WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life

I love people. Especially the loveable ones. I think I love people well until I come across a difficult person.
Maybe you also keep a private list of those who-best-not-be-named, and pray you never see again. Even worse: you work alongside of them. Or much, much worse: you’re related to them. The funny thing is none of our secrets are secret to God. The other funny thing is He’s got a plan for how we deal with our difficult people.
What can we do? Pretend they don’t bother us? Change locations? Speak the truth in love and the truth is: we don’t like them and we would love it if they left us alone? It’s not convenient to move to Australia to join Alexander on his no-good-very-bad day caused by a no-good, not-so-pleasant, irritating person. But it doesn’t stop us wishing we could be on the next plane.
Today we talk about
WHAT MAKES A DIFFICULT PERSON DIFFICULT?
DEGREES OF DIFFICULTY—DO THEY MATTER?
SIMPLE PRACTICES TO HELP US WITH OUR DIFFICULT PEOPLE
Keeping my mouth shut is usually a good idea. 
Some thoughts:
You’ve heard the expression, “Hurt people hurt people.” I forget that fact when I’m the object of that hurt.
When difficult people lash out, I want to listen with my heart, not just my ears, and think: I wonder what’s going on to make her act that way? Was there something in his past that’s causing this behavior?
Cultivating a grown-up relationship with your most beloved may include painstaking prayers for wisdom and love, timing and tone.
Degrees of difficulty do matter. On the one hand, we need to exercise patience and kind words. On the other end of the spectrum, extreme behavior warrants firm and healthy boundaries. Ask for the help you need.
Some conversations don’t need to take place, especially when we begin with prayer.
Forbearance is putting up with more than you are due (or that you THINK you are due!) The thing is we want everyone to forbear with us, but forget to forbear with everyone else.
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Check out my new book HERE:
 

Do you feel inadequate regarding doing hospitality? That's the best way to feel!
I know I talk a lot about hospitality and if you’ve been around awhile, you know why I do.  It’s not the same as entertaining. Do you understand the difference enough to go ahead and open your home, for heaven’s sake?
Today we have Dr.Janice Brown to talk about rethinking Biblical hospitality.  
Dr. Brown is a specialist in the work of C. S. Lewis and Dorothy L. Sayers. And she’s taught on the college level as well as High School English, some of the time for missionary kids in Papau New Guinea with Wycliffe Bible Translators. She's a wife of 56 years, mother of 3 and grandmother of 6. Origninally from Newfoundland, she currently resides in Pennsylvania. 
Some gems from our conversation:
We are more like God when we invite in our creativity, whether it's something physical we make as  in making dinner or in making someone feel loved and seen as God loves and sees us.
Hospitality is to invite someone in—but in a wider, deeper sense, it's to give of yourself, your space, your focus, your concern and your attention.
When we do hospitality, God uses us, the host, in a grand and simple way to provide stability for someone who hasn't had that resource growing up. 
God uses what we have and makes that enough.
There's a preciousness in the idea that out of our poverty or sense of inadequacy that God uses us. 
Poverty fosters generosity of spirit and motivates us to share more.
We honor others' individuality by inviting them into our homes even when it feels hard to "put up" with what we feel is strange or uncomfortable. 
The meal is the vehicle to engage with others and foster intimacy. 
Follow Dr. Brown on her writer's page on Facebook under Janice Hudson Brown. And find her books on her Amazon author page. 
 
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Welcome Heart: Knowing & Showing the Heart of God
 
 
 

Are you a morning person??
I’m all about the invitation and today we are invited to hear about creating a morning routine that fits your real life – sound good? And here’s the best part: We can begin to love our mornings just in case you don’t and learn, really learn to experience God’s mercies are new each and every morning.
Help me welcome back the darling Jennifer Dukes Lee from Iowa , to talk about her new book, How to Love Your Morning. Jennifer is  a Proverbs 31, (in)courage contributor and bestselling author and she’s going to help us reframe our mornings to wake up with hope, joy, and purpose. She will be giving a copy of How to Love Your Morning so leave a comment below or on social media to be entered.
She will be giving a copy of How to Love Your Morning so leave a comment below or on social media to be entered.
 
