WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
 
 
 
 

Ep 69 Seven Prayers For Quarantine—How's Your Prayer Life These Days?

Early on in the shutdown of 2020, I began writing prayers for quarantine. They aren't necessarily only for quarantine, in case you no longer are! And I could've added many (many) more, as it continues on longer than anyone thought it would.
Maybe the children of Israel felt that waiting angst as they wandered 40 long years. 
I include only seven prayers—maybe the eighth should be: "Lord, may this not last 40 years!"—one prayer for each day of the week. 
To receive a one-page printable of all seven prayers, click here.
I'd love to hear what you've been praying. Feel free to leave your prayer in comments or email me at: sue@welcomeheart.com. 
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As things begin to open up, I am ready to speak at your next Christian Women's Event. Check out my 8 Retreat Series and 15 keynotes. Scheduling for 2021-22 now. Email me for queries and questions. sue@welcomeheart.com
 

Ep 68 A Legacy of Being Peacefully Imperfect, with Mitzi Neely

To know Mitzi is to love her and to be encouraged. Her greatest desire is to instill confidence in people of all generations. Though she desires daily to be more like Jesus, she knows she falls far short, and she's learned to be content in her imperfection. Joy comes from thanking God at the beginning of every day as well as recognizing that no matter what that day brings, He is in it and ahead of it. 
We will be giving away Mitzi's latest book collaborative: Praying for Revival -Soul Inspired Prayer
Leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway. And a review on the podcast to receive 5 extra entries. I will be using this book for Lent which is around the corner.
Mitzi Neely is an inspiring motivational speaker, Bible teacher and author, who encourages women of all ages through her experiences and shortcomings. Mitzi’s heart is to lighten your load, while conveying the message that nobody’s perfect. Whatever your struggle or need, you will find encouragement through her words as she refreshes your heart and renews your joy.
Mitzi has been an educator for 38 years serving as a high school teacher, elementary principal, high school principal, curriculum director and currently the assistant superintendent at White Oak ISD.
Mitzi is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She loves sweet tea and hails from the Lone Star State. Aside from her position as a central office administrator in an East Texas school district, she enjoys spending time with her family, writing, speaking, cooking, and sewing.
Follow Mitzi at www.peacefullyimperfect.net
More publications by Mitzi:
1. Joy for Everyday Life: Living Joy Filled Despite Our Circumstances Not Always Being Joyful https://amzn.to/3afPLld
2. A Thankful Heart: 30 Days to the Grateful LIfe  https://amzn.to/3t9vx5r
 
3. Dwell in the Psalms - https://amzn.to/3r2Qzkj
 
4. Girl, You Better Get Your Jesus On Journal - The Girl, You Better Get Your Jesus On Journal is a 5.5" x 8.5" 100+ page lined notebook.
 
 
 
 
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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!
 
 

Ep 67 Doubting Christianity: Dare We Talk About It?

I like to say that I was "surprised by doubt" much like CS Lewis was "surprised by joy" only the opposite. He was thrilled with God's plan of salvation. I woke up one day and doubted that there was a plan or a God. 
Today's episode is my testimony of doubt in my 20's and how God drew me back. The hero of the story, as always, is God—His graceful wooing and utmost patience. You may never have doubted your faith. But you may know someone who's in the midst of a dark valley and wondering if and when she or he may come through it. Share this podcast with them and pray while doing so. God loves for us to seek Him, and as it says in Jeremiah 29:13—
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
That's a promise with a condition. 
Listen today for three steps back to faith. I dared to talk about it today. Be encouraged. 

Ep 66 Silver Living in Suffering: Resilience, with Kathy Vick, Run Like a Girl.org

Kathy is one of my favorite people. She's encouraging, wise and practical and the best coach you would ever want to have. She's been in a season of suffering the past 5 years and she shares today how God changed her through the suffering and the benefits to offering each day to God for His leading and care.
We all experience suffering, trials, disappointments in one form or another. What we do with it and how we respond could be the biggest and best legacy we leave for those we love and serve. 
Find Kathy at:
kathy@runlikeagirl.org
www.runlikeagirl.org
Kathy’s Bio:
For fifteen years, Kathy Vick has been a Certified Life Coach, Author, and Speaker.
As a coach, her mission is to ignite the spark for your next great adventure! Her desire is to see women fully embrace the mission and calling on their lives.  She says, “It is the dream you had at ten and still have at fifty that you need to pay attention to.”
Kathy has worked in Christian Publishing since 1981 on multiple projects including magazines, radio, websites, and seminars.  In her career, she has been an art director, marketing director, freelance designer and writer, speaker and life coach. Her life motto is “If it’s not fun, I’m not doing it.”
She has written and published articles, essays and sidebars for women since 1995.  She is the author of “Lessons in Buoyancy” Letting go of the Perfect Proverbs 31 woman, published in 2004 by Revel.  She is the co-creator of the MOM2MOM gift book series and author of  “7 Reasons To Be Grateful You Are The Mother of a Blended Family” This was published by New Leaf Press, 2007.  Kathy’s gift book, “Run Like a Girl” was published by Howard Books/Simon & Schuster and released in Spring 2009.
She and her husband enjoy live theater, concerts, road trips, and good BBQ! 
 
Kathy’s coaching clients will tell you:
 
“I literally felt like celebrating after our calls. She gave me confidence and direction through some confusing and troubling times. Thank you so much, Kathy.”
Margaret Puckett, Oregon
 
“Kathy is an anointed life coach, she makes me want to quit everything and just fly!” Julie, Ohio
“Kathy has an incredible gift for getting to the root of a matter in amazingly short order. She was my compass for the journey.” Karen, Oregon
 
 “If you're not sure about "life coaching,' just give her a shot!! I don't believe anyone can ever come away with an encounter with Kathy unchanged!! She is The Real Deal!!! Jenny Steffins Remsberg, Lousiana
 
“The growth I have experienced in the last year has largely been because of Kathy and her easy laughter, genuine concern, and spirit-filled sharpening.” Chanel, Colorado
 
Kathy loves this recipe for Summer Rolls from Sally'sBakingAddiction - sounds addicting! 
 
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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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