Simply Stories Podcast

Today we have on the powerhouse author, speaker and writing coach Ally Fallon. Ally shares what her and her family’s covid experience has been like, bringing a baby into the world, living in California with the wildfires AND a pandemic and where her heart has been pulled in that season. 

When Ally and I had this conversation back in the first of December, I felt like we were having a strategy session for how to approach 2021. So. Much. has happened since that day, including Ally and her family moving across the country, releasing her new book The Power of Writing it Down, but obviously so much has happened within the American climate, and as a globe we continue to walk out the pandemic, work through the vaccination journey, variants, and just… honestly grappling with the fact that we’ve been at this for a year now. 

With all that being said, I feel like this conversation is really timely for a couple of reasons:

1. We spend the first half of the conversation talking about how we have changed, for better or for worse, and how we have a choice to do something with that change as we fight forward. 
2. We spend the second half of this conversation talking through one big shift that took place in both of us this year, and that’s how we engage the conversation of race, what it looks like to lament and learn, and process what it looks like to be a white ally for our Black brothers and sisters. 

Because Alli is a coach, her new book, and pieces of its insights that she shares today are packed with practical takeaways for how to actually bring about life and thought change. It's TRULY fascinating, and I love that she walks us through how to apply that process in this episode. I love her encouragement, her honestly, and also her practical way of trying to invite people into a journey of hard work, by pulling back the layers and start small. There is such potential for resurrected life no matter where you are. No matter your heartbreak, your grief, the good you’ve seen, the hard you’ve been in, ALL of it carries possibility for transformation and being more alive on the other side of this season than you were going in it. 

Connecting with Ally: 

Her Books

Instagram

Facebook

Her most recent release: The Power of Writing it Down

Episode Sponsor: Hopefuel

Use the code SIMPLY15 for 15% off your purchase!

Instagram

Facebook

Our official link for shopping with Hopefuel (thank you for supporting them AND the podcast!) 

References:

California fires 2020

“Is He Worthy” by Andrew Peterson


Indestructible by Ally Fallon

George Floyd

Ahmaud Arbery

Fighting Forward- Hannah Brencher (you can also hear our conversation here)

Enneagram 2

“Jingle, Jangle”

Cognitive behavior therapy

Ta-Nehisi Coates

White Fragility: Why Its So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo


I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown

How to Be Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi

Stamped From the Beginning : The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi

Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation by Latasha Morrson

Be The Bridge program

Colorfull, Thoughtfull, and Gracefull - Dorena Williamson

Anti-Racist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History  by Vashti Harrison

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry (and illustrated by Vashti Harrison!)

“Hair Love” the short film and their Oscar acceptance speech

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants : Robin Wall Kimmerer

Onondaga Nation

Jane Kirkpatrick’s new book :: There’s not a release date on this yet, but you can hear Jane discuss it on our podcast episode as well as other Native American relations, struggles, and etc.

Native American Boarding Schools  

Columbus and our whitewashed perception of his “discovery”

The complicated process of voting as a Native American in the U.S. and also here, and here 

Find Your Voice :: Grow Write

Additional Resources:

I wrote a blog this summer that features voices that I would strongly recommend following to learn from, more books (may I particularly point to Jemar Tisby’s book The Color of Compromise and the corresponding Bible Study), and resources to work through the conversation of race, the Church, and how white people can see more clearly. 

