Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly

How can we wrap our children in Christ at Christmas?

Today's guest, Lee Ann Mancini, is an award-winning, best-selling, Christian children's author, and Executive Producer of Sea Kids, which can be viewed on Pure Flix, Right Now Media, Answers.tv (Answers in Genesis) and Minno. Lee Ann is the host of the award-winning podcast Raising Christian Kids. She is also an adjunct professor at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary, and her desire is to help children build a strong foundation in Christ so they can stand strong against this ever-increasing anti-Christian culture.

Lee Ann Mancini shares a wealth of tips to help parents infuse the holiday season with eternal meaning and joy.

Lee Ann offers these valuable tips for parents:

• Encourage children to choose a favorite verse to unpack and learn more about each week during the advent season.
• Choose gifts to create a sacred play space for your children.
• Provide children's books with positive messages and character-strengthening lessons.
• Invite your children to join you in purchasing gifts for needy neighbors.
• Encourage kids to help write and send thoughtful, scripture-centered messages to those who need inspiration, like love letters from Jesus.
• Bring bookmarks with spiritual messages to community Christmas activities and allow your kids to offer them to those who will receive them.
• Play storytelling games with your kids to spark their imagination about the Christmas story.
• Participate with your kids in Christ-centered craft activities at art centers.
• Encourage your kids to use their talents and gifts to share hope and joy at Christmas.
• Include Christ-honoring elements in your home decor.
• Hang an extra stocking for a child in need and invite your kids to deliver the gifts with you to the organization or neighbor.
• Encourage kids to use sticky notes to post their favorite verses on the mirror or near their bed.
• Include inspirational elements in playtime with your kids.
• Choose a local food pantry and allow your kids to participate in sharing with those in need. Consider making these charitable opportunities personal and relational.

Lee Ann Mancini shares the personal story of how she developed her Sea Kids children's books. These seven books help kids cope with struggles they experience, such as dealing with bullies or difficult personalities. Mancini's books are available on Novel Effect, which rewards young readers with sound effects as they read. Her Sea Kids animation series is available as 26 episodes. Check out a free episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/SeaKids

Mancini's resources include curriculum. Visit https://raisingchristiankids.com/ to get all her valuable books, resources, and Raising Christian Kids podcast episodes.

Check out the cuddly soft Scripture Bear, a plush toy with squeezable paws that play a variety of scriptures in a child's voice.

Get inspired now and get a copy of Tina Yeager's newest release, Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose! Get your free downloadable flip book template at https://upcycledbook.com/

Do you need to believe in the power of a second chance to change your life today? Today's guest, Tanya Christiansen, shares the message she learned from life as well as her recent role as a starring actress in The Mulligan movie.

Tanya Christiansen is a Tennessee native who began her acting career on stage doing local theater. Her passion turned into a profession once she graduated from the University of Tennessee. Her first on-air job was as a host for a home shopping channel selling everything from jewelry to exercise equipment to clothing. She then transitioned into the acting world where she continues her career in film and TV. Film projects include I STILL BELIEVE, FIRST LADY, and THE HATE U GIVE. Tanya resides in Florida with her husband and two children and travels wherever her job takes her. When not at home with family or on the road working, her hobbies include refinishing furniture and many outdoor activities, including running (she's run marathons in NYC and Paris), paddle boarding, and hiking.

After a successful nationwide theatrical release on April 18 & 19, The Mulligan is now available on demand, in a digital version, and on DVD. The film is based on the bestselling novel The Mulligan by Ken Blanchard and Wally Armstrong. A heartwarming story about life inspired by the game of golf, THE MULLIGAN shows the power of a second chance.

Christiansen shares how she can personally relate to the message of grace and redemption as well as to her role in the movie as a wife and mom. She describes the relatable nature of this story, noting how a broad range of audience members will find elements that resonate with them.

We discuss the following key insights:

• We all experience points in our lives when we need a second chance.
• Though we can't redo the past, God can redeem our tragedies and mistakes.
• The Lord can make our messes into messages through which blessing impacts the world around us.
• The message of a second chance doesn't involve cheating, nor does it imply grace is cheap. Christ offers us an opportunity to live our best from now forward.
• God offers us opportunities to learn and grow from our mistakes if we pay attention and look for his hand in our lives.
• The world around us can become our cathedral, where we can worship.

