In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Emily T. Wierenga, an award-winning writer and artist who lives on a farm in Northern Alberta. Emily shares her powerful journey through struggles with anorexia, her calling to support vulnerable families through her incredible ministry, The Lulu Tree, and how she’s learned to slow down and savor God’s presence.

Her story is such a beautiful testament to grace, truth, and the transformative power of love and community. I do want to mention that this episode touches on sensitive topics, including eating disorders, so please listen with care or skip this one if needed. I know you’ll be encouraged by Emily’s wisdom and heart!

Key Links:

Connect with Em on Instagram

Em's Facebook

EmTyler.com

EmilyTWierenga.com 

Emily's Instagram

Emily's Facebook

Show notes generated automatically:

Takeaways

• Emily's journey to writing was sparked by a trip to Africa.

  
  



• The Lulu Tree aims to empower mothers in need.

  
  



• Finding your calling often starts with small acts of obedience.

  
  



• Anorexia was a significant struggle for Emily, leading to a deeper understanding of grace.

  
  



• God desires us to come to Him in our brokenness.

  
  



• Prayer can accomplish more than our actions alone.

  
  



• Slowing down is essential for spiritual growth and connection with God.

  
  



• We have the power to choose how we spend our time and energy.

  
  



• The importance of community and supporting one another in faith.

  
  



• God's love is unconditional and does not require us to earn it.

  
  

Chapters

00:00

Daily Life on the Farm

03:13

The Journey to Writing a Memoir

05:25

The Lulu Tree: A Mission of Hope

15:51

Overcoming Personal Struggles

24:45

Finding Rest in God's Presence

33:06

Choosing to Slow Down and Savor Life

42:45

Closing Thoughts and Prayer

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emtyler.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I sit down with Liv Fergusson as she shares her incredible journey of facing unexpected challenges, including a stroke and a high-risk pregnancy. Liv opens up about the deep trust she's learned to place in God's promises and what it means to surrender to His plan, even in the darkest moments. Her story is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to work all things together for good. Liv talks about relying on the peace of God that surpasses understanding and finding joy in His presence. Her encouragement to keep growing and going under the banner of God's promises will inspire and strengthen your faith. I know you're going to love her!

Takeaways

• Trusting in God's promises and surrendering to His plan can bring peace and joy even in the midst of difficult circumstances.


• God's faithfulness is evident in His ability to work all things together for good.


• God meets us in our darkest moments and offers comfort, peace, and guidance.


• God's promises are personal and speak directly to our hearts and desires.


• Relying on God's peace that surpasses understanding can help us navigate challenging situations. God can perform miracles and intervene in our lives, even in situations that seem impossible.


• Surrendering to God and trusting in His promises brings peace and allows Him to work in our lives.


• It's important to be still and know that God is in control, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.


• Bringing our desires and dreams to God in surrender allows Him to align them with His plans for us.

Chapters

00:00 Trusting in God's Promises and Surrendering to His Plan

05:18 Facing Challenges and Finding God's Peace

09:05 Experiencing God's Faithfulness in Difficult Times

15:14 God's Personal Promises and Miracles

17:39 Finding Hope in Jesus' Overcoming Power

21:54 Living in God's Promises and Seeking His Presence

26:15 Practical Application: Renewing Your Mind with God's Promises

28:14 Introduction and the Danger of Self-Sufficiency

28:55 The Process of Surrender and Discovering True Life

29:39 Practical Steps to Surrendering and Letting Go

31:25 The Importance of Surrendering with No Strings Attached

34:32 Trusting in God's Goodness Beyond Our Understanding

35:28 The Journey of Becoming Pearls in Process

38:58 Surrender as Open Hands and Partnership with God

Connect with Em and Liv:

www.instagram.com/helloemtyler

www.emtyler.com

www.instagram.com/liv_fergusson or via email: [email protected]

Keywords

Barbados, UK, stroke, heart defect, high-risk pregnancy, God's promises, surrender, peace, joy, miracle, pregnancy, amniotic fluid, misdiagnosis, God's intervention, surrender, trust, promises, peace

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emtyler.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Amanda Wyse to chat about growing in faith and how it shapes every part of our lives. Amanda shares the highs and lows of her big move to South Carolina and what it taught her about God’s kindness and power showing up in unexpected ways. We dive into why gratitude and joy are game-changers for our faith and how to hold onto them, even during seasons of doubt and hardship. I can’t wait for you to meet my friend Amanda!

Show notes automatically generated:

Keywords: faith, understanding, growth, God, moving, gratitude, joy, doubt, hardship, coaching, photography

Key Links:

• www.instagram.com/helloemtyler 

  
  



• www.instagram.com/amandakay.co

  
  



• www.amandakayco.com

  
  



• https://www.amandakayco.com/shop  --> code EMPOD for a free printable evergreen calendar

  
  

Takeaways

• Growing in faith involves growing in our understanding of God and ourselves.

  
  



• God is kind and wants good for us, even in challenging circumstances.

  
  



• Gratitude and joy are key to experiencing a life-giving faith.

  
  



• Navigating seasons of doubt and hardship requires trust in God's unshakable love and peace.

  
  



• Coaching skills can enhance client relationships and create a positive experience.

  
  



• Being open to God's invitations and walking at His pace leads to growth and fulfillment.

  
  

Sound Bites

• "God revealed about himself through this move... He's so kind and he wants good for us."

  
  



• "Gratitude is a real game changer in terms of being able to experience joy."

  
  



• "Go back and learn something else... that can prepare you for your next season."

  
  

Chapters

00:00

Growing in Faith and Understanding

11:07

The Move and Lessons Learned

18:36

Finding Gratitude and Joy

25:16

Navigating Doubt and Hardship

32:10

Coaching and Photography

38:56

Walking at God's Pace

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emtyler.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I get to chat with Alex Pope, a youth pastor all the way from Auckland, New Zealand. Alex has an amazing heart for young people, and we dive into his journey in youth ministry—from the challenges facing today’s youth to why connecting across generations matters so much. Alex also shares his take on discipleship, building real relationships with young people, and helping them stay rooted in their faith. Plus, he talks about the way God’s love can truly change lives in ministry.

Key links:

• Connect with Em on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helloemtyler/

  
  



• Connect with Alex on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/send_me._here_i_am/

  
  



• Connect with The Devoted Collective on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedevotedcollective/

  
  

• Prayers for a Generation: https://www.thedevotedcollective.org/product-page/prayers-for-a-generation?currency=GBP

  
  



• University Students looking for a church: https://www.studentlinkup.org/

  
  

Show notes generated automatically:

Key Words:

youth ministry, discipleship, intergenerational connections, faith, loneliness, youth pastor, mental health, church community, spiritual growth, youth engagement

Chapters

00:00 Introducing Alex Pope

06:13 The Importance of Intergenerational Connections

07:49 New Chapter

09:19 Building Relationships with Young People

11:10 Tips for Engaging with Young People

15:01 Touch and Go Interactions

15:26 The Power of Small Gestures and Intentional Moments of Connection

17:03 Discipleship: Pointing People to Jesus

18:44 Building Relationships and the Challenges of Discipleship

25:02 Meeting Together as a Faith Community

27:23 Spreading the Love of Jesus Beyond the Church Walls

32:47 God's Love for Everyone and the Call to Love Others

42:21 Addressing Loneliness and the Need for Intergenerational Connections

45:01 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emtyler.substack.com/subscribe

Join me for another throwback message preached in Auckland from Mark 3:7-19 and what it means to be a 'Sent One'. Do we have to be super-awesome, professional Christians to be called and sent?

Listen in to see how growing and going is sometimes as simple as 1 + 2 = 3.

Friend, you are called to be with Jesus, sent to speak His name, and empowered by His Spirit to accomplish the good works God has for you. I hope you are encouraged by our time in the Word to keep growing and going!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emtyler.substack.com/subscribe

It's been a while, but I'm back with you revisiting a talk I gave in New Zealand when we were diving into a series in Romans.

Focusing on Romas 8:1-13 we're thinking about what it is to live with no condemnation, how sin plays into this and what lions, stones and maggots have got to do with it!

I pray this message blesses you and encourages you to keep growing with Jesus, so you can keep going into the fullness of all He has for you.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emtyler.substack.com/subscribe

Ever feel frustrated waiting for something to come to fruition or fed up waiting to reach the destination you’re trying to get to? Dive into Exodus 13:17-22 with me as I share the message I gave at our local church last week. A communion service at the beginning of the New Year, there’s much to learn from the Israelites and their journey out of Egypt.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emtyler.substack.com/subscribe

Ever got fed up with the mundane 9-5 and found yourself looking at others and thinking their lives seem sooo much more exciting?

Tune in to hear how we can get confident in the call God has placed on our lives and how adventure is for all of us.

Ready to grow?
Let's go!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emtyler.substack.com/subscribe

So I figured we may as well start at the beginning which was actually all the way back in 2004.

Man, I feel old now!

I guess this episode is the 'why' behind "Grow + Go" along with breaking down my slightly crazy logo. . .

Ready, let's go!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emtyler.substack.com/subscribe

I am committed to helping believers get 'unstuck' and discover everything God has for you and I cannot wait to grow + go with you as we lean into all the Lord has for us, utilising His Word, coaching, neurolinguistic programming, conversation, interviews, and a whole lot more.

Let's grow into the fullness of who God's made us to be so we can go into all the world and be good news for others, bringing glory to God in the process!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emtyler.substack.com/subscribe