Now I See Podcast

SHOW NOTES

Kit McCarty invites Deann Alford to tell the miraculous story of a former hostage who helped broker peace and bring freedom in the war-torn country of Colombia.

SHOW QUOTES

I'm called to write. My mandate is moving people to pray, give, go, take action, listen to God, and do what He says.

Obeying God is a risk. I don’t want to miss my destiny by holding back. I do not want to miss out on what He created me to do.

We’re not here to play it safe. If God tells you to do something, do it. I’m going to do whatever it is.

What is Jesus calling you to do? It is something you won't be able to do without Him. It’s scary.

God is always asking HIs people to take a risk. Do it terrified. Trust him. Trust God with your very life.

If peace can come to the world's darkest places, it can happen anywhere. Period. There is no place where Jesus can not go.”REFERENCES

Victorious: The Impossible Path to Peace

Amazon: ​​https://www.amazon.com/s?k=victorious+alford&crid=ACHUMBLOS1DI&sprefix=victorious+alford%2Caps%2C110&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/victorious-deann-alford/1140505677?ean=2940165080043

Open Door International: http://www.opendoorintl.com/

Ray Rising: https://www.amazon.com/Guerrilla-Hostage-Dramatic-Colombian-Captivity/dp/0800756932

Wycliffe Bible Translators https://www.wycliffe.org/

YWAM https://ywam.org

Prison Fellowship ​​https://prisonfellowship.org

FARC https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolutionary_Armed_Forces_of_Colombia

CONTACT INFO

Facebook: https://facebook.com/deann.alford.16

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannAlford

Amazon: https://amzn.to/1jrs8DsProduction

Headset Radio: https://linktr.ee/headsetradio

Kit McCarty invites fellow podcaster Jodie Niznik to talk about her show, So Much More: Creating Space for God.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

The #1 thing we can do is carve out space for God. You need to have space, practices in your life, to slow down and meditate in God’s Word, savor God’s Word, let it roll around in your mind in a slower way, so that we’re not just reading for information, but formation.

God’s Word has been transformative in my life, and it is important to me to share it with others; I see myself as a guide into God’s Word. The study of God’s Word is incredibly important.

I’m spending a lot of time these days, doing these podcasts, having conversations around how God is showing up in our lives in a real way right now, and what He’s teaching us.

When I finally started to get into Christian community in college, I started to study God’s Word, and I discovered God for who He really is, and not who I thought He is.

Truth brings freedom, and lies bring bondage.

When we are given gifts and opportunities, we are called to steward those things, not hide our gifts under a rock, but to actually cultivate them.

It’s being open to what the Spirit wants to teach us instead of imposing our own ideas on life, on God’s Word, or what we think He wants.

It is always a beautiful experience for me when the Spirit shows up.REFERENCES

Podcast: So Much More: Creating Space for God (Lectio Divina and Scripture Meditation) 

Books:

Jodie Niznik Author Page on Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Niznik/e/B08L6ZTQ8LJodie Niznik Author Page on ChristianBook: https://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntk=author&Ntt=Jodie%20Niznik

CONTACT

http://www.jodieniznik.com/Now I See:  https://linktr.ee/nowisee/

Headset Radio: https://linktr.ee/headsetradio

SHOW NOTES

Linda Jenkins tells about her love of all things Christmas, and why they are so important to her.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

I want to help. I love to care for people. I love to cook for people. I hate to disappoint anybody.

Growing up I couldn't stand not to know what I was getting for Christmas, so I would find my present hidden in the basement, and unwrap it to see what it was, and wrap it back up.

On Christmas morning, we had birthday cake as we sang happy birthday to baby Jesus. That was an important part of our Christmas.

You don't have to spend a lot of money. People just want to be remembered. Even if it is only a tin of cookies, you've taken the time to get something, sign a card, and take it to them.

Christmas is all about family, friends, the birth of Jesus, and letting people know how much you care about them.

We have nine trees total. I'm hoping somebody will buy me another tree, because I promised my husband that I wouldn't buy another one.

I have 238 Santa Clauses. They are all ‘my favorite’. We’re having a [White Elephant] gift exchange this year, and I will fight to take another one.

Look at [Santa]! He smiles and grins all the time. Every child that walks in here, no matter what age they are, is thrilled to see all these Santas. He makes everyone happy.

You're the only person who knows if it's not perfectly the way you planned it. All they know is that you are the hostess and you have welcomed them in.

Don't stress over Christmas! Just have fun! Enjoy! Always remember that we’re only celebrating Christmas because Jesus Christ was born.

REFERENCES

Grand Prairie Homeless Outreach Organization

CONTACT INFO

Now I See 

Headset Radio 

Dave Arden, author and speaker, returns to update us on the growth of Chosen to Speak, his recent trip to Russia, and about groups forming around the world.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

You never know what God is going to do next.

Moscow is so dynamic. It's a booming city, an historic city. I don’t think you can overstate the distinctive culture and city. We really want to go back to Moscow and continue what we started there.

We want to help people, and come alongside them to help them find confidence in their leadership voice.

We're not just here to teach and train, but we're learning, ourselves. We’re learning from others in their context.

I'm hoping to get to Africa next year and see what God’s doing out there firsthand.

We want women on our team, women on our board. We are excited about giving women an opportunity to be heard. We want to champion women.

This is a recovery ministry. We weave the gospel through the story of Moses’ redemptive mission to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. God redeems, delivers and restores those who are broken and hurting from the bondage of sin.

You need to learn to speak; you need to learn to grow. It’s tough. Here’s your chance to step forward.

We’re providing a safe place to grow together, to learn together, expand our capacity, confront our fears, look at our opportunities, get our reps, and become better speakers.

There’s something sacred about the fact that God has given us a voice–a unique voice. To find that voice and to find confidence is life-changing.CONTACT INFO

If you are interested in finding out more about Chosen to Speak, either as a client or coach, visit: https://chosentospeak.com or https://www.facebook.com/ramblersu

For copies of the book, Chosen to Speak, visit: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ARDEN+CHOSEN+to+speak&ref=nb_sb_noss

https://warner.house or https://www.facebook.com/ramblersuNow I See 

Headset Radio 

Kit McCarty and GriefShare group leader Debbie Sims, offer help to people in recovery as they navigate the holidays.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

[Having recently lost her mother, father and brother]: I am on the same journey as the participants.

Grief work is hard work.

If people are really sincere about getting help and finding a program, GriefShare is a great place to go.

There will always be triggers and emotions that come with grief. But God is by our side, and He walks with us on the path to help get us through it.

You are on a journey. You can't go around it, or over it, or under it; you have to go through it to get to the other side. It's not easy.

Make a plan. Give yourself grace. Don't get stuck; move forward.

No grief journey is the same.

Sometimes we have to step back before we can move forward.

Grief is the price we pay when we lose someone we love.

Pain from the grief lessens, but it’s always there; it's always a part of you. It's like a tree that's been wounded: the bark heals around the wound. The wound is there, but it's different. The pain is there, but it’s different. As you travel the journey further down, then it's not so intense as when it first happened.

Turn to God, He understands. Even if you are angry and hurt, God’s there and He’s not going to leave you.

Thank God for that person. Thank God for the opportunities to have that person with you and the memories you share together.

We’re all on a journey. I’m thankful the Lord is with us on the journey. He brings us comfort and hope, and He’s ready to help us along the way.

GriefShare 

Project Linus 

Wreaths Across America 

CONTACT INFO

Debbie’s GriefShare group

Now I See 

Headset Radio 

Kit McCarty invites Jenny Garrison to tell of her adventures as a pastor’s wife and the mother of a special needs child.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

My childhood made me tough. You have to be tough and not care what other people think.

[Life is about] learning how to give up the things that are comfortable to you, and to embrace what God has in front of you in the moment.

When people are in your home, it doesn't matter how well you do anything, how nice your home is, how nice your dishes are, or how well you cook. The number one focus is on the person. Listen. Be aware of what they need in the moment.

Allow yourself time to grieve and to be frustrated. Then very quickly, ask God to help you embrace the time you are there, because you don’t know how long you’ll be there. Lean in to fully take advantage of things in front of you.

God is going to put you in some uncomfortable situations, and it’s ok, because He is going to redeem everything for later, even the uncomfortable situations. You better learn to deal with the uncomfortable, because that is going to be in your life a lot!

You're never going to feel completely comfortable or competent in anything you do.

I was standing [in a room full of fashionable women] in my pajamas. I’m thinking, “I’m just not the one to be doing this. I don’t know what I’m doing. I can’t even dress myself right.” Learn to laugh. Realize everyone else has had their “pajama moments” too.

We’re all in this together,  so just get over yourself.

People say, “I don't care whether it is a boy or a girl, just as long as it’s healthy.” Well, for a lot of people, what if it’s not? Then what? My life is going to be terrible? The baby’s life is going to be terrible? What?! I just want to hug people that have special needs children and say to them, “You’re on a different journey. It is an extraordinary one, and it can be extraordinarily amazing. It makes you, your children, everybody in your family, and those around you different because you have been in it. And that’s extraordinary too.

You can read all the parenting books you want, but every child is different; every challenge is different.

If you know somebody that has a special needs child, say a prayer for them. They don't need your advice. Give them a smile, give them a pat on the shoulder, whatever you can do to encourage them, because this is a tough journey.

People with special needs are not to be ignored, but acknowledged, respected and valued.

