In this episode of 'Guiding Light,' we welcome special guest Kimberly Malone, a prison educator and spiritual director. Kimberly shares her unique insights on spiritual direction, likening it to being a 'marriage counselor between someone and God.' She delves into her experiences with spiritual direction, the profound impacts of being prayed for, and introduces the concept of 'spiritual games' — engaging activities that make spiritual growth fun and intentional. Kimberly also provides practical advice for those seeking a closer relationship with God and touches on her work in New York jails and prisons.00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts00:51 Meet Our Guest: Kimberly Malone02:23 Understanding Spiritual Direction08:38 The Power of Spiritual Games14:59 Personal Stories and Reflections21:18 Building a Relationship with God28:26 Concluding Thoughts and Invitations👇 Stay connected with us! 👇🙌 Thanks to our special guest: Kimberly Malone💬 We'd love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and let us know what resonated with you the most.📲 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!📌 Follow us on Instagram: @‌jennacarsonwriter @sierra_cece_larson🙏 Thank you for being part of the Guiding Light community—where faith meets everyday life.

🙌 Thanks to our special guest: Shima Baughman - @shimabaughmanCheck out Shema's paper: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5225044In this episode, we discuss the deep spiritual and societal issues surrounding mass incarceration in the United States. Shima Baughman shares her insights on the higher incarceration rates in California and the need for systemic absolution. We delve into how forgiveness and systemic reforms could address the underlying problems of crime and punishment. Sheila also talks about historical rituals of forgiveness, cultural perspectives, and legislative changes that could help reduce incarceration. Join us as we explore how individuals and society can embrace healing, forgiveness, and positive change.00:00 Introduction: The Incarceration Crisis02:27 Exploring Spiritual Illness and Mass Incarceration03:21 Forgiveness and Systemic Absolution04:53 Historical Perspectives on Forgiveness09:00 Applying Forgiveness in Modern Society22:24 Challenges in Forgiving Unrepentant Offenders28:36 Conclusion: Embracing Forgiveness and Healing👇 Stay connected with us! 👇💬 We'd love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and let us know what resonated with you the most.📲 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!📌 Follow us on Instagram: @‌jennathechaplain @Sierra _cece_larson🙏 Thank you for being part of the Guiding Light community—where faith meets everyday life.

Join us as we talk with Shima Bachman, the Woodruff J Dean professor of law at Brigham Young University, about her incredible life story. From growing up in war-torn Iran and enduring the arrest of her activist mother to her miraculous escape to America. Shima discusses how these experiences shaped her passion for criminal justice reform. We delve into her work on bail reform, mass incarceration, and the pivotal role her mother's bravery and convictions played in her life. This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, faith, and the fight for democratic freedoms.00:00 Introduction and Early Life in Iran00:55 Welcoming Shima Bachman01:10 Shima's Professional Accomplishments02:33 Shima's Mother's Political Activism08:02 Miraculous Escape to America13:16 Shima's Career in Criminal Justice Reform16:54 The Influence of Shima's Mother21:23 Spiritual Healing and Forgiveness

👇 Stay connected with us! 👇

🙌 Thanks to our special guest: Shima Baughman

💬 We'd love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and let us know what resonated with you the most.
📲 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!

📌 Follow us on Instagram: Jenna Carson and Sierra Larson
🙏 Thank you for being part of the Guiding Light community—where faith meets everyday life.

In this episode of Guiding Light, we welcome life transformation coach Meagan Skidmore. Meagan shares her insights on using emotional alchemy to navigate life transitions, reset identity, and process emotions without letting them define us. Through her holistic coaching approach, Meagan helps clients connect with their inner wisdom and authentic selves, creating safe spaces for healing and growth. We explore her personal journey, methodologies, and the integral practice of mindfulness and non-judgment in emotional healing.00:00 Introduction to Life Transitions01:19 Meet Our Special Guest: Meagan Skidmore03:28 Understanding Emotional Alchemy07:26 Creating Safe and Brave Spaces12:44 The 90-Second Rule and Emotional Processing17:45 Connecting Emotions with the Body23:16 Exploring Ancient Wisdom and Modern Practices👇 Stay connected with us! 👇🙌 Thanks to our special guest: Meagan Skidmore💬 We'd love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and let us know what resonated with you the most.📲 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!📌 Follow us on Instagram: @‌jennathechaplain @Sierra _cece_larson🙏 Thank you for being part of the Guiding Light community—where faith meets everyday life.

*The opinions expressed here are our own, and in no way reflect the views of the United States, Air Force, or the DoD.*

Join us for a powerful episode of Guiding Light, where we welcome Chaplain Michael Jones. Michael shares his journey from a troubled youth to becoming a devoted hospital and military chaplain. Learn about his calling, experience in ministry, and how he supports patients and communities in challenging situations. Through moving stories and invaluable insights, Michael discusses active listening, empathy, and the importance of creating space for others' emotional expressions. This episode is a profound exploration of faith, resilience, and the impact of genuine human connection.

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🙌 Thanks to our special guest: Chaplain Michael Jones

💬 We'd love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and let us know what resonated with you the most.
📲 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!

📌 Follow us on Instagram: @‌jennathechaplain @sierra _cece_larson
🙏 Thank you for being part of the Guiding Light community—where faith meets everyday life.