We discuss the issues with "why" questions in our lives, particularly after a tragedy, crisis, or disappointment. Tanya points out that we need faith to overcome the valleys in our lives. We encourage listeners by noting that God does not cause harm, but he can support and strengthen us during times of suffering.

We also discuss how those looking for a chance to start over can find hope.

Tanya relates personal stories she heard from those who were deeply moved by the message of the film. She defines success according to the casting director's qualification, which aimed to touch at least one life. Christiansen says she feels the movie exceeded the goal, especially since a homeless ministry shared the message with hundreds of souls.

She describes her favorite projects as family-centered. The movie emphasizes the importance of setting people as a priority.

Visit themulliganmovie.com to purchase the movie and access additional print resources.

Look for Tanya's next movie, The Throwback, in the summer of 2023.

Check out Tanya's Bearpaw boot line on HSN.

Get Tina Yeager's FREE Upcycled Inspirational Flip Book template at upcycledbook.com and craft a gift of weekly inspirations for yourself, family members, or special people in your life.

How can we boost everyday life through grace and gratitude?

Today's guest, Michele Howe, shares her personal insights and tips to live your best each day by shifting toward a mindset of thankfulness!

Michele Howe has published over 3000 reviews/articles and has been featured on numerous radio shows across the country speaking on topics such as parenting and a diverse range of women's health issues. Michele is the author of twenty-three books for women.

On today's special episode, we discuss the following tips to optimize your life through grace and gratitude:

• Gratitude is a choice, not a feeling.
• God is present with us during difficult times.
• The Lord can provide the strength and grace we don't have on our own.
• Remain mindful of and present in today rather than worrying about the future.
• Seeing God's character is the key to shifting our mindset from negativity to positivity.
• There is healing power in gratitude.
• Work toward cultivating a default response of praise and thankfulness.
• Post mind-renewing scriptures where you will see them often.
• Mind renewal is a process of cooperating with God to change our thoughts one moment at a time.
• Focusing on God more than self helps us to develop a joyful, grateful attitude.

Michele shares the following additional tips on living with joyful thanksgiving:

• Examine your expectations.
• If our motives center on serving Christ, we can avoid a lot of disappointment.
• Our faults and shortcomings do not limit God's ability to bless others through us.
• Choosing to trust Jesus increases our grace and gratitude.
• Monitor your thoughts for negative patterns.
• Spend time in scripture each day so you can grow closer to the source of blessings.
• Choose gratitude before you feel it.
• Share grace with others even when you don't feel like it.
• Forgiveness sets you free from a prison of your own making.
• Choosing kindness lifts your mood.
• When you start to count blessings, you'll find it difficult to stop.

Connect with Michele at https://michelehowe.wordpress.com/, where you can check out her book Grace and Gratitude for Everyday Life.

Get inspired now and get a copy of Tina Yeager's newest release, Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose! Get your free downloadable flip book template at https://upcycledbook.com/

How do you respond to disabilities or mental illness? Today's guest, Renee D. Warring, shares her personal story and mission centered on rising from mental illness as a stigma to living with purpose and esteem.

We discuss the fears and misconceptions surrounding mental illness and disabilities. Renee underscores how those with disabilities and mental illnesses are much more likely to become victims of violence and crime rather than perpetrators.

We also share ways listeners can find help and stability for their own needs or support those around them. Renee mentioned NAMI as a great resource for those who have mental health conditions and their family members.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Renee's Website: www.UWMMinistries

Amazon Link to Book- The Warrior Warring- https://www.amazon.com/dp/1513642871

Renee Warring's YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTr57entsChT3ydDkpn6Law/videos

Get Tina Yeager's FREE Upcycled Inspirational Flip Book template at upcycledbook.com and craft a gift of weekly inspirations for yourself, family members, or special people in your life.

Can you imagine the power of praying with your enemy? Today's guest, Steven T. Collis, reveals insights from the true story of enemy soldiers who rely upon one another to survive physically and spiritually during the Korean War.