Scripture References:

Genesis 2:4- 3:24- We were made for life in the garden

Ephesians 5:8-17-“Wake up, oh sleeper”

1 John 1:9, Acts 3:19, James 4:8, Joel 2:13, Revelation 3:19- Repentance

Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 , Acts 10:  in particular, and then verses on unity AND diversity 

Acts 8, 9, -Paul going from someone who protected Judaism at all costs, to experiencing deep change, and becoming a champion of the Gospel

Romans 12:2- The transforming by the renewal of your mind

Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog 

*Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Today is such a fun moment for me on the podcast because I got to have on one of my precious friends Kelsey Chapman. Kelsey is an entrepreneur, podcast host, dream coach and as of February 9th, an author!!!  Many years ago, I had the honor and blessing of being Kelsey’s Young Life leader when she was in high school. We talk in our conversation about our story of how we got to know one another, but what it was like for me to be a mentor in her life and what it was like for Kelsey on the receiving end and how important mentorship became to her and her journey. Her book is called What They Taught Me, and she dives into the various lessons she has learned from mentors from over the years and why this kind of role is so important to have present in your life, but it may not look like what you expect it to. 

It was such a surreal moment to spend time with Kelsey knowing we’re launching her book, not just hanging out because that’s what we do, but it was also that too lol. But I hope that this conversation was an encouragement to you as you try to navigate relational connection. The need you feel for it is real.

Mentorship, formal or informal, is sacred work that gets overlooked, and ultimately, it's just being present in someone’s life where they are, as they are. Is that something that you need in your life? If so, what might it look like for you to pursue it? And in that same vein, is there someone in your life that you can tell needs someone to love on them? What might that look like? One thing that could help either way is picking up a copy of Kelsey’s book. What They Taught Me. She does such a great job laying out the various types of mentor relationships, and she even shares some instances were the relationship kind of went sideways! And the way the Lord uses all of it. I’m so stinking proud of her so I’m going to obviously promote it like crazy, BUT I also truly hope that her work opens up opportunities and maybe takes down some walls for people who have been hesitant to pursue a mentor, or answer the call to mentor someone else.

So check out Kelsey’s book, follow her on all the socials and we’d love to hear if you decide to take a step towards developing mentor relationships in your life! It's worth it to have people come alongside you in your life, and it will be worth so much for you to do the same with someone else. It matters. You matter. Your story matters.

Connecting with Kelsey:

Instagram 

Facebook

Podcast

Website and Book Info

Episode Sponsor: Hopefuel

Use the code SIMPLY15 for 15% off your purchase!

Instagram

Facebook

Our official link for shopping with Hopefuel (thank you for supporting them AND the podcast!)

*Other podcast episodes where she’s shared her business journey

Pep Talks for Side Hustles

Surviving Sarah

Wit & Wire

Your Content Empire

References:

Young Life

Codependent No More

What They Taught Me: Recognizing the Mentors Who Will Take You From Dream to Done

Be the Bridge

Latasha Morrison’s book Be The Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation 

“Just Mercy”- the movie and the book by Bryan Stevenson

Radiant Community

Dream to Done Course

Chili’s molten lava cake

Enneagram 7 

“PIVOT!” for our “Friends” lovers 

“Peripety” 

Beth Moore’s “Esther” study

Scripture References:

Matthew 28:16-20- The Great Commission

Luke 19:1-10 -Zacchaeus

John 14- The Holy Spirit can uniquely equip

John 8:2-11- We see Jesus on the steps of the synagogue

Matthew 5-7- We see Jesus on a hillside

Mark 4- We see Jesus on a boat

Mark 5:21-43, John 4, John 8:26-39 and Mark 5:1-20- (to name a few) - We see Jesus investing in the lives of people, and listening to stories

Psalm 90:12- Grant to me a heart of wisdom 

Esther 2- Esther becomes queen, her such a time as this moment (Esther 4:14)

1 Corinthians 12- The body of Christ needs all its parts

Jeremiah 29:13- When you seek Him you will find Him. 

Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog 

*Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Today I’m chatting with author, TED speaker, and educator Hannah Brencher. Hannah is passionate about working through the dark woods of anxiety and depression and fighting forward towards the light, and that is what her latest book Fighting Forward Your Nitty-Gritty Guide to Beating the Lies That Hold You Back is all about.  

