Fierce Calling

What if we were more intentional about going deeper in prayer? What would those prayers look like--sound like? This week, I welcome guest Brooke McGlothlin, founder of Million Praying Moms. But before Brooke founded this amazing gathering of praying moms, she first became a praying mom herself, praying Scripture-inspired prayers over her boys. Listen in as we talk about the power of Scripture-inspired prayer and how Million Praying Moms came to be.

And this episode is not just a blessing for moms, but for all of us who yearn for a deeper prayer life. Brooke shares great actionable steps to help make that happen. She also provides great resources and info about all the prayer books she and her team have written. Good stuff!

Connect with Brooke!

Hop on over to millionprayingmoms.com or https://brookemcglothlin.net/ and find the resources and books Brooke mentioned during the show. You'll also discover ways to connect with her via her "connect" tab on her website.

More About Brooke ...

Brooke is the founder of Million Praying Moms, and author of 6 books, including her latest, Everyday Prayers for Peace and Praying Mom: Making Prayer the First and Best Response to Motherhood. She’s a wife and mom to two teenage boys who make their home in the mountains of Appalachia, calling southwestern Virginia home.

Brooke loves IG best, so come hang out with her and share daily life by following her at @millionprayingmoms.

Book Doris to Speak!

I'd love to chat about speaking at your next event! I'm currently booking for 2024-2025 so let's connect. Check out my speaking page at https://dorisswift.com/speaking/ or https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift I'm looking forward to serving you and your ladies!

Ever feel like you can't find your joy?

Grab my Bible Study Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You!

Welcome to another episode of Fierce Calling! In this week's episode, I welcome back inspiring author, Laura C. Brandenburg. Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation about operating in our gifts and aligning with God's plan. Laura shares how she walked away from being a full professor to fulfill a bigger dream. She shares her deeply personal story of infertility and God's faithfulness throughout that journey.

We dive deep into the relevance of biblical truth in different seasons. Laura's upcoming book explores the experiences of women longing for a child, a dream, a relationships. Join us as we uncover the profound insights and hear the wisdom Laura has to offer. Get ready to be inspired and encouraged with every word.

Listen to my previous episode with Laura here:

The God Who Sees Me: A Journey Through Infertility

Connect with Laura!

Website | Instagram| Twitter | Facebook

More About Laura ...

Happily married mama to three miracles, Laura C. Brandenburg believes even through the hardest chapters, God writes good endings. An author and speaker, she holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English and a doctoral degree in Technical Communication and Rhetoric. A former college professor turned stay-at-home mom, Laura now spends her days in rural West Texas wiping sticky, dimply hands, writing books, and sharing messages from God’s Word. Connect with her at www.lauracbrandenburg.com or on social media @lauracbrandenburg.

Book Doris to Speak at Your Next Women's Event!

I’d love to chat about serving you and your ladies by speaking at your next women’s event. I am available for keynotes, conferences, workshops, retreats, including online and in-person events. For more information and testimonials, check out my speaking pages at dorisswift.com/speaking/ and womenspeakers.com and let’s make it happen!

Welcome back to another episode of Fierce Calling, where we dive deep into topics that challenge and inspire us to live passionately and walk in our calling. This week, we have a phenomenal guest with us, Rhonda Stoppe, an incredible author, speaker, and mentor.

In this episode, Rhonda opens up about the power of truth and transformation in mentoring relationships, while sharing her own experiences and insights. Rhonda brings a wealth of wisdom and encouragement that will bless every listener.

Stay tuned as we discuss the need to surrender personal idols, the importance of mentorship, and the transformative journey of raising sons to be men.

I loved our chat and how the conversation transitioned into discussing the true role of a pastor's wife, what that looks like, and why our expectations might need a reality check!

I know what Rhonda shares will encourage, inspire, and challenge you to live life without regrets and walk in your Fierce Calling.

Connect with Rhonda!

You can connect with Rhonda via the links below. Head on over to her website and grab the free chapter of Moms Raising Sons to be Men. You'll also find all her books, podcast (Old Ladies Know Stuff), and great resources!

