WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life

Ep 47 What's Your Mission Statement? (And Do You Need One?) - Part I

Everybody and their mother is writing their "Mission Statements" these days. Why the big deal? How important is it to develop a Mission Statement? For our daughter, Bonnie’s company, it was important enough for her to spend nine months, as well for her company to pour thousands of dollars into manpower, TV ads and in the end, declaring: “This is what we’re about and it’s a great thing!”
I can’t help but wonder: What is the Believer's Manifesto?
Don’t I need a Mission Statement? Something to live my life under like a well-constructed canopy of truth, guiding and guarding my thoughts, words, and actions. If so, where do I start?
As Christians, we have the ultimate marketing team: God, the Father – Founder, Director. Christ, the Son – Brand Authority. And the Holy Spirit – Influencer/Equipper.  Besides the power-packed Trinity, we’re granted 24/7 access to Scripture, a handbook of all wisdom and knowledge breathed from God’s heart to ours.
I have what I need to make my Mission Statement. The real question remains:
Will it make a difference in how I live? A statement means nothing without the will and desire to follow God with all my heart.
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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com
 
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Ep 46 Building a "No-Regrets" Life with Rhonda Stoppe

Do you want to be a "No-Regrets" woman? Rhonda Stoppe tells us today how to be just that.
None of us like to live with regret, yet we've all done things and said things we've regretted. How do we get beyond ourselves and live a life "worthy of the life to which we are called?"
Paul wrote in Ephesians:
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.  Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. - Ephesians 4:1,2
Rhonda Stoppe is the NO REGRETS WOMAN with more than 20 years experience of helping women build no-regrets lives. “I could have listened to Rhonda talk all night,” is what women say about Rhonda’s enthusiastic, humorous, transparent teaching, and zeal as an evangelist. She’s committed to fulfilling the Titus 2:4 commission by mentoring, teaching, and writing books that are inspiring, grounded in Scripture, and easy to read––like you’re visiting with a friend over coffee.
Rhonda is the author of six books and she appears on numerous radio programs including FamilyTalk,Focus on the Family, Family Life Today and hosts The No Regrets Hour. She speaks at women’s events, Pastor’s Wives Conferences, MOPs, and homeschool conventions. Sharing the gospel is her sweet spot––she’s an evangelist at heart. Watch this video of Rhonda sharing the gospel.
Rhonda ministers alongside her husband Steve, who pastors the First Baptist Church of Patterson, California. They live out their own Real Life Romance writing books and speaking at their No Regrets Marriage Conferences, but their favorite ministry is their family. They have four grown children and 10 grandchildren. To learn more about Rhonda’s speaking topics, watch her teaching and to book Rhonda for your next event visit: NoRegretsWoman.comBonus: Watch this fun video of Steve & Rhonda sharing their own love story.
Links:
Website:       NoRegretsWoman.com
Facebook:    Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman 
Instagram:  @RhondaStoppe 
Twitter:       @RhondaStoppe
 
Some of Rhonda's Speaking Topics:
Women Who Rock Their World
Mom - You Are Not Alone
Moms Raising Sons to Be Men
Life on Purpose with No Regrets
I Can Build a No Regrets Life
The No Regrets Marriage Conference with Steve & Rhonda Stoppe
Mommy & Marriage - You Can Be Good at Both
 
Stoppe's Simple Shredded Coconut Macaroons
 
1 Can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 Large Bag Shredded Coconut
 
Mix together thoroughly (I use my hand to mush it together)
Spoon onto a cookie sheet 
Bake 350 for 10-12 minutes (until golden)
 
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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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For further thoughts on faith, food, and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com
 
 

