Church Talks

I met Amas “coincidentally” while camping in Hawaii and we ended up becoming friends as I evidently love to do with strangers! He’s raising his kids here in Laupahoehoe and teaching them how to be warriors instead of entitled Americans. His background and knowledge is definitely something all of us can learn from! *Be advised: Some language may not be appropriate for children*

This conversation gets real QUICK and doesn’t stop till the end! From females being named a “junior” to him going to prison and then finding a new way of life in a myriad or areas… Seth takes us in and reminds or informs us that the journey of life will always be a roller coaster ride, but every high, low, twist, turn, flip, pause, or stop is worth the journey.

Averett University’s most recent women’s head soccer coach recently resigned to focus on her growing family. Meghan got married a little over 4 years ago to Kenny (currently Averett’s head baseball coach) and they have a gorgeous son, Roman, who will soon be 3 years old and… spoiler alert… he’s about to be a big brother to TWIN BOYS!!! Needless to say, everything in their life needed a reassessment with this news and the doors that opened and closed were simply providential. Meghan talks about her crunchy/organic nature and how she prefers more natural alternatives, especially considering some medical issues she’s had. She even makes her own soap and deodorant at home!!! Her upbringing instilled a discipline to push herself in her strength and athleticism as well as a foundation of faith that she, like most of us, has had to refocus and realign herself with in different seasons of life. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @mauzyrati_

Kenzie and I go wayyy back to our teenage years and it’s been so cool to watch her evolve as an entrepreneur, business owner, designer, wife, and mom! She talks about the tremendous blessing of having a supportive family that set her up for success and affirmed her from childhood to now in her 30s. We also discussed the self-motivation and self-discipline that being your own boss requires and how to be adaptable, especially with family dynamics changing and the roller coasters of busy seasons! Look up her work on Etsy and order some customized and textured letterpress stationary for business cards, wedding invitations, thank you cards, letterhead, or whatever you need that will inevitably stand out and make a big impression (pun intended 😜)— www.etsy.com/shop/TheFlywheelPress and follow her on Facebook and Instagram @theflywheelnc and her personal account @kenzie.shore 😁

As we were ending the last episode, I asked Christian a question that spurred this PART 2 conversation, “Why are we here?” Obviously, that was way too deep of a question for a short answer, so this follow-up conversation gives us a glimpse into his perspective! Which, I must say, is pretty fascinating, intriguing, and eye-opening! Follow Christian on Facebook and Instagram: @charris171

Christian has allowed his own story of self-indulgence and addiction followed by surrender, deconstruction, and resurrection to propel his passion of seeing not only other lives transformed, but houses as well! In our conversation, a question about the meaning of our existence sparked a need for a “part 2” episode, so get ready!

A newlywed couple and their fresh journey together as a chiropractor and a school teacher tell their story and how they “accidentally” found each other but how God ordained their connection! Aaaaaand there’s a fun surprise at the end!!!

Jonna’s story is one of humble beginnings, relational heartbreak, serving people in the emergency department of hospitals, helping people to be their healthiest self with exercise/meal plans, honoring her family, and honing in on her faith journey to learn more about Jesus and the Bible. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram: @jonnashirley5

© Kathryn Church (August 2023)

** Warning: topics we discuss may be for more mature ears.**. 4 high school students were thrilled to sit with me and have a round table discussion in the middle of their week at camp to talk about life from their lenses. Different churches are represented here, but these 4 are fantastic leaders, with or without a title, so they’re making sure everyone feels a sense of belonging. We get real and transparent about things that we’ve struggled with and/or been traumatized by, as well as how rampant and accessible so many destructive things are today. These kids gives me hope though!! Man…… they’re doing the dang hard thangs. I believe in the next generation! Let these guys inspire and motivate you to live more intentionally and full of joy!