Also, don't forget to text the words NO REGRETS in all caps to 55444 get the free video Your Marriage Can Survive Toddlers and Teens. Great stuff and it's free!

Website: 

NoRegretsWoman.com

Podcast: 

Old Ladies Know Stuff

Social Media Links:

YouTube Channel: Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman:

https://www.youtube.com/c/RhondaStoppeNoRegretsWoman

Facebook Page: Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman:

https://www.facebook.com/NoRegretsWoman

Twitter: @RhondaStoppe

Instagram: @RhondaStoppe

https://www.instagram.com/rhondastoppe/

LinkedIn: Rhonda Stoppe

Pinterest

More About Rhonda ...

Rhonda Stoppe helps women build no regrets lives with over 30 years experience as a pastor’s wife, Bible teacher, mom coach and marriage mentor. Rhonda is a Christian speaker and the best selling author of 7 books including: Mom’s Raising Sons to Be Men, The Marriage Mentor and Real Life Romance. She has appeared on Focus on the Family, The 700 Club and Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk. Rhonda and her pastor-husband, Steve, have been joyfully married for 41 years. Their four adult children are happily married and have blessed them with 15 grandchildren. The Stoppe’s live out their own real life romance at their ranch in California. For more about Rhonda’s books and resources or to schedule her to speak at your event please visit: at: NoRegretsWoman.com

Connect with Doris!

I'd love to hear from you about how Fierce Calling has encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to take action where YOUR passion, compassion, and conviction intersect! Reach out to me on my contact page at dorisswift.com/contact/

Need a speaker for your next woman's event?

I'd love to chat about serving you and your ladies by speaking at your next women's event. I am available for keynotes, conferences, workshops, retreats, including online and in-person events. For more information and testimonials, check out my speaking pages at dorisswift.com/speaking/ and womenspeakers.com and let's make it happen!

Blessings!

Doris

Welcome back to another episode of Fierce Calling! This week we have a truly powerful and eye-opening conversation in store for you. My guest, Lane Lawson Craft, is a best-selling author, award-winning media host, and in-demand speaker who has partnered with struggling parents. Lane joins us to share her story, as well as the powerful message found in her book, The Parents Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal.

This is the second guest interview I've had with Laine, and she is a dynamic woman of God. After listening in to today's episode, be sure to check out the episode we recorded in August 2022, God Still Moves Miraculously on Our Behalf.

Join us as we journey through this inspiring episode, and discover how Lane Lawson Craft's incredible insights can help guide us through the battles we face as parents and in our daily lives. You won't want to miss this heartfelt and empowering conversation. So grab your favorite cup of coffee, find a cozy spot, and let's dive in!

Grab Laine's Book!

More About Laine ...

Laine is dauntlessly committed to guiding parents of teens and young adults to win back their prodigal children.

She partners with prodigal parents so that they find a proven battle plan and strategies to guide them to know that they are not in a war with their child but in a war with the enemy trying to destroy them; they will learn how to have authority over the battles, and how to pray for victory for their prodigal.

With over fifteen years of working with amazing people with similar hurts and spiritual warfare and guiding them to achieve remarkable success, her mission and commitment are to give you insights and revelations into how the darkness of our world operates, build your hope, and give tried-and-true tools and applications that will bring your prodigal home.

Her path to writing this life-transforming battle plan became clear after she fought hell for her children, and her family was healed and won.

Laine is an award-winning, best-selling author, popular media host, and in-demand speaker.

She has been married to Steve, her husband, for over thirty-five years, and she loves spending time with her two sons, only daughter, daughter-in-love, and son-in-love. You can connect with Laine at https://lainelawsoncraft.com/

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Are You Looking for a Speaker for Your Women's Event?

I'd love to connect with you and have a chat about it! I'm currently booking for 2024 & 2025! Check out my Speaking Page for more information!