We talk today about her journey of saying yes to Jesus and still struggling with mental health and how that may look in the life of a believer. We also talk about spiritual oppression and warfare, the funky things good-intentioned Christians say or do that doesn’t really help with this struggle, and how we could respond differently and more intentionally when we’re struggling and when we’re walking with others that are struggling. I mean. We go deep and wide, and I loved chatting with her and I’m so grateful for her voice. 

Mental health work is not one size fits all, it's as unique as you are. And while prayer is part of the remedy, depression is a disease that needs healing in the physical and the spiritual places. So what might it look like for you to fight forward? Is it helpful for you to look back on what’s happened this last year and see where things have been transformed for the better? What does the counterfeit voice in your life sound like? These are some of the questions we discuss and her book talks about and more.  

I love that Hannah said: “Depression is not who I am, but it is what I face” and that can be true for so many other things people are struggling with currently. Whatever that looks like for you, it's not who you are, it's what you are facing. And the Lord is with you in it. He doesn’t ask for perfection, He just asks us not to give up. This is not how your story ends. You matter. Your story matters.

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Connecting with Hannah:

Instagram

Facebook

Website

Books

More Love Letters CampaignHannah’s Ted Talk

Episode Sponsor: Hopefuel

Use the code SIMPLY15 for 15% off your purchase!

Instagram

Facebook

Our official link for shopping with Hopefuel (thank you for supporting them AND the podcast!) 

References:

Hannah’s most recent book Fighting Forward: Your Nitty-Gritty Guide to Beating the Lies That Hold You Back

Serotonin levels and depression

The effect of vitamin D levels and depression

“Inside Out”

“Hope is a song in a weary throat.”- Rev Pauli Murray

To Write Love On Her Arms

I’ll hold you in the light- Quaker Tradition  

For more mental health insights, see my episode with licensed therapist Lauren Ruth Martin, LPC-MHSP, and also take a listen to her podcast, A Novel Life!

Scripture References:

Colossians 1:17- It's not on me to hold it all together

Genesis 2-3- We weren’t made to know death

Revelation 22:1-3-One day we’ll be in another garden

2 Corinthians 10:5- Take thoughts captive

Hebrews 12:1-3- Throw off everything that hinders you

2 Corinthians 12- Thorn in my flesh

Luke 10:27- Love the Lord your God with all your heart mind, soul and strength

1 Timothy 4:14, 1 Corinthians 12- Called to share our gifts

Ephesians 6:10-18,and a lot more great verses this article: Spiritual warfare

The book of Jeremiah

Matthew 28:19, Jude 20-21 - The Trinity has 3 people in it

Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2 -Christmas story in scripture

Ezekiel 37:1-14- Ezekiel seeing the valley of the dry bones

Psalm 121:8, Hebrews 13:8- God can see here, now and forevermore

1 Corinthians 9:24, Philippians 3:14, 2 Timothy 4:7-8-  We’ve got one race

Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog 

*Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Today, I’m chatting with Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs. Todd is the host of Voice of the Martyrs radio, which shares stories of persecuted Christians all around the world. 2020 marked 20 years since VOM released their book Jesus Freaks: Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus, the Ultimate Jesus Freaks. This modern book of martyrs pays tribute to the persecution and sacrifices that our brothers and sisters in Christ have faced and made for centuries, and now they are releasing an updated version! Todd also shares his story of growing up as the son of missionaries in New Guinea, and how God used that opportunity to shape him for his role at Voice of the Martyrs. 

You guys the work of VOM is absolutely incredible, and Todd shares how it got started, the work they continue to do now, and that they share these stories of facing persecution around the world in order to garner sympathy, but to share how God is moving in and through what they are experiencing.It shows how sold out for Jesus these true Jesus freaks are, where they are willing to carry their cross and follow Christ because God has used persecution, isolation and suffering to grow the Church and reconcile broken things and people to Himself. 

