WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life

Ep 167 A Legacy of God’s Welcoming Heart with Sue Donaldson

Today is one of my favorite topics of all time: God's welcoming heart. It's why my website is called WelcomeHeart.com. I know most people use their names as in SueDonaldson.com and I know it's a good thing, but I've never wanted to switch. 
Everything began with God's welcome. My job is to respond, or in this case, RSVP. We'll talk about that a little bit but leave most of that for next time.
Before there can be intimacy, there has to be a welcome and introduction into the relationship. We can call it that first encounter.
I talk about 3 encounters that are in direct contrast to the welcome of God.  Our Father never gives us the cold shoulder (like my friend’s mom did originally) there is never a chill in the air when we step into His presence, and, 
God doesn’t have to put on a good appearance or fake His love for us
God doesn’t grumble all the way to the door
He is not a reluctant Host, irritated by the interruptions of His children
We don’t catch Him by surprise
He never forgets we’re invited
You might be wondering:
How do we know that God does have a welcoming heart?
And, how are we responding to His invitation?
And don't forget this: 
Do we reflect God’s welcoming heart to those around us?
That's one reason I'm passionate about doing hospitality. He invited first. We just pass along the invitation.
 
 

Ep 166 A Legacy of Fresh Faith with Jon Fugler

When asked what he means by "fresh faith", author, podcaster, and radio ministry missionary, Jon Fugler, tells the story of how as an former athlete, it was too easy to transfer his quest for performance from sports over into being the "right kind of Christian doing all the right things." He felt empty no matter how he tried. Fresh faith was the result of a realization that Jesus Himself needs to be our main focus and how easy it is to "over shoot" Jesus while at the same time, trying to serve Him.
You will be blessed! Jon is giving away one of his books this week: 30 Days to Incredible Prayer.
What a great way to start off the new year.
Leave a comment to be entered.
Jon and Noonie are parents of three adult children and enjoy nine grandchildren. He has been writing for Christian audiencesfor 40 years, sharing simple truths that have had a profound impact on the lives of believers. He has had an influential career spanning Christian broadcasting, publishing andmissions. God has given him a passion to take the gospel to the least reached and unengaged around the world.
Jon is the author of nine books, including the devotional series, Your Life With God. He is the Founder of FRESH FAITH 24/7,where believers desperately seek Jesus.
GET "FRESH BREAD"DELIVERED 3X A WEEK.
A 60-second devotional read from Jon Fugler.
YOU'LL ALSO RECEIVE THE "21-DAY FRESH FAITH EXPERIENCE"
 

Ep 165 A Legacy of Choosing Victory with Amy Elaine Martinez

"To live like a 'victory girl' is an ongoing process of choosing to obey God at every crossroad," says Amy Elaine Martinez, writer, speaker and former radio host. "I was about to make the worst mistake of my life," she goes on, "when I heard God's voice say, 'This is why I died for you—choose Me.'" And she did and it made all the difference. 
I love Amy Elaine's legacy of providing a gathering place at her table where friends and family simply show up as is—no rules, no prerequisites—just loved and welcomed.
Author of Becoming a Victory Girl: Staking Your Claim in the Kingdom, Amy Elaine understands we are in process and that victory comes from getting to the end our ourselves. 
GIVEAWAY this week. Amy Elaine is giving away two copies of her book to one person: one to keep and one to share with a friend. Comment here or on social media to be entered. 
Today on Living a Legacy Life:
If I couldn't do everything perfectly, I wouldn't do anything at all!
I was good at knowing God, but not very good at loving God.
I didn't have what it took to change my life.
Asking questions is the most loving thing we can do.
 