Hey friends! Welcome back to another impactful episode of Fierce Calling. Today we have an incredible guest joining us: Janet Perez Eckles. Janet takes us on a deeply personal and inspiring journey, sharing her story of overcoming adversity and finding hope in the face of literal darkness. Janet's life seemed like a dream come true, but everything changed when she was diagnosed with a retinal disease that rapidly stole her sight. Her marriage was in turmoil and her hope waning. Then something amazing happened, she met Jesus. She would need him more than she would know.

As she continues to share, we'll hear about Janet's unimaginable tragedy. Yet, with unwavering strength and the peace that comes from her trust in God, Janet navigated the darkest of times and learned the power of forgiveness, even towards the man who took her son's life.

Throughout this episode, Janet shares how her faith and unwavering belief in God's promises carried her through the most challenging moments of her life. She'll also discuss the importance of having Christ at the center of our relationships and the incredible transformation that can occur when we truly seek God's guidance.

Janet's story is a testament to the power of resilience, forgiveness, and the unwavering faith that can lead us through even the darkest of days. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and moved as we dive deep into Janet Eckles' remarkable journey of faith and redemption.

So grab your favorite beverage, find a cozy spot, and get ready for an episode that will leave you feeling empowered and uplifted!

Grab Janet's Award-Winning Book, Now I See!

 

More About Janet!

Blindness didn’t slow her down, nor tragedy stop her. As an author, international speaker, and founder of JC Empowerment Ministries, Janet Perez Eckles gives a new meaning to God-given victory and success.

She overcame not only the loss of her eyesight at 30, but endured the loss of her youngest son to violence as well as the acquittal of the man responsible. But rather than sink as a victim, each episode from which she rose above showcases the value of faith, forgiveness and tenacity.

Though her life includes tragedy, her message and her books showcase God’s power to restore any setback, heal any heartache and calm any storm.

Without physical eyesight, but with a clear vision, she travels across the U.S. and internationally to empower her English- and Spanish-speaking audiences.

In addition to her own five books, her writings include 32 stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul titles, Guidepost Magazine, dozens of anthologies, Crosswalk.com and hundreds of print and online magazines.

The media captures her compelling story as she’s been featured on the cover of Hispanic Woman Magazine, 700 Club, Desperate America (Good Morning America), Lifestyle Magazine and Focus on the Family as well as dozens of national and regional media.

Janet’s work has been recognized by numerous awards including the Lifetime Achievement from the Hispanic Chamber of Commers of Central Florida, Latina Women who make a difference, Beyond Me Award, Professional Excellence and first runner-up for the Ms. Senior Florida pageant.

Janet resides in Florida with her husband Dale, her adult children and delightful grandchildren.

www.janetperezeckles.com

Need Speakers for Your Events in 2024?

If you're looking speakers for your events, did you know that both Janet and Doris are speakers? You can check out Janet's speaking page at womenspeakers.com here: https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/orlando/speaker/janet-eckles , and find Doris's speaking page here: https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift

Welcome, listeners, to another episode of Fierce Calling! In this episode, Creating Safe Spaces: Mental Health, Faith, Family, and Connection, our host Doris is joined by the incredible Lori Wildenberg, a licensed parent and family educator, also known as a parent coach. Lori is here to discuss her journey and share her profound insights on topics ranging from faith and parenting to overcoming challenges in life.

Our conversation with Lori begins with a thought-provoking analogy. She also shares a deeply personal story about her youngest daughter's battle with depression, including a failed suicide attempt. She reveals how her daughter's strength led her to write a powerful and impactful blog, providing solace to those facing similar struggles. Inspired by her daughter's bravery, Lori sought permission to write a book about their experiences, ultimately leading to healing and growth for both of them.

Through her work as a parent coach, Lori helps parents navigate the challenges of raising children who are grappling with mental and emotional health issues.

We delve into the importance of open communication, being rooted in faith, and seeking support within a loving community. I know what Lori shares will encourage, inspire, and challenge you. Listen in while I have a chat with Lori Wildenberg!

Connect with Lori!

