Navigating the complexities of faith and identity can be a solitary journey, but Lauren's story is a testament to the transformative power of community and personal conviction. As our guest on Ordinary People Extraordinary Things, she opens up about her path from a non-religious upbringing to a profound embrace of Christianity, highlighting the moments of tranquility and truth that marked her spiritual awakening. With her insights as a Christian and a creative soul, Lauren's narrative challenges us to consider the impact of authenticity and honesty on our own lives, and the way they forge deeper connections and resolve conflicts.

Throughout our profound conversation, Lauren illustrates the evolution of her relationship with faith—a passage that began within the communal warmth of a youth group and blossomed into a deeply rooted personal belief system. Her experiences, from playing guitar at church events to being baptized, showcase the shift from shared rituals to intimate spiritual practice. She also shares the delicate dance of intertwining her creative passions with ministry, revealing how she uses her talents in filmmaking and photography to serve her church community. Her personal journey, including the challenges faced within family dynamics and the powerful growth of faith on a mission trip, offers an inspiring blueprint for managing faith in a complex world.

Our episode culminates with discussions on the relatable imperfections of the early church, the life-altering stories within the Bible, and the profound acts of compassion that unite us in our humanness. Lauren's reflection on the Book of Acts and the role of scripture during times of doubt encourages us to find solace in God's unwavering presence. The episode wraps up with an exploration of gratitude amidst adversity, urging our listeners to find and share the light of hope within their communities. Join us for this heartfelt exploration of friendship, creativity, and the enduring quest for spiritual fulfillment.

You can find “Ordinary People Extraordinary Things” anywhere you listen to podcasts or Check out the links below....⬇️

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1882033

https://generationstogenerations.com/podcast

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xODgyMDMzLnJzcw==?fbclid=IwAR247ak35J8RZi5b7yy5bLckHABNYCBnwYxGS0NU1spsVtKqsxhFH4PCaZM

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ordinary-people-extraordin-89553427/

Https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ordinary-people-extraordinary-things/id1596670894

https://open.spotify.com/show/5wVEm2IUT7lpVGBdbgqagd

https://www.youtube.com/@GenNancy

https://generationstogenerations.com/podcast

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/ordinarypeoplestory

https://www.instagram.com/ordinarypeopleextraordinary/

X: @storiesextra 

Any advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.
All rights reserved: Ordinary People Extraordinary Things

Stories shared by guests may not always be shared views  of OPET. 
Being a guest does not mean OPET approves of every decision or action in the guests' life. 

We all have a story, all of us, share your story. You don't have to have the perfect answer or the perfect life - share what Jesus is doing in your life. This is an easy, real way to witness & share your testimony.

I have been wanting to do this topic for years & here it is! 
We tackle some hard, good questions in this episode…

❓Why are people afraid of death?

❓What lessons have you learned from being a hospice chaplain?

❓Why does God allow suffering?

Joe is an eloquent speaker & has so much knowledge to share - here’s just a few things you’ll hear:

🗣️“Part of what we do in hospice is try to normalize the dying process as being mortal. It’s something that’s going to happen, so how can I embrace it rather than run from it.”

🗣️“This is a sacred journey - it’s very holy work.”

🗣️“The roads people have been down - you never know until you get to know them & talk to them.”

🗣️“Every single one of these people are a child of God. They are a unique creation. They have had an entire journey.”

🗣️“Dying is their space between heaven & earth.”

🗣️“A lesson I’ve learned is to really, really love people’s stories.”

You can find “Ordinary People Extraordinary Things” anywhere you listen to podcasts or Check out the links below....⬇️

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1882033

https://generationstogenerations.com/podcast

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xODgyMDMzLnJzcw==?fbclid=IwAR247ak35J8RZi5b7yy5bLckHABNYCBnwYxGS0NU1spsVtKqsxhFH4PCaZM

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ordinary-people-extraordin-89553427/

Https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ordinary-people-extraordinary-things/id1596670894

https://open.spotify.com/show/5wVEm2IUT7lpVGBdbgqagd

https://www.youtube.com/@GenNancy

https://generationstogenerations.com/podcast

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/ordinarypeoplestory

https://www.instagram.com/ordinarypeopleextraordinary/

X: @storiesextra 

Any advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.
All rights reserved: Ordinary People Extraordinary Things

Stories shared by guests may not always be shared views  of OPET. 
Being a guest does not mean OPET approves of every decision or action in the guests' life. 