Ep 45 Everyone Has a Story with Katie Collins

You may know someone who would give you the shirt off your back - but how about a kidney? (I might give a casserole...) Today I have the honor of hosting my lovely friend, Katie Collins: educator, wife, mother, grandmother, and kidney donor. 
Katie talks of leaving a legacy of "Less judgment -- More prayer" as she's learned to recognize that everyone she meets has a story and we can be part of their story by lifting them to Jesus at any moment of the day.
Wise words from a seasoned believer:
"Although I wouldn't want to continue to live in any of my past gut-wrenching circumstances--I don't long for the grief they bring. But I now know I wouldn't trade them for how I've learned to feel the word FAITH and taste the word TRUST."
A little about Katie Collins in her own words:
Celebrating 40 years with my best friend, mother of four adult children, retired elementary teacher, now full-time Mamie, I am blessed. As a work in progress, I am thankful for every day as an opportunity to draw closer to the Lord and the people He has placed in my life.
Here's Katie's Go-To Recipe: Shrimp Sausage Pasta
Years ago, BK (before kids), Kirt and I went to have dinner with my roommate's parents. Her mother served this savory meal to us and I’ve used it ever since as a people-pleaser and quick go-to. 
 
Sausage and Shrimp Pasta
 
1 pkg frozen wild-caught shrimp
1 pkg Jimmy Dean sausage (I like sage)
Spaghetti noodles (Angel Hair works well, too)
Parmesan cheese
 
Take out bag of frozen shrimp and let defrost. Crumble and cook sausage in pan. While cooking, start water boiling for pasta. Once sausage has cooked, drain, cover and put on simmer. When noodles are boiling, throw shrimp in and continue to cover, stirring here and there to get all the juices blended together. Drain noodles, and then mix everything together in a casserole dish, smother with parmesan cheese and serve. A quick bag of peas, slice of bread, and you’re set! Enjoy! 
 
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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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Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:
    
For further thoughts on faith, food and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com
 

Ep 44 Cheerleader for Faith and Family, with Tiffiney Holmes

Tiffiney Holmes, wife of 26 years, homeschooling mom of 6, hails from Brooklyn, NY. She's quick to say she doesn't have it all figured out, while at the time she encourages us to cling to Jesus and fight to live every moment as one who can share the Gospel at every chance we get. 
As a woman of color, today Tiffiney shares her perspective on racial tension ("Satan is having a heyday!") and what's she's learning on how to relate as Jesus would so that whoever she meets will feel His welcome to come into His family.
I loved her post on Facebook entitled: "Dear White Friends" presenting her perspective on our nation's current crisis. An excerpt:
I am a black person living in America, so I understand racism. I sometimes cannot breath when I see my young adult sons leave my home late at night, because I know that one wrong encounter could tragically change everything. But if such a thing were to happen (God forbid it!), I wouldn't blame white people, I wouldn't start hating cops (by God's grace). I would blame the responsible party. That party ALONE would stand before God and give an account for their actions. No other person.
Friends, no matter what color you are, you cannot bear the weight of what another person has done, even if they look like you or have the same profession as you do. That is too much of a burden for anyone to bear.
 Read entire post here.
Tiffiney Holmes is self-proclaimed "family-life-junky” who morphed into a family-life-enthusiast, all because of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Now she’s on a mission to help other women experience abundant family life. Tiffiney and her husband live in Brooklyn, NY with their six children, two sons-in-love, and three grandchildren - all of whom keep their lives full of adventure! You can follow the adventure on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
Follow Tiffiney:
Welcome Home Ministry – Celebrating the Adventure of Family Life!
Pinterest
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Resources from Tiffiney:
Free Online Devotional: Because of Jesus, My Home Is: A free 20-Day Online Devotional which explores the blessings of our union with Christ, and God’s unique relationship to the Christian Home. Click here to learn more. 
Free eBook: The Art of Building a Godly Home: The Art of Building A Godly Home is a beautifully illustrated companion guide for your journey along the path of wisdom. Read it to strengthen your home today!  Click here to learn more.
A word from Tiffiney about a favorite recipe:
My kids request this for special occasions. I slay at making it now. (Slay…that’s slang. LOL! ) I even jazz it up by adding shrimp. 
Favorite Family Recipe: Pasta with Bacon and Mushroom by Ree Drummond. 
Sounds divine - can't wait to try it.
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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:
    
For further thoughts on faith, food, and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com
 
 
 

Ep 43 Solitude vs Loneliness: Celebrating Friendship

God knows we need each other, at every age and stage. Here are 6 descriptions of a good friend. I hope you can celebrate friendship alongside of me today!
There's a difference between loneliness and solitude. One is debilitating, and the other is necessary.
 “The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved.”-- Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa saw the worst in poverty yet here she knew deep down in her bones: loneliness is the worst kind.
 