You can connect with Lori, and find her amazing books and resources at https://loriwildenberg.com/

Socials:

FB: 

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWildenbergauthor

https://www.facebook.com/MomsTogether

IG

https://www.instagram.com/loriwildenberg/

https://www.instagram.com/momstogether/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/loriwildenberg?lang=en

LinkedIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/loriwildenberg/

YouTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/@LoriWildenberg

Website:

https://loriwildenberg.com/

TAGS:

#MessyHope

#mentalhealth

More About Lori ...

Helping families build relationships that last a lifetime is Lori Wildenberg’s passion. Lori, a licensed parent and family educator, is a national speaker, and author or coauthor of six parenting books including the award-winning book Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome, Anxiety, Depression or Suicidal Ideation.

Articles by Lori can also be found at Focus on the Family, Mom Life Today, Just Between Us, and more. 

Lori is the lead mentor and administrator of  the popular Mom's Together community and group on Facebook.

The Wildenberg home is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Lori is Mom to four, Mom-in-Love to three, and Mimi to four. A perfect day in Lori’s world is a hike with Tom (her hubby) and their growing family!

Grab My Book …

Surrender the Joy Stealers!

Book Doris to Speak at Your Next Woman’s Event! Now Booking for 2024!

Doris can help your ladies find their joy and walk in their Fierce CallingTM

2023 Event: The Joy Jesus Gave Us

Blessings of Peace & Joy,

Doris

My special guest, Julie Holmquist, an author, speaker, and host of the Kairos Moments podcast, shares her insights on calling out the gifts and talents in women. She loves helping equip women in what God calls them to do. He leads and uses Julie in empowering women in their callings and purpose.

In this episode, Julie emphasizes the importance of words of affirmation and how they can truly uplift and encourage us on our paths. She also sheds light on the need to discern the source of feedback and not let negative comments hinder our growth. Such golden nuggets of God's truth in this episode!

Favorite Quotes from Empowering Women in Their Callings with Julie Holmquist ...

"...because if we get bitter in that disappointment, that's where we get stuck. And then we're not doing anyone any good.  Matter of fact, the Bible says the bitterness poisons everybody, right? And so we just need to always keep our heart in check with the Lord. And he's called us to be fruitful, not successful, and success looks very different to Him." --Julie Holmquist

"Seeing the gifts in other people and calling them out, empowering them and just cheering them on all along the way brings me so much joy" --Julie Holmquist

My Episode with Julie on Her Podcast--Kairos Moments

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doubting-the-dream-w-doris-swift/id1493750283?i=1000544958822

 

Timestamp Moments

The Power of Encouragement: "When someone speaks a positive word into your life, what they see that you're good at, what they see God doing in your life, it's like water on parched soil."— Julie 00:04:4600:05:44

Feeling Left Out: "Sometimes we can feel left out even by God. It can be really painful when we feel like that's something that God is leaving us in a season of just complacency, but he never does that."— Doris 00:17:3600:19:07

The Power of Patience: "We need someone to constantly remind us he's working behind the scenes. You don't need to go dig it up and question."— Julie  00:21:0900:22:15

Dealing with Doubters: "And then there are going to be those people who are going to mock whatever God is trying to do."— Julie 00:24:2600:25:25

Connect with Julie!

Julie Holmquist is an author, podcast host (“Kairos Moments”), and a speaker. God has given Julie deep insight into His Word with real-life, transformational application. She empowers Christian women to take bold and confident steps forward with their God-given dreams while developing a more intimate relationship with God and becoming the women He’s created them to be in the process. Her work has been featured in Focus on the Family magazine, Crosswalk.com, and The Secret Place.

Julie’s written the first in a series of workbooks that will encourage women with a God-given dream to get deeply rooted in who they are in Christ. The other two workbooks will teach women what an intimate relationship with God looks like and to how to make a lasting, kingdom impact on the world around them. BOOK JULIE TO SPEAK!!

“Defined” (IDENTITY in Christ)

https://stuffofheaven.com/product/an-identity-deeply-rooted-in-christ-is-bold

“Known” (INTIMACY with God) – COMING SOON

“Called” (Making an IMPACT through the Holy Spirit) – COMING SOON

She and her husband have four sons. They live in Charlotte, NC. You can connect with Julie at the following:

Website: Stuff of Heaven (“Kairos Moments” episodes are published here

Instagram: Stuff of Heaven

Facebook Page: Stuff of Heaven (Julie Holmquist)

Grab My Book ...

