WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life

Ep 192 A Legacy of Radical Radiance in the Every Day with Rebecca George

Rebecca George, podcaster, author and speaker is passionate about helping women find and live out their God-given purpose, all for heaven's sake. She wants to "leave a person better than she found them" which can be shown in the every day actions of love, action and encouragement. Rebecca's brand new book, Do the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-getter Girl helps the reader examine her joys, gifts, and heart-posture before her Creator-God and moves her into a life of purpose and surrender. 
She will be giving a copy away this week so be sure to comment on Blog or on Social Media to be entered. 
Rebecca's theme verse is Psalm 34:5--—
Those who look to him are radiant;    their faces are never covered with shame.
We light up our world from looking to Jesus. Hear Rebecca every Tuesday on her podcast, Radical Radiance and follow her on instagram @rebeccageorgeauthor. She offers a free journal SHINE BRIGHT on her website. Sign up here.
Some gems:
What gifts we have from God can translate into how we love others in our every day.
God's at work all the time. How many opportunities do I miss to partner in His work by living unaware?
The outcome is God's; the obedience is ours.
To be available to God is to ask: How can I best love, serve and encourage anyone He brings into our lives on a daily basis?
Are we turning to God's truth when faced with fear, doubt or insecurity?
 

Ep 191 A Legacy of Faith Enough to Get Out of the Boat

A good definition of faith is:  doing what God says and trusting Him with the results.  It sounds good on paper. It can be hard in real life. Sometimes it can be hard to trust God to work through another person- or perhaps in spite of another person.
 To step out on faith may feel like we’re stepping off of cliff but once you step out you find it’s only a curb because God is there to break your fall. Pity the person who never takes that step to find that out.
“Step out,” God says, “and you will find I am all you need.”
For some, faith might mean closing your mouth and praying only:  Hudson Taylor said, “Learn to move men by God through prayer alone.”  That’s a tough one – especially for a woman, especially for an extrovert, especially for a red-headed extrovert. . . Faith may mean closing your mouth, AND,
Faith may mean opening your mouth.  Paul asked his friends in Colossians 4:3– “Pray that I talk freely of the mystery of Christ, that God would open the door. . .”
You know when God is speaking to you. And if you’re not sure, like Peter, you can say, “Is that you, Lord?” And if it is, then it’s best to get out of the boat.
 God is calling for complete obedience for a complete faith.
Hudson Taylor said: "Learn to move men by God through prayer alone."
 
7 ways to live in the unseen:
God is doing His work in our lives and others (even when we can’t see it) II Corinthians 4:18;
Our work for Him is not in vain I Cor. 15:58  “. . .be steadfast, abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”
That all things are working together for good who are called according to His purpose –Romans 8:28
That God is able to do abundantly above all that we ask or think – Ephesians 3:20
That He Who began a good work in us will complete it – Phil.1:6
That where there is weeping now, will turn to joy and laughter Luke 6:21
That nothing can separate me from the love of God – nothing – Romans 8:39

Ep 190 A Legacy of Taking Leaps with Rachel G. Scott

Rachel G. Scott, wife and mom of a blended family knows what it means to obey by faith, look to God for the next step and take that leap that needs taking. Founder of The 5 Leaps Podcast, Rachel is wise beyond her years and counsels her audience that there is more than one way to take a leap, five in fact. She explains there's a difference between being a "nice" Christian and a "kind" Christian, and her legacy is one we share: to serve God well and point her kids to Jesus.
Today she's offering my listeners her free resource: The Five Leaps Quick Guide - click here. 
Tools to help you prepare, plan and execute your next leap. Love it and Rachel!
Some Rachel gems:
We need to always be leaning into what is that next leap God is leading us to make.
The trailblazer goes where no one has gone before, teaching and bringing others along the way.
I realized that there is more than one way to take a leap of obedience. 
I can envision the worst that can happen while considering the next leap and fight with God's truth my imaginations, speculations and negative thoughts.
A "nice" Christian is different than a "kind" Christian; one is something we perform, the other is a posture of the heart. 
I want my kids to live a leaping lifestle so that obedience to God is natural for them.
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Ep 189 A Legacy of an Unbound Life with Stephen David Leonard

