Sincerely Yours #77: For years I had a small vegetable garden in a corner of the backyard, where I grew a couple of squash, a few onions, and a lot of tomatoes (we really like tomatoes, too). But this particular year, I decided to add to my humble repertoire… strawberries. Now, I was told that I’d have to wait one full year to see any substantial fruit, but I wasn’t warned about the plants themselves. It’s almost as if they’d come up 30, 60, 100 times as much as I’d planted. Sound familiar?

Hugs From Heaven #222: Confessing our sin, and saying yes to His embrace removes the veil of dark confusion, transforming us into children of light. On this podcast, Moira Brown takes a look at the late Leonard Cohen's spiritual longing in spite of his distrust. Additionally, she shares some Hugs From Heaven to remind us that we may not be what we think, but, what we think, we are.

Sincerely Yours #76: How divided are we? Or better yet, how unified are we? With our loving God as Father and our selfless Jesus as Saviour, shouldn’t acceptance run in our family? Shouldn’t mercy be our motto? If God’s family had a “coat of arms,” wouldn’t those arms be open? Our reading for today covers the last half of Mark chapter 3, and at every turn, it addresses family.

Hugs From Heaven #221: During a season of unemployment and sudden changes, Moira Brown wasn't sure where her family might land. But it was the Hugs From Heaven featured in this episode that reminded her to trust His promise. She may not wht uncertainties you are facing in the New Year, but Jesus does. On this podcast, you'll hear a personal story from Moira and be reaffirmed that God will take care of you.

Hugs From Heaven #220: Have you ever had... an epiphany? The word is significant in the Christian calendar. The Eastern Church has been celebrating this day - January 6th - since the third century. On today's episode, Moira Brown looks at the history behind "Epiphany" and shares some Hugs From Heaven to help with the celebration. And if you enjoyed this podcast, share it on social media to help others stay faith strong!

Mom Struggling Well #31

I first met Caroline through the interwebs a few years ago because we both had small businesses.  She sews like a champ and makes many adorable items you'll love.  She is also a mom of three small kids who lives in the Pacific Northwest.  She's a mom in the thick of it who lets us in on the ways she manages all that's on her plate.

what we chat about:

* starting a small business

* how she creates margin

* what she does to avoid being the "mom who yells"

* the perils of tiny ear holes

* what to do when noise hurts

links mentioned:

Awana

Little House on the Prairie

Rain for Roots

Baby's Hug A Bible

Jesus Storybook Bible

The Story of God's Love for You (Jesus Storybook Bible for Adults)

Made to Crave

where to find caroline kline:

Shop // Instagram

Share the Struggle!

Find me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

About the Podcast

Join Emily Thomas each week as she chats with a friend (usually a mom) about a challenge they've had and how they struggled well through it. Don't worry, though. It's not all about kids or sadness. It's funny, too. Promise.

 

Hugs From Heaven #219: For many in the Orthodox Church this is Christmas week. One of Moira Brown's favourite Christmas songs goes back to 1980 and it's by Contemporary Christian artist David Meece. Though he had many hits, David's story of traumatic childhood is what truly touched Moira's heart when she interview him in the 90s. It's a story of true forgiveness, and it's featured on this episode of Hugs From Heaven.

Hugs From Heaven #218

It sometimes helps to embrace the truth that nothing catches the Almighty off guard. On this podcast, Moira Brown reminds us not to discount joy because the day holds difficulties. Joy is the fruit of God's Spirit living in you - and He never changes. True joy is a byproduct of living in the Presence of the One who has it all in control.

About the Podcast

A two minute dose of encouragement with host Moira Brown, showcasing God’s goodness with daily inspiration. Find God’s embrace in the adventure of faith to help us grow together through life’s seasons and circumstances.

 

WikiGod #44

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/content.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/WikiGod-044-Eileen_Henderson_jan04-17.mp3

This week we are wikiing God with Eileen Henderson of Circles of Support and Accountability Canada, a program for men and women who have committed serious sexual offences. Though certainly a sensitive topic, Mark Groleau sits down with Eileen to better understand this behaviour. More importantly, how we as Jesus-followers should respond to those often seen with only fear and anger.

Eileen Henderson and Mark Talk About...

* her early life in Guelph and her first encounter with a correctional facility

* how her passion for restorative justice was ignited

* the story of Charlie Taylor and Harry Nigh

* what it's like for someone convicted of sexual offences to be released into the community

* the groups of volunteers and how they became Circles of Support and Accountability

* how the organization approaches (re)eoffenders from an addiction perspective

* what the support of the volunteers practically looks like out of that model

* why behaviour does not occur in a vacuum and is often the products of an unhealthy environment

* how opportunity and friendship reduce one’s risk to reoffend

* advice on how we might respond to an ex-offender in the neighbourhood

Like what you heard on today’s episode? Be sure to rate the podcast on iTunes and join the conversation by leaving Mark and Eileen a note in the comments!

About the Podcast

Mark Groleau sits down with fellow Jesus-followers, sharing their beliefs and stories to “wiki” a better understanding of God. This is where theology and faith collide to help each other grow and shape a more compelling God for everyone.

 

Hugs From Heaven #217

In his book Life Mapping, author John Trent introduced Moira Brown to the term "emotional freeze point." Wounding life events and debilitating labels can cause us to seize up and stop risking, dreaming, maturing, and believing God for great things. What icy lie is stinging your soul today? Come in from the cold and let Jesus warm your heart with His love and truth.