We also wade some murky waters about how Americans in particular view persecution, how it is different than experiencing suffering, and how unfortunately blind we can be to the activity of God because so much of our needs are accessible and easily addressable. No part of that is to shame anyone, but I think there is much for each of us to learn from our brothers and sisters that don’t get the opportunity to live in such a way, and how their love for God and their faith can and should impact the way we live.And y’all, be sure and MAKE IT TO THE END for a job dropping story. Shew. It's so powerful.

Listen, I know that these first days of 2021 have been more loaded than Todd or I could have ever dreamed possible when we talked in October, but do you know who knew? God knew. No matter where you, what you’re experiencing, you are a part of the family of God. Keep the eternal perspective, God is always working, and sometimes we see Him most powerfully when it seems like things are falling apart. And. The more outside forces push us, the more we we turn to Christ and cling to Him, and that is the most precious gift of all. You matter, friend. Your story matters.

Sponsor Info: Tony Crabtree Homes with Exit RealtyFacebookInstagramYouTube Website

Connecting with Todd and VOMInstagramFacebookVOM RadioThe new Jesus Freaks bookFree magazine sign up!

Resources:-The Voice of the Martyrs’ Jesus Freaks book (the first one!) 

-”Jesus Freaks” by D.C. Talk 

-Papua, New Guinea

-Jesus Film Project

-leper colony in Senegal

-the founders of VOM - Pastor Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand

-Sissy Goff and her drama meter

-The Islamic Republic of Iran and the growth of the Church 

-Dr. Michael Heiser’s episode with us 

-Hannelie Groenewald, the loss of her family

-Pastor Wang Yi in prison in China

-VOM’s prayer resources 

-VOM’s app 

-VOM’s prayer calendar

-Write letters to those imprisoned for Christ 

-Tom Doyle on VOM talking about Muslims having dreams about Jesus

-Muslims have dreams of Jesus 

-Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

-Jim and Elisabeth Elliot

-Open Doors USA

Scripture References:

Psalm 91:14-16-He is there to grab onto Him and He wants us to 

Luke 10:27-love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength

John 15:18-25-the world hates me, so they will hate you

John 16:33-but take heart I have overcome the world 

Isaiah 53:3-Christ was acquainted with shame 

Matthew 16:18-the gates of hell will not withstand the Church

Isaiah 14:27-nothing and no one can stop the Lord 

Romans 5:3-5-the good that God can bring during trials 

Revelation 19:16 -He is the King of Kings and the Lord or Lords

John 14:15-21:25- Jesus is in His Father, the world is evil and needs a Helper

Acts 11:19-26--they fled Jerusalem and went to Antioch 

James 1:2- consider it joy brothers when you endure trials

1 Peter 5:8-the Lion seeks to devour

Matthew 13:42, John 10:10, and more -Jesus talks about Hell and spiritual darkness

Luke 22:31-We are sifted like wheat

1 Corinthians 15:23--Jesus is coming back 

Ephesians 4:7 / 2 Corinthians 9:8-God gives us the grace we need when we need it 

2 Timothy 1:7-we are not called to live in a spirit of fear

Matthew 6:34-we take each day as its own

Isaiah 61:3-beauty from the ashes 

Phillippians 3:10-the fellowship of Christ’s suffering

Hebrews 13:3-remember those in bonds as though we are in bondage with them 

Philippians 3:8, Jude 1:25, Revelation 5:13, -Jesus is worth every sacrifice

Ephesians 6:16-lock shields of faith

Ephesians 6:11-stand firm   

Hebrews 12:2-we have a call to fix our eyes on Jesus 

Romans 12:2-our minds are transformed 

Philippians 3:14-Jesus had his eyes fixed on the prize

John 1:1-”In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God”

John 1:14-I Am the Word made flesh

Romans 8:3-4-”He is the fulfillment of the Law”

A LOT of Acts, one example- Acts 17-Paul would come to the Jewish people first

Psalm 107:2-”let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story”

Genesis 37 -Joseph's story

Luke 12:35-Keep your lamps trimmed and burning

--

Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog 

*Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

H.R. Hutzel and I had this conversation months ago, but felt the Lord’s leading for it to air now.  Supernatural fantasy author Heather Hutzel, is a woman who loves the Lord, His word, and invites others into the greatest story ever told through her unique and powerful storytelling. Heather and I talk about how we process the world around us, the spiritual warfare happening, all the time and our role in our stories. 

