EXTRAordinary Lives

Andrew and Rachel have been married for less than 4 years and have already accomplished much, including moving from Austin to San Diego, achieving success at their workplaces, building strong connections with friends and their church family, and...having 2 delightful daughters! They are "go-getters" who are beginning to slow down, perhaps, but just a little. You'll love hearing how they met and about their strong faith in Jesus and His work in their lives. 

Hayley talks about her newly-released book titled Barefoot King: The Indian Dalit who Defied Caste to Bless Others, which tells the true story of Raj, an Untouchable in the Indian caste system, and the incredible ways God intervened to take him out of harsh poverty and slavery into a fulfilling life of helping others. Hayley weaves a story of many exciting events that are transformed from anguish to hope. You'll be inspired to see others in a new way.

Visit www.barefootking.com to learn more and to order the book on Amazon. 

It's my birthday week! I thought it would be fun to share my own story.  Even though I was raised in the Bible Belt, I did not grow up in a Christian family. Instead, my family believed in Christian Science. We didn't go to the doctor, and we believed we were spiritual and perfect, and that the material world did not actually exist. Go figure. This is how God broke through and placed me into reality.  

Ellen mentions the book by C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity. 

Mike and Nicole are a couple you cannot help but love. Married for over 40 sweet years, they are kind-hearted, love hospitality, and are devoted to living their lives to serve Jesus. Mike has written or co-authored over 110 intriguing books and was the Editor of Focus on the Family's magazines for many years. Nicole grew up in Switzerland, was an impressive ski racer and instructor, and has a "sweet" popular business called Nicole's Swiss Bliss, especially known for its delicious granola and rich chocolates. You'll enjoy hearing how this EXTRAordinary couple met each other, came to know Jesus, and how He has impacted their lives in EXTRAordinary ways.

You can find out more about Mike and his books, including the books he talks about on the show, at www.mikeyorkey.com.  And to find out more about Nicole's delectable creations (truffles, salted caramels, granola, biscotti, etc.) and to place an order, go to www.nicolesswissbliss.com.

Notes: Mike and Nicole mention my daughter Hayley Bennett Lyle's soon-to-be published book, The Barefoot King, about Raj, a Dalit in India who perseveres and triumphs with God's help despite tremendous persecution and poverty. It will be available on Amazon in December or January. 

Ryan is the lead pastor of Seacoast Community Church in Encinitas, and Sara, his wife, is the volunteer coordinator at the Community Resource Center. Ryan and Sara talk about their hearts for the marginalized and relate stories about God's impact on their lives. Ryan shares about the power of God working through his pastoral messages to touch people's lives, often in different ways than he would expect. Sara shares about the power of a praying grandfather who inspired her to model his example. You'll also hear about tough times during Covid and celebratory times featuring their wedding complete with deviled eggs. Most importantly, they tell us about the importance of humility. They are a power couple, but not in the usual sense; they are humble servants of Jesus who rely on His power to live EXTRAordinary lives.

And how apt - this episode is #25, and they are celebrating their 25th anniversary! : )

In this episode, Sara shares a verse from the book of Psalms, chapter 34, verse 8: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Also mentioned is the verse, Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Ryan is the lead pastor of Seacoast Community Church in Encinitas, and Sara, his wife, is the volunteer coordinator at the Community Resource Center. Ryan and Sara talk about their different backgrounds and personalities and relate stories about God's impact on their lives. Sara became a caretaker of her younger sisters in her teens and developed a heart for the marginalized, and Ryan moved every three years as part of a military family. They are a power couple, but not in the usual sense; they are humble servants of Jesus who rely on His power to live EXTRAordinary lives. 

Jim Black, a criminologist and professor emeritus of Sociology at the University of Tennessee, constantly looks to apply God’s principles in his everyday life, and in some unusual places such as Death Row and Peanuts Cartoons. You'll enjoy his fascinating stories and see how God has influenced his life and decisions. He is a man of integrity who desires to be humble and kind and is grateful for the "friend we have in Jesus."

In the podcast, Jim mentions two fun and enlightening books, The Gospel According to Peanuts by Robert L. Short and The Pastor is In: A Thirty-Day Faith Devotional by Rigel J. Dawson.

Ellen quotes Ephesians 4:1-2 and Matthew 25:35-36 and reads lyrics from the hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."

Carly is a true friend with a delightful laugh, and a go-getter with a list of impressive accomplishments, but what I most admire about her is her faithfulness to the Lord during hard times. These include being a gifted musician though deaf in one ear, loving running and races but dealing with debilitating injuries, and having the deep desire to be married but remaining single for longer than anticipated. Carly refuses to let life’s troubles get her down for too long; she deliberately chooses to seek Jesus, trust Him, and be grateful. You’ll be encouraged by her EXTRAordinary life.

Notes: Carly mentions several resources that she has found very helpful. I've listed these below. 

The One University at https://theoneuniversity.com/

Podcast: The Heart of Dating by Kait Warman

LifeSkills course,  a Christian Counseling course that meets in cities around the world, at https://www.lifeskillsintl.org/

Barbara has had her faith tested and has stayed strong trusting in the Lord's love and provision. Her God stories include meeting her husband, Warren, with whom she has worked in campus ministry for over 40 years, and adopting two daughters who now are moms themselves. You'll hear the astounding story of her oldest daughter Claire, an abortion survivor, and you'll glean from Barbara's expertise as a Strengths coach. She leads team workshops that focus on "what is great about you," and her podcast, "Embrace Your Strengths" features inspiring stories of all kinds of people using their strengths to impact their worlds of influence.

Barbara's website, which includes her strengths coaching and a link to her podcast, "Embrace Your Strengths," can be found at http://www.barbaraculwell.com/. Plus, listen to her podcast on your favorite podcast app.

Her daughter's website and book, Survivor, can be found at http://www.claireculwell.com/

Kathy looks for daily miracles - large and small - in her life and encourages us to do the same. She has experienced unbelievable yet documented healing from a brain tumor and Crohn's disease. She and her family of 12 include joyfully-welcomed twins with down-syndrome. She has a strong faith that she's asked God for, and He has given it in abundance.  You'll be encouraged by her stories!