I am so excited about our special guest for this episode- Lonnie McFadden. If you live in Kansas City – you SHOULD know his name! Lonnie is a Kansas City Jazz Legend & trumpeter. He is one of the most joy-filled people I have ever met so of course I needed him to join the show to infuse that joy into us all as well. He is so talented, has an expansive knowledge of the history behind Kansas City jazz, and is a man of God. In this episode, Lonnie shares with us how discipline impacted his life, we dive into his personal musical history, how he has pursued joy in his life, through jazz music, and how God has remained faithful to him. He is a fantastic man, full of joy and I pray that as you listen to this episode his joy extends to you! 

- How self-discipline and motivation have played a vital part in his life and career, starting at a young age

Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify)

- "⁠⁠Great Is Thy Faithfulness" - Carried Underwood, CeCe Winans

- "Joy" - Kirk Franklin, Donald Malloy

- "Joy" - Highlands Worship

- "Moten Swing"- Lonnie McFadden

"⁠A God Who Is Faithful" - Louie Giglio

"No More Chasing The Wind" - ORU

"Pursuit" - Citipointe Church

- Lonnie's Instagram (@lonniemcfadden_jazz)

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode, I am discussing Purpose vs. Calling and how you can boldly and courageously step into what God is calling you to. I share some of my personal testimony and reflect on moments when I felt God calling me into things and what held me back at those times. I also share how I stepped into what God was calling me to even when I felt fearful, unqualified, stressed out - you name it! Stop waiting for things to look right, for things to happen, etc. for you to step out. Start trusting in the one who is in control. Life will always throw things your way, the enemy will try to distract you and pull you away from your calling - but don't let that stop you!! God has so many things in store for you when you surrender to his will and press into his calling(s) for you! I close in prayer to bless those who are struggling with obedience - I pray clarity, boldness and courage to flow throughout you! God blesses you so you can be a blessing to others!

Pursuing Joy Links:

Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify)

Bible Plans/Studies (found in the⁠ YouVersion Bible App⁠):

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode, a special guest is joining us - Dr. Kim Kimberling! Dr. Kim has been a professional counselor for 40 years, he and his wife Nancy have been married for 53 years and he is a Dad and Grandpa. He’s an Author, Podcaster, Dr. Kim is the President and co-founder of Awesome Marriage - which is his Nonprofit Christian Marriage Ministry. Whether you're single, engaged, or married - there is so much wisdom to gain from Dr. Kim. In this episode, I have the pleasure of being able to ask him questions about marriage that I have heard, that I have personally, and that I see on Social Media.

We Discuss:

You do not want to miss this episode, I promise!!

I pray it blesses you and your marriage & that you feel encouraged to love your spouse even bigger and better!

Pursuing Joy Links:

Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify)

Bible Plans/Studies (found in the⁠ YouVersion Bible App⁠):

Dr. Kim Kimberling/Awesome Marriage Links

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode we have a very special guest joining us - Clarissa Moll. She is an author, podcaster, mom to 4 kiddos and the young widow of author Rob Moll. She joins us for this episode to discuss her journey with grief and graces us with insight on how to love those who are grieving better. Tune in as Clarissa answers questions about how to support children grieve, what’s appropriate to say at a funeral/visitation, how we can love those who have turned away from their faith while grieving and so much more. Grief is something that touches just about every person, so whether you are grieving someone yourself, you are supporting someone who is grieving or you are just looking to gain understanding into something that can be a bit uncomfortable to talk about you do not want to miss this episode! 

Pursuing Joy Links:

Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify)

Bible Plans/Studies (found in the YouVersion Bible App):

Clarissa Moll Links

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode, we are talking about CELEBRATING others!! Join me for a perspective shift as we discuss reasons to celebrate others along with unique and fun ways to do so! Celebrating others blesses that person and you receive so much joy as well! Use your unique gifts to love others well by celebrating them! Whether they have an event coming up or not - celebrate and love them for what they mean to you! These ideas are sure to put a smile on their face and fill you with joy as well! Go spread joy and love today!

Pursuing Joy Links:

Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify)

Bible Plans/Studies (found in the YouVersion Bible App):

Links

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode, we are discussing relationships & a common role that some of us try to take on ourselves or place expectations on others to take on. We discuss how we attempt to fill a role that was never intended for us to fill. It is a position fulfilled by God only. If you are putting all of your trust, hope, and healing in yourself or another human only, you’re eventually going to be disappointed. The BEST news is, God wants to be this in your life and he promises to carry you through and to be your refuge.  Sometimes we need help taking our hands off and allowing God to step in and become our SAVIOR completely.  

"Stop trying to play God and learn how to be dependent and reliant on Him." - Episode 8

Pursuing Joy Links:

Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify)

Bible Plans/Studies (found in the YouVersion Bible App):

Links

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode, we are going to talk about the power of our words and how necessary it is for us to control what comes out of our mouths! We’ll look at scripture so that we can begin to see what God’s word says about our words, we’ll see how the Bible relates our words with what’s going on in our heart & look at 4 practical ways we can turn our words of hurt into words of life and love. We must comprehend that there are physical responses when words are received, which is one of the main reasons our words hold value. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” There is power in your words - use them to speak life and love over yourselves and others! 

Pursuing Joy Links:

Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify)

Bible Plans/Studies (found in the YouVersion Bible App):

Declarations:

References/Resources:

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode, I am joined by my wonderful, faith-filled, Helicopter-Fying Husband of mine! We spent our first year of marriage traveling & serving in various states/countries and it’s a decision we have never regretted. Join us as we reflect on our first year of marriage and look at how choosing to set our foundation in loving God and serving others has impacted our lives. We hope you feel motivated to step out of your comfort zone to serve others! Find faith in knowing that God has equipped you and has prepared the way - you just need to take the first step! 

"Worry less about acquiring things and find more ways to love out loud!"

Pursuing Joy Links:

Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify)

Bible Plans/Studies (found in the YouVersion Bible App):

**Samaritan's Purse Link HERE - You pay for your way there and they will take care of the rest! 

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode, we are diving into how we can triumphantly pursue joy through opposition. As Christians, we all face opposition in our lives, especially when we are moving in the direction of God’s purpose for our life. To face opposition means we have to acknowledge that we have an opponent. Thankfully we have an ever-gracious God who has equipped us with resources to defend ourselves so that we are capable of standing firm against all schemes of the enemy and that we will always prevail. When we expect opposition and come prepared to fight, we will stand triumphant as the enemy crumbles at our feet.

Pursuing Joy Links:

Worship Songs for this episode:  (links are through Spotify)

Bible Plans/Studies (found in the YouVersion Bible App):

Welcome to Pursuing Joy! In this episode, we have a special guest – Anna Alessi. Anna is a faith-filled believer, an encourager of life, a business owner, a wife & mom! Are you struggling with finding joy in your everyday life? Is there something that has been on your heart for a while that is calling you out of your comfort zone? Do you wrestle with fear or feel unqualified? Then you do not want to miss this message of encouragement! Listen as Anna shares how she took a step of faith into her God purpose & how she is able to share her joy with so many people by saying YES to God’s plan in her life! The amazing news - God wants the same for you!

Cycle of Heart Links:

Pursuing Joy Links:

Worship Songs (Spotify Links): 

YouVersion Bible Plans: