Halfway There

By Eric NevinsSociety & Culture Religion & Spirituality Christianity Spirituality Personal Journals

Halfway There episodes

October 11, 2021264: John Ramstead from Accident to Purpose
John Ramstead is a keynote speaker and trainer, former combat Navy fighter pilot, leadership coach, international podcast host and bestselling author of On Purpose with Purpose–Discovering How to Live Your Best Life. Today, John shares about losing his dream of being a Top Gun pilot, the accident that nearly killed him, and the process of healing physically, mentally, and spiritually. John discovered that the Lord w0uld provide and give him a new identity. John’s story reminds us that God works even the worst of circumstance together for our good.
Listen to John’s story now!
Stories John shared:
Growing up as a church kid in Minnesota
Getting into Top Gun as a pilot and then losing the dream
Giving his live to Christ during a church service
Building a business to drive himself
Living in “smoldering discontent”
Starting his own company thinking it would help his discontent
The accident that changed his life
Experiencing the love of God in his presence
The long healing process he went through
Realizing he was angry with God because of his painful healing process
Trusting God for finances as he healed
How Romans 8:28 helped him get through pain
The coach’s question that changed his perspective
Why he wrote On Purpose with Purpose
Great quotes from John:
He’s in relationship with us even if we’re not meeting him halfway.
Excellence is the standard but grace is the word.
Get to know and love that better version of yourself that God sees.
Resources we mentioned:
John’s website, Beyond Influence
On Purpose With Purpose: Discovering How to Live Your Best Life by John Ramstead
Related episodes:
Cherlyn Decker and Learning to Roar
Cari Jenkins and Who You Really Are
Paul Edwards and Serving God’s Other Children
The post John Ramstead from Accident to Purpose appeared first on Eric Nevins.
55 min
October 04, 2021263: Dr. Heather Thompson Day and the Sustaining Hand of God
Dr. Heather Thompson Day is a speaker, writer, author of 7 books including her latest It's Not Your Turn. Today, Heather shares how her faith changed when she broke off an engagement and decided to wait on the Lord. She tells how she learned to listen to her feelings but not let them drive her and why she is striving to be more present in her interactions. Through it all, Heather has experienced the Lord guiding, directing, and providing unexpectedly. Heather’s story reminds us that sometimes our calling is to be faithful to show up where the Lord asks us to be.
Listen to Heather’s story now!
Stories Heather shared:
Growing up in the back of a van as her dad entertained around the country
Breaking off an engagement and deciding to wait on the Lord
Getting a phone call from the man who would become her husband
The moment that her VP gave her a meal card and what she learned
Why “feelings can get in the car but faith drives”
Leaders have to lead and what that means for us
Connecting relationship to faith
Praying about moving back to Michigan
Why we should trust God in all circumstances
Her calling to serve young people
Why you need to be available to your children
Showing up and its value to you
How to restore dignity to people in interactions
How meditation affects your brain
Great quotes from Heather:
I can’t plan for God, but I can walk with him.
The deepening of my faith came with deep water.
When you get to where you’re going, go back for those where you came from.
Sometimes it’s not your turn and it’s not your fault.
Resources we mentioned:
Heather’s website
It’s Not Your Turn: What to Do While You’re Waiting for Your Breakthrough by Dr. Heather Thompson Day
Christian Podcasters Association
Related episodes:
Traci Rhoades and the Case of Spiritual Envy
Cliff Haddox and the Story that Grows With You
Chuck DeGroat and the Invitation to Obscurity
The post Dr. Heather Thompson Day and the Sustaining Hand of God appeared first on Eric Nevins.
44 min
September 20, 2021262: Traci Rhoades and the Case of Holy Envy
Traci Rhoades is an author, blogger, and Bible teacher. Today, Traci shares her early curiosity with hands on faith, why a humanities class opened her up to more Christian traditions, and how reading more widely led her deeper. She also shares why she wrote her book Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost. Traci’s story teaches us that different traditions give us fresh understanding of our ancient faith.
Listen to Traci’s story now!
Stories Traci shared:
How her blog opened her up to new traditions
Growing up in rural Missouri
Teaching elementary students as a high schooler
Going to a private Christian university
How two classes in humanities shaped her faith
Meeting her husband and moving to Michigan
How reading more widely led her deeper
What she believes godly fruit is and why it matters
Why she wrote her book for Evangelicals for whom it wasn’t enough
Great quotes from Traci:
It’s funny to me that there are practical reasons that God uses in divine ways.