Some gems from our conversation:
The hard days are when I really need my morning ritual where I offer all myself to God for that day.
The morning person isn't the one who wakes up early, she's the one who is aware of who she is waking up to be.
God has a soft spot in his heart for mornings—I found over 200 verses regarding that great time of day.
I can't wait for the perfect morning to carry his hope, love and grace throughout the day. 
Mornings are for spiritual breakthroughs with God. 
Routines sound mundane and guilt-ridden; rituals sound sacred and holy.
God works through unlikely means to care for his people—Ok, Lord, send the ravens!
Each new morning is a gift to savor, treasure and reflect the hope and goodness of God. 
Jennifer Dukes Lee is a bestselling author, speaker, and morning evangelist from Iowa. She is the author of several books, including Growing Slow, It’s All Under Control, and Stuff I’d Only Tell God. She wants to live her life in such a way that you can’t help but want more of Jesus.
Follow Jennifer at jenniferdukeslee.com
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Welcome Heart: Knowing & Showing the Heart of God
 

Do you need some courage right now in your life? Maybe just to get out of bed? Or to go to work? Or to come home from work? As children of God, we get to rely on him to give us this strength – we also get a home advantage: other people who come alongside and say to us on a regular basis: Courage, Dear Heart!
Lois encourages us to pray and focus on God’s sovereignty when needing courage and hope, no matter what’s happening in our lives.
I’m happy to introduce you to my friend and fellow writer, Lois Flowers who wants to say to you today, “Courage, dear heart!
Lois is a mom to two young adult daughters and wife to one good man. She’s an author, editor and lifelong Midwesterner who values authenticity, loves gardening and is unapologetically addicted to "The Great British Bake Off." She writes often about the pain and loss of losing one's parents. 
Get her free resource that will be your own version of gaining courage:
A 7-day devotional called Faith, Fear, and the God Who Goes Before Us.
 
Some gems from our conversation:
I've learned that God knits our families together in the most miraculous ways as we wait on him.
I hope to leave a legacy of someone whose life was marked and driven by prayer. 
I tell my stories so that others can be encouraged by seeing themselves in some small way and be strengthened by God in the same way that he's strengthened me. 
I'm not a patient person but I've learned to hold things loosely while in God's waiting room. 
I've always typed my prayers to help me focus (and because I have terrible handwriting.)
Everything is fair game when I'm praying but I wait best when I end each prayer with, "Thy will be done."
God's plans and purpose are not always clear to me but Psalm 139:16b helps me trust him in the meantime: "all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Courage, dear heart! Love, Lois (and Sue!)
 
 

Today I’m wearing an apron because we are talking about motherhood!
I used to think that to be a single woman on the mission field was the hardest job in the world and then I became a mother. There are no handbooks to warn you but we do have a guide book that tells us where to go for help. Praise God for that.  
Have you ever thought or even prayed: I'll be a better mom tomorrow but tomorrow never comes? You're not alone—and neither were the moms in Scripture.
Today I’m delighted to welcome back author, speaker, podcaster—Rhonda Stoppe to talk about her latest book, the just released: Moms of the Bible: Life-Changing Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed and Faithful
Rhonda's new book is her favorite and she's offering one as a giveaway so be sure to leave a comment or email me at sue@welcomeheart.com
Rhonda Stoppe, speaker and bestselling author of seven books with 40 years experience helping women build no regrets lives. We talk about that on my podcast in Ep 46 here.
Find and follow Rhonda at NoRegretsWoman.com. 
Some gems from our conversation:
The Lord had to break me before he could use me.
Four years of post partum and hormonal imbalance took me to the end of myself. I needed help and I got it.
People want to hear from people who have regrets so that they can hear how God redeemed their mistakes.
The first step in forgiving our own flawed parent is to admit they were flawed. 
Hatred keeps us stuck so we begin by handing over our anger and resentment to God and let him deal with it.
When our kids see us doing good to others, they will understand the Gospel.
I felt so lonely as a mom and God led me to godly moms who led me to a deeper study of the Word.
With God's help, you can become the mom that he's calling you to be. 
The Gospel transformed my life; I want my children and grandchildren to see me sharing that message of hope to others.
 
