray Throughout the Day
 
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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 52 Living Brave, Encouraging Others with GuiltyChocoholicMama, Elizabeth Spencer

I first met Elizabeth Spencer "online" and she immediately won me over with her quick wit, practical and biblical counsel, and of course, out-of-this-world recipes. Her writing encourages moms to stop feeling all that normal shame and guilt that comes with the territory by lifting our minds and hearts to Jesus and giving ourselves and our kids what we and they need most: grace. (You thought I was going to say "chocolate." A close second.)
Her legacy is encouraging others and she uses the acronym: H.U.E - and asks herself: Do my words have the right H.U.E.? Listen today and you will be encouraged!
You can find Elizabeth here:
Blog: https://guiltychocoholicmama.blogspot.com/
 
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/guiltychocoholicmama/
 
And a recipe for White Chocolate Pretzel Cookies
 
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Election season got you down? Or maybe social distancing? Or all the negative noise? Stay attentive to God's peace through these seven prayers and Scriptures to pray throughout your day. It helps! Mindfully His
Find 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 51 "Growing is a Process"- Growing Something Besides Old, Part I

One thing we know is that we will all grow old, unless we die first.  Bette Davis said, “Old age is not for sissies.” My mom used to say: “There’s nothing fun about growing old.”  She was mourning the loss of her independence due to macular degeneration. 
God, in His wisdom, made us all start as baby Christians—– but we didn’t stop there, did we? 
One thing is true, we will all grow old, but we may not all grow up. Don't you want to grow something BESIDES old? I sure do.
Be encouraged: Staying in the race IS a sign of maturity.
 
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A BIG sign of our maturity in Christ is peace in turmoil. I can only live peacefully when mindful of God's presence. For a list of 7 brief prayers and Scriptures to pray throughout your day, subscribe here:
Mindfully His: How to Live Attentive to God's Peace and Presence
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Chino Valley Community Church, Chino Hills, CA is hosting a GATHER event this Saturday and you're invited. Here's the info and I'd love to see you there. Outdoors, bring your lunch and sun hat. I'll speak on "Hospitality, Becoming a Woman of Welcome" in the morning and "Pouring Out: Mentoring as a Way of Life" in the afternoon. Register 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 50 Bob Goff, A Man of the Cloth Without the Cloth--The Love Does Legacy: ”The Only Thing That Counts!”

No matter how often I listen to or read Bob Goff, I get inspired, blessed, and closer to who I think Jesus calls me to be. In this interview, you will hear about 17 sermons that preach in about that many minutes.
Get ready. Grab a pen if you like to take notes, and I hope you're not driving because you may need to stop and replay a line or two to make sure you got it. 
I asked Bob if he had a favorite Scripture passage and Galatians 5:6 was right at hand: "...The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."  Making our lives count through love and faith. Love it.
Love does when we ask Jesus to make our lives count for Him day-in-and-day-out.
Bob Goff is the author of the New York Times bestselling Love Does and Everybody, Always and his latest book, Dream Big, released June 23, 2020. He is the Honorary Consul to the Republic of Uganda, an attorney, and the founder of Love Does—a nonprofit human rights organization operating in Uganda, India, Nepal, Iraq, and Somalia. He's a lover of balloons, cake pops, and helping people pursue their big dreams. Bob's greatest ambitions in life are to love others, do stuff, and, most importantly, to hold hands with his wife, Sweet Maria Goff, and spend time with their amazing kids. For more, check out BobGoff.com and LoveDoes.org.
Bob's goal to be show love by being available. He puts his phone number at the back of his books. I called him. He answered. Here you go: 206-571-9798
 
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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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