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
Monday May 01, 2023
Monday May 01, 2023
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
Monday Apr 24, 2023
Monday Apr 24, 2023
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.
Monday Apr 17, 2023
Monday Apr 17, 2023
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.
Monday Apr 10, 2023
Monday Apr 10, 2023
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.
Monday Apr 03, 2023
Monday Apr 03, 2023
Sarah Geringer walked down the lane close to her Missouri home and began to notice things, simple things that helped her find the presence of God, her Hidden Manna, and with that, a deeper trust in God's provision while praying for herself and others. From her experience came her latest book, Hidden Manna on a Country Road: Seeing God's Provision All Around Us.
Leave a comment on blog or social media to be entered in a giveaway. What a beautiful way to pray through the seasons no matter if you live in the city or country.
I first spoke with Sarah on Ep 64 "Transform Your Mind" where we discussed her great book, Transforming Your Thought Life: Christian Meditation in Focus
Artist, author, speaker and gardener, and mother of three, Sarah Geringer loves her Missouri home, God's Word, and coming alongside others for prayer and counsel.
For fun things like why she loves sunflowers and how James Taylor "changed her life," view her website: sarahgeringer.com
Some gems from today's episode:
A need for human connection is coded into our DNA.
Paying attention to birdsong in Spring helps me come to God in praise and thankgiving, no matter what hard things I'm experiencing.
I can get caught up in thinking I'm pretty decent until I remember all Christ did for me on the Cross.
My faith is strengthened when I look for hidden manna—simple things in nature that reflect God's presence and provision.
We can come boldly to the throne of grace only because Jesus paid for my sins.
Sarah is an active member of my facebook group: Welcome Heart, Welcome Home sharing her favorite recipes and welcoming others in. Check it out here.
Be sure to comment on blog or social media to be entered to win: Hidden Manna on a Country Road: Seeing God's Provision All Around Us.
_________
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.
Monday Mar 27, 2023
Monday Mar 27, 2023
Author, speaker, podcaster, Rachael Adams, saw the offering envelope that read, "Love Offering" and wondered what should or could she give? She heard God say, "You are my love offering." That small exchange sealed the deal. Rachael, like many young mothers, had been struggling with questions such as, "Does what I do matter for the Kingdom?" "I'm working at what I need to do to keep my family healthy and happy, yet, I wonder, is that enough? Do I need to do more to live a life of significance?"
Going to God and the Word, Rachael found the answer to all those questions and more. She recognized her where her significance lay and wrote that message in her book, "A Little Goes a Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life." She's hosting a giveaway this week—be sure to comment on blog or social media to be entered.
Some gems from this wise young woman from Kentucky:
A significant life is more simple than we think.
We don't give to others and then worry about the outcome.
Pray that the Gospel spreads everywhere you go.
Culture tells is loud is better, big is better—but God just wants our surrender on a daily basis.
I wanted to keep a record of how God was working—not to be doing just one more thing—but so that I could see that what I did for Him and by Him—no matter how small—makes a difference for the Kingdom.
Pray to help us see others as God sees them, significant and loved.
Author of A Little Goes a Long Way and host of The Love Offering podcast Rachael Adams hopes to help women realize their God-given purpose and significance. She and her husband, Bryan, run a family business and farm in Kentucky with their two children, Will and Kate, and two dogs. Her work has been featured on Crosswalk, iBelieve, Today Parenting, and YouVersion. Connect with her by visiting rachaelkadams.com, by searching @rachaeladamsauthor on social media, and by tuning in to The Love Offering podcast every Tuesday on your favorite listening platform.
Comment on Social Media or on my blog to be entered into giveaway.
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Monday Mar 20, 2023
The last words of Christ to his disciples were straightforward and clear: “GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS . . .” (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)
We call it the GREAT COMMISSION and put it in capital letters because we know Jesus’s last words deserve all caps. But whenever we hear a message on the topic or come across those verses in our reading, we cringe a little or wonder how they fit into our everyday.
You might be asking: How does God want his commandment played out in my life? I’m not a missionary in a foreign country. I have three kids under three. I need to work outside the home. I have aging parents. How do I do the Great Commission right now, right here?