Contact

Now I See 

Headset Radio 

Author/Illustrator Kathleen Irish reveals the hidden meaning behind her new children’s book, Sir Thomas of Dale, on this week’s episode of Now I See.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

I love to be with children because then I become a child. I have lots of friends among them because I can share their imagination. I guess I never grew up.

I taught my two children when they were young, ‘Books are your friends’. Sometimes that resulted in a friend getting hit over the head with a book.

It really was a wonderful experience. I was not expecting to have such fun when I was doing it.

Books are my friends. They are my encouragers. My character and faith was grown by books I read.

I read 100 fictional books a year. That doesn’t count non-fiction books and Bible reading.

References

Warner.House

Amazon Paperback

Barnes & Nobles

CONTACT

Kathleen Irish @Facebook

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Kit McCarty welcomes Margot Quinn, Pampered Chef consultant, to share recipes, tips and tools to make your holiday gatherings easier and more joy-filled.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Who doesn’t love a good tool? I love a good tool that makes me feel like I can cook.

A favorite tool works just great, it’s reliable, and if you carry it around, it could be used as a weapon.

You really feel accomplished if you make your own pizza dough.

Time is my main ingredient. How soon can I be consuming this food?

I have a resource and it’s me.

You have to get the kids into the kitchen and turn the responsibility to be fed over as soon as possible. Everybody needs to cook, everybody needs to eat.

If people want to help, let them help.

Food is so sensory. It’s all of our senses. It feels good, it tastes good, it looks good, it smells good.

Do the work when you have the time and energy. Anything that can be prepared ahead, do it now.

Try to enjoy the day, because it goes so fast. Just don't let the holiday get you down.

It's all in the way you come at something. Your attitude can be ‘It’s an upcoming burden’, or ‘It's going to be a fabulous time, no matter what.’

It’s not the food, it's the gathering, it’s coming to the table, memories made at the table--hopefully all good ones.

REFERENCES

The current interactive Pampered Chef catalogs: https://www.pamperedchef.com/pws/margotq/interactive-catalog-page

The OUTLET of discounted wonders: https://www.pamperedchef.com/pws/margotq/shop/Outlet

CONTACT

Instagram and Facebook @chefmargot

Pampered Chef business page http://www.pamperedchef.com/pws/margotq

Email address: [email protected]

NIS LINKs

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In this special Veteran’s Day episode, Susan Payne, a Blue Star Mother, talks about the joys and sorrows unique to military families.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

All of us are called to service; some serve in uniform, the rest of us should be serving here supporting them.

We have a saying: My son has many brothers, so I have many sons. That is true. You become a big family.

Once you are a Blue Star Mother, you are always a Blue Star Mother. Unless you become a Gold Star Mother.

Either you're going through something right now, or are about to go through it. Just having somebody to encourage you goes a long way.

I teach my kids if they see somebody in uniform to say ‘thank you’, because freedom is never free. I want them to be appreciative of the sacrifices that have been made for them and for me.

I talked to him for a few minutes, and then I hung up and I sobbed because he was ok; but there was another mother, and her son was not ok.

You hear of casualties, of wounded, of accidents. Most people are oblivious to it; it's just another bit of news. But to a military family, we stop, we listen, we grieve, because we all know if it’s not ours, it could be, and it is somebody else’s. It's not just a news story, it's a person.

People say, “I don't know how to help.” Everybody can help. Everybody can pray. Anyone can send a care package. Everyone can thank them. We owe them all.

They are serving for YOU. They are sacrificing for YOU.

When somebody comes back, whether they look like they’ve been wounded--they’re all wounded. All their scars aren't visible. They see and have to do things and have been places that we couldn’t even dream of.

REFERENCES

Blue Star Mothers 

American Gold Star Mothers 

USO

CONTACT

None

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Kit McCarty welcomes artist Cindy Fritz to tell about a life filled with art, her pursuit of peace, and some surprising confessions.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

My mother never gave me a coloring book because she wanted me to do my own drawings.

I was drawing recognizable figures at 18 months. I drew an angel. I still have that picture.

We all have things we’re good at, and things we're not good at.

Whenever I saw a painting, I would gaze at it. I still do that.

I see beauty all around in God’s creation.

The pictures I do are always peaceful. I don’t do animals that are fighting, or people that are angry. I do birds that are floating on the water and peaceful scenery.

Art is a way to get away, like taking a little vacation to another world.

In art, we learn how to handle when things don’t go as planned, because things don’t go as planned. It’s problem-solving, a skill everyone needs to have.

You don’t have to be good; and you can get better. If you enjoy it, you’ll do it, and you will get better.

REFERENCES

C C Young Senior Living

Lighthouse Coffee Bar

Rowlett Public Library

CONTACT INFO:

Online gallery

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