I'm so thankful that Jesus sticks closer than a brother.
Feeling alone today? Text a friend.Invite her for tea and granola.She may need your tea and granola more than you do. I've shared this recipe before - have you made it yet? I got it from my friend, Stephanie at ReadCookDevour.

Ep 42 A Legacy of Your Worth, Rebecca Hastings

I found a kindred spirit in today's podcast with Rebecca Hastings. Rebecca is not only a woman of words, but a woman who knows her worth found in God and His Word. You will love her!
 
A little about Rebecca:
Rebecca Hastings is a writer and speaker encouraging women to find real faith for real life.  A wife and mother of three in Connecticut, she is the author of Worthy: Believe Who God Says You Are and Daily Meditations for Christians. Her work has also been featured at Relevant Magazine, (in)courage and The Washington Post. She can often be found typing words, driving her kids places or wherever there is chocolate.
 
Buy her books here (I just did!) --
 
Worthy: Believe Who God Says You Are
Daily Meditations for Christians
 
Subscribe to her weekly 10-second pause of inspiration and hope at myinkdance.com.
 
 
Rebecca's favorite recipe looks perfect and simple!
   
Tuscan Minestrone Soup
 
1 c. sliced carrots
1/2 c chopped celery
1 c chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
2 T olive oil
15 oz can black beans
15 oz can cannellini beans
32 oz chicken broth
1/2 t. thyme
 
1) heat oil on medium/high heat. Add vegetables and garlic. Cook 4-5 minutes.
2) Stir in remaining ingredients and bring to boil.
3) Turn heat down to medium/low and simmer 10-12 minutes.
4) Serve with crusty bread.
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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:
    
For further thoughts on faith, food and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com
 

Ep 41 God's Inclusivity and Four Aspects of His Hospitality

John 4 tells the familiar story of Jesus meeting the woman at the well and how He offered her what she really wanted even though she didn't know what that was!
God's welcoming heart is revealed to the woman at the well, someone who was an outcast in so many ways, and we learn 4 things about showing hospitality, and they all have to do with trusting God. 
On the surface, this looks like it’s the woman’s hospitality to Jesus, but it quickly switches to God’s hospitality to her.
 
     “This is your invitation, and it’s the invitation of a lifetime.”
 
In this familiar story, we find lovely interchangeability of hospitality:  God welcomes us and we welcome Him into our lives. 
 
God's welcome is abundant, as we read in Psalm 36. He initiated the relationship by creating us. He welcomed us back by sending His Son.  And at the same time we play host to Him—He knocks on our door, and we welcome Him into every corner of our lives.  We say, “Lord, make Yourself at home in us.  We are at your service.”
We all know how it feels to be the new person on the block. How can you feel at home quickly in this time of social isolation? And how can you help a new family feel welcomed on your street or in your town? Subscribe and receive THREE printables:
"Introduce Yourself to Your Neighbors"
"Welcome a New Neighbor"
"Best Welcome Muffin Recipe Ever: Tollhouse Muffins"
Subscribe 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:
    
For further thoughts on faith, food, and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com
 
 

Ep 40 Three Girls Out to Change the World: A Legacy of Kindness, with The Ruth Experience

