God In The Ordinary

They say “laughter is the best medicine” and today's guest would certainly agree.  Nicci Hejnar is a comedian and massage therapist who has found ways to connect two very different career paths and uses them both to lead people to emotional and physical healing.  Nicci tells of how her ability to see the funny side of things enables her to bring health to people; how she shares the truth of Jesus even in the messy stuff of life; and reveals how developing an appreciation of how the body functions, helped her to understand more about real and lasting joy.  We also learn how she and her husband are intentionally teaching their toddler about Jesus through the rhythm of their day, and how central prayer is to their parenting.  Nicci demonstrates that God sometimes creates people with life passions that are unusually diverse, but somehow still beautifully connected.  Her enthusiasm for the gospel is contagious and you’re sure to find a nugget or two that will encourage you to want to share the reality of God in this joy-filled episode.

Presented by Sharon Tedford.  Produced by Gary Dell.  Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

Have you been praying for someone for years?  Are you weary and discouraged because you don’t see any change?  Our guest today brings a hearty dose of hope.  Keith King moved from atheist, unconvinced, paraffin salesman, to a man fully submitted to Jesus.  He tells us the story of one of his customers who persevered for years, as she consistently revealed God to him through simple acts of love like cheese sandwiches and a second-hand ash tray; how his new faith led him to train as a pastor, a ministry he’s been in for decades; and, having been in church leadership all over the UK, how he began an international organization that trains other pastors in his ‘retirement’ years.  What began as one-to-one mentorship, has developed into a spectacular and impactful global ministry.  Part of how God equipped Keith for this role is wrapped up in his profound experience of parenting a son with special needs.  This episode will give you great ideas about how to use the ordinary to reach people in ordinary ways, as you continue to learn how to reveal our extraordinary God.

Presented by Sharon Tedford.  Produced by Gary Dell.  Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

Have you ever felt like illness has taken you 'out of the game'?  Has sickness ever made you feel like shutting down and withdrawing?  This week our guest, Kevin Horath, shares how his struggle with a chronic health condition led him to rely fully on Jesus; encourages us to look up when we get knocked down; and helps us understand the importance of telling our own stories, and how to make the Word of God central to our day-to-day living.  We also learn how we're not dissimilar to a certain animal mentioned in the Bible, and hear some great tips on how to live out our Christian lives like good sailors!  Kevin’s a pastor and author who helps his church family to find ways to make the lessons of the Bible relevant to their everyday lives.  He’s passionate about equipping people to live out an active faith.  Join us to hear more of Kevin’s thought provoking and inspirational story.

Presented by Sharon Tedford. Produced by Gary Dell. Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

Natalie Abbott was searching for God in all kinds of places.  Day after day she asked "God, if you’re there, show me who you are.”  God surprised Natalie by meeting her through her love of words, literature and stories.  Today she creatively uses the gift of stories to reveal God to others.  Isn’t it amazing how, if we allow Him, God uses us in ways that reflect our natural gifts and talents?  Our guest for this episode has certainly found that to be true.  Natalie tells how we can learn how to allow God to use what is natural to us, for His glory; we hear how the act of 'giving away' actually causes exciting multiplication; and we discover a simple and highly effective way to get the Word of God rooted in our hearts and minds so we're equipped to share it with everyone we meet.  Natalie and her sister, Vera, run Dwell Differently, a company that provides scripture designs to help us memorise one Bible verse every month.  This is a product that you’re going to want to learn about.  You'll be intrigued and challenged by what Natalie has to share so join us as we learn how this week’s guest reveals God in the ordinary.

Presented by Sharon Tedford. Produced by Gary Dell. Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

What if God invited you to the other side of the world to do something ordinary in His name?  Would you go?  What if when you got there, the task you’d imagined you’d be doing, turned out to be something very different?  Our guest, Jenn Garibay, did just that when she moved from America to England to follow God’s call to something new in her life.  After training at a theological college, God’s plans took her on a route that led her to work for London City Mission.  She now loves caring for and ministering to people who are homeless and marginalized.  Jenn tells us about her ministry at a London City Mission day centre; shares some practical tips on how we can reach out to people who are often “unseen” by society; helps us to think about the ways we can invite people to truly be part of our church family, and physical family.  Join us in this episode to learn how you too can find the bravery to follow God wherever He calls you to go.  Listen and learn some practical ways to reveal God in the ordinary rhythm of your day-to-day life.