In Heather’s novels, she asks the question: would it look like to package the Gospel inside of a story that sweeps the reader into an epic tale of identity, purpose, gifting and our role in the battle between good and evil? How do we as people of the here and now, but also of the Kingdom to come, define “good” and how does the Lord define “good?” When that comes to light, it asks more questions like: Who is our real enemy? What does it look like to fight a supernatural entity instead of one another? And honestly, that’s what we’re living right now. We kind of joke around here about what sort of plot twist might happen next, but the gift of the Gospel is that it is 100% true and no plot twist changes its life saving power. We serve an incredible and unconquerable King, and each of us have a role to play here. Can He win this war without us? He already has. But He invites us into His family, and gives us a unique opportunity to be part of His amazing work in this world, and hope for the future. 

This conversation brings up unique and timely questions like: How do we view the activity of God? Do we process life from an eternal perspective? Are we fighting with flesh and blood instead of the real enemy? Where is God calling me in this place where I am right now to pursue HIM, and what is my role in the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven? So much to think about. 

Wherever you are today friend, no matter how chaotic it all feels, don’t lose hope. This is not how it all ends, and He will NEVER leave us in it. You matter. Your story matters. 

You can connect with Heather, on her website, where you can download chapter samples and even an entire book for free!

Sponsor: Hope Fueled

See their website for products and ordering here.  

Use the code SIMPLY15 for 15% off your purchase!

Facebook

Instagram

References:

-The audio book of Anointed : BethEl Book 1

-Anointed : BethEl Book 1

-Chronicles of Narnia audiobook from the C.S. Lewis Foundation

-Dr. Mike Heiser (our episode and his books)

-Dr. Heiser’s book on the Gospel in “Stranger Things”

-Harry Potter

-Hunger Games

-Shawn Smucker - (our episode, and his books)

-“Yahweh”- the Lord

-Lord of the Rings

-Witness :: BethEl Book 2

-Dr. Bryan Litfin’s book The Conqueror - our conversation on the podcast

-Rachelle Dekker’s Nine - our conversation on the podcast

-“Moana” - the moment where Tafiti gives her her heart back

-the tribal greetings of placing foreheads together is called the 'Hongi.” It is a traditional Maori greeting in New Zealand used by the Maori people. 

-The Pilgrim’s Progress

-do not bear the Lord’s name in vain- Heiser’s thought

-Jehovah’s Witness beliefs 

-Phil Herndon and my’s conversation where we talk about how the Bible means what it means

-The Shack by Wiliam Paul Young

Scripture References:

Revelation 1:8 and 22:13 -The Alpha the Omega, the beginning and the end

1 Corinthians 12 -spiritual giftings

-Joshua 24:14-15-the point of knowing whom you serve

-Ephesians 6:12-we’re not at war with flesh and blood

-Psalm 130:6-the longing for the Lord

-2 Corinthians 5:2- the longing for Heaven

-Matthew 6:10-His kingdom come // on earth as it is in Heaven

-Romans 12:5-, Galatians 6:10, 1 John 3:1-2, Ephesians 2:19 - we are all part of the family of God

-1 Corinthians 12:27- we need every part of the body of Christ

-Revelation 7:9-17- every tribe and nation

-1 Corinthians 13:12- we now see in a mirror

-Mark 4:35-41-the storm has been calmed

-there are a lot of things about unity in scripture

-Mark 12:17- give to Caesars what is Caesar's 

-Luke 10:27-love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself

-John 16:12-15-letting the Holy Spirit do its work

-1 Corinthians 8- if something is going to trip up another believer don’t push it