 
 
Amy Elaine Martinez is devoted to helping heart-shattered lives become whole again in Christ.She is a Victory Girl at heart who loves leading women to experience breakthrough and findfreedom through an intimate relationship with Jesus. She's an Okie who loves pecan pie, friedokra, and exploring the plains off historic Route 66 where she lives in a tiny barn with the love ofher life, David, and an Aussie named Maverick, who stole her heart after their two boys left toadventure out on their own.
Amy Elaine's blog, A Broken Girl Made Whole, inspires women to walk in wholeness and live in victorythrough the transforming power of Holy Spirit.
Becoming a Victory Girl: Staking Your Claim in The Kingdom is available on Amazon or bycontacting Amy Elaine directly via email: amyelaine@amyelaine.comConnect with Amy Elaine on IG and FB at amyelainewrites or visit her website atamyelaine.com

Ep 164 A Legacy of Needing Jesus at Every Age

At eight, I knew I needed Jesus. The Good News Club lady said I would miss out on heaven if I didn’t get saved. I didn’t want hell, and Jesus offered an escape plan. That’s about all I remember about that day besides the cookies and punch and the stain on the carpet as I peeked while praying the sinner’s prayer. It was our house. I knew where the spots were. I had probably made them. I knew I was a sinner. I needed Jesus at eight.
I needed Jesus at eight, fifteen, twenty-four, thirty-five and at sixty-six (when this was first written) and now, of course, at 70; and all the years and months and moments in between. Neediness begets neediness, and as I surrender each day, I find it’s a glory-thing. God delights in our dependence.
Francis Roberts wrote these words of God’s invitation:
“Lay thyself upon My breast and lose thyself in Me."
Through all these years, I’ve needed Jesus and he’s celebrated my coming. He’s intended from the beginning that I find my rest in him, at any age and every stage. Surrendering daily. It’s a glory-thing.
Today is a testimony of small landmarks of faith when I've run to God rather than run away. And he's there waiting every single time.
Maybe you have similar landmarks you can point to: "Yes, I saw God reaching out to me here. And here. Oh, and here most of all." It does a faith good to recall and remember how we've been led, even when we go the long way around.
Do you have a life-verse? Here's mine, found "randomly" at 15:
 
If you've met Jesus (at any age!) and want to review the basics, I made this for you:
INVITED TO GOD’S TABLE: GROWING AS A NEW BELIEVER (MINI E- BOOK)
 
 
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Conversation Starters can make the difference in getting better acquainted with others. When we ask questions and listen to the answers, we show God's love.
Three different ways: Shop HERE
 
 
 

Ep 163 A Legacy of Christ-Centered Christmas Traditions with Mitzi Neeley

Mitzi Neeley is no stranger to leaving a Christ-centered legacy. She began her blog, Peacefully Imperfect, in 2014 and has gone on to write and create many publications that put Christ at the center of her life. She and her "Sweet Man" as she calls her husband, have been married 41 years and she just recently half-retired from working for the Texas Board of Education. All proceeds from her books and ministry go to help girls further their education beyond high school, a non-profit called Girls Aloud. 
Some Mitzi gems:
I'm not a drama-girl. I don't waste anytime on that.
I want people to see that no matter what, I'm relying on God.
Give what you can in a spirit of giving.
We got three gifts at Christmas to represent the three wise men--it was good practice to narrow things down!
Today we cover what traditions to do this Christmas that:
Reflect God's glory
Help our families focus on Jesus
Develop community, and
Display Christ to non-believers
 
Mitzi is giving away a copy of her brand new journal, Zizi's Kitchen.
Comment on blog, fb or instagram to be entered! And Merry Christmas!
Check out all of Mitzi's beautiful resources:
ZiZi's Kitchen Magazine - https://amzn.to/3iwqV8I
ZiZi's Kitchen Cookbook (hardcover) - https://amzn.to/3H3qpJE
A Thankful Heart: 30 Days to the Grateful Life - https://amzn.to/3P0MIkX
Dwell in the Psalms - https://amzn.to/3VGxV11
JOY for Everyday Life - https://amzn.to/3Fj1lg8
 
ZiZi's Kitchen is on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zizis_kitchen_mitzi/
 
 
Confetti Cheese Ball Recipe—don't you love the Christmas tortilla chips addition?
Confetti Cheese Ball 
 
Serves: 10 to 12 Prep: 15 minutes Chill: 30 minutes/2 hours
 
Ingredients: 
 
2 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 package/jar of dried beef, chopped 
4 green onions, chopped with stems included
¼ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. Liquid Smoke
¼ tsp. Worcestershire sauce 
2 handfuls corn/tortilla chips
Crackers to serve 
 
Directions: 
 
In a medium bowl, combine together the cream cheese, beef, onions, garlic powder, Liquid Smoke, and Worcestershire sauce. 
Form in to a ball with your hands, put on a sheet of wax paper and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. 
Crush corn/tortilla chips in a resealable bag. Place cheese ball in the bag of crushed chips and roll to coat or use your hands to help coat the cheese ball. 
Place cheese ball on a decorative or festive plate and serve with a variety of crackers. 
 
