Sidewalk Conversations

We explore the concept of trusting God for big dreams and how embracing our God-given desires can lead to fulfillment and purpose. Carol Van Ward shares her journey into real estate after delaying her dream for years, offering wisdom on overcoming self-doubt and taking practical steps toward your goals.

• God places dreams and visions in our hearts for a purpose
• Without a vision, people "cast off restraint" or wander aimlessly
• Carol's lifelong interest in real estate began in childhood
• Her hesitation to become a realtor stemmed from not wanting to be "pushy"
• The mindset shift from "selling" to "helping" opened the door to her career
• Taking practical steps and seeing small victories builds confidence
• Overcoming self-doubt requires "taking every thought captive"
• Recognizing negative thought patterns becomes easier with practice
• Starting a dream later in life still offers fulfillment and purpose
• Living without regrets means pursuing the desires God has placed in us
• Current real estate market presents buying opportunities despite higher interest rates
• Special programs and creative financing options are available for homebuyers

Connect with Carol for real estate questions or to learn more about Austin's housing market. Watch for our studio redesign and special content coming in July!

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Piet shares personal and professional updates as Season 3 comes to a close, including recent cancer treatment developments and exciting new projects on the horizon.

• Recent visit to Mayo Clinic revealed a "suspicious spot" on Piet's bladder requiring follow-up in August
• All other cancer tests came back clear, showing last year's surgery was likely effective
• Launching 90-day health and fitness challenge with Otto Hernandez comparing vegan vs. meat-based approaches
• Follow the challenge on Facebook group "Keep on Healing with Piet Van Waarde" with daily themed updates
• YouTube content now organized into five channels: Sidewalk Conversations, Pocket Prayers, The Cancer Pastor, and Piet's POV
• Studio renovation planned for July, so join us for a pre-recorded series call the "Genius of the And" with Shaina Zavala that is releasing during the upgrade
• Successfully completed first 16-week "Building Resilience Against Cancer" course with applications open for the next cohort

Support for these initiatives available through the Van Waarde Foundation via Patreon

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Candy Coburn returns to Sidewalk Conversations to explore the tension between isolation and integration as Christians seek to authentically represent Christ in the world. Her journey as both a worship leader and bar performer offers powerful insights into maintaining spiritual authenticity while engaging with secular culture.

• The false dichotomy between isolation from culture versus integration with culture
• How holiness refers to heart separation rather than physical distance from the world
• Candy's dual ministry leading worship at "the Barn" while performing in bars and clubs
• Managing sobriety (10+ years) while performing in venues where alcohol flows freely
• Approaching every performance with prayer and the intention to be a "funnel of God's love" 
• The liberating nature of sharing our messy stories and overcoming shame
• Finding your unique voice and calling without trying to be someone else
• The importance of taking time to heal from past mistakes before jumping back into ministry
• Excitement for creative, boundary-crossing ministry happening in Austin

Check out this episode from the Above the Treeline featuring Candy Coburn.

If my story resonates with you, I encourage you to support the Van Waarde Foundation through Patreon or personal gifts. Your generosity helps make podcasts like this and other ministries possible.

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Billie Logiudice shares her journey from creating a classroom in her childhood bedroom to becoming the "Chief Connecting Officer" at Hutto's Chamber of Commerce, driven by her passion to leave the world a better place through service and meaningful connections.

• Growing up as an "army brat" with educators as key influences shaped her path toward education and service
• Started in children's ministry after becoming a believer 26 years ago, eventually becoming a director at several churches
• Created "The Sandbox at Madeline's Place" teen center after family friend's suicide, providing a safe space where teens could connect with trusted adults
• Teens at the center crossed typical high school social boundaries, creating connections between diverse groups
• Currently serves as VP and COO at Hutto Chamber of Commerce, focusing on preserving small-town charm while managing rapid growth
• Celebrating Hutto's traditions like the 40th anniversary of Old Time Days helps maintain community identity
• Completing master's degree in strategic leadership and organizational management
• Faith guides her service mission: "God, what do you have for me today?"

Check out our sponsor Amasouk, an online handbag company featuring artisan-made products from Mexico, Japan, and Morocco, with most proceeds going directly to the artisans.

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Chris Tapken shares his remarkable journey from federal prison to leading a thriving prayer ministry at Austin Christian Fellowship, demonstrating how God transforms our worst moments into our calling. Through authentic stories of desperation and redemption, he reveals how genuine prayer becomes a lifeline rather than a religious obligation.

• Small town roots in Yankton, South Dakota where family and community shaped Chris's early years
• Pursuing success in business became Chris's "identity drug of choice"
• Three life events that got his attention: marriage, infertility struggles, and business collapse
• Receiving God's calling while serving 18 months in federal prison
• Learning prayer through desperation rather than seminary training
• The Prayer Barn's remarkable 1,750+ consecutive daily prayer meetings over 6.5 years
• Creating an environment where prayer feels normal, not "weird" or disconnected
• Bridging the divide between pastors and intercessors in American churches
• Finding "unhurried time" with God as his true north and life message
• How genuine prayer transforms us from obligation to conversation

Check out Candy's powerful song "Unhurried Time" that captures the essence of making space for God in our busy lives.

