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

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

Related episodes:

• Cherlyn Decker and Learning to Roar

The post John Ramstead from Accident to Purpose appeared first on Eric Nevins.

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

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

Related episodes:

• Traci Rhoades and the Case of Spiritual Envy

The post Dr. Heather Thompson Day and the Sustaining Hand of God appeared first on Eric Nevins.

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

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

Related episodes:

• Sarah Geringer and Transforming Your Thought Life

The post Traci Rhoades and the Case of Holy Envy appeared first on Eric Nevins.

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

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

Related episodes:

• Jay Bakker and Discovering Unbelievable Grace

The post Joe Pomeroy and How Grace Cancels Shame appeared first on Eric Nevins.

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

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

Related episodes:

• Marc Schelske and The Wisdom of Your Heart

The post Dr. Michelle Bengtson and Overcoming Anxiety appeared first on Eric Nevins.

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

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

Related episodes:

• Markus Watson and How Suffering Transforms

The post Cliff Haddox and The Story that Grows With You appeared first on Eric Nevins.

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

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

Related episodes:

• Dan Rudman and Ripples of the Gospel

The post Janell Wood and the Shaping of Identity appeared first on Eric Nevins.

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

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

Related episodes:

• Karen Swallow Prior and the Spiritual Practice of Reading Fiction

The post Jeff Brown the Exponential Value of Reading appeared first on Eric Nevins.

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

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

Related episodes:

• Caroline Harries and The Invitation of Hope

The post Erica Wiggenhorn and Learning to be Brave appeared first on Eric Nevins.

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

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

Related episodes:

• Charles Causey and Chasing Candor

The post Mark Brownson and Honesty with God appeared first on Eric Nevins.