Zizi says: This delicious cheese ball is a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and we munch on it while finishing the main course for lunch. It’s super easy to make and put together. If I’m on a tight schedule I’ve been known to chill it in the freezer before rolling in the chip coating and then it can chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. It can be rolled in regular tortilla chips for everyday gatherings, but the red/green add so much color for the holiday season--hence the name confetti cheese ball. 
 

Ep 162 A Legacy of Hope in Grief with Lisa Appelo

Lisa awoke to her husband's ragged breathing. She called 911 and after the medics had driven Dan, age 46, to the hospital, she told her kids, "I'm coming back. Just pray." Lisa says, "I couldn't tell them that Daddy was going to be alright because I couldn't promise that. I could promise I would be back."  Lisa, a mother of 7,  became a young widow that day. From that experience, working through grief these last 10 years, Lisa wrote the book with the great title: Life Can Be Good Again and ministers to those who grieve in speaking, writing and conferences.    Maybe you or someone you know needs to hear Lisa's story of hope and faith. Contact her at lisaappelo.com
 
    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. I 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. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.  

Ep 161 A Legacy of Authentic Community for our Good and God’s Glory with Halee Wood

Halee Wood is a coach, Bible Teacher, mentor and founder of RuntheRaceTogether.com. She knows the power, blessing and necessity of a living alongside others in strong, authentic community.
Hear her story of healing today and how God uses her experiences to help others along the way. Having been brought up impoverished and abused, early on she decided on two things:
1. to never get too close to anyone and,
2. to never disappoint
—until she could no longer live under that kind of pressure.
Jesus set her free in her 20's, but not until much later in her story did she understand the value of walking through her pain and loss alongside godly mentors. Now she and her husband provide couple's counseling and as well as life and relationship coaching.
Halee and her beau, Ron, have been married for 19 years, and, in addition to 2 children in heaven, they have 2 boys at home (9 and 15). Daily she strives to spread this truth - each of us are worthy of and designed for intimate relationship with God and with each other.
As a Certified Life and Relationship Coach (CLC/CRC), mentor, Bible teacher, inspirational speaker, and writer, Halee, along with her husband (Licensed Professional Counselor), own and operate “Run the Race Together.” They work independently with clients and work together serving couples - a dream come true for each of them! Connect with Halee through her website (www.RunTheRaceTogether.com) or by email, Halee@RunTheRaceTogether.com
A few fun facts:
I am a former Chemical Engineer turned Certified Life & Relationship Coach (CLC/CRC). (Weird, right? I worked more than 15 years in the oil industry) I also serve on the preaching team at Highland Park Christian Church in Tulsa, OK
Besides Jesus and family, things I really enjoy are storytelling (a trait I inherited from my father), good belly-laughs, and going for long runs.
I am quite a talker and was diagnosed with ADHD late in life... totally made sense to me (and most everyone around me)!
I seriously love Jesus and can't believe He has somehow turned my brokenness (loss and trauma) into something beautiful and beneficial.
Halle put together a free resource for you called:
"Generational Togetherness"—
Thank you so much for listening in as Sue Donaldson and I discussed "we vs me" as we run this race called "life"! This journey can be so challenging, so I'd like to share with you a 5-day devotional series called "Generational Togetherness" to encourage and inspire you with all the beauty that comes with inter-generational oneness and relationships.
Halee can be found here:
FB Page : @runtheracetogether
FB Free, Private Group: The Simple Marriage
Website: www.RunTheRaceTogether.com
Yay! A recipe from Halee—perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast.
Aunt Peggy’s Banana Bread
3 overly ripe bananas (smashed)
1 c Sugar
1- 1/3 c Flour
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Baking Soda
¼ tsp Salt
2 eggs (beat lightly)
½ c Vegetable oil
½ c Walnuts (optional)
 
Put all ingredients into a large bowl and stir until mixed well. Transfer to a bread pan, and bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean! Voilà!

