Pivotal People

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Listen in on a great conversation with Jonathan Evans, author of the new book "Fighting Your Battles: Every Christian's Playbook for Victory." I read it and recommend it to everyone--it's fabulous.  My husband read it too--it's a great gift for other people.

In Fighting Your Battles, author, speaker, and former NFL chaplain Jonathan Evans shows how you can face every hardship with strength and hope, confident that God will always use your trials for His glory. You’ll understand what it means to:

• evaluate the “giants” in your life from God’s point of view
• relinquish self-reliance and depend completely on the Lord
• progress toward the purpose you were created to fulfill

God has new ground for you to gain, and often the land, promises, and experiences He wants for you are discovered as you endure life’s struggles. Fighting Your Battles will give you biblical encouragement, support, and perspective, empowering you to follow God into victory.

Order "Fighting Your Battles" here: https://tinyurl.com/2x54xakc
Check out Jonathan's video study series on Right Now Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/content/details/749539
Find him on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanblakeevans/

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Meet J.T. Harding--the award-winning songwriter of several country hits including Keith Urban's "Somewhere in My Car," Uncle Kracker's "Smile," Kenny Chesney's "Somewhere With You," Blake Shelton's "Sangria" and many more. His songs have had ONE BILLION Spotify streams to date. I've loved his songs for years and didn't even know he wrote all of them. In fact, I put together a Spotify play list of 13 of his songs and love it.  Here it is! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3YxNgYXdPNNf9waUZ4Tp76

J.T. Harding writes about his pivotal life story and his long climb to success in his new book "Party Like a Rockstar."  It's a MUST READ because it's funny and entertaining, but most of all inspiring.  In this podcast, JT shares his stories and perspective on what it takes to reach our dreams. He'll make you laugh, and you'll want to take notes.

If you are an aspiring songwriter, you can enter J.T.'s "Write Like a Rockstar" contest to get a chance to write a song with him.  The contest ends Sept. 15th.  Learn more here:
https://www.writelikearockstar.com/

J.T. Harding was born and raised in South Detroit. While other kids were on the baseball field, J.T. was in his basement jumping around to MTV and trying to write his own songs. He put together several bands in high school and then moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream. J.T. made his first demo tape with prize money he earned by winning the VH1 game show Rock & Roll Jeopardy! He has since written several chart-topping hits, including “Smile” with Uncle Kracker, “Somewhere in My Car” with Keith Urban, “Somewhere with You” and “Bar at the End of the World” for Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley’s “Different for Girls,” Jake Owen’s “Alone with You,” and Blake Shelton’s number-one song “Sangria.” His memoir/how-to book, Party Like a Rockstar, released in February 2022 and quickly reached number one on Amazon in the songwriting category. He lives in Nashville and continues to churn out the hits by the light of his vintage KISS pinball machine.

Order J.T.'s book here: https://tinyurl.com/3jsc38ay

Learn more about J.T. Harding here:
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/jtxmusic
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/jtxrockstar/?hl=en
Twitter- Tik Tok

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Listen in on a great conversation with Randy Hartley--a father, husband, and author of the new book "Beautifully Broken." It is a powerful and inspiring story that I loved.  Randy Hartley lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where he has been a financial planner for thirty-eight years. He is married to his wife, Darla, and they have three children—Alyssa, Andrea, and Nate.  He also serves as Chairman of Legacy Mission Village, the refugee ministry.

He shares his family's story of overcoming adversity and healing, and how their story intersected with others in Rwanda. He is also the producer of the award-winning movie "Beautifully Broken" which debuted in 2018. It's an incredible God story involving three families, from different countries, each struggling to find hope and safety amid the devastation of war, both in their families and in their land. I've watched the movie and read the book and recommend everyone watch or read this beautiful story.

You can order the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Beautifully-Broken-Fighting-Families-Unlikely/dp/1949784606

To learn more, visit: https://beautifullybrokenmovie.com/

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Meet Jamey Dickens, an incredible pastor who has worked as a pastor for Andy Stanley of Northpoint Ministries for over a decade.  Jamey is now the lead pastor of  Northpoint Ministries' newest church, East Cobb Church in Marietta, Georgia since early 2020.  That's my church! Jamey has been a pivotal person in my life, and in the lives of countless people as he has preached and ministered over the years. 

The mission of East Cobb Church is simple, Jamey says, because Jesus made it simple. They are on a mission to Love Where You Live. #lovewhereyoulive.  Jamey cares deeply about helping people know Jesus personally, and Jamey leads the church very personally.  He is approachable and accessible--always willing to listen, connect, meet with people individually, talk on the phone or even text.  Last year, a young man from downtown Atlanta (far away from East Cobb) accepted Christ and was baptized by Jamey at East Cobb Church because he had messaged Jamey's Instagram account with some questions about God. Jamey responded and became a mentor for this young man. That's who Jamey Dickens is. I sat next to the young man's mother at the service, and she told me she never dreamed her son would have turned his life over to Christ. 

If you live in the Atlanta area, join us in person at East Cobb Church at 4 pm on Sundays. Until our new church building is completed, we meet at Eastside Baptist Church in Marietta. You can also watch the service on demand, online. Learn more at https://eastcobbchurch.org/sundays
Hear a quick message from Jamey here: https://eastcobbchurch.org/imnew

#lovewhereyoulive

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Meet Janis Milham--one of the most pivotal people in my career.  She is the co-founder of the leadership consulting firm, Questage. She was my hiring manager at Marriott International over 33 years ago, and she was the best boss I ever had.  She is naturally good at working with people, because she truly cares about others. She worked with Marriott for over 30 years, and recently retired. She advanced through the ranks, eventually becoming the Senior Vice-President & Global Brands Leader for Marriott Classic Select Brands.  She led the vision, strategy, and execution for all facets of global brand positioning, strategy, product design, guest experience programming and marketing for seven of Marriott’s 30 brands.

She was a pivotal person in hundreds of people's lives at Marriott as she managed, mentored, counseled and befriended everyone who worked for her.   She is passionate about helping others grow in their careers.  She co-founded the Marriott Headquarters Women's Leadership Networking Group, growing the organization to encompass over 100 participants.

Today, as an executive coach and mentor, she is impacting even more people's lives positively.  I like the idea that she is making her leadership skills available to more companies and individuals, since not everyone had the good fortune to land in her department at Marriott.  

Learn more about Janis at https://www.questage.com/about-questage/
and find her on Linked In at https://www.linkedin.com/in/janismilham/

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Jessica Patay is the Founder and Director of the organization " We Are Brave Together."  In our conversation, Jessica shares her family's story and how she decided to start supporting other mothers of children with disabilities by starting this organization.

We Are Brave Together is a nonprofit organization that provides respite, community, and resources for mothers caring for children of any age with disabilities, unique needs, or other medical or mental health challenges.

As a special promotion,  we will personally match any financial donation made to We Are Brave Together--to a maximum of $5,000.  No donation is too small.  Simply go to their website and make a donation, including a note that you heard about them on the Pivotal People podcast.   https://www.wearebravetogether.org/

We Are Brave Together provides resources, support groups (both in person and virtual) and retreats for members. 

Jessica's "Brave Together" podcast is a very popular podcast with great storytelling and discussions.  (https://www.wearebravetogether.org/podcast).   It's one of my favorite podcasts because Jessica does an excellent job producing episodes that are interesting and enlightening.   It has helped me understand the challenges that parents in these circumstances face.  Hopefully, the more we all learn, the more we can help others feel accepted and supported, rather than isolated and alone.

Find out more at  https://www.wearebravetogether.org/

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Meet Laura Smith, a bestselling author, a popular speaker and wise teacher.  She is an engaging storyteller and shares stories to point people towards Jesus. 

She has just come out with her new book "Restore My Soul: The Power and Promise of 30 Psalms" which is fabulous.  In today's conversation she shares her insights and background which inspires all of us to draw nearer to God for the peace and contentment we all desire.   You're going to love her.