I didn’t realize how much wider would lead me deeper.
If you expect to find a church that won’t hurt you, you won’t.
Resources we mentioned:
Traci’s website
Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost: A Story of Church
A Fellowship of Differents: Showing the World God’s Design for Life Together by Scot McKnight
Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of Christian Faith by Richard J. Foster
Related episodes:
Sarah Geringer and Transforming Your Thought Life
Karen Swallow Prior and the Spiritual Practice of Reading Fiction
Aimee Byrd and Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
The post Traci Rhoades and the Case of Holy Envy appeared first on Eric Nevins.
1 hr
September 13, 2021261: Joe Pomeroy and How Grace Cancels Shame
Joe Pomeroy is a businessman, speaker, and author. Today, Joe shares how he came to the end of himself when his marriage was breaking down, what he did to get help, and how he learned to accept grace. Now, Joe helps men apply what they know from business to their family in order to become the fathers and husbands they want to be. Joe’s story reminds us that even when we feel no worth, Jesus still finds us valuable.
Listen to Joe’s story now!
Stories Joe shared:
How he became a family leadership coach
Growing up in a Christian family in Arizona
Realizing the struggle his family went through
Feeling like he needed to be perfect and going through shame cycles
The moment in his early 30s that changed his view of righteousness
How his marriage began breaking down
Feeling like he was pushing his wife out
Having a “man-sized tantrum” about something he cannot remember now
Realizing he needed help
Learning how to accept himself as he is
Discovering how to run a family like a business
Using the principle of ROI
Trying to create a business around business and family
Great quotes from Joe:
Now I recognize there is power in vulnerability.
Most of the time, I wasn’t in darkness. I was in shadow.
When we put ourselves in the right place, we’re able to be an instrument of God for others.
I believe that all truth belongs to He Who Is the Truth.
Every day we deserve love because God has declared it so.
Resources we mentioned:
Joe’s website
Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Sue Johnson
Related episodes:
Jay Bakker and Discovering Unbelievable Grace
Shá Sparks and Finding Purpose
Manny Randawa and the Conduit of Grace
The post Joe Pomeroy and How Grace Cancels Shame appeared first on Eric Nevins.
45 min
September 06, 2021260: Dr. Michelle Bengtson and Overcoming Anxiety
Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a board certified clinical neuropsychologist, author, and fellow podcaster. Today, Michelle shares about struggling with depression and anxiety, how she worked so hard she made herself sick, and the practice that helped her trust the Lord with everything. She also shares how to train your brain to think positively and let God’s Word give us identity instead. Michelle’s story reminds us that the Lord nevers wastes our pain.
Listen to Michelle’s story now!
Stories Michelle shared:
Growing up as a church kid in Michigan
Struggling with depression after getting sick
Health struggles as a child
Self-punishment as a child for not being good enough
How to take a step back from acting on emotions
Learning what the Lord said about who she is
How her son challenged her thinking
How your brain is like a running trail
The reception of her first book
Why perfectionism has no place at church
Episodes of her podcast that are helpful
Great quotes from Michelle:
Who but God would know that a book on worry, fear, and anxiety would need to come out in fall of 2019?
Drivenness really comes back to a spirit of fear.
Be careful what you say to yourself because you’re listening.
I thought I was responsible for the harvest.
Resources we mentioned:
Michelle’s website
Breaking Anxiety's Grip
Hope Prevails Bible Study: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression
Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression
Related episodes:
Marc Schelske and The Wisdom of Your Heart
Julie Hamilton and Trusting Over Pleasing
Terry Wardle and the Healing Journey
Sarah Geringer and Transforming Your Thought Life
The post Dr. Michelle Bengtson and Overcoming Anxiety appeared first on Eric Nevins.
48 min
August 30, 2021259: Cliff Haddox and The Story that Grows With You
Cliff Haddox is a pastor and TikToker (@RevnGeek). Today, we talk about his TikTok, why he started it, and how the platform has influenced his ministry. Cliff also shares the dangerous prayer he prayed, why community is so great in seminary, and the struggle of being unwanted at his church. We also talk about ways to engage people online during Sunday services. Cliff’s story reminds us that God is always leading when we’re open to following him.