We all have a story, all of us, share your story. You don't have to have the perfect answer or the perfect life - share what Jesus is doing in your life. This is an easy, real way to witness & share your testimony.

Jocelyn is in high school & plays Women’s semi-pro Tackle Football for Mile High Blaze

• We talk playing semi-pro football:

🏈“I try to use sports to lead other people to faith.”
🏈“I don’t know where you are in your faith. All I know is it’s my job to help you know you have a greater purpose than whatever sport you are in or whatever academic you’re in.”
🏈“Even though football is what I’m most passionate about - this is not what defines me.”

• We talk revival in youth:

🏈“I’m so excited to see what my generation has coming for us. There’s so much to be done that my generation can do.”
🏈“There are so many ideas of what love is now & there are so many people & teens that don’t know what love is or how to be understood - so many teens around me have found that they don’t have to understand everything to understand God is love. And they don’t have to understand everything to know what God has done for us is love.”

• We talk how adults see teens:

🏈“Just because we’re younger & we have less experience doesn’t mean the experiences we’ve gone through aren’t what’s driving us.”
🏈“Your faith with God comes from your walk with Him & not your age.”

You can find “Ordinary People Extraordinary Things” anywhere you listen to podcasts or Check out the links below....⬇️

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1882033

https://generationstogenerations.com/podcast

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xODgyMDMzLnJzcw==?fbclid=IwAR247ak35J8RZi5b7yy5bLckHABNYCBnwYxGS0NU1spsVtKqsxhFH4PCaZM

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ordinary-people-extraordin-89553427/

Https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ordinary-people-extraordinary-things/id1596670894

https://open.spotify.com/show/5wVEm2IUT7lpVGBdbgqagd

https://www.youtube.com/@GenNancy

https://generationstogenerations.com/podcast

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/ordinarypeoplestory

https://www.instagram.com/ordinarypeopleextraordinary/

X: @storiesextra 

Any advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.
All rights reserved: Ordinary People Extraordinary Things

Stories shared by guests may not always be shared views  of OPET. 
Being a guest does not mean OPET approves of every decision or action in the guests' life. 

We all have a story, all of us, share your story. You don't have to have the perfect answer or the perfect life - share what Jesus is doing in your life. This is an easy, real way to witness & share your testimony.

Honestly when I was introduced to Dawn & what she would share on the podcast I thought, YUCK - I don’t want to talk about this! This doesn’t apply to me. Can’t we talk about anything else that’s not so hard & dark? 

But, I learned from Dawn “Fentanyl is an epidemic that is impacting every area of our community. It is a human problem. 
Fentanyl is in 7 out of 10 street pills.” 

 
The world is talking about it - we must talk about it in faith & hope. 
“Being willing to listen & how can I understand what’s happening around us. 
Perhaps you could be a small part of the solution.” ~Dawn 

Dawn shares real, easy ways to shift how we talk about drugs. 
“Drug use is bad, yes, but never taking any medication a doctor didn’t give you.” 

More information
https://www.dea.gov 

You can find “Ordinary People Extraordinary Things” anywhere you listen to podcasts or Check out the links below....⬇️ 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1882033 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xODgyMDMzLnJzcw==?fbclid=IwAR247ak35J8RZi5b7yy5bLckHABNYCBnwYxGS0NU1spsVtKqsxhFH4PCaZM 

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ordinary-people-extraordin-89553427/ 

Https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ordinary-people-extraordinary-things/id1596670894 

https://open.spotify.com/show/5wVEm2IUT7lpVGBdbgqagd 

https://www.youtube.com/@GenNancy 

https://generationstogenerations.com/podcast

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/ordinarypeoplestory

https://www.instagram.com/ordinarypeopleextraordinary/

X: @storiesextra 

Any advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.
All rights reserved: Ordinary People Extraordinary Things

Stories shared by guests may not always be shared views  of OPET. 
Being a guest does not mean OPET approves of every decision or action in the guests' life. 