Steven T. Collis is the author of the nonfiction books The Immortals and Deep Conviction and the novels Praying with the Enemy and At Any Cost. He is a law professor at the University of Texas-Austin School of Law and founding faculty director of UT's Bech-Loughlin First Amendment Center and related Law & Religion Clinic. Prior to his appointment at UT, he was the Olin-Darling Research Fellow in the Constitutional Law Center at Stanford Law School and an equity partner at Holland & Hart LLP, where he was the chair of the firm's nationwide religious institutions and First Amendment practice group.

He is a sought-after speaker on both writing and religion law to audiences across the United States, including foreign diplomats from countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America on behalf of the United States State Department. He has been interviewed by and quoted in various news outlets, including The Deseret News, Bloomberg, The Washington Times, Law360, Public Square Magazine, The Salt Lake Tribune, PBS, The Denver Business Journal, Law Week Colorado, CBN News, and many others.

We discuss the following key points found in the harrowing and inspiring tale of Jae Pil and Ward Millar's escape from prison camps in Korea:

• finding ways to connect and relate to others around us despite our differences
• how stressful circumstances can either test our faith or inspire us to place a priority on our spirituality
• the importance of cultivating deep roots to ground our beliefs rather than allow circumstances to dictate our spiritual values
• how respecting others and building bridges of communication does not require us to compromise our own beliefs
• demonstrating resilience in our faith
• discerning between political affiliations and spiritual beliefs so the culture does not influence shifts in theology
• key tenets of religious freedom
• how to fulfill divine purpose as a sophisticated believer
• dangers of adopting an "us v.s. them" mentality and how to overcome this mindset trap
• benefits of taking time to listen to the needs and concerns of those with opposing views
• parallels between the Good Samaritan parable and choices made by Jae Pil and Ward Millar to help one another escape

Collis relates the transformation of a non-believing American soldier who becomes a man of unshakable faith. We discuss the story's earning experiences applicable to our modern lives. Collis points out the principle of losing one's self to find true identity and purpose in Christ as demonstrated in the novel.

We explore the universal tendency to question God during crisis and how we often cannot recognize his actions on our behalf at the time of struggle.

Connect with Steven Collis and get a copy of his book, Praying with the Enemy at steventcollis.com.

Get Tina Yeager's FREE Upcycled Inspirational Flip Book template at upcycledbook.com and craft a gift of weekly inspirations for yourself, family members, or special people in your life.

Could your digital or online activity be interfering with your spirituality? On this episode of Flourish-Meant, we explore the concept of becoming an analog Christian with author and pastor Jay Kim.

Jay Y. Kim serves as the lead pastor at WestGate Church in the Silicon Valley and on the leadership team of the ReGeneration Project. His writing has been featured in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Missio Alliance, and Relevant Magazine.

Jay describes the importance of reconnecting with life off-screen due the increasing disconnectedness and loneliness of the human condition. He defines the journey of becoming an analog Christian as a process of discipleship while cultivating more hands-on relationships with life and others around us. Following Jesus is intended as an incarnate, human experience.

Pastor Kim recounts his exploration of how digital influences affect us. He doesn't reject technology altogether but instead encourages becoming intentional about how we use it.

We discuss the following key points:

• Technology managing us v.s. how we manage technology
• How digital platforms influence our mood, self-image, thought content, attitudes, and assumptions about other people
• Checking whether we are aligning our minds with God's design for the person he wants us to become
• The benefits of digital fasts or sabbaths
• Creating healthy principles and boundaries with social media
• The addictive design of technology
• Detoxing when you find yourself unable to put the technology down
• Seeking ways to accomplish each task in an analog, human, relational way
• Using prayer as a monitoring system
• Considering the fruit of the Spirit
• Intentional focus on using technology for God's glory
• Remembering that God is not flummoxed by the digital age, but has led his people through cultural struggles throughout history

Jay references Dallas Willard's book, Hearing God, in which prayer is described as an ongoing conversational relationship with God through which we partner with the Lord toward his redemptive mission. We need to ask God to continually do the work of forming us into Christlikeness so we can become people who live truly fruitful lives.

Jay notes that social media isn't quite free. He underscores the reality revealed by Tristan Harris that if something is free to you, then you are the product.

Pastor Kim emphasizes the phrase, "make every effort," as repeated in 2 Peter 1, to lean the direction of our lives in alignment with the Spirit of God.

For more about analog discipleship and to connect with Jay, visit jaykimthinks.com . Find his books under the"books" tab on this site. You can also get a copy of his new title, Analog Christian, anywhere books are sold.

Get Tina Yeager's FREE Upcycled Inspirational Flip Book template at upcycledbook.com and craft a gift of weekly inspirations for yourself, family members, or special people in your life.

How can Asian Americans embrace their identity as people of faith? How can Christians embrace Asian Americans with heartfelt fellowship? Today's guests, Linson Daniel and Sabrina Chan, address these issues and more!

Sabrina S. Chan, a daughter of immigrants from Hong Kong, is national director of Asian American Ministries for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA. She is an ordained minister and earned a master's degree in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Linson Daniel, who is Indian American, is associate pastor of Metro Church in Dallas, Texas. He previously served as the national coordinator for South Asian InterVarsity and is a doctoral student at Fuller Theological Seminary.

We discuss the struggles faced by Asian Americans and how faith and community can help them overcome the wounds of injustice. We also cover how non-Asian Christians can embrace their Asian American neighbors with respect, compassion, and faith-centered fellowship.

In this episode, we tackle the issues of

• untold stories of injustice
• restoration of trust in God
• discovering the ways Scripture helps us struggle with our anger and heal from the wounds of injustice
• the keys of learning, listening, and lamenting
• working through shame issues
• building peace and trust between Asian and non-Asian Americans
• inner healing for wounds of discrimination
• acknowledging how everyone goes through pain and suffering differently and may do so at a different pace
• relational healing
• how to respectfully and compassionately build fellowship with Asian Americans
• acknowledging that one Asian American cannot speak for all Asian Americans
• treating each person as a whole person and taking time to build genuine relationships
• using hospitality, acts of service, and faith to open relationships
• reaching out to Asian Americans with the Gospel is vital, though Christianity can be a huge risk for them
• acknowledging the unique messages and blessings Christian Asian Americans can share with the world
• understanding people who differ from you can deepen your understanding of God

To access a wealth of insight, check out the book co-authored by Daniel, Chan, and others, Learning Our Names: Asian American Christians on Identity, Relationships, and Vocation.

Connect with Linson Daniel on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/linson.daniel/

Connect with Sabrina Chan on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sabrinachanwrites/ or Twitter at https://twitter.com/SabrinaSChan.

Get Tina Yeager's FREE Upcycled Inspirational Flip Book template at upcycledbook.com and craft a gift of weekly inspirations for yourself, family members, or special people in your life.

How can we increase our safety by building community? Today's guest, Lori Morrison, shares how we can improve safety in our communities from her experience as a licensed private investigator and host of a true crime podcast.

Lori relates how she ventured into her current profession as a private investigator after a neighbor went missing. She explains how our communities could benefit from reconnecting with one another and remaining aware of what is going on around us.

We discuss the boundaries between caring for our neighbors and imposing. Motivating by love, we can become safe places and watchful guardians without overstepping or becoming nosy.

Lori emphasizes the importance of speaking up and acting on anything we see that raises concern. She points out the greater danger of inaction leading to harm versus the small risk of embarrassment. Morrison states she has seen cases in which a neighbor calling about an unrecognized vehicle led to the arrest of a serial rapist.

Morrison encourages listeners to assess people without allowing titles or roles to create a false sense of security. She cites an example of a ministry leader who had children stay at his home overnight. If the behavior is inappropriate for someone without the title or role, it is inappropriate and deserves further investigation.

Lori recommends a minimum of six months' membership in a church before allowing someone to volunteer with children or youth. She emphasizes the need to look for the following red flags:

• Someone who insists on access to children without supervision
• Someone who resists background checks or other protocols for safety
• Someone who targets vulnerable or attention-starved children or individuals
• Someone who insists on deep levels of trust too quickly

Lori explains the importance of situational awareness for ourselves and those in our communities. People who have been groomed or manipulated into unhealthy situations often fail to see danger. Opening our eyes and ears can help keep us and others safe.