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Van Kirkland shares his journey from Louisiana roots to Texas transplant, including his career as a dental technician creating beautiful smiles and how his faith sustained him through profound personal tragedies. His story reveals how mentorship, community support, and a deep relationship with God provided resilience during life's most challenging seasons.

• Originally from Plaquemine, Louisiana, moved to Texas after marrying a Texan
• Built a career as a dental technician, recently opening a new high-tech dental lab
• Early spiritual formation through mentor Jim Boley helped develop deep faith
• Lost daughter Grace to spinal muscular atrophy, experienced multiple miscarriages
• Miraculously adopted daughter Hope just nine months after losing Grace
• Recently welcomed mother-in-law into their home at age 88
• Passionate about small groups and discipling young believers
• Lives by Isaiah 50:4, speaking words of encouragement to the weary

If you're looking for a church in the Austin area or want to watch services online, check out Shoreline Church at shoreline.net.

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Michael Walt shares his incredible journey from South Africa to Austin, Texas, where he and his family are preparing to join Shoreline Church in full-time ministry. His story reveals how God's divine timing and unexpected open doors have confirmed their calling to uproot their lives for ministry across continents.

• Grew up in a small South African town where his youth leader inspired his passion for ministry
• Built carbon fiber sailing catamarans in the coastal town of Knysna while developing his technical skills
• Received an unexpected text invitation to return to full-time ministry at Shoreline Church
• Now works remotely with Shoreline's online ministry team while awaiting permanent relocation
• Experienced miraculous visa approvals and confirmations that validated their decision to move
• Learned that God only illuminates the next step of faith—you must start walking to see what follows
• Currently preparing to relocate with his wife and twin 10-year-old sons to Austin by August

Keep the faith and join us for more sidewalk conversations as we explore the intersection of faith and life together.

Learn more about our amazing sponsor Shoreline Church.

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Mike Orenstein shares his journey from military kid to recovery ministry leader, revealing how his unique background prepared him to connect with people across different backgrounds and help them find healing. His candid discussion of personal struggles with addiction and family crisis demonstrates how vulnerability becomes strength when used to help others overcome similar challenges.

• Early life as a military child provided unique perspective on being an outsider and adapting to different cultures
• Ability to connect with diverse groups of people became foundation for ministry work
• Open discussion about overcoming pornography addiction and the importance of accountability
• Breaking the silence around addiction: "You're only as sick as your secrets"
• How the church community rallied when his son was incarcerated
• Navigating marriage during family crisis and being there for each other
• Perspectives on the church's strengths in ministry and challenges with structure
• Personal mission to "heal the brokenhearted and proclaim liberty for captives"
• Passing down protective nature and service mindset to his children
• The essential role of authentic community before crisis strikes

If you're looking to buy or sell a home in the Austin area or Lake LBJ properties, contact our sponsor Carol Van Waarde for skilled and personable real estate service.

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Valerie shares her powerful journey from growing up on a Texas farm to finding redemption through adoption and learning to listen to God's voice in unexpected ways.

• Lived on a small farm in Texas for the first 17 years of her life
• Found healing and family when adopted by a childless couple from her church
• Stepped down from youth ministry after 10+ years when God clearly said it was time
• Became a full-time caregiver for her mother-in-law during her final seven weeks
• Learned that "good doesn't always mean right" when discerning God's will
• Discovered the challenge and blessing of "being still" as an extrovert who thrives on connection
• Encourages adults to listen to youth perspectives and take their spiritual suggestions seriously
• Finds purpose in obedience even when it means waiting without clear direction

"Can I have some type of direction? Like this way, that way?" God's answer: "Be still... Wait."

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Natalie shares her journey from skeptical teen to passionate social media manager and youth leader at Shoreline Church, revealing how God met her in her darkest moments and transformed her life.

• Finding faith during COVID through a devotional book found in a junk drawer
• Building and leading a social media ministry team at Shoreline Church
• Using technology and social media to share the gospel and invite people into church
• Working with middle school students and addressing their questions about faith, identity, and self-control
• The importance of authenticity in reaching the next generation
• How modern church environments can eliminate barriers between everyday life and spiritual experience
• Discovering ministry as a calling despite initial resistance
• Balancing the positive potential and pitfalls of social media in ministry
• Finding fulfillment in caring for people beyond technical responsibilities

If you're looking for a church in the Austin area, we encourage you to check out Shoreline Church. Services are also available online if you'd like to join from afar.

Learn more about Shoreline Church.

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