-Hebrews 12:1-3-throw off everything that hinders

-Exodus 20:7- do not take the Lord’s name in vain 

-Ephesians 5:15- be careful then how you live, not as unwise, but as wise

-John 17, particularly 17:6- the name/glory of God is revealed in Jesus 

-Jesus’ “I Am” statements - the bread of life (John 6:25-29), the resurrection and the life (John 11:25), the way, truth and the life (John 14:6), the true vine (John 15:1), the good shepherd (John 10:11-18), the door/gate (John 10:9), the Light of the world (John 8:12)

-Matthew 13:55, Isaiah 53:2- Jesus was not who people expected Him to be 

-Genesis 1:27- We’re made in the image of God

-1 John 4:7-21- God is love

-Matthew 28:16-20-The Great Commission

-Ephesians 2:10-wholly loved masterpieces

-2 Corinthians 4:7-9-a jar of clay

-Philippians 1:6, Isaiah 30:18 (MSG)-  He is not finished with us

Connecting with Heather:

H.R. Hutzel Books

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Website

Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog 

*Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Friends, it's wild to bring this episode to you today, because my guest Dr. Bryan Litfin and I recorded it months ago, but I was certain, even then, that it would need to be released today. When I was working on it, I knew it was timely, but today, as I bring it to you, I am so sure we need to talk about where we’ve been to speak to where we are. Dr. Bryan is a specialist in Church history. He’s a theologian, a professor at Moody Bible Institute, as well as an editor and copywriter for Moody Publishers, AND he’s an author of some scholarly non-fiction books as well as historical fiction books. The history of the Church as a follower of Christ, is our family legacy and it has informed our present and has much to teach us, warn us, and encourage us. Especially today when there are people who have chosen to wave the banner of Christ over their own agenda. When we look back on what has happened, not just in scripture, but for hundreds of years after until present day, we see the activity of God, the preservation of His Church, and the sin, the attempted destruction, the repentance, the renewal and restoration of His people over and over and over again. Not because of them, but because of the power of Christ and the Light of the Gospel inside of them. 

Today, I want to invite you to sit down with a couple of friends who have lived a LOT of life together as we talk about life in the year of our Lord 2020. One of my dearest friends Lauren Venable is with me today, and she has such a beautiful gift of encouragement, a love for God’s Word, fiery red-headed passion for life and you’re just going to love her. 

There’s a LOT of loud laughing, and a lot of looking back on what we’ve been through, and what we’ve learned, and even though we may come out of this year with a limp, we can keep moving forward with hope. My greatest wish is that wherever this episode of the podcast finds you, I hope that you can feel encouraged, and  that you would take this moment to look up and feel that you are alive. 

In this conversation Lauren asks a poignant question: are we living like we still have some story in us? It doesn’t matter where you ponder that from. Your couch, the ER waiting room, your car, the bathroom floor, do we believe that the story isn't over? I know that there will still be low points. I know that there are low MONTHS, but dear one, the Lord is not unfamiliar with this kind of experience, and that is why He came to be our peace no matter what is happening all around us. 

Even if it feels broken, let out your hallelujah that by His help you’ve come this far. 

Happy New Year, friends. You matter. Your story matters. 

*References:

-the Nashville Christmas Day bombing

-whipped coffee recipe

-enneagram 2

-Hannah Brencher : Fighting Forward

-Eryn Eddy : So Worth Loving

-Alli Worthing: Standing Strong

-The stages of grief

-Tyra Banks “We were rooting for you!”

-How to smize with Tyra Banks (pandemic edition)

-Alli Worthington (my conversation with her) and her book Standing Strong

-Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith- my conversation with her and her fantastic book Sacred Rest

-The Bible Handbook from Daily Grace Co 

- “Is he safe? Of course he isn’t safe, but He’s good. He’s the King I tell ya.” -CS Lewis

-The Chronicles of Narnia- CS Lewis 

-Advent in Narnia - Heidi Haverkamp

-Quaker tradition of “I will hold you in the light.” 