Ep 160 A Legacy of Making Music with Steve Moore

Music changed Steve Moore's life, and began a long life of living a legacy life for God and by God.
Steve is one of my favorites and will soon become one of yours as well. His legacy is wide-sweeping and God-centered and includes the wonderful gift of music, playing and making music. 
Steve says you are never too young or too old to begin playing a muscial intrument. Here's your opportunity to begin or to continue something you may have set aside due to "life" and others' needs.
Trivia: the Japanese word kyotsugo  = "universal language."
 
He's offering three different winners a 20-minute zoom music lesson--leave comment to be entered!
Steve's "music room"--
Steve says you are never too young or too old to begin playing a muscial intrument. Here's your opportunity to win. He's offering three different winners a 20-minute zoom music lesson--leave comment to be entered!
 
Here we are at Disneyland, the happiest place on earth especially with my siblings and the Man-in-Plaid.
Steve's bio:
Steven Douglas Moore "Steve" (76), married 56 years (6/11/66) to Karen Lou (Colby) Moore (76)
Three daughters, one son (in heaven)
11 grandchildren
5 great grandchildren
Public School Teacher grades 4-8  (13 years) classroom (all subjects) and music and band teacher
Christian School Teacher grade 4/5 (1 year)
Church ministry: Youth Pastor, Children's pastor, Music Pastor, Associate Pastor, Senior Pastor (35 years)
Private Music teacher (6 years) Instruments taught; guitar, ukulele, piano, harmonica, banjo, bass, saxophone
Lessons offered now: $40 for 30 minute lesson
Since retiring from full time pastorate I have served in the church as an assistant pastor and worship pastor (6 years, continuing now)
We mention his "pep talk" he gives to all new students, as any age. Click here to read.
 
Steve is offering three different winners a 20-minute zoom lesson in the instrument of your choice below--leave comment to be entered in drawing:
 
Piano
Guitar 
Ukulele
5 String Banjo
Harmonica 
Music Theory (a concentrated tutorial to aid songwriting and leading)
 
Steve currently has openings for regular music students on zoom or in person if you live in Arkansas! Email him for prices and times available: papasteve@gmail.com 
He plays all sizes of harmonicas and writes poetry. 
THIS IS THE LIFE I HAVE LONGED FOR
by Papa Steve  3/25/12
 
This is the life I have longed for
For a long, a very long time:
To teach little children my music
While youthful and still in their prime.
 
But I will take any for students
Who’ll seek to discover this treasure,
And follow me in my life’s motto:
“No fear – lots of fun – for HIS pleasure!”
 
Strumming and humming and singing
My songs and tunes and rhymes.
The worst I can say about it
Is that this is my best of times!
 
I’ve worked hard all of my life
As a teacher and preacher and friend;
But what I did in the beginning
Is how I now want it to end:
 
To make my own kind of music,
Teaching others to make their own, too.
Since Jesus blest me with this favor,
I’ll pass on the favor to you.
 
This is the life I have longed for
Since my earliest mem’ries and days:
To revel in music – then share it,
And send up to heaven my praise!
 
He is a hootenanny and a half!
 

Ep 159 A Legacy of Hosting Family at the Holidays (And Surviving. With Joy.)

I love the holidays and I love family. And mostly, I love them at the same time!
These 5 tips help me not only survive hosting family at the holidays, but actually enjoy it. As believers, we have God as our greatest peace and resource for joy. He's in our details and sometimes we need to do some planning to make things run more smoothly so that we can focus on what matters: Jesus and our people.
Life is easier if I my “To-Do” list is shortened by half on the same day Uncle Tom, Dick and Harry arrive at the door needing coffee and a muffin.
You may not need a “hosting planner” but you do need a planning system, if only using paper and a pencil with an eraser.
A practical way to create gracious boundaries is to limit the number of traditions.
The most important part of preparations is preparing my heart.
Asking questions and listening to the answers may not be what you think of when preparing to host family, but it can be our biggest act of love and service.
As much as I want to be all things to all people, I’m wise to know my limits and, when necessary, let others know. 
Here are 5 tips we will cover in today's podcast:
MAKE A PLAN
MAKE BOUNDARIES
MAKE PREPARATIONS
MAKE IT FUN
MAKE IT MEANINGFUL
 
God is concerned with what concerns you. He’s in the details and will help us all along the way.
 