We discuss the need for background checks as well as the need to remain vigilant of the fact that not all predators will be caught by a background check. Morrison recommends state and FBI background checks for due diligence.

Lori highlights the need to err on the side of safety because abuse cannot be undone.

Visit theunlovelytruth.com to access Lori's podcast, get resources, and check out her book.

Get Tina Yeager's FREE Upcycled Inspirational Flip Book template at upcycledbook.com and craft a gift of weekly inspirations for yourself, family members, or special people in your life. We would like to invite you to join The True Crime Mission Fields Program, a life-changing opportunity exclusively joining Christians who have married faith and true crime. Featuring Chaplain Lori Prather, the products within the True Crime Mission Fields Program allow you to connect your passions and skills as Christians with practical service opportunities within the world of true crime. You will begin to serve people in difficult circumstances, and have a greater impact in this world than you ever imagined possible. Access your Free Report: Meet the Christian Who Married Faith with True Crime and receive up to 70% of any collection when you use this link https://www.theunlovelytruthtribe.com/uttylk22r3e?affiliate_id=3727901

Do you have the resilient grace and wisdom you need to endure struggles? Today's guest, acclaimed vocalist Nita Whitaker, shares the wisdom and character she gleaned from the life stories shared with her father.

Nita Whitaker is an accomplished vocalist, who learned her love for music in the spirit of the church before she went on to collaborate with legends like David Foster and Whitney Houston. The book is her literary exploration of her father's complex challenges he faced in his life with grace, the resilient soul in her family via keeping stories alive, and the paternal leader who guided her way. She was inspired by her father to a resolute commitment to finding your own light and sharing it with those who are still learning. The sparks of wisdom imparted onto her, taught her about the different definitions of strength from her devoted father and the power of perseverance, patience and purpose.

When Your Hand is in the Lion's Mouth: The Life and Wisdom of a Man Named Green is a narrative non-fiction story and a father-daughter memoir. Based on his remarkable 96 years of life, Whitaker's father has provided the lifeline of the story, as seen through the eyes and heart of his daughter. Whitaker captures the pride she has for the paternal presence who taught her about love and respect for yourself and others even in most trying times. Their bond grew from a family rich in experiences and strong sense of self with many lessons this story hopes to pass on to the next generation.

Nita describes her father as a pillar for the community and his family. She chose to curate a collection of his most powerful doses of wisdom after enduring incredible hardships with grace. Whitaker titled her book, When Your Hand is in the Lion's Mouth, because of the struggles faced by her father during his life as a sharecropper in Louisiana during the Depression and Jim Crow eras of poverty and oppression.

Nita shares how her father inspired his community to bond in mutual support through faith-centered grace, diligence, and overcoming evil with light. Whitaker notes her grandfather modeled living as a child of Christ and brought her father up centered upon solid faith and grace.

We discuss Nita's life song of communicating stories of light inspiring the world to live in peace, hope, and blessings. Whitaker weaves practical insights and her family's wisdom for living well into the stories she shares. She explains the universal appeal of outlining how to maintain healthy esteem and set successful habits.

Nita shares a few tidbits of the life-shaping wisdom she learned from her father and his life. She alludes to his work ethic, always doing your best because it matters even when you don't think anyone will notice. Her father, now 96 years old, imparted truth on subjects from dating and self-worth to how to love your family and the greater community effectively. Nita recalls one of her favorite tips centered on resisting the temptation to hurry into what might seem like an easy opportunity.

We chat about integrity and legacy. Nita defines legacy as the love you leave. Whitaker details the importance of modeling the values we hope our children will learn. She encourages listeners to overcome darkness with light rather than giving into bitterness and negativity. Whitaker illustrates how we can choose to apply our situation to become better as people instead.

Nita encourages listeners to work on becoming the light God designed them to be for those who need hope and positivity around them.

