WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life
WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life with Sue Donaldson from WelcomeHeart.com. Hear how to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it by inviting others into God’s welcoming heart.
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Episodes
Sunday Dec 13, 2020
Sunday Dec 13, 2020
Probably the best-known Bible verse in the world is also the best Christmas verse—and it’s about giving:
John 3:16 states: “For God so loved the world that He gave—“
“For God so loved the world, that He gave…” And, because He gave, we want to give, too.
The heart of Christmas is giving because it began with God giving us His Son; the verse goes on: “…that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
God chose the best gift and the perfect gift for each of us; He didn’t need help from Nordstrom or Amazon.
To be honest, I find there are so many things one can do during the month of December, many of them church-related—I can imagine there are those of you who may already feel up to your necks in Christmas-obligation, expectations, special events to attend and prepare for –that you already wish it were January 1st
Let's make "Peace on Earth" permeate our kitchen, living room and shopping aisle (maybe even the car—maybe especially the car) this wild and crazy season!
We can get so overwhelmed that we lose the spirit of love and joy and giving like God gave—even the good things can be counter productive to what God really wants to accomplish in and through us. That’s why it helps me to ask God what He wants. To clear the way to do the one or two things that would show His love best to those around me.
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Have you ever shied away from doing hospitality because you thought: ‘What will be talk about? Or you wonder, “What if no one talks – it will be so awkward?!” Then this is what you’ve been waiting for: Say Something Special: 252 Conversation Starters – The Ultimate Guide to Stimulating Table Talk –
It provides 252 prompts to get the conversation flowing and the friendships growing. Each of the fifteen categories will inspire you to do hospitality with joy, purpose, and ease. When you know your guests are going to have fun and make friends, you can feel relaxed and confident about inviting company over on a regular basis. Asking the right question can make all the difference and you will have 252 to choose from!
Printable digital version here: 202 questions
Print book version here: 252 questions
Sunday Dec 06, 2020
Sunday Dec 06, 2020
You can't write a legit book on JOY unless you've known pain. Author, speaker, podcaster and Bible Study teacher, Suzie Eller has known pain, and her latest book: Joykeeper: 6 Truths That Change Everything You Thought You Knew About Joy is more than legit. I loved how Suzie shares her struggle to find joy while still experiencing fear, grief and potential loss. She allows us to feel all the feels while reminding us that God does the same, in fact, He invites us in to deeper intimacy as we are honest with our feelings.
Some excerpts to whet your appetite:
"Joy is more than a feeling--it's a knowing."
"When we understand that God cares about our feelings, we are not required to control, hide, or mask those emotions."
"Instead of trying to be something you are not, you allow Him to be Who He is."
Biblical, transparent, with practical encouragement, Suzie's provided a great gift to all of us this Christmas season. Buy Joykeeper for yourself so you can write in it (like I did!) and one for a friend.
Suzanne (Suzie) Eller is a bestselling author, Bible teacher and speaker, and co-host of the popular More Than Small Talk podcast. Suzie has been featured on hundreds of TB and radio programs. When she's not writing, you'll find her kayaking, hanging out with her "littles," finding the best food truck, or hiking.
More Than Small Talk podcast:
Learn more at tsuzanneller.com/joykeeper.
Suzie's recipe for Dessert Pizzas. She says, "These are gorgeous and always a hit. They are easy to make and assemble, but look like you've worked for hours."
I like a recipe that makes me look good.
Fruit Pizza Tarts
Pillsbury Sugar Cookie squares (or you can make sugar cookie dough from scratch)
Strawberry glaze (found in the produce section)
Marshmallow cream (two small tubs)
Cream cheese
Sliced strawberries, blueberries, sliced kiwi, raspberries, blackberries, sliced bananas (don't slice bananas until it's time to serve)
Cook the sugar cookie squares in a muffin or cupcake pan (as directed)
This creates a small tart or cup to hold the ingredients.
While the cookies are cooling, mix together the marshmallow cream and cream cheese (with an electric blender)
Spread the mixture over each cookie
Next top that with the strawberry glaze
Then, begin to top it with fruit. I might put a half a kiwi slice, two blueberries, a raspberry and blackberry, and a sliver of a strawberry on top. When it's time to serve, I add the freshly sliced banana (so it won't brown).
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Sue's Conversation Starters now on Amazon! Buy one for yourself and one for a friend.
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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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Sunday Nov 29, 2020
Sunday Nov 29, 2020
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.
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!
Sunday Nov 22, 2020
Sunday Nov 22, 2020
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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Sunday Nov 15, 2020
Sunday Nov 15, 2020
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.
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!
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!
Sunday Nov 08, 2020
Sunday Nov 08, 2020
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.
Subscribe:
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OR
Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!
Sunday Nov 01, 2020
Sunday Nov 01, 2020
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.
Subscribe:
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OR
Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!
Sunday Oct 25, 2020
Sunday Oct 25, 2020
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.
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!
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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.
Sunday Oct 18, 2020
Sunday Oct 18, 2020
SALE! FRIENDS & FAMILY 25% OFF ALL DIGITAL PRODUCTS
OCTOBER 18-31 COUPON CODE: WELCOMEFRIENDS
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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.
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!
Sunday Oct 11, 2020
Sunday Oct 11, 2020
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.
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!