More about this book from Amazon.com:

"The book of Psalms is full of wonderful passages that illuminate the intimate connection we get to have with our Father. Despite the chaos of our busy lives, the Father is frequently whispering to our souls to spend time with Him. As you read Restore My Soul: The Power and Promise of 30 Psalms you will receive revelation and insight from best-selling author Laura L. Smith on the beauty of connecting with God through His Word. Dive into the power of the Psalms and be inspired to praise God every day.

• Showcases 30 popular psalms and the timeless truths and emotions they reveal about our daily lives
• For women who are longing to deepen their faith
• Explores popular Bible themes to encourage you to participate in spiritual development

Laura has written over 10 books, including the runaway bestseller, "How Sweet the Sound: The Power and Promise of 30 Hymns."

Amazon link:
https://www.amazon.com/Restore-My-Soul-Promise-Psalms/dp/1640701621/

Find more about Laura's work and contact her through her website:
https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/
Follow her on Instagram: @laurasmithauthor

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Join in on a great conversation with Brett Smith, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Miami University of Ohio as we discuss business and faith.  Brett is a leading expert in the area of Social Entrepreneurship--starting and building profitable private businesses that address social issues.  It's an intriguing topic that has incredible potential to change the world.  We discuss how we can use our faith, skills, talents and creativity to help others while employing people profitably.

Brett is a successful entrepreneur, professor, fundraiser, and a builder.  Just as he started and grew successful businesses in the private sector, he has gone on to build academic programs to foster research and courses in Entrepreneurship, including Social Entrepreneurship.

Brett is a respected expert in his field and has spoken to the United Nations and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.  He has been interviewed by major media outlets like CNN, Time, Business Week, MSNBC and many more.

Learn more about Brett:
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithbrettr/

Miami University Entrepreneurship program: https://www.miamioh.edu/fsb/academics/entrepreneurship/index.html?

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Meet my good friend and brilliant author, David Dingess.  He is a husband, father, Sunday School teacher and an all-around great guy.  Everybody loves him, and I'm thrilled to be able to share him with all of you. 

 David has written a fabulous new book, "Where Are You: God's Questions that Need to be Answered."   In this episode, we discuss his book's message and how we can all listen to and understand God's questions in our lives.  David's down to earth teaching style makes it easy for all of us to learn, understand, and apply God's word to our everyday lives and real situations.

You can follow David's regular teachings and insights on his Word of Truth Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/word_of_truth__/
@word_of_truth

You can order his new book at Amazon for as little as 99¢ for the Kindle version: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Are-You-Questions-Answered/dp/B09TDPTDRQ/

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**If you enjoyed this episode, please write a quick review or rating on your podcast platform so that it will be easier for other listeners to find.  Thanks so much!

I picked up Kristen Welch's book "Rhinestone Jesus" a few months ago as an easy read on a long airline trip.  I had no idea how that book would change my perspective.  When I got home from the trip, I found Kristen's website and asked if she would come on our podcast to talk about her book and her incredible experience in founding Mercy House Global. She was kind enough to say yes, and we hadn't even launched our podcast yet.

Meet Kristen Welch.  Her book cover says it best:

"Rhinestone Jesus is the spiritual adventure story of one woman who went from living a safe, "good-girl" faith that didn't cost much, to realizing that God was daring her to say yes to a deeper, more authentic way. This book throws the doors wide open for any woman who's ever thought of herself as "just a mom."  Say yes to God right where you are--and stand amazed at your your life will shine."

Do yourself a BIG favor and order Kristen's book HERE. You can find it on Amazon or any online bookseller.  

In the 12 years since she wrote this incredible book, Kristen has founded and grown her nonprofit Mercy House Global, a nonprofit organization that rescues girls in Kenya and empowers them by supporting their fair trade businesses.  Visit www.mercyhouseglobal.org to learn more.  Its mission is stated on the site:

Mercy House exists to engage, empower and disciple women around the globe in Jesus’ name. We provide for the rescue of pregnant girls in Kenya and provide a home for them. We empower their families and many others with dignified work so we can redeem future generations. We do this by engaging those with resources to say yes to the plight of women in poverty by empowering women around the world through partnerships and sustainable fair trade product development.

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