Surrender the Joy Stealers!

Book Doris to Speak at Your Next Woman's Event! Now Booking for 2024!

Doris can help your ladies find their joy and walk in their Fierce CallingTM

2023 Event: The Joy Jesus Gave Us

Blessings of Peace & Joy,

Doris

Welcome to Fierce Calling! In this episode, Finding Hope: Navigating Dysfunction and Difficulties in Life with Dr. Mel Tavares, Dr. Mel opens up about her personal journey, filled with difficult choices, challenging relationships, and health issues.

Despite these hardships, Dr. Tavares has dedicated her life to supporting and empowering women facing similar struggles. Growing up in a dysfunctional environment, Dr. Tavares understands the weight of making tough choices. She shares her experience of navigating an arduous 25-year marriage that eventually ended in divorce.

As a single mom herself, Dr. Tavares has a sincere heart for women in difficult situations, providing guidance and encouragement along their own journeys. Drawing from her personal battles with health issues, Dr. Tavares finds passion in bringing hope to those battling chronic illnesses and difficult diagnoses.

Her ministry extends to helping prodigal children and those seeking to rediscover their faith, where her own experiences provide invaluable insight. Dr. Tavares firmly believes that God has a purpose for everyone, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. As someone who works in the counseling and coaching fields, she actively encourages mental health awareness, seeking to erase the stigma that surrounds it, particularly within the church. In collaboration with the American Association of Christian Counselors, Dr. Tavares is actively engaged in educating churches about mental health.

I know what Dr. Mel shares will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in while Doris has a chat with Dr. Mel Tavares.

Key Themes Covered in Finding Hope: Navigating Dysfunction and Difficulties in Life with Dr. Mel Tavares

1. Overcoming challenges and finding purpose

2. Stigma around mental health in churches

3. Balancing technology and mental well-being

4. Importance of a firm foundation in faith

5. Preventative measures for mental health crisis

6. Disconnect and disconnection in families

7. Impact of technology on children's mental health

8. 21 Days to Improved Mental Well-Being

Grab The Book ...

21 Days to Mental Well-Being

More About Dr. Mel ...

Mel Tavares is an accomplished award winning author, speaker/teacher, and coach and counselor both in ministry and in her career. She has invested decades in equipping women from all walks of life to thrive in the midst of their circumstances.

Mel holds a Doctorate of Ministry, is a Board Certified Mental Health Coach, a Certified QPR Suicide Prevention Instructor, a member of the AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association). She will soon add ‘Professional Life Coach’ to her certifications.

She authors books, is a contributing author to several books, writes for multiple ministries, including the Word of Life Global Youth Ministries and Arise Daily Online Devotions. She teaches digitally and in person, conducts Facebook Live series, and is a frequent media guest. Mel is a wife, mom to seven, and grandma to ten. You can find her materials and learn more about her ministry at her website: drmeltavares.com

Grab My Book ...

Surrender the Joy Stealers!

Book Doris to Speak at Your Next Woman's Event! Now Booking for 2024!

Doris can help your ladies find their joy and walk in their Fierce CallingTM

2023 Event: The Joy Jesus Gave Us

https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift

Transcript for Finding Hope: Navigating Dysfunction and Difficulties in Life with Dr. Mel Tavares

Doris [00:01:56]:

Welcome back. Today I'm excited to welcome my friend Dr. Mel Tavares. She is an accomplished award winning author. She's a speaker and a teacher and coach, and she's a counselor both in ministry and in her career, which I love. She has invested decades in equipping women from all walks of life to thrive in the midst of their circumstances. And that is just so what Fear Is Calling is all about. And you can read more about Dr. Mel. I'll have all of her information in the show notes. But for now, I want to welcome you to the show. Thank you for being here, Dr. Mel.