Listen to Cliff’s story now!
Stories Cliff shared:
How Cliff got into TikTok
Growing up in WV in a Christian family
The pastor who mentored him through questions
Going to college to be a broadcaster
The invitation to a young adult group that solidified his faith
The moment he gave God his life
How quickly his life changed after praying to see if God had a different plan for his life
Getting called into ministry
Going to seminary in Louisville, KY
How seminary challenged his assumptions
The Christian community that he had in seminary
How he left a church that wanted to leave the denomination
The problem with prosperity gospel
Learning to engage online during Covid
Great quotes from Cliff:
What I have is the assurance that I’ve always had it [salvation].
Faith formation is very different from the academic side of seminary. From the academic side, you have to be prepared to have a wrecking ball swung through everything that the little old ladies taught you in Sunday School.
Jonah is a story that grows up with you.
If you ever go to seminary, treasure the time you’re there because, if you’re lucky it will be the closest to Christian community like the Bible you’ll ever experience.
There is no time when God offers an Easy button.
Resources we mentioned:
Cliff’s church website
Cliff’s TikTok
Related episodes:
Markus Watson and How Suffering Transforms
Merritt Onsa and the Patient Love of God
Christina Dent and Compassion for Others
The post Cliff Haddox and The Story that Grows With You appeared first on Eric Nevins.
58 min
August 24, 2021258: Janell Wood and the Shaping of Identity
Janell Wood is the podcaster behind Finding Something Real. Today, Janell shares about the youth pastor who served as a great example of God’s love, when she wrestled with a sinful relationship, and how the Lord met her through a series of miscarriages. Janell learned to trust the Lord with each experience and finally accepted that he gets to choose who she becomes. Her podcast serves young women with questions about faith by making them part of the conversation. Janell’s story reminds us that the truest thing about us is that we are loved by our maker.
Listen to Janell’s story now!
Stories Janell shared:
How she got into hosting exchange students
Growing up in a Christian family in Washington State
The day her older sister left home
The youth pastor who showed her Jesus
Looking for love in all the wrong places
The relationship that she knew was sin but couldn’t give up
Moving to Pennsylvania and having weeks alone with God
Dealing with anxiety that was compounding
Wrestling with God after a series of miscarriages
Discussing her belief in God with her husband and his wise words
The church service that helped her
Choosing the Lord after the birth of their daughter
Discovering her identity in Christ
Why she has different co-hosts on her show
Great quotes from Janell:
I always wanted Christ because I loved who he was.
We can talk about Jesus and get in the Word but the Christian walk was not meant to be walked alone.
The more you look at yourself, the more messed up your identity game will be.
“Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person they are indistinguishable.” David Augsburger
Resources we mentioned:
Janell’s website
Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan
Believing God – Bible Study Book: Experience a Fresh Explosion of Faith by Beth Moore
Related episodes:
Dan Rudman and Ripples of the Gospel
Cliff Ravenscraft and Finding Himself in Christ
Cherlyn Decker and Learning to Roar
The post Janell Wood and the Shaping of Identity appeared first on Eric Nevins.
53 min
August 16, 2021257: Jeff Brown the Exponential Value of Reading
Jeff Brown is an award winning radio producer and personality, who launched his podcast in 2013. He is the host of Read to Lead and just published his first book of the same title. Today, Jeff shares how the Lord provided a job and moved him into Christian radio, how dark moments motivate him to draw closer to the Lord, and why he started Read to Lead. He also shares why reading is such a valuable habit that you cannot afford to miss out on. Jeff’s story reminds us that learning is an essential component of life with God.
Listen to Jeff’s story now!
Stories Jeff shared:
Publishing his first book
Growing up in Indianapolis, IN
Loving radio even as a child and testing on it
Growing up in a Christian family but deciding not to go as a teenager
Accepting Christ on Easter Sunday
Getting a job in Christian radio providentially
Moving to Nashville and working in the Christian music industry
Getting married and divorced
Feeling the Lord’s comfort when this happened
Losing his job in radio and pivoting into small business
Starting the Read to Lead podcast
The habits of successful people
Why he decided to start the show he did
How reading got him noticed at worked and advanced his career
Great quotes from Jeff:
When you find what interests you, research books in that industry.
When adverse things happen, those things get my attention and bring me to my knees.