We all have a story, all of us, share your story. You don't have to have the perfect answer or the perfect life - share what Jesus is doing in your life. This is an easy, real way to witness & share your testimony.

▶️ "Instead of a handout, it’s an empowerment model."

▶️ "We can’t change hearts - knowing what God has called us to and trusting Him in that. 
We go back over to the scripture that talks about: 'we can plant the seeds, we can water the seeds, but it is only God who gives the growth.' 
We keep trusting God - if He’s stirring this in our hearts, He’s also stirring in the people we’re going to serve." 

▶️ "We’re not bringing Jesus to Colfax, Jesus was on Colfax. We’re working & we get to join Him in what He’s already doing."

▶️ "The Kingdom of God is so beautiful to see everybody using their gifts & doing what God called them to & we are called to work together." 

▶️ "Treat people like people & see the image of God in them."

🙏 Check out Jesus on Colfax
https://www.jesusoncolfax.org

You can find “Ordinary People Extraordinary Things” anywhere you listen to podcasts or Check out the links below....⬇️

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1882033

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xODgyMDMzLnJzcw==?fbclid=IwAR247ak35J8RZi5b7yy5bLckHABNYCBnwYxGS0NU1spsVtKqsxhFH4PCaZM

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ordinary-people-extraordin-89553427/

Https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ordinary-people-extraordinary-things/id1596670894

https://open.spotify.com/show/5wVEm2IUT7lpVGBdbgqagd

https://www.youtube.com/@GenNancy

https://generationstogenerations.com/podcast

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/ordinarypeoplestory

https://www.instagram.com/ordinarypeopleextraordinary/

X: @storiesextra 

Any advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.
All rights reserved: Ordinary People Extraordinary Things

Stories shared by guests may not always be shared views  of OPET. 
Being a guest does not mean OPET approves of every decision or action in the guests' life. 

We all have a story, all of us, share your story. You don't have to have the perfect answer or the perfect life - share what Jesus is doing in your life. This is an easy, real way to witness & share your testimony.

➡️ Jeseray is a fantastic storyteller - you will go through the emotions with her as she takes you on the 40+ year journey to find her brother.

➡️ “My mom was very open that she was not able to give him the life she wanted, so he was put up for adoption.
I tried looking for him - I couldn’t find him.
I would try, wouldn’t get anywhere, and would give up.
Maybe he’s not even alive. Maybe he doesn’t want to be found. Maybe I’m not meant to find my brother. I had this very strong moment - it’s ok if I don’t find my brother.

Then began the waiting process….

That shock is real. This is my brother - this is my brother! I never thought I would find my brother!
You’re real. You’re here. This is not a moment I ever thought I would get.
Grateful is the easiest word to use - but doesn’t even begin to describe it.”

➡️ “I think one of the hardest things was - because I did have a traumatic relationship with my mom for a lot of my adult life, even after I got through the grief of her passing. My mom isn’t someone I look up to. My mom isn’t someone I model my parenting after. When his mom said, “We prayed and are thankful fo your mom every day.” That was hard. That was hard to hear someone say, “We loved your mom, we prayed for your mom, we’re thankful for her, and we’re so blessed by her.” Because that’s not the experience I got. It really changed my view of my mom. It made me dig deeper. It made me appreciate her a little more.”

You can find “Ordinary People Extraordinary Things” anywhere you listen to podcasts or Check out the links below....⬇️

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1882033

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xODgyMDMzLnJzcw==?fbclid=IwAR247ak35J8RZi5b7yy5bLckHABNYCBnwYxGS0NU1spsVtKqsxhFH4PCaZM

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ordinary-people-extraordin-89553427/

Https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ordinary-people-extraordinary-things/id1596670894

https://open.spotify.com/show/5wVEm2IUT7lpVGBdbgqagd

https://www.youtube.com/@GenNancy

https://generationstogenerations.com/podcast

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/ordinarypeoplestory

https://www.instagram.com/ordinarypeopleextraordinary/

X: @storiesextra 

Any advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.
All rights reserved: Ordinary People Extraordinary Things

Stories shared by guests may not always be shared views  of OPET. 
Being a guest does not mean OPET approves of every decision or action in the guests' life. 

We all have a story, all of us, share your story. You don't have to have the perfect answer or the perfect life - share what Jesus is doing in your life. This is an easy, real way to witness & share your testimony.

Sammie passed away July 2020, the day after her 15th birthday, after a car accident BUT out of Tragedy came
Sammie’s Sunshine: Offering a Raye of Hope
https://www.sammiessunshine.org 

Here’s just a few things you’ll hear from Christy… 

💬 “I prayed to God: I wanted His will to be done, which is super hard knowing His will might not be your will.” 

💬 “Time doesn’t make it better. Better is not the right word. It becomes a part of your everyday life. You learn to move around it.” 

💬 “I try to let Him be the one running the show - but it’s really hard.” 

You can find “Ordinary People Extraordinary Things” anywhere you listen to podcasts or Check out the links below....⬇️ 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1882033 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xODgyMDMzLnJzcw==?fbclid=IwAR247ak35J8RZi5b7yy5bLckHABNYCBnwYxGS0NU1spsVtKqsxhFH4PCaZM 

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ordinary-people-extraordin-89553427/ 

Https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ordinary-people-extraordinary-things/id1596670894 

https://open.spotify.com/show/5wVEm2IUT7lpVGBdbgqagd 

 https://www.youtube.com/@GenNancy 

https://generationstogenerations.com/podcast

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/ordinarypeoplestory

https://www.instagram.com/ordinarypeopleextraordinary/

X: @storiesextra 

Any advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.
All rights reserved: Ordinary People Extraordinary Things

Stories shared by guests may not always be shared views  of OPET. 
Being a guest does not mean OPET approves of every decision or action in the guests' life. 

We all have a story, all of us, share your story. You don't have to have the perfect answer or the perfect life - share what Jesus is doing in your life. This is an easy, real way to witness & share your testimony.

Merry Christmas! 🎄 Thank you for joining me on this special day.

🎶 Enjoy a brand-new Christmas song from Emily Hope
"WHAT CHILD IS THIS - O COME O COME EMMANUEL"

"I decided to cover these classic Christmas songs in a mashup as a way to enhance the focus on Jesus Christ who is the true reason for the season." ~Emily Hope

Credits:
Vocals/Lyrical Arrangement: Emily Hope 
Piano - Kirk Dearman  🎹 
Studio Engineer/Producer: Creigh Riepe Recording Studio: Arcadia Street Studios

🎤People can check out my music on all the major streaming platforms. 

YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@EmilyHopesToSing?feature=shared

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4MZJ8zjxHMEtrGdghg6KnN?si=2tL7usktTBuZ7n_DAU_nwQ

Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/emily-hope/1400912319

Amazon Music:
https://music.amazon.com/artists/B07B6GSHBM/emily-hope?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US


You can find “Ordinary People Extraordinary Things” anywhere you listen to podcasts or Check out the links below....⬇️

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1882033

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xODgyMDMzLnJzcw==?fbclid=IwAR247ak35J8RZi5b7yy5bLckHABNYCBnwYxGS0NU1spsVtKqsxhFH4PCaZM

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ordinary-people-extraordin-89553427/Https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ordinary-people-extraordinary-things/id1596670894

https://open.spotify.com/show/5wVEm2IUT7lpVGBdbgqagd

https://www.youtube.com/@GenNancy

https://generationstogenerations.com/podcast

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/ordinarypeoplestory

https://www.instagram.com/ordinarypeopleextraordinary/

X: @storiesextra 

Any advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.
All rights reserved: Ordinary People Extraordinary Things

Stories shared by guests may not always be shared views  of OPET. 
Being a guest does not mean OPET approves of every decision or action in the guests' life. 

We all have a story, all of us, share your story. You don't have to have the perfect answer or the perfect life - share what Jesus is doing in your life. This is an easy, real way to witness & share your testimony.

Jennifer candidly shares about 

• losing her husband, Ryan, in the line of duty at the age of 36
• remarriage & blended family
• friendship with husband’s ex-wife

 
❤️ “God’s word is perfect. Then the world steps in and says we’re entitled.”
❤️ “My stepdaughters didn’t have to like me. They didn’t have to love me, because they didn’t choose me.”
❤️ “I didn’t let her fear of loving me stop me from loving her.”

 
Connect with Jennifer…
 http://www.jenniferoslerbolton.com

Check out the whole video on YouTube
https://youtu.be/DzjNkVfk9LA



You can find “Ordinary People Extraordinary Things” anywhere you listen to podcasts or Check out the links below....⬇️


https://www.buzzsprout.com/1882033


https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xODgyMDMzLnJzcw==?fbclid=IwAR247ak35J8RZi5b7yy5bLckHABNYCBnwYxGS0NU1spsVtKqsxhFH4PCaZM


https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ordinary-people-extraordin-89553427/


Https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ordinary-people-extraordinary-things/id1596670894


https://open.spotify.com/show/5wVEm2IUT7lpVGBdbgqagd


https://www.youtube.com/@GenNancy
 

https://generationstogenerations.com/podcast

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/ordinarypeoplestory

https://www.instagram.com/ordinarypeopleextraordinary/

X: @storiesextra 

Any advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.
All rights reserved: Ordinary People Extraordinary Things

Stories shared by guests may not always be shared views  of OPET. 
Being a guest does not mean OPET approves of every decision or action in the guests' life. 

We all have a story, all of us, share your story. You don't have to have the perfect answer or the perfect life - share what Jesus is doing in your life. This is an easy, real way to witness & share your testimony.

It’s been a year and a half since Noble was on the podcast & a lot has happened - listen to get an update on how Noble is doing!

 Our #1 listened to episode…here it is…Noble was 16 when he sustained a spinal cord injury that instantly changed his life from an ordinary, cross country running, teenager to a quadriplegic. 🏃

🏃‍♂️ “This isn’t just about me - it’s about everyone. If I give up who’s going to give up, because they saw me give up.”

🏃‍♂️ “Let’s change the world - lets fulfill God’s plan that He has for us.”

🏃‍♂️ “God says this battle is already won!”

To contribute to Noble’s ongoing therapy…
https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML3TEXKAA1JVR/checkout/WJXWJKZJZTAHXXX3D6U4U6E6?src=embed

For more inspiration check out Noble’s mom’s podcast
#28 Peace? How? with Krisi Hantke

You can find “Ordinary People Extraordinary Things” anywhere you listen to podcasts or Check out the links below....⬇️

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1882033

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xODgyMDMzLnJzcw==?fbclid=IwAR247ak35J8RZi5b7yy5bLckHABNYCBnwYxGS0NU1spsVtKqsxhFH4PCaZM

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ordinary-people-extraordin-89553427/

Https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ordinary-people-extraordinary-things/id1596670894

https://open.spotify.com/show/5wVEm2IUT7lpVGBdbgqagd

https://www.youtube.com/@GenNancy

https://generationstogenerations.com/podcast

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/ordinarypeoplestory

https://www.instagram.com/ordinarypeopleextraordinary/

X: @storiesextra 

Any advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.
All rights reserved: Ordinary People Extraordinary Things

Stories shared by guests may not always be shared views  of OPET. 
Being a guest does not mean OPET approves of every decision or action in the guests' life. 

We all have a story, all of us, share your story. You don't have to have the perfect answer or the perfect life - share what Jesus is doing in your life. This is an easy, real way to witness & share your testimony.