Dr. Mel Tavares [00:02:34]:

Thank you for having me, Doris. I'm excited to see what God is going to direct today yes, I'm excited.

Doris [00:02:41]:

About that too, and see what he wants us to share. And so I do love that, that you've spent decades equipping women to thrive in the midst of their circumstances. It's just such a powerful thing to help someone who is going through a difficult season to see that there's still a purpose, there's still a way that God can use all of it for good and for his glory and for also whatever their calling might be. So I would love if you would share a little bit about your story and how you are taking action where your passion, compassion and conviction intersect.

Dr. Mel Tavares [00:03:24]:

Well, I grew up in a pretty strange what I consider a strange situation and a dysfunctional home, we would say, in today's counseling world. And so I didn't really have a whole lot of guidance. Therefore I made some choices that weren't good that included not a wise choice for a mate. So I went through a marriage and 25 year marriage and then a divorce. That just seemed eminent, but I kept pushing aside. And so I have a real heart for women that have found themselves in difficult situations then, because I was a single mom, I can understand that situation as well. I have had some health issues over the years and I've had to combat those. So I have a real heart for bringing hope to people that are battling some chronic diseases or maybe a diagnosis that is not what we want to hear, and how to battle that. I think spiritually battle it spiritual warfare, but then implement health options that are going to lead to a healthier lifestyle and battle back those disease diagnoses. So there's been a lot of different things. I have a prodigal child now. I have had others who have now come back to the Lord, come back to our family. So I understand women in that situation. There's a lot of different roads I've been on that helps me when I'm ministering to people, whether that is the secular counseling that's gone on or pastoral counseling now or coaching, it kind of all intersects. And that became my passion. And I know that's my calling and whether I'm writing it or speaking it or teaching it or whatever I'm doing, there's always good that comes out of those situations. And God, his plans will not be thwarted. And he does have a plan and a purpose for every single one of us. And even if there's some forks in the road and he kind of brings us around the bend and back full circle, he doesn't waste it. And I love that. And I just love being able to encourage women with that truth.

Doris [00:06:03]:

I love that so much. And especially how you went through all the things that you've experienced and how now it's something that you can use to help others in these different roads that you've been on. And I know those forks in the road, those forks are pointy, they can really be painful. But how you shared all of that and it would just really encourage a listener right now to hear that. Because as I usually will say too, it's like no matter where they've been or what they've done or what's been done to them, what they've experienced, that everybody has a purpose and God has plans for them and they can be used by God. So that's why I love your ministry so much and how God has used that and has called you to counsel because you have a heart for helping people who are walking maybe a broken road or maybe have people in their family that are walking broken roads. And that can be really devastating too, right? You've run into that so much, as you said, with a prodigal. So how do you usually encourage those people?

Dr. Mel Tavares [00:07:14]:

Well, it depends on each situation. And the Bible is filled with passages that speak to every situation we find ourselves in. I have yet to find a situation that I've walked through or that you would walk through or anyone would walk through and not find multiple passages to encourage and uplift. And so I tell people I have a care and counseling Bible. I know a lot of people use that. So I have a care and counseling Bible that helps me topically. But the concordance and different things too, I encourage people, get those tools, learn the scriptures that are applicable to your situation, and then we talk through those. But generically speaking, there's so many passages on hope. There's so many passages on the fact that the Lord is always with us, he never leaves us, he's always faithful. And that truth alone brings hope, I think, to any situation that he's not going to leave us dangling by ourselves, even in the worst of situations. And there may be lots of other people around us when we're going through something, but we still feel alone. The truth is we're not alone. So that's, I think, a foundation.

Doris [00:08:53]:

Yes, that is amazing. And how you were talking about that, all the things we experience and all the things that we would need to work through or discover or work through our circumstances is found in the word of God. His solutions are there. And so I love that you shared that so much. And then also thinking about, okay, so people are going through a difficult situation, but maybe it's intimidating for them to read the Bible, so they might go to someone for help. But it is a way to encourage people to go directly to the Word themselves and see it. And then sometimes they need someone to help them, like you do in your ministry, to point them to the right places to go. So I think that's so important. You have written several different books and you have a new book that you've written. The title is 21 Days to improved mental well being. So tell us a little bit about what prompted you to write that and how

On this episode, Reflections on Caregiving, Faith, and A Legacy of Love, join host Doris Swift as she welcomes author Ann Coker to the show. Ann shares her journey of compiling her husband Bill's sermons into book form.