 
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Welcome Heart: Knowing & Showing the Heart of God
 

Do you ever doubt your purpose in life, especially when facing different or difficult seasons? And what do you do to help you live fully in God’s presence?
Today I‘m delighted to be speaking to, Peg Arnold—a Christian speaker and author and encourager—and self-confessed drama queen—who speaks to the many different seasons women walk through: joy, loss, struggle, and waiting.
Some gems from our conversation and for your encouragement:
I like to say I'm never retired, just repurposed.
When facing the unknown, God spoke to me: "What makes you think that I don't have everything prepared for you in the days and years ahead?"
When disappointed with circumstances, it helps me to have friends who remind me that God may have a different perspective than I am seeing right now.
We have a choice to stay stuck in our anger and bitterness or choose instead to trust that God knows what he's doing and will bring good from whatever it is. 
When your heart is broken it's a lonely place to be but it doesn't mean that God is not there with you and your broken heart. 
Go to the Psalms and weave your painful story into David's lament. God is not afraid of our pain. 
My legacy is to share with others that God loves them, delights in them, and has a purpose for their lives.
Two of her books are Devotions for the Distracted Heart and Making Your Message Memorable and can be found on Amazon or her website: PegArnold.org.
She's walked through loss and change and through each season found God and his Word to be her constant source of identity and joy. Be sure to access her free prayer guide here:
Make Your Prayers Meaningful 
https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/752930/109370258823840924/share
 
 
 
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I have a new book! Check it out HERE
MOST DAYS, LIFE ISN’T PERFECT
I wrote this book for everyone who has felt the pain of being alone because I have felt its sting even surrounded by wonderful people. We’re created for relationship, with God and with one another—not because life becomes perfect when we have both God and community. That’s not the point. No, it’s because most days, life isn’t perfect. And remembering we are loved and not alone is what gets us through those days. READ MORE HERE 
 

I was surprised by doubt in the middle of my college years. Thankfully, God didn't give up on me and invited me 4 times back to himself. Some of us need 4 times. A favorite professor helped me out. Listen in.
 
Back story:
Around age ten I fell in love with the Christian education pastor at our church. He was happily married—which was a good thing. I didn’t tell anyone about my crush—which was also a good thing.
But when I went off to college, I thought I might major in being a pastor’s wife. I was surprised to find out they didn’t have that major—nor did any aspiring pastor ask me. At least not anyone I wanted to say yes to.
I was even more surprised to discover sometime in the middle of my second year that I’d lost my faith. More than a surprise, it was a shock. I awoke one morning and thought: Is Christianity actually true? Close to panic, I wondered, Does God even exist? Have I been duped?
In school, no one spoke about doubt, not in daily chapel, never in class. Surrounded by godly professors, my friends and I took Bible courses alongside our majors and enjoyed the scholarship as well as the spiritual stimulation. But not one person asked: “So how much do you believe in God today, Sue?” (I wish they had—I would’ve been honest. I may have cried.)
No one ever preached in chapel: “You May Doubt Your Faith One Day and You Will Be Okay.” (I wish they had. I would’ve taken notes.)
One ordinary morning, doubts slipped in unnoticed and unwanted and rattled my cage of comfort and certainty. The fact remained: I no longer believed. I had lost my faith. I felt like I was living on the edge of crazy.
Do you have a friend who needs to hear they are not alone in their doubts? Share this podcast episode with them today. You can help bring them back from the edge of crazy.
Read more from Never Alone: Stories of Invitation and Connection 
 
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Welcome Heart: Knowing & Showing the Heart of God
 

Homeschool mom, writer and speaker, Adriana Gomez knows she doesn't have to "arrive" spiritually to obey God, surrender to his call and engage in mentoring relationships. Her passion is  to "serve God and others radically" and sometimes that takes more courage than you think you have. She loves apologetics and is working on a kids apologetics course and book to help us teach our children well in the truths of God. Enjoy our conversation today and ask God, "What are you calling me to do? Help me surrender all."
Gems from our conversation:
You can practice teaching someone else what God is showing you as you are learning from him.
I'm not afraid to share my weakness because it is in that very weakness that God's strength comes through.
We don't have to arrive to say "Yes" to Jesus. 
I gave up a promising career in education to educate the ones who were most important to me.
This life hasn’t been easy, but we are seeing the fruits of that sacrifice, and seeing what the Lord has done with the little bit of faith we were able to trust Him with.
Our kids pick up on who God is by how we live alongside of them and love them. 
My definition of apologetics is being able to defend the Bible inside and outside of the Bible.
I quit working entirely, and we were fully dependent on the Lord to provide. But, like David and Goliath, God had already been preparing us for this decision.
Adri and her husband got interested in apologetics from listening to these two podcasts:Podcasts that Orlando listened to
I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist. 
Frank Turek
 
The AC podcast (apologetics Canada)
 
Adri Gomez is a speaker, writer, and homeschooling mother of three who is passionate about helping parents raise rooted, critical-thinking children who know what they believe, why they believe it, and how to live it out boldly. With a background in ministry, early education, and curriculum development, Adri encourages mothers to create homes where faith is lived, questions are welcomed, and spiritual maturity is intentionally fostered through the ordinary rhythms of family life.
 