When the person who hired you leaves, and you are not replacing them, tidy up your resume.
Resources we mentioned:
Read to Lead Book website
Jeff’s website
Read to Lead: The Simple Habit That Expands Your Influence and Boosts Your Career by Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski
Multipliers, Revised and Updated: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman
Do You Talk Funny?: 7 Comedy Habits to Become a Better (and Funnier) Public Speaker by David Nihill
Related episodes:
Karen Swallow Prior and the Spiritual Practice of Reading Fiction
Kevin White and Audacious Generosity
Rachel Joy Welcher and the Spirituality of Unmet Longings
The post Jeff Brown the Exponential Value of Reading appeared first on Eric Nevins.
49 min
August 10, 2021256: Erica Wiggenhorn and Learning to be Brave
Erica Wiggenhorn a speaker and author of three Bible studies including her most recent, Letting God Be Enough: Why Striving Keeps You Stuck & How Surrender Sets You Free. Today, Erica shares how she learned to enjoy studying the Bible, how she learned the difference between faith and trust, and the moment she realized that God is enough for her. Erica also takes us through some painful moments when the Lord shaped her identity. Erica’s story reminds us that the Lord will always lead even through the dark places.
Listen to Erica’s story now!
Stories Erica shared:
Growing up in a Christian family but not going to church every week
Being terrified by the preacher at her grandparent’s church
Going to Christian school as a child
The youth pastor who patiently answered her questions
Feeling guilt because she didn’t enjoy reading the Bible
Beginning to pursue bible study while dealing with infertility
Realizing the difference between faith and trust
Learning to shed the busyness as a sign of godliness
The process of sanctification for her
The moment she learned that the Lord is enough for her
Great quotes from Erica:
You can’t teach what you won’t live.
I realized that I had been feasting on crumbs rather than dining at the Savior’s table.
When we seek his approval, we can begin to let go of self-imposed expectations.
Resources we mentioned:
Erica’s website
Letting God Be Enough: Why Striving Keeps You Stuck & How Surrender Sets You Free by Erica Wiggenhorn
Unexplainable Jesus: Rediscovering the God You Thought You Knew by Erica Wiggenhorn
Related episodes:
Caroline Harries and The Invitation of Hope
Dan & Lindsey McKenzie are Living a Big Adventure Together
Erin Davis and the Twin Anchors of Life with God
The post Erica Wiggenhorn and Learning to be Brave appeared first on Eric Nevins.
55 min
August 02, 2021255: Mark Brownson and Honesty with God
Mark Brownson is a pastor and author. Mark’s recently published book is Honesty, A Believer’s Struggle with Prayer and Faith. Today, Mark shares his struggle to teach himself to read, achieving his dream to go to seminary, and his experience pastoring churches. Through it all, Mark has wrestled with God in prayer with an honesty seldom found among God’s people. Mark’s story reminds us that the Christian life is one of being with God even when it’s not easy.
Listen to Mark’s story now!
Stories Mark shared:
Teaching himself to read in seventh grade
Finding faith in Jesus while being disciplined by his mom
Discipleship on the couch listening to Christian radio
Going to college at Azusa Pacific with his dyslexia
Helping out with a church plant and feeling a call to ministry
How a comparative religion class shaped him
Going back to Montana State and teaching for awhile
Deciding to go to seminary
How seminary shaped him
Pastoring churches in Ohio and Pennsylvania
Meeting his wife as God’s provision
His wife’s bipolar breakdown on their honeymoon
Learning to share the Gospel as a “weak thing”
How he serves his community
Great quotes from Mark:
The Christian life is certainly no bed of roses, at least it hasn’t been for me.
God and I frequently have arguments. He always wins.
My relationship with God is one of honesty.
Faith is akin to dependence.
Resources we mentioned:
Connect with Mark
Honesty: A Believer’s Struggle with Prayer and Faith by Mark Brownson
Related episodes:
Charles Causey and Chasing Candor
Mike Elder and the Legacy of Faith
Rob Burns and Crossing Cultures
The post Mark Brownson and Honesty with God appeared first on Eric Nevins.
49 min

About Halfway There

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Each episode of Halfway There features an ordinary Christian sharing their story of spiritual formation on the journey of life with God. Go beyond the classic Christian testimony into the ups and…

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