Connect with Nita Whitaker on her website at http://www.nitawhitaker.com/, on Instagram at soprantygirl or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NitaWhitakerLaFontaine. Check out her book, When Your Hand is in the Lion's Mouth: The Life and Wisdom of a Man Named Green on Amazon

Get Tina Yeager's FREE Upcycled Inspirational Flip Book template at upcycledbook.com and craft a gift of weekly inspirations for yourself, family members, or special people in your life. I would also like to invite you to join The True Crime Mission Fields Program, a life-changing opportunity exclusively joining Christians who have married faith and true crime. Featuring Chaplain Lori Prather, the products within the True Crime Mission Fields Program allow you to connect your passions and skills as Christians with practical service opportunities within the world of true crime. You will begin to serve people in difficult circumstances, and have a greater impact in this world than you ever imagined possible. Access your Free Report: Meet the Christian Who Married Faith with True Crime and receive up to 70% of any collection when you use this link https://www.theunlovelytruthtribe.com/uttylk22r3e?affiliate_id=3727901

Ready for an unexpected revival? Today's guest, Erica Wiggenhorn, shares how true revival differs from its usual definitions and has an awesome impact on each person's quality of life.

Erica Wiggenhorn is the founder of Every Life Ministries, bringing the truths of Scripture to transform lives. With An Unexpected Revival being her fifth release from Moody Publishers, she also serves on the writing team for Proverbs 31 Ministries' First 5 Teaching App, teaches in various local and national venues, and serves on the women's ministry leadership team for her church. She's also taught women in the Arizona State Prison system and overseas.

Wiggenhorn explores how we seek revival externally, while God often chooses to change everything beginning within those who seek him. The Lord affects great transformation by revitalizing the inner being of one individual at a time.

Erica shares the needs expressed by those she surveyed, noting people voiced a desire to learn how to pray more powerfully and grow more sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

What does it look like to live and pray in the power of the Holy Spirit? We discuss the vital role of the Spirit in our faith journey and spiritual strength. We also explore the relational nature of God's heart for us in the process of revival.

Wiggenhorn examines the Hebrew terms that demonstrate the loving, tender motive of the Father seeking to draw us into a closer relationship with him. She emphasizes how we can intentionally immerse ourselves in the goodness of God.

Erica illustrates the concept of revival in the context of a loving, grace-centered Father. She shares two practical steps toward experiencing a powerful, life-changing revival and the closest possible relationship with the Lord.

• Repentance (not shame, but honesty) - Let go of the toxic behaviors, transgressions, and thoughts and turn away from them so you can turn toward Christ. Ask God what is keeping you from fully experiencing relationship with him.
• Reckoning among the leaders who slipped away from their purpose. Resist the onslaught of discouragement when sin in leadership is exposed, but instead recognize God's faithfulness when he purifies and holds leaders accountable.

Wiggenhorn encourages listeners to begin intentionally seeking revival instead of growing numb or following a meaningless checklist of duties. She emphasizes the unique, individual ways we each connect with God.

How do you connect with the Lord? In hiking? In prayer? In Bible study? Wiggenhorn notes our ways could be different, but we each need to invest time and attention into our relationship with the Lord.

Erica shares her personal story of having struggled with scripture as her motivation for making the Bible accessible and relevant in the studies she writes.

Connect with Erica at ericawiggenhorn.com where you can download free revival prayers! Check out her new study, An Unexpected Revival: Experiencing God's Goodness Through Disappointment and Doubt wherever books are sold.

Get Tina Yeager's FREE Upcycled Inspirational Flip Book template at upcycledbook.com and craft a gift of weekly inspirations for yourself, family members, or special people in your life.

I would also like to invite you to join The True Crime Mission Fields Program, a life-changing opportunity exclusively joining Christians who have married faith and true crime. Featuring Chaplain Lori Prather, the products within the True Crime Mission Fields Program allow you to connect your passions and skills as Christians with practical service opportunities within the world of true crime. You will begin to serve people in difficult circumstances, and have a greater impact in this world than you ever imagined possible. Access your Free Report: Meet the Christian Who Married Faith with True Crime and receive up to 70% of any collection when you use this link https://www.theunlovelytruthtribe.com/uttylk22r3e?affiliate_id=3727901