*Scripture References:

-Genesis 32:22-32- Jacob wrestled with God and walked away with a limp

-Philippians 4:6- Do not be anxious about anything

-1 Corinthians 15:58- nothing is wasted 

-the 12 tribes of Israel from Jacob (the younger brother who lies, steals, and acts like an idiot). The whole story of Jacob’s life starts in Genesis 25:19 and goes allll the way until Genesis 50. Starting at chapter 37, his sons take the stage, but he’s still there. (25 chapters of Jacob.)

-2 Samuel 11- King David

-The book of Ruth -- (also, here’s our conversation about it AND a reading of it :))

-Genesis 5:32-10:1- Noah

-Luke 22:54-62, Matthew 14:22-33, John 18:10, Acts 10-  Peter’s mess (to name a few)

-Acts 7:54-8:2, and Acts 9 - Paul’s mess 

-Revelation 21:4- In Heaven there will be no more death, sickness, tears, etc.

-Matthew 6:9-13- The Lord’s prayer says “on earth as it is in Heaven”

-Psalm 130:6- more than watchmen wait for the morning 

-Psalm 34:18- The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

-2 Corinthians 10:5- take every thought captive

-Matthew 5:6, John 4:14, John 7:37-38,  John 6:25-59, -What do I hunger and thirst for?

-Revelation 19:6-10- You have a seat at the feast of the Lamb

-Proverbs 31 woman (Proverbs 31:10-31 -- this is actually an acrostic blessing, but that’s another podcast for another day)

-Psalm 27:13- Let me see the good in the land of the living

-Matthew 28:19-20, Ephesians 4:1-  We are called to go and do and be

-2 Corinthians 12:7-10-thorn in our flesh

-2 Corinthians 4:7-10 (AMP) and (TPT) - jars of clay

-John 16:33-In this world you will have trouble

-Isaiah 40:3, Luke 1:17- John the Baptist heralding the coming of Christ

-Colossians 1:17-He still holds all things together

-Romans 8:31-39, 2 Timothy 1:10, Isaiah 25:8, Hebrews 2:14-15, - We are not defeated in death

-James 1:2-3-Count it all joy 

-But I will look to the Lord, I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. Micah 7:7

-For He has rescued us and has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness and has transferred us to the Kingdom is His beloved Son. Colossians 1:13

-Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God’s. Colossians 3:1

-But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith, and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. - Jude 1:20-24 

-Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God (the whole Psalm for context)

-Ephesians 3:14-19 (what I read in the outro, the NLT)

*More Scriptures I’ve treasured:

-Jeremiah 10:10,12

-Psalm 61 and 63

Connecting with Lauren:

Instagram

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*Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Merry Christmas Eve, friends! Today, one of my dearest friends in the whole world, Katie Covert and I invite you to open your eyes and hearts to a fresh perspective into the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and all the incredible events surrounding Jesus’ birth. We are women who value a God of the details, and Katie shares powerful and beautiful insight into the history, as well as just humanizing the story of Jesus’ arrival. This was, from all human perspectives, a mess made for Lifetime. Unplanned teenage pregnancy, talk of divorce, risk of the death penalty, a murder plot and more. But some of the messiest pieces of this narrative are the parts that mark the fulfillment of God’s promises. Prophecy after prophecy is fulfilled in bursting technicolor, but like much with the Lord, hearing about the activity of God, and living in the thick of it are two completely different things. 

And if that’s not a picture of how to approach the end of this insane year, I don’t know what is. We are a people in desperate need of faith like Mary’s: unreasonable, audacious, and completely trusting that the God of the universe will keep His Word, and how it plays out in the middle is worth it in the end. But it is also OK that many of us (Katie and I included) to be in spaces of “if this is how God’s faithfulness feels, if being favored puts me in a situation that could get me killed, how do we hold on to our faith that He will be good and trustworthy no matter how it plays out?”