Despite facing challenges, including Bill's Alzheimer's diagnosis and the couple's move to Indianapolis for caregiving support, Ann's passion for seeing Bill's message in print has driven her forward. She encourages listeners to document their own treasures and experiences, as it can lead to something special.

Doris and Ann also discuss the importance of staying true to one's calling, even in challenging seasons, and the multiple facets that a calling can have, such as being a caregiver and a writer. They express gratitude for the opportunity to partner with God despite imperfections and reflect on the blessings and support they receive from loved ones.

Throughout the episode, they touch on various projects, including Ann's unpublished companion book for 'The Pilgrim's Progress' and Bill's podcast, 'Words of Endearment with Bill Coker.' They also delve into the significance of written words as a way to preserve and pass down legacies, highlighting the importance of reading someone's writings to truly understand their heart.

As the episode comes to a close, Doris expresses excitement about having Ann on the show and the ongoing projects they are both involved in. They affirm that age should not hinder someone from pursuing their calling and share their plans to publish more of Bill's works, including a podcast series. Doris concludes the episode by extending blessings to Ann and expressing gratitude for her ongoing ministry work. Listeners can find links to Ann's information in the show notes and can look forward to future episodes of Fierce Calling, where meaningful conversations and connections among believers are valued and celebrated."

Grab Ann's Freebies Mentioned in Reflections on Caregiving, Faith, and A Legacy of Love:

Words of Endearment: the Ten Commandments as a Revelation on God's Love

Prayers for the People: from the Heart of a Pastor

https://colossal-leader-739.ck.page/95ff988dba

Scandal of Christmas: Advent Reflections on Four Unlikely Figures

https://colossal-leader-739.ck.page/50d532d749

Podcast: Words of Endearment with Bill Coker

More About Ann and How You Can Connect with Her!

Ann L. Coker graduated from college 20 years after completing high school. After working as managing editor of Good News magazine, she started writing for devotional publications, periodicals, and her active blog abcoker.blog. She has served the pro-life cause in several agencies. Ann is married to her favorite preacher, Bill. She has prepared Bill’s sermons on the Ten Commandments for his first book, Words of Endearment, published in 2020. Three more books have been published. Ann has written a companion book (unpublished) for John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress. Ann finds her greatest joy in seeing her husband’s messages in print to glorify God. She is his caregiver because he has Alzheimer’s disease. With an able tech team, Bill now has a podcast: Words of Endearment with Bill Coker.   

Contact Info:  www.abcoker.blog and https://www.facebook.com/ann.coker.395 and [email protected]

Transcript from Reflections on Caregiving, Faith, and A Legacy of Love

Doris [00:02:27]:

Today I am excited to welcome my writing friend, Ann L. Coker. We are in a group together called Book Camp, and we have been able to connect, and I'm so glad to have her on. It's going to be a really great episode. And some really fun facts about Ann, she graduated from college 20 years after graduating from high school, which is very encouraging. And she also worked as managing editor of Good News magazine. And then, she started writing for devotional publications and periodicals, and she also blogs. She has served in the pro-life arena for that cause for several different agencies. She's married to her favorite preacher, Bill, which I love that. And she's prepared Bill's sermons on the Ten Commandments for his first book, Words of Endearment, and three more books have followed since. She also wrote a companion book for John Bunyan's, The Pilgrim's Progress, which is yet to be published. And she finds great joy in seeing her husband's messages in print to glorify God. And she's also her husband, Bill's Caregiver because he does have Alzheimer's disease. And so we'll talk a little bit about that as well. And he does have a podcast, though. They have a lot of great people on their tech team. And Bill has a podcast called Words of Endearment with Bill Coker. Welcome to the show, Ann. It's so great to have you on.

Ann Coker [00:03:58]:

It's good to be here, Doris. I appreciate your invitation.

Doris [00:04:01]:

Oh, yes. I am excited to talk about all these things. You have a lot of interesting things that you have done and continue to do. And I always ask my guests where they're taking action, where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. So if you could share a little about your story and however the Lord leads, and how you are taking action in those areas that intersect, we'd love to hear about it.

Ann Coker [00:04:29]:

Ann, okay, here we go. As to passion, I call it my dream job. And it began when Bill was pastoring a church, a community church in Terrahote, Indiana. And I, along with people who listened to him, would ask him to write a book. And his answer was always the same there are enough books out there. So that settled it for him, but not for me. So my passion to see Bill in print became a possibility, as you stated, in an unusual way when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2017. That facilitated two important factors in our lives. We moved from our home in Terrahood, Indiana, and bought a home in Indianapolis with our daughter and her husband. And being both our daughter and a nurse, becky could provide valuable help with caregiving. She also provides our meals in the evening, so that freed up my time. The main factor is that while Bill would not write a book, I could compile his messages and get them published without his permission. In fact, one funny little thing is when the books come in a box, he lifts up the book and he looks at his name on it and he says, how did that happen? And I said, well, I did it behind your back. Which means in our office, in our study, our computers are on opposite sides of the room. So we're actually working back to back. I'm dealing with the book while he's playing solitaire on his computer. That is so cute. So I did it behind his back. Compassion intersects with conviction. When caregiving and publishing became our purpose for each day's schedule, I'm learning to connect with agents and editors and publishers. My earlier training in editing prepared me for the process of compiling Bill's manuscripts. While Bill was a professor at a Christian college in Kentucky, I held the position of managing editor at Good News magazine, as you said, and I also took online courses and attended writers conferences. We kept cassette tapes of Bill sermons from those 19 years. You can imagine how many that is. And it was while he was preaching at World Gospel Church in Terrahode, Indiana. And then he also filled notebooks with his sermon outlines, and we have all of those, too, that provided fuel for the possibility of getting books printed. I began to compile messages, get transcripts, started with a blog friend. And we involved our grandson in converting the tapes into digital format. So Bill has now four published books.

Doris [00:08:32]:

Wow. That is such a treasure that you have all of those things that could be now used again for the glory of God to reach even more people. Because I know that throughout Bill's life and when he would teach and preach, he was sharing the gospel, and so many were learning so many things and coming to the Lord and all of that, and now a new opportunity. But it's so fun how you were when those boxes of books come in and what you have to say to Bill, but it's just adorable. But I love this one. I picked up some of the books already, and so I need to read through these. And I found the quote in the very beginning of one of the books that we'll talk about, too. It's called Let the Church Be the Church. And I really love the COVID It's the cross. And the cross is all different people, and then they're kind of scattered around the cross and kind of like going out. And so I love this one quote that says, "Dr. Coker issues a clarion call for the church to reclaim its God-ordained mission. He begins by identifying the problem of our times, stating, I'm frustrated not because a sinful world is out there, but because a weak church is not responding to the challenge of our age that is profound and powerful. And how did you grab that quote? Was that from a sermon that he did or how did that come out?

Ann Coker [00:10:14]:

It would been from a sermon. Yeah. The messages in that book, as also with the two other books, came from his sermons at World Gospel Church. He emphasized that the greatest miracle is the church. He said it would be nothing for God to have a virgin born child. It would be nothing for God to have a resurrection, but the church involves people, and so you have the church lasting for these many years. And so that, he says, is the greatest miracle.

Doris [00:11:08]:

Wow, I've never really heard that presented in that way before. You probably get that response a lot, don't you? I imagine you do, because yeah, it's true. And how precious that we are brought into the Trinity, we're brought into that altogether to partner with God. We imperfect people. That is definitely a miracle. I love this so much. And you were talking earlier about how with the situation that you have with Bill's House and everything, and praise the Lord,...

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