I’ve had those same questions. I still struggle wondering what God wants from me on any given day. I don’t think he minds that things aren’t crystal clear. He likes it that I’m focused on how to obey him best. He wants me to live a life on mission and how I do that will most likely look different from how it looks in your life.
GO, BUT NOT BY YOURSELF
I love that the GREAT COMMISSION starts with God and ends with God. You and I don't go by ourselves. He's with us. He never leaves us. He gives us the time, the opportunity, the words. We just step into those gifts. Reminds me of my WOTY - I RECEIVE these opportunities and wisdom and timing and words. Bring it on!
Jesus begins by saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…” (Matthew 28:18 NIV) Then he wraps it up with: “And surely I am with you always.” (vs 20)
Whatever we do in between those two truths is up to us to work out the best we can, given our gifts, time and talents.
LIVING LIFE ON MISSION MEANS LIVING AT THE READY
What do you need to do to be ready to love your neighbor?
Clear your schedule
Pray and watch God interrupt your life
Bake a cake
Share some lemons
You may have paused with number one: Clear your schedule. I intentionally limit my meet-up’s with believers. I love and need my Christian friends, and they need me. I met with Laurie Baldwin today. I'll meet with my mentor tomorrow. But in the end, I’ll see them in Glory. I try to keep part of my schedule cleared so that I’m available to those who don’t know Jesus yet.
My Dad’s Favorite Lemon Cake
1 lemon cake mix
1 small pkg. lemon jello (orange works, too - oh, and pineapple!)
4 eggs
3/4 c. water
3/4 c. oil
Topping:
1-2 cups powdered sugar
Juice from one lemon - 2-3 T.
Preheat oven 350 degrees
Mix cake ingredients per box directions including the jello
Pour into sprayed 9x13 cake pan
While baking, make topping:
Heat lemon juice on stove on low with 2 c. powdered sugar until sugar dissolves. Or, forget the heating part, and just whisk until the lumps disappear.
While cake is still hot, make holes 2 inches apart with a fork--lots and lots of holes.
Pour topping over, watch it soak in, and smack your lips.
Divine, surely. Heavenly tang and sweet.
After cake cools, sprinkle with powdered sugar.
PS Call a neighbor
Monday Mar 13, 2023
Monday Mar 13, 2023
Writer, speaker, gatherer, Betsy Pendergrass and I could be sisters. My southern sister from Tennesee. You will see why when you hear today's episode on making space at the table—a beautiful legacy of hospitality and mentoring. Betsy and her husband Taylor and their four kids know the significance of inviting one—or six—to join them at the table, living room or backyard.
More than ever today, Betsy says, people need connecting and to embrace God's love through our love, and live out from their identity as a child of God.
Betsy is hosting a giveaway all week long of her beautiful set of cards: DATE NIGHT CARDS. Leave a comment to be entered here on the blog, fb, instagram or send me an email at sue@welcomeheart.com
This set of 10 date night cards was created to help married couples spice their conversations. Each card covers a different subject that couples can ask each other while on a date night, road trip, running errands or just use for a fun date night at home on the couch. These were created by both Taylor and me and that is why I think we have had so many men enjoy these cards and want to use them again and again.
Betsy is taking a break from social media and her website for a bit.
Some Betsy gems:
When you pray, ask the Lord, "Where's Your heart on this and how can I partner with You?"
Invite two college students at a time. They will feel more comfortable bringing a friend (and let them bring their laundry!)
We underestimate the power of prayer so we go through a house "cleansing" while praying through and over every room in the home.
People just want to be seen and heard and to know that someone has made a space for them.
Monday Mar 06, 2023
Monday Mar 06, 2023
Rea Berg, author and founder of Beautiful Feet Books talks today about another passion of her—besides children's literature—her love of the incarcerated and how she and her husband of 41 years have recently switched their "church home" to the California Men's Colony here in San Luis Obispo.
It all started with books and story—teaching her own children, creating Beautiful Feet Books to bring classics back to life, creating curriculum and then seeing the transformative power of storytelling and the Word changing the lives of those maybe most forgotten in our society.
REA WILL HOST A TWO-BOOK GIVEAWAY THIS WEEK--TWO OF HER FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK FOR TWO DIFFERENT WINNERS. COMMENT TO BE ENTERED!