Julie, Kendra, and Kristin—creators of the growing online community The Ruth Experience—are three friends whose lives are intertwined as writers, speakers, wives, moms, and world-changers. They are the authors of five books, including their most recent The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional and 100 Days of Kindness. They believe that when we walk together as women, we can unleash new possibilities for ourselves—and others.
Why a legacy of kindness? It all began with moms talking about the length of their kids' Christmas Wish Lists. How could pass on a legacy of giving vs receiving at the most wonderful time of the year? Advent Acts of Kindness was launched and the rest is history. 
When we look for ways to show kindness, we live more intentionally. We put it on the calendar. We follow through with actions instead of only thinking something is a good idea. And the best part? 
Our kids soak it up and become leaders in kindness without our having to tell them to be kind. 
One Hundred Days of Kindness Devotional
New book coming October:
The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship: 365 Days to Finding, Keeping, and Loving Your Friends
And in Spring:
100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls: A Devotional
This trio is busy spreading kindness.Connect with The Ruth Experience on www.theruthexperience.com and follow on Instagram @theruthexperience 
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Bacon Spaghetti Sauce (need I say more? Bacon is a food group)
by Kristin Demery
5-6 strips of bacon
½ onion, diced
2 t. garlic, chopped (about 2 cloves)
1 lb. ground beef
2 - 28 oz. cans diced tomatoes
4 t. dried basil
2 t. dried oregano
2 t. dried parsley
½ cup red wine
Salt, to taste
Tomato paste (*optional, although I don’t use it)
 
Directions:
Cook bacon according to package directions. Once fully cooked, remove from pan and set aside.
Leaving bacon fat in pan, add ground beef, onions, and garlic and cook on medium.
Once ground beef is no longer pink and onions are soft and somewhat translucent, add tomatoes.
Stir in spices and red wine, turn heat down to medium-low and let simmer for a while.
Chop bacon and add back into the spaghetti sauce. Taste-test to see if additional salt or spices are needed.
 
*If the sauce isn’t thick enough, you can also add a small can of tomato paste but will need to add additional spices.
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Speaking of kindness. Jesus says to love our neighbor as ourselves. Do you have a new neighbor? Or are you the newbie and you need to make some friends? Here's my New Neighbor Packet - enjoy!
We all know how it feels to be the new person on the block. How can you feel at home quickly in this time of social isolation? And how can you help a new family feel welcomed on your street or in your town?
Subscribe and receive THREE printables:
"Introduce Yourself to Your Neighbors"
"Welcome a New Neighbor"
"Best Welcome Muffin Recipe Ever: Tollhouse Muffins"
Subscribe 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:
    
 

Ep 39 Got the Mommy Blues? Nothing is Wasted When Walking Close to Jesus

There's nothing worse than knowing you have the greatest job in the world and feeling like a failure in that job. How can we parent with joy, confidence and purpose?
Parenting is difficult (ask God, the Perfect Parent!) yet there is joy in the journey. And God, our Shepherd, is our comfort. 
 
 Sarah Young wrote in her book, Jesus Calling:
"Nothing is wasted when you are walking close to Me." (April 10)
Nothing, Lord? That means whether I'm parenting, cooking, cleaning, resting - living! -- it doesn't matter what, what matters most is that I walk close to Jesus. 
This is my To-Do List to ensure I do just that:
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A crockpot or instant pot is a mom's best friend. If I can prep dinner at 9 am, I can rest easy at 6 pm when everyone's hungry, tired, and downright snappish. This simple and robust recipe is from the Flores family and we love it. 
 
Tri-Tip Tacos
Place trimmed tri-tip in the crockpot
Pour over two cups of salsa of your choice
Check two hours before dinner if it's getting tender. If not, I put it on High
Shred with two forks
Saute sliced sweet peppers and onions.
Serve in warmed tortillas with extra salsa, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. (Side dish not necessary - brownies, more necessary.)
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We all know how it feels to be the new person on the block. How can you feel at home quickly in this time of social isolation? And how can you help a new family feel welcomed on your street or in your town? Subscribe and receive THREE printables: "Introduce Yourself to Your Neighbors" "Welcome a New Neighbor" "Best Welcome Muffin Recipe Ever: Tollhouse Muffins"
Subscribe Here
 
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Ep 38 God's Called You to a Wonderful Story—Don't Settle! with Doris Cush

