A Daughter’s Journey in Faith Podcast

More than thirty years ago, before he ever stepped into a pulpit, my father was invited to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to record an "Hour of Power" motivational speech for the United States Jaycees—an honor given to only a handful of speakers. His words challenged listeners to pursue excellence, discover their purpose, and recognize that true success is measured not by what we achieve, but by the difference we make in the lives of others.

This episode is different from any other. Rather than hearing my father's words through my voice, you'll hear him deliver this message himself, exactly as he did in 1994. It is the first time I have listened to this recording since his passing, and I am grateful to share this remarkable piece of his legacy with you.

Whether you're familiar with my father's sermons or joining this journey for the first time, I hope his voice—and his message—encourages you to live with purpose, lead with integrity, and make a difference to "that one."

Before my father became a pastor, he discovered another calling—encouraging people to lead, serve, and make a difference through the Jaycees. In this special bonus episode, I share the story of how that journey shaped the man behind the sermons and led to a remarkable opportunity: being chosen to record a nationally distributed "Hour of Power" speech in 1994. I also share why that recording sat untouched in my home for more than a year after his death—and why I'm finally ready to hear his voice again. Next week, you'll hear my reaction to that speech exactly as he delivered it over thirty years ago.

What if the strongest warrior in God's kingdom doesn't look strong at all?

In this episode of A Daughter's Journey in Faith, I read my father's sermon, "An Unlikely Warrior," first preached on August 27, 2006. Using Paul's words from Ephesians about the armor of God, he reminds us that our greatest strength has never been found in ourselves—it has always been found in Christ.

From a prison cell, Paul wrote about courage, truth, faith, prayer, and hope. My father shows us why Paul was the most unlikely warrior of all, and why we are called to be unlikely warriors too.

In my reflections, I share how this sermon changed the way I think about weakness, perfection, and the quiet courage of simply showing up each day wearing the armor of Christ—even when we feel inadequate.

If you've ever felt too small, too weak, or too ordinary for God to use, this episode is for you.

What melody is playing in your heart?

In this episode of A Daughter’s Journey in Faith, I read and reflect on my father’s sermon, The Melody in Your Heart, originally preached in August 2006.

Drawing from Ephesians 5 and Psalm 111, this sermon explores wisdom, worship, prayer, and the struggle to keep our hearts focused on God instead of the noise of the world around us. My father reminds us that we can become “drunk” on many things besides wine — worry, power, pain, fear, pride, and even our own struggles.

But true worship replaces the melodies of this world with a melody to the Lord.

In my reflection, I talk about prayer as conversation, my lifelong habit of making lists, and how faith can become a roadmap when life feels overwhelming.

If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, distraction, self-doubt, or simply trying to hear God through the chaos, this episode is for you.

This week on A Daughter’s Journey in Faith, I read and reflect on my father’s sermon, “Hidden Gifts,” originally preached on August 6, 2006.

Using stories about forgotten Christmas presents and unopened gifts, my dad explores a powerful truth: God has given every one of us gifts, talents, and abilities meant to be shared — not hidden away.

In this episode, we reflect on what it means to be the body of Christ, how our individual gifts strengthen community, and why so many of us hesitate to let those gifts shine.

In my reflections, I share stories about people in my own life whose gifts became visible once they felt seen, valued, or loved enough to share them. From drug court participants rebuilding their lives to a quiet church member surprising everyone with an incredible dessert, this episode is about recognizing the beauty God places inside ordinary people.

What gifts are you hiding?

This week on A Daughter’s Journey in Faith, I read and reflect on my father’s sermon, “A Tale of Two Cities,” originally preached on July 5, 2009.

Through the contrast of Jerusalem and Nazareth, this sermon asks a difficult but important question: will we choose faith or unbelief? My father explores how God calls us into relationship, not by force, but through faith freely given.

In my reflections, I share my own struggles with fear, doubt, and the overwhelming feeling that almost caused me to stop this podcast entirely. I talk about the prayer that helped calm my storm, the power of even mustard-seed-sized faith, and what it means to participate in what Jesus is already doing instead of trying to “have it all figured out” first.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your faith is enough, this episode is for you.

In this episode of A Daughter’s Journey in Faith, I reflect on my father’s sermon, “And They Laughed at Him,” originally preached on June 28, 2009, during the 4th Sunday after Pentecost.

Through the stories of Jairus’ daughter, the woman healed by faith, and the very public deaths of Ed Thomas, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson, this sermon wrestles with grief, fame, suffering, faith, and what it truly means to live.

My reflections connect this message to the lasting impact of Ed Thomas’ life and death, mental health reform, and the reminder that tomorrow is never promised.

This episode is ultimately about one question:

Live with purpose.

In this episode of A Daughter’s Journey in Faith, we explore the powerful and familiar story of Jesus calming the storm from Mark 4:35–41, alongside Psalm 9:9–20. Originally preached on June 21, 2009, in a sermon titled “Asleep at the Wheel,” this message reminds us that even in life’s most chaotic and frightening moments, we are never alone.

Through a vivid retelling of the disciples’ fear in the storm, we are invited to reflect on our own journeys—the ones we didn’t choose, the ones that feel overwhelming, and the ones where God may seem silent. But is He absent…or simply at peace, fully in control?

In my reflection, I share what chaos looks like in my own life right now—balancing family, work, and uncertainty—and how this message speaks into those moments of overwhelm. This episode is a reminder that while we may not be in control of the storm, we can trust the One who is.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re in a “leaky boat,” wondering where God is in the middle of it all, this episode is for you.

In this episode of A Daughter’s Journey in Faith, I read and reflect on my father’s sermon, “All By Itself,” originally preached on June 14, 2009.

Through Jesus’ parables about seeds and the Kingdom of God, this message reminds us that God is always at work — even when we cannot see it.

My father explores how faith grows quietly, how we are called to plant seeds of hope in others, and how the Kingdom of God is not just something waiting for us in heaven… but something already near to us here and now.

This episode is a reminder not to miss the blessings, joy, and presence of Christ surrounding us every day.

The seed is growing.

In this episode of A Daughter’s Journey in Faith, I reflect on a powerful and deeply meaningful sermon my father preached for Trinity Sunday on June 7, 2009.

Through readings from Psalm 29 and John 3:1–17, we step into one of the most profound and often challenging mysteries of the Christian faith—the Trinity. How can God be both three and one? While the answer may never be fully explained in words, this sermon reminds us that the Trinity is not just a concept to understand, but a truth to experience in the depths of our hearts.

My father explores how the presence of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is woven throughout Scripture—from Genesis to the life and ministry of Jesus—and how this divine relationship reveals the very meaning of life itself: love and connection.

At the heart of this message is a simple but challenging truth:

In my reflection, I share how this message speaks into my own life—particularly the struggles and growth that come with opening up, building relationships, and learning to forgive. These aren’t easy things, but they are essential if we are to live fully in the love God intends for us.

This episode is an invitation to:

Who are you estranged from? What is holding you back from forgiveness? And how might those barriers be keeping you from a fuller relationship with God?

Join me as we explore these questions together and continue this journey of faith.

We are on this journey together.