For the book giveaway, she will present the 75th Anniversary Edition of Abraham Lincoln by Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire,
and the beautiful exclusive edition of Anno's China by Mitsumasa Anno.
Rea teaches a weekly course to help men earn a four-year seminary degree through The Urban Ministry Institute, and her husband, Russ mentors groups of 12 for discipleship and accountability through Yolkfellow Prison Ministry.
Some gems from today's podcast:
Men behind bars are exactly like you and me, deep down in their heart and personhood.
When you're put away, you have to draw upon a depth they most of us don't ever have to do, simply to live with contentment, joy and hope.
My faith has been strengthened by the faith of these men who've experienced salvation to the uttermost, past all regret and remorse, experiencing full repentance.
Seeing Jesus in these believers in prison convinced me anew of the transformative power of redemption and how good our God is.
Rea Berg loves seeing abandoned and broken things brought back to life, like antique houses, classic children's books, and especially lives—like those of the menshe is privileged to work with at her local prison. Rea has had the honor of bringing many classic children's books back into print, such as the D’Aulaire biographies, the Journey books of Mitsumasa Anno, the works of James Daugherty, the Obadiah books, and many more.
Through her company Beautiful Feet Books, she has crafted numerous guides for teaching history and geography through literature. Rea has a graduate degree in children's literature from Simmons College, Boston. Follow Rea on Instagram at reaberg, or email her at rea@bfbooks.com. Rea blogs on children's literature at reaberg.com.
Monday Feb 27, 2023
Monday Feb 27, 2023
To host a simple dinner gathering sounds daunting unless we tackle it one task at a time. When I think of all the work involved, I can feel like quitting before I even begin. I wonder—and maybe whine a little:
“How can I fit hosting guests into my already too-full schedule?”
“I hate to cook and I don’t want to make enemies (or make people sick!”)
“I have house issues: my table is too small, I don’t have enough chairs, my dining room is also the office, the homeschool room, and the playroom!”
“My kids aren’t very well behaved yet. I will need to wait until they are away at college.”
“Who should I invite? Doesn’t everyone already have their friends?”
“Wouldn’t it be easier to get a sitter and meet a couple at a restaurant – and since I don’t have enough money for both those things, I guess we just won’t go out until we win the lottery or some distant rich uncle leaves us an inheritance!”
These arguments are legitimate, to a point. We are busy. It is easier to go out (if we had the money.) Our homes may be under construction or not be the perfect home for company. But God doesn’t call us to elaborate entertaining. He says to “show hospitality to one another without grumbling” (I Peter 4:9) Doing one task a day is the best tip for doing simple hospitality and helps keep me from grumbling or feeling I’m totally out of my depth.
If you desire to use your home for God and others, yet you don’t know how to go about it, here’s some sage advice: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”
I don’t recommend serving elephant stew, although I do know a delicious recipe for French Dip Beef Sandwiches which could pass for elephant and, perhaps, more seemly for most guests. Preparing for a company dinner is easier when we do one thing a day. Taking “one bite at a time” moves the host—you and me— from feeling overwhelmed to “I can’t wait to host again!” True story.
Here’s a list of simple tasks, one to do each day of the week except for Sundays (Day of Rest!) And, by the end of four weeks, you will have guests around your table (or, on your couch or floor, depending on your style!)
Start on a Monday, follow the task for that day, and the day after that, and soon you’ll be hosting with joy, confidence, and ease—one bite at a time. Each dinner party preparation tip gets you closer to the goal of hosting a simple company dinner, and completing each one day-by-day will make it easier on you—the dinner party host—and, a lot more fun since you won’t have a whole elephant to contend with the day of the party!
Each daily task begins with a brief prayer and closes with a short Bible verse since we know only God both transforms and encourages us as we prepare to love and serve our guests.
To receive a copy of A Guide to Simple Hospitality One Day at a Time click HERE.
Sample tasks you'll find:
Discuss with your family: "Who should we invite?"
Invite your guests for supper in three weeks so the date is on the calendar.
Assign family chores. (When we all invest, we all are blessed!)Refresh front porch or entryway.
Text your guests: “Looking forward to dinner with you this coming Saturday!”