Presented by Sharon Tedford. Produced by Gary Dell. Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

Have you ever felt so broken that you believed you’d never heal, and that your life would never be useful to God?  That was the experience of our guest, Helen Rayner, until she took two simple steps that started her on an exciting voyage to spiritual and physical restoration - steps that we can all take.  Today Helen is a thriving wife, mum and award-winning photographer.  She tells her story of how she’s built a vibrant friendship with Jesus; shares how she allows Him to use her to rebuild others by using her gifts as part of her career.  Her journey from being in front of the camera in both television and as a model, to being behind the camera is fascinating.  Helen will help you see that when we look to God for direction, He can use any and all of our life circumstances to bring Him glory.  Helen is an encourager, and you’ll hear that in this episode.  Join us as we listen in to Helen’s wisdom, and find encouragement from the truth that regardless of your past, God can use you… yes, even you!

Presented by Sharon Tedford. Produced by Gary Dell. Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

Wouldn’t it be great if every aspect of our lives was significant to God?  The good news is that God really is interested in our day-to-day rhythms, and He’s attentive to every moment.  Our guest this week, mission champion Mark Greene, invites us to find ways to walk with God in each moment of our daily lives.  Mark reveals how every context is one in which we can live out a faithful and true life, both for and with Jesus; he unpacks what it means to live outside of the “sacred, secular divide”; teaches us six simple but crucial steps to living a fruitful, faith-filled life.  We also talk about his book, “Fruitfulness on the Frontline”, and the personal impact it's had on us.  Mark’s message will fill you with hope as you're reminded that Jesus wants to get involved in your life – God’s not indifferent!  In this episode we also do something that’s totally contrary to the 'podcast host’s commandments' - so listen in and break the rules with us as we take a moment to practice something that Mark teaches us.  You won’t be sorry!

Presented by Sharon Tedford. Produced by Gary Dell. Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

You and I can partner with God to serve the world, no matter our age, ethnicity, or social status.  He welcomes us all, including refugees.  Our guest, Daniel Yang, knows this first-hand.  He’s a second-generation Asian American.  His Hmong family bravely fled from war-torn Laos after the 'Secret War' in the 1970’s.  Daniel tells us their inspiring journey from refugees to church planters - one that will encourage you to look deeper into your own identity and calling.  There truly is a role for each one of us in the Kingdom of God.  He shares how he discovered the secret to communicating with others — including those from different cultures — in one simple step  (here’s a hint: it will help you share the gospel with anyone, and it’s powerfully achievable); and, as Director of the Send Institute (a think tank for North American church planting out of Wheaton College), how he loves to equip people with the Biblical truth that we’re all made for community.  You’ll also enjoy one of his lesser-known talents at the end of the podcast - so stick around because you’re going to love it!

Presented by Sharon Tedford. Produced by Gary Dell. Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

Is your life leading your children and grandchildren to Jesus?  It can!  And it may be as simple as intentionally adding stories about Him to fun activities and important conversations.  Our guest today, prolific author Karen Whiting, developed this parenting (and grandparenting) style years ago.  It's strengthened her ties to both Jesus and her family.  If you’re looking for ways to deepen (and share!) your faith, join us in this episode.  Karen teaches how to change haphazard faith into consistent, daily faith habits; and tells us about her new book 'Growing a Mother’s Heart' - stories about past, present, and future moms, who all found ways to meet their children’s needs.  They're sure to renew and grow your heart.  It’s the perfect gift for all the mothers you know.

Presented by Sharon Tedford. Produced by Gary Dell. Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

When grief suddenly became her unwanted companion, Mary Potter Kenyon had a choice to make.  Would she allow it to drown her, or would she allow this forced stillness to lead her on a path to a deeper friendship with God?  Mary found herself journaling and looking in the Bible for answers to her many questions.  Gradually she noticed that God was not only nearby but speaking to her in unusual and extraordinary ways.  Mary tells of how through creativity she began to see that God was the best place for her to go for healing; shares of the realisation during her recovery that perhaps she could help others who were grieving too; and of the brave steps she took towards introducing people to the God she had come to adore.  A story of turning to prayer, God’s word, writing, and art as God renewed Mary's strength and gave her a new voice for the broken hearted.

Presented by Sharon Tedford. Produced by Gary Dell. Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito