WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life

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 
 

Ep 182 A Legacy of Following Jesus at Any Age or Stage with Susan Macias

Susan Macias says as long as we have breath to breathe, Jesus still has a work for me to do. I love that and most likely I have fewer breaths to breathe than most of you. And it's still true. Don't you love it too? We never run out of purpose, and that purpose is to partner alongside of God Himself to do Kingdom work. Thanks for the reminder, Susan!
As a mother of 7 and an empty nester, Susan knew what it meant to have a full parenting life (homeschooler, too) and then "all of a sudden" an empty house, but not an empty life. She started her podcast: "We're Not Done Yet!" She hosted me late last year about hospitality and she said it was a hit. Listen HERE. 
One of Susan's passions and books is to help women walk out their identity in Christ. She's hosting a giveaway for: Putting Jesus On: My Identity Journal. Leave a comment in blog or on social media to be entered.
 
About Susan, in her own words:
I’m a fifty-something mom of seven and grandmother of eight. I love my husband, my family, and living in Texas. But above all I love Jesus, and I adore talking about Him
After homeschooling for twenty-seven years, I now answer God’s new call in my life. As a Christian writer and speaker, I use honesty, transparency, truth from the Word, and a little humor.
And I strive to exhort women to engage in their circumstances so that God is glorified and the Kingdom is expanded. Few things thrill me like sharing Jesus with my sisters.
Oh friend, the Lord calls us to His purposes. Let’s keep fighting the good fight, even when we feel we don’t have much fight left. Jesus will enable us because the hurting world needs us!
 
Some gems from Susan:
Considering the next call on your life may seem scary so take one small next step towards that direction.
As long as we have breath to breathe, Jesus still has a work for me to do.
Are you brave enough to be small when God's called you to be small?
Putting on what and who God has called me to be makes me beautiful.
 
 
 
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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 
Some samples: 
 
 
Sign up HERE and feel free to share link with a friend. We are all a little complicated. 
Love God. Love your neighbor. It’s not complicated.
 
 

Ep 181 A Legacy of Gettting Along with Difficult People (Who, Me?)

We should be experts dealing with difficult people because in one way or another, everyone is difficult.
Today we discuss something we all encounter: The Difficult Person. And sometimes that person is us/moi.
What makes a person difficult? Do degrees of difficulty matter? What are some practical ways to navigate a relationshiop with a diffiuclt person without moving to Australia?
I love people. Especially the loveable ones. I think I love people well until I come across a difficult person. On today's podcast we talk about 8 practices to consider while relating with the less-than-easy person in our lives.
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.
If we keep an issue to ourselves and take the tact of Suck it up, Buttercup things smooth over temporarily, but could lead to bigger issues.
When I think how I’ve grieved God and hurt others, I’m well on my way to loving the difficult person.
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.
Living peacefully with others is often a matter of perspective
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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 
Some samples: 
 
 
Sign up HERE and feel free to share link with a friend. We are all a little complicated. 
Love God. Love your neighbor. It’s not complicated.
 
 

Ep 180 A Legacy of Truth and Comfort Through the Classics with Rachel Dodge

Rachel Dodge understands the importance of "kindred spirits" as a writer, speaker and friend. She began writing companion devotionals for such classics as Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, The Secret Garden and is an expert on all things Jane Austen. What a fun conversation we had about what it means to be a "kindred spirit" and how she goes about her writing process to bring Gospel truth from popular literary classics for all ages. 
Her latest offering is The Secret Garden Devotional: A Chapter by Chapter Companion to a Beloved Classic
Rachel is hosting a giveaway this week and I will add a copy of the book The Secret Garden so you can be blessed as you read or re-read the book alongside of her devotional. 
Some gems:
We are adopted into God's kingdom so what better theme to focus on in Anne with an "e", a redheaded orphan longing to belong to a family.
Good literature includes pictures on earth to help us relate to biblical truths.
A "kindred spirit" is someone with similar sensibilities of things that delight us!
I want my books to be an act of invitation for people to know and love God more. 
RACHEL DODGE is the bestselling author of the award-winning Anne of Green Gables Devotional, The Little Women Devotional, and Praying with Jane: 31 Days through the Prayers of Jane Austen. Her newest book is The Secret Garden Devotional! Rachel teaches college English; speaks at libraries, literary groups, and teas; and writes for Jane Austen’s World. A true kindred spirit at heart, she loves books, bonnets, and ballgowns.
You can visit her at RachelDodge.com or on IG @kindredspiritbooks.
 
Be sure to comment on blog or instagram or FB to be entered to win her book!
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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 
Some samples: 
 
 
Sign up HERE and feel free to share link with a friend. We are all a little complicated. 
Love God. Love your neighbor. It’s not complicated.