In this heartfelt discussion, we are joined by David Doyle, a gay man of faith whose viral blog post in 2017 transformed his journey from private to public storytelling. David shares his experiences in reconciling his sexual identity with his faith, the challenges he faced within his church community, and how he supports other queer individuals in their spiritual journeys.

Hear David's inspiring story of courage, the importance of love and inclusion in faith communities, and practical advice for individuals and leaders to create a more welcoming environment for all. Join us for an episode filled with empathy, wisdom, and a message of unconditional love and acceptance.

👇 Stay connected with us! 👇

🙌 Thanks to our special guest, David Doyle!

Facebook: @DavidDoyle | Instagram and Tumblr:  @nerdygaymormon 

💬 We'd love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and let us know what resonated with you the most.

📲 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!

📌 Follow us on Instagram: @‌jennathechaplain @Sierra_cece_larson

🙏 Thank you for being part of the Guiding Light community—where faith meets everyday life.

Welcome to another episode of Guiding Light with Jenna Carson and Sierra Larson. Join us as we explore how to invite sources of peace into your life by following a divine purpose. Drawing on lessons from a screenwriting class with Billy Ray, the screenwriter of Hunger Games and Captain Phillips, we discuss how overcoming obstacles and facing dilemmas can enrich your spiritual journey. Gain insights into iconic films like The Godfather and Rocky to understand the deeper lessons about human resilience and divine connection. Reflect on your life's purpose, seek fulfillment through divine guidance, and learn how to become the person God intended you to be.👇 Stay connected with us! 👇💬 We'd love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and let us know what resonated with you the most.📲 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!📌 Follow us on Instagram: @‌jennathechaplain @sierra_cece_larson🙏 Thank you for being part of the Guiding Light community—where faith meets everyday life.

When rock bottom feels like the end, it might actually be the beginning of something sacred.In this powerful conversation, our guest shares how the first half of life felt like a spiritual and emotional desert—clinically depressed, paralyzed, and lost. A heartfelt cry for help led to an unexpected awakening: meditation teachers, wisdom, and a new spiritual frequency began showing up. Over nearly thirty years, this "deep convert to the silence" discovered healing in every area—mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual.Together, we explore what it means to hit rock bottom, to “fail completely,” and to discover that something still catches you on the other side. From the brink of despair comes a profound resurrection of self—an identity built not on success, confidence, performance, or ego, but on enduring love and grace that neither failure nor fear can erase.If you or someone you know has ever felt utterly broken, overwhelmed, overlooked, or afraid that the “real you” might have been lost… this episode is a beacon of light and hope.👇 Stay connected with us! 👇🙌 Thanks to our special guest, Thomas McConkie! Check out the Lower Lights here: https://lowerlightswisdom.orgOr check them out on Facebook and instagram: facebook.com/lowerlightswisdomhttps://www.instagram.com/lowerlightswisdom/💬 We'd love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and let us know what resonated with you the most.📲 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!📌 Follow us on social: @‌jennathechaplain @sierra_cece_larson🙏 Thank you for being part of the Guiding Light community—where faith meets everyday life.

From Federal Prison to Redemption: The Inspiring Journey of Portia LauderJoin us for an inspiring episode of 'Guiding Light' as we welcome Portia Lauder, a writer, speaker, photographer, and advocate. Portia shares her transformative journey from serving five years in federal prison to discovering her divine worth and purpose. In this heartfelt discussion, Portia opens up about her struggles, including early motherhood, addiction, and the difficult road to accountability and redemption. She discusses the profound impact of her prison experience, the support from fellow inmates, and how her faith provided the strength to rebuild her life. Highlighting her work with at-risk youth and individuals struggling with addiction, Portia illustrates the power of second chances and the importance of love and community. This episode is a testament to resilience, faith, and the incredible capacity for personal transformation.✨ Thanks for watching this episode of Guiding Light! ✨If you enjoyed the conversation, don’t forget to:👍 Like the video💬 Drop a comment — we’d love to hear your thoughts🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!🌐 Check out Portia's website:https://portialouder.com📲 Connect with us on Instagram:@jennathechaplain@sierra_cece_larson🌐 Check out our website:https://www.sierracounselingservice.com/guiding-light?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafiN3IPd87ei9cbI8fZcoxGEXXWgxs1MaNIIkrlE1yopECB3SNiCMr2nEkwaw_aem_XGE3l3pAqwHxBpKeoJ-wbw#GuidingLightPodcast #Podcast #Inspiration #PersonalGrowth #Subscribe

In this episode, we explore the deep power of creativity, spirituality, and expression.

Jenna shares her journey of using writing as a lifeline through some of life’s darkest moments — and how it evolved into a spiritual and healing practice. Whether you're a writer, a creative, or simply someone looking for peace and purpose, this conversation will meet you where you are.

✨ Topics we cover:

Writing as a form of prayer

Navigating pain through creativity

The intersection of healing, faith, and self-expression

Finding meaning through creation

🎧 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe if this resonates — and share it with someone who needs to hear it.—📲

Connect with Jenna:

Instagram: @jennathechaplain

Website: https://www.jennacarson.com/

Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/jennacarson/p/rethinking-adhd?r=wp1mn&utm_medium=ios

💡 Learn more about Guiding Light:

Instagram: @guidinglightretreats

Website: https://www.sierracounselingservice.com/guiding-light

#writingasprayer #healingthroughwriting #creativeexpression #spiritualgrowth #guidinglightpodcast