Doris Cush says she's not a patient person but she is a waiter - she knows to wait on God to bring something beautiful from ashes, strength from weakness, faith from pain. The moment you meet her, you know you are loved as she invites you to make Jesus your best friend, no matter what you are going through.
In her own words:
People know me as Doris Cush. but my narrative is encapsulated in a tagline. I’m an “Honest Survivor Embracing a Savior Honestly.”
As I tackle the tough and tender issues we often face, God allows me to turn obstacles into opportunities and trials into trust-filled moments by sharing P.E.P. Talks. It's His gift of providing Perspective, Encouragement, and Peace to life.This year, I published my latest book, "Word Twist: God's Word Imagined In New Ways" and rolled out a weekly podcast I've aptly entitled "Spur-1-On." If I'm not encouraging someone on Instagram, I'm working alongside my "right name/wrong guy" church planting, worship songwriting husband, Daniel, of 23-1/2 years.
Follow Doris for more encouragement follow at any of the following places:
Blog/Web: www.doriscush.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dmcushiteFacebook: www.facebook.com/DorisMCush YouTube: www.youtube.com/dmcushite 
This coming Saturday, Doris and two ministry friends will be leading a virtual event entitled: WHAT LIES BEYOND and I can't wait. Register here for FREE.
ABOUT WHAT LIES BEYOND VIRTUAL EVENT:
During these troubling times, have you asked WHY? Have you wondered WHEN will life get back to "normal"? And are you ready for WHAT lies beyond social distancing and racial unrest?
Join us as we take a Biblical approach to...
How to process hardships, troubles, and setbacks
Adopting a transition plan as we move forward
Supporting one another on the other side
WHAT LIES BEYOND: A VIRTUAL EVENT will feature:
Delphine Kirkland, Blogger/Vlogger & Author of the book, "Just Jesus & Me." Instagram @fromthemasterstable
Camille McIntyre, Oasis Church NYC Co-Pastor and Vlogger. Instagram @camille_mcintyre
Doris M. Cush (Host), Writer / Speaker / Encourager & Author of the book, "Word Twist: God's Word Imagined in New Ways." Instagram @dmcushite
EVENT DETAILS...
Saturday, July 11, 2020 (11am - 3 pm EST / 10 am - 2 pm CST)
VIRTUAL doors open @ 10:30 am EST / 9:30 am CST to settle in (code: let's get situated with water, snacks and operating your device before the event begins!)
Lunch break factored into event (Since I'm in the Pacific Time Zone, I'll be in PJ's and not worried about the lunch break!)
Here's a favorite recipe from Doris - Let me know if you try it!
 
My Mama's Modified Sweet Potato Pie
Bruce's canned yams- a large can equals 2-3 pies
Brown sugar (your choice)
Butter, 1 stick
½ Tbsp. Baking powder  1/8 t. salt
3 eggs
2 cups sugar
l cup flour
1-2 cans Carnation milk
Pet Ritz deep-dish pie shells 
Spices galore: Nutmeg / Allspice / Cinnamon /Ginger/ Clove/ Pure Vanilla / Butter Flavor or Vanilla Butter Nut Flavor/ Molasses/ Syrup {add to your taste!)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drain juice from yams. Place in large quart pot with a little water, butter, and brown sugar to sweeten. Cook yams to tender. Let cool. Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) and set aside. Beat eggs and sugar in yams. Mix in milk and add spices. Add dry ingredients and more spices to taste. Keep mixing until you reach a thick, creamy consistency that has a medium-dark coloring. I use a soup ladle to pour mixture into pie shell (roughly 3 scoops per pie). Bake until a toothpick comes out clean in the middle (approximately 1-½ hours @ 350 degrees. (Doris M. Cush -I modified my mama's recipe in 1988. ENJOY!)
 
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We all know how it feels to be the new person on the block. How can you feel at home quickly in this time of social isolation? And how can you help a new family feel welcomed on your street or in your town? Subscribe and receive THREE printables:
"Introduce Yourself to Your Neighbors"
"Welcome a New Neighbor"
"Best Welcome Muffin Recipe Ever: Tollhouse Muffins"
Subscribe 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:
    
For further thoughts on faith, food, and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.co