Steve Leonard, of StephenDavidLeonard.com, joins me today to talk about Dad Guilt, parenting, gains and losses, identity, and living the abundant life. Steve and his wife, Lisa (of Lisa Leonard Designs) are the parents of two sons: David, 21 and Matthias, 19. Their world was changed dramatically when David was born with a rare genetic disorder, Cornelia DeLang Syndrome. You can read about it here. 
I first met the Leonards when they moved to San Luis Obispo when Steve became our Family and College Pastor. When Lisa's jewelry took off, Steve then moved out of formal ministry to help manage their fast-growing business. He discusses the challenges he faced in changing roles and parenting a boy becoming a man and moving off to college as well as one who will never move out and move on. Each son provides much joy in the Leonard's lives and we are blessed to know them in our little community. 
GIVEAWAY - Two Roman Cross Coin necklaces for two winners!
To Enter: FOLLOW STEVE AND ME AND TAG A FRIEND
Some Steve gems:
I want to be someone who thinks "There you are!" vs "Here I am!"
Being a dad has helped me understand God's heart a little bit more. 
We actually live between the first page and the last page of the Bible.
Dad Guilt is real and less talked about, perhaps, because we are men.
Living by "ought's and should's" can hinder the abundant life that God promised in Scripture.
More than anything else, our son David has taught me that I am made in God's image and that is my worth.
Steve is Founder and CEO of StephenDavidLeonard.com. Follow on Instagram @stephendavidleonard
www.lisaleonard.com
www.stephendavidleonard.com
www.leonardgroup.com
 
 
   
 

Ep 188 A Legacy of Untangled Faith with Amy Fritz

Amy Fritz grew up loving Jesus but figured out along the way that something needed changing—not with Jesus and not with loving Jesus. That part remained true and held her and her husband, Nathan, fast through a painful and difficult process that included job loss and uncertainty. Rather, Amy learned she needed to step beyond her natural people-pleasing tendencies in order to remain true to God and pass on the legacy to her kids and others that following Jesus and doing the right thing is always the best choice.
As host and founder of the popular podcast, Untangled Faith, Amy explores the sad truth that sometimes people in the faith community abuse their power and hurt others in the name of Christ. She doesn't throw out "church" - that's not God's plan. But she's taken a hard topic and helped people by sitting alongside of them in their pain and questions, inviting them to be with Jesus rather than simply a fan. And sometimes that's a hard choice, but always a good choice, to make.
 
Amy is the founder/visionary/host of the Untangled Faith Podcast. She lives near Nashville with her husband, three children, and two dogs. She loves to read, write, talk, and connect people to other people and resources. She loves Jesus and hates spiritual abuse.
Some gems from Amy:
If we threw out every church because it was imperfect there would be nothing left.
It doesn't matter what age you are when you lose a parent, you still feel orphaned.
If you mom dies, you may need to go to therapy to learn how to talk to your dad. 
You can do the right things and life can still be very difficult.
If you are disillusioned or hurt, don't throw out Jesus. Come sit next to me, there's room at my table.

Ep 187 A Legacy of an Open Heart and a New Kidney: Stewarding Well with Dale Masten

Dale Masten loved Christ at an early age, and loves Him still at 60. In between years included times of doubt, questioning, skepticism, and looking for anywhere but up for life's answers. Yet, God kept calling him back and Dale listened. "I derailed but I kept coming back. I couldn't live without God."
He also couldn't live very well without a new kidney which he received earlier this year after a 10-year-wait. He got the call from USC Medical Center on a Sunday afternoon. "We have a kidney. If you want it, you need to be here between 4 and 6 hours." Dale and his wife of 35 years, Jill, got into the car without packing and within 5 hours he was on the table, wondering at all that was about to happen. 
Dale knows that there is no meaning without God, faith grows in adversity and community, and that meaningful relationships begin with openness, love and vulnerability. He loves people. Reminded me of Jesus. You will be challenged and encouraged today with Dale's story.
Some gems from today's podcast:
God honors the process and builds character through suffering.
We need to be intentional with our gratitude or it quickly subsides into taking things for granted.
I celebrate that God made me someone who is voraciously interested in people. 
Vulnerability is the gateway to intimacy.
I had a new kidney but I still had my same old character flaws.

Ep 186 A Legacy of Finding Holy in the Suburbs with Ashley Hales

Author, speaker, podcaster, Ashley Hales, talks today on how to find holy and be faithful to God wherever He's placed you. "How easy it is," she explains, "to look for our value or distract us from the hard stuff by leaning on stuff—bigger homes, safer places, or a simple To-Do List crossed off on a daily basis." She writes in Finding Holy in the Suburbs: Living Faithfully in the Land of Too Much—"To fill my infinite things with finite things, the more distance I put between God and myself. And the more I do that, it creates a way of being."  
Leave a comment on blog or social media to be entered in a giveaway for Finding Holy in the Suburbs.
Follow Ashley at aahales.com where you can read about her ministry, writing and speaking. 
Ashley is a mom of four, wife of a pastor here in San Luis Obispo, and seeks to follow Jesus and love others right where she is. 
Some gems:
We get antsy waiting on God so we ask our stuff to save us.
God has made us hungry people but we remain unsatiated until we feed on Him first and foremost.
Hospitality means making room in our lives and hearts for whomever God brings our way.
The cross is the basis of our hospitality; Christ broken for us is God's invitation to come to Him. 
I want to pay attention to the work God has for me to do TODAY and not worry about may or may not get accomplished. 
We can't do Kingdom life by doing rather than being. 
Like maps like my Man-in-Plaid? Here's one for you. Ashley and her husband, Bryce have a new podcast: The Cartographers: Charting the cultural landscape for 21st century Christian Leaders
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When asked, “What’s the greatest commandment?” Jesus replied simply: “Love God, love your neighbor.” I imagine He was thinking, “It’s not rocket science” or “What’s not to like?” or “It’s not complicated.”
He was right, it’s not complicated. But people are people and we make it complicated.
I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote “31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers,” and once I pray them through, I start over again.
You can too. One short, simple prayer to help uncomplicate love sent to your inbox for 31 days. Don't worry. They are short. God doesn't mind short prayers.
Sign up HERE 
 
 

Ep 185 A Legacy of Deeper Faith with Sue Donaldson

If we want a deeper faith, we can ask God for it. He knows our hearts anyway, so we may as well be honest.
When we ask God for more faith, He will do one of three things:
He will ask you to do something really big
He will allow challenging circumstances
He will give you children (or someone to love)—or all three at the same time. And then your faith will have an opportunity to deepen.
Perhaps you’ve heard this before but it’s a good reminder:  
Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark:
One : Don't miss the boat.
Two  : Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
Three : Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
 
My favorite is the last one: “Stay fit.  When you’re 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.”
Your life’s not over because you’re 40 or 50 or 60 or 600. Just ask Noah. So we better stay fit. Spiritually and every way.
 
Of course, it wouldn’t matter if Noah were fit at 600 if he had no intention of obeying God, would it? Part of our spiritual fitness is a heart of obedience.
By faith, I invited my neighbor for coffee, dinner, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Soup Potluck, dinner, zoom Bible Study and wine night. Two and a half years later, she said, "Is it too late to join Bible Study?" (Never) Four months later she gave her life to Jesus. 
On one sunny but chilly Sunday in February, she got baptized in a very cold water tub. 
Point #1:
Obedience could save a life. Jesus obeyed and went to the cross.
Point #2:
Never give up. 
 
Some faith-isms:
There are no small acts of obedience. All take faith.
If you want faith, God may ask you to do something really big – and you’d better do it because it could save a life. 
A life of faith means we answer “Yes, Lord” before He even finishes His sentence.
The more we obey what He tells us to do, the deeper our faith will become.
We miss out on a chance to know God if we stay in the boat after He’s told us to get out and come to Him.
 
GIVEAWAY!
202 Conversation Starters, Digital Version
 
Leave comment to be entered! You won't be sorry. Steve and Karen, empty-nesters, are going through each question - one or two a meal - and still (after more than 50 years!) are learning new things about each other! 
 