Commit your work to the Lord,and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3
 
It's not too late to make your own Pilgrim Scavenger Hunt. This will help.
Conversation Starters on SHOP
 

Ep 158 A Legacy of Living Our Best Life at Any Age with Laura Padgett

Today, the darling and wise, Laura Padgett, an award-winning author, dancer, and fairly new podcaster—she began her podcast, Livin' What You're Givin' on her 70th birthday—speaks of the gifts of age, the necessity of inclusion, and enduring-through-dance her life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Laura looks out for those who may be new to the church, inviting those to the choir who may not know they were "allowed to sing." Her mission is to show and tell the world that aging isn't a disease; rather, we look for more and maybe different ways to serve our Saviour with the varying gifts each season and stage we meet along the way. 
Some Laura gems:
Jesus plus nothing; there is no Jesus, plus.
I start each day with, "Wow! Thank You!"
Start looking at what you have instead of what's been taken.
I'm not going to put other people's stuff on my credit card.
Art lives in the heart, not the hands and feet. (That's why anyone can dance!)
Laura wrote a book about her mentor entitles, Delores, Like a River and she's giving a copy away this week. Leave a comment below or on instagram to be entered.
About her book:
The story of an extraordinary relationship between two women who would have been unlikely companions if not for the plans of the Almighty in bringing them together. As you follow the narrative of their thirty-five-year relationship, it may change the way you see beauty and purpose in aging. And it may convince you of or reinforce your belief in the God who spares no effort when reaching out to the broken and lost. 
 
Laura is Italian and I love it that she shares a part of her kitchen heritage with Papa Cavalla's Recipe for Spaghetti Sauce: 
This is a recipe my father, Albert Carvallo, (Papa) learned from his Sicilian mother. He was first generation Italian and the only one of ten children born on American soil. This like many other recipes brought from Italy, was handed down to his daughters in his distinctive way of teaching the culinary secrets of our homeland. Please know the exact measurements are not known but for the purposes of this offering, I have tried to be as accurate as possible. Mostly we just always knew that the recipe was right by the taste.
 
Ingredients
2 large cans (28 oz) whole tomatoes in juice
2 large cans (15 oz) of tomato sauce
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
4 large pork spare ribs, lean
½ pound ground mild Italian sausage
2 teaspoons each dried oregano and dried basil
5 cloves garlic
 
In large sauce pan, in 1 inch of water and 3 cloves of garlic, chopped but not diced into small pieces, braise the pork ribs until done over low heat. Remove to cutting board and let cool. You may need to keep adding water so the ribs do not stick and the garlic does not burn.  While pork is cooking place the tomatoes with juice, sauce and paste into a large bowl and mash together with a potato masher and 1 teaspoon each basil and oregano. You can used canned crushed tomatoes but they usually do not have as much juice.
 
Once pork is cool, cut it off the bone into bite size pieces and return to pan having removed any excess water from the pan. Add the tomato mixture and bring to a simmer. Allow mixture to simmer on medium to low heat covered for three hours.  Turn off heat but keep covered and leave on stove top for one hour.
 
Braise Italian sausage in same manner as ribs, drain and cool.  Put into the tomato mixture and cook for another three hours. Add remaining chopped garlic and spices. Return mixture to slow simmer for another three hours. Turn off heat, let cool on stove and either serve over pasta of choice or refrigerate for use the next day over pasta of choice.
 
*Note: You may want to had a bit more seasoning prior to refrigeration or ½ hour prior to serving, while sauce is still simmering.  Also, this recipe can be used with chicken if pork is not a meat that is desired.  Follow all other directions as listed above.
 
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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.
I 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.
Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.