Website: www.garlandstograce.com
 
 
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I have a new book! Check it out HERE
MOST DAYS, LIFE ISN’T PERFECT
I wrote this book for everyone who has felt the pain of being alone because I have felt its sting even surrounded by wonderful people. We’re created for relationship, with God and with one another—not because life becomes perfect when we have both God and community. That’s not the point. No, it’s because most days, life isn’t perfect. And remembering we are loved and not alone is what gets us through those days. READ MORE HERE 
 
 

Do you have a spiritual giant? Someone who has gone before you and been that example of faithfulness until the end? Today we talk with Lori G. Melton about her book Journey With a Giant—Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose and Grow in your Walk with God
What a fun conversation about what could be your next step in growing closer to God. Go HERE to receive a free peek at her book. 
We are led on a year-long journey alongside a "giant" of faith, inspired by the author’s year of studying the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America's favorite neighbor. The practice of walking with a spiritual giant is not a new concept. Since the origin of the Church, believers have studied the Bible and pored over Christian biographies to learn and grow in their faith. In the same way that athletes can improve their game by studying the tactics of seasoned players, we can get unstuck in our spiritual lives, cultivate a deeper connection with God, and explore how to fulfill our purpose by learning from and journeying with a spiritual mentor who has traveled the path before us.
 
Some gems from our conversation:
I began my year with this prayer: How can I grow closer to You this year? And He answered, Study the life and faith of Mr. Rogers.
To be a disciple takes discipline—to hold onto what God is trying to teach us about ourselves and a deeper walk with Him.
The truth is, they lived not perfectly but prayerfully, doing the best they could just like we can—and their weaknesses speak to us as much as their strengths.
When we learn from a faithful followerer of God, it makes Him happy—as if He's saying, "Isn't it great to see how I worked in his life and now that's helped you as well!"
Fred Rogers was a great model of one who accepted others while remaining faithful to the grace and truth of Jesus Christ
I learned better how to love others, listen better and leave space for silence from my year with Mr. Rogers.
Following a spiritual giant has brought me closer to God because I've learned to see things from differenct perspectives and it has helped me worship Him more. 
My legacy is to be one who loved God and listened to His voice, and when I did, I was filled with joy.
 
Lori G. Melton is an author, spiritual director, retreat leader, and a member of Hope*Writers. She and her husband, Bryan, are the creators of the Sanctuary Stirrings Podcast and the founders and directors of The Sanctuary at BearCreek Retreat Center, which serves hundreds of people a year. When she's not writing, speaking, or welcoming guests, she enjoys spending time with her sixchildren and three grandchildren. She and her husband live in Allegan, Michigan.
Follow Lori here:
lorigmelton.com
thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com
Social Media: 
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Lori G. Melton
 

Do you ever wonder if you can really trust the God of the Bible when things feel and are dark and discouraging? How do you synthesize with honesty Jesus loves me & The Lord is my Shepherd when your prayers are not answered, not only for yourself, but for those you love so very much?
Today we welcome for the second time, author and disability advocate, Jillian Benfield, and we get to talk about her latest book, Overwhelmed and Grateful—the Key to Finding God’s Goodness in All Life’s Ups & Downs
 
Benfield can speak to our suffering & call us to remember God's goodness all at the same time. We first met Jillian on Living a Legacy Life, Ep 183, and you will be so encouraged today as we talk about what it means to endure life's challenges and trials & practice honesty, gratitude and awe.
She's hosting a book giveaway so be sure to comment below or on social media to be entered to win her beautiful and faith-encouraging book, Overwhelmed and Grateful—the Key to Finding God’s Goodness in All Life’s Ups & Downs.
Some gems from our conversation
I do not want to become an old woman who let the beauty of her life become the background.
I no longer trust that God will rescue me from my humanity. Instead, I trust in a God who will love me through it.
It's essential to remember God's goodness is always at work even when we don't see it.
The bad part of your day or life doesn't define you; look for the beauty in the now, the mystery of God's goodness. 
We learn from Ecclesiastes that we need lay our questions down & move forward, anyway. 
I am working on becoming a person who is easily delighted.
There will always be challenges, there will always be beauty. Being human is living with both.
Living gratefully acknowledges a God who can be trusted.