 

Ep 184 A Legacy of Gardening and Losing the Shoulds with Carol Feil

Carol Feil wants you to see our faithful God, the Master Gardener, in all details of your life. She wants you to know that being rooted in His unchanging character helps you dig deep into His word, cultivating growth even in seasons of dormancy.  
Carol wears yellow boots in the garden and calls them her "listen and learn boots", paying close attention to what God's teaching her about Himself and who He wants her to be. Carol admits she struggles with imposter syndrome but continues to walk forward in her legacy of faith footprints—boot-sized!—and praying that whoever she meets will follow alongside.
Do you want help replacing should with could? Carol has an added resource that will help you with that process. CLICK HERE FOR FREE RESOURCE.
Some gems from Carol:
Knowing God's will is more about the little things he leads us to be and do.
"Shoulding" messages in our heads are lies that play on-repeat and need to be countered with truth.
Roses grow best when pruned. So do I.
We need to be patient with the process of replenishment.
What thoughts need reframing? Pay attention and do the work of replacing.
In the absense of truth, Satan will fill in the blanks with his lies. 
Join Carol on the journey to developing deeper roots and stronger shoots:
Website: https://carolfeil.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolfeil/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolFeilWriter
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When asked, “What’s the greatest commandment?” Jesus replied simply: “Love God, love your neighbor.” I imagine He was thinking, “It’s not rocket science” or “What’s not to like?” or “It’s not complicated.”
He was right, it’s not complicated. But people are people and we make it complicated.
I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote “31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers,” and once I pray them through, I start over again.
You can too. One short, simple prayer to help uncomplicate love sent to your inbox for 31 days. Don't worry. They are short. God doesn't mind short prayers.
Sign up HERE 
 
 

Ep 183 A Legacy of an Unexpected Gift: Transformation and Hope with Jillian Benfield

Jillian Benfield got the news that her second child, Anderson, was Down Syndrome. This news was not her life-plan. Then just four months after his birth, he underwent open-heart surgery. Then their third child, Preston suffered medical procedures for the first two years of his life. Jillian wrote her book, The Gift of the Unexpected: Discovering Who You Were Meant to Be When Life Goes Off Plan, not as a how-to book on how to get through life's difficulties; rather she wrote her own story--the good, bad and the ugly--to offer hope. Wise beyond her years, Jillian's story has much to teach us about theology, Western thought, ableism and how if we are willing to put in the work, that God will transform us from the inside out, for our good and for His glory. 
Get this book, for yourself and for a friend. She's giving one away this week. Leave on comment on blog or on social media or email me at sue@welcomeheart.com. 
In her own words:
My life fell apart with a 20-second phone call. We call these moments in life, before-and-after moments. Mine came when I was 27 years old and pregnant with my second child. My life would never be the same, I would never be the same. If you would have told me years ago that my before-and-after moment would end up being one of the greatest gifts of my life, I wouldn’t have believed you. But it was. It is. The unexpected gave me my son. The unexpected ended up giving me, me. That’s what my book, The Gift of the Unexpected, and this space are about. Our unexpected moments, our unexpected lives, can end up helping us live into our God-dreamed entireties.
Some gems from Jillian:
God doesn't need pretend versions of ourselves, but all of who we are.
I want my legacy to be one of openness: open to being wrong, to being willing to evolve, to never close off my circle of friends.
A different kind of life is not a less-than life.
Western culture wants us "rushing through our pain" rather than learning from it.
What I've learned is that God continuously provides resurrection for us now, not only at the end of our lives.
God takes dead things and makes them new when we look to Him, lean on Him and take the next step. 
To undergo a trial vs overcome a trial takes time, counsel, reflection on who we are at our core and an understanding of what may need some transformation.
Follow Jillian here:
Website: https://jillianbenfield.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillianbenfield/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JillianBenfieldBlog/
 
 
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When asked, “What’s the greatest commandment?” Jesus replied simply: “Love God, love your neighbor.” I imagine He was thinking, “It’s not rocket science” or “What’s not to like?” or “It’s not complicated.”
He was right, it’s not complicated. But people are people and we make it complicated.
I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote “31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers,” and once I pray them through, I start over again.
You can too. One short, simple prayer to help uncomplicate love sent to your inbox for 31 days. Don't worry. They are short. God doesn't mind short prayers.
Sign up HERE