Life is messy, that’s not fatalistic, it's just true. The world is broken, and Jesus was born into a messy slice of broken. But God’s faithfulness, His kindness, His provision and His very presence was magnified the deeper they pressed into the mess. God is large enough to oversee the supremacy of time and prophecy fulfilled and small enough to care about the minute details of long broken hearts and barren wombs. This story carries His magnitude and His intentionality. What a word of hope to a weary world. 

Slight sidebar, we also make a case for the first person to have a filling of the Holy Spirit and speaking from its source in the New Testament being a woman. Which is fascinating. Women carried and proclaimed His presence into the world, and then declared His risen return. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

After this year, none of us are the same, but that doesn’t mean that God has changed, and there is so much more for us to see so that we can trust Him more. Merry Christmas, friend. You matter. Your story matters. 

*Our Advent series intro music is by Chris & Stephanie Teauge of Out of the Dust. We’re so grateful for their generosity in allowing us to share their song “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” Listen on Spotify to the rest of this song and the remainder of their Christmas EP here.

*Outro music is from audionautix.com

Connect with Katie::

Katie’s Blog

Instagram 

LW InstagramArmor Up, Warrior PrincessAUWP Instagram

Little Women at Cedar Run

References:

Frontier Ranch 

Gilmore Girls

“God means what He says even when it feels like bad news.”- Beth Moore

Enneagram 5

Giddy Up, Eunice- Sophie Hudson

Family arrangement for marriage / Jewish betrothal and contract

Divorce during betrothal would have implied adultery = stoning

Kataluma - potentially a guestroom with the animals, or a cave under a house

Swaddling clothes for lambs // Tower of the Flock and Here

Say Something- Lorelai watching herself on “Gilmore Girls” 

“Is He Worthy”- Andrew Peterson

Tony Evans quote “faith is acting like God is telling the Truth”

Beth Moore talk at the Passion Conference on risking it all for the Gospel

God say something! (Love Andrew Peterson’s song “Deliver Us” to echo this)

Scripture References:

Titus 2

Judges 6:36-40- Put out a fleece for the Lord 

Luke 2:19 // Luke 2:51- But Mary treasured up all these things 

Isaiah 7:14- Prophecy:: a virgin would give birth to a Savior

Psalm 132: 11 / 2 Samuel 7:12-16 / 1 Chronicles 17:13-  Prophecy :: He would be descendant of David

Isaiah 40:3-5 / Malachi 3:1 - Prophecy :: That there would be a forerunner

Isaiah 9:1-7 / Luke 1:26-36 / Luke 1:47-55-  Prophecy :: That He would be called the Son of God

Micah 5:2- Prophecy :: That it would all happen in Bethlehem 

Luke 1:26-38- The angel’s conversation with Mary

Luke 1:34-38-Mary’s response

Luke 1:5-25- Zechariah’s encounter with an angel

Judges 6- Gideon 

Joshua 3:1-5:12- Going into the Promised Land

Luke 1:37 - “The word of God will never fail”

Joshua 21:45 / Jeremiah 1:12 / Lamentations 2:17 -  God keeps His promises 

Luke 1:26-66 - Elizabeth and Mary 

Luke 1:7- Elizabeth had been barren 

Psalm 16:6- The boundary stones have fallen for me in pleasant places

Colossians 3:15- Let peace hold you together

Exodus 20:21- The people stood far off while Moses drew near to the darkness 

Matthew 2:1-12-The wise men come

Matthew 2:13-18- Joseph’s response to the angel and going to Egypt

Matthew 2:19-23- Joseph’s response to the angel and leaving Egypt

Philippians 1:6- God will complete the work He began

Genesis 29: Leah and Rachel 

Genesis 35- Where Rachel dies, at Tower of Migdal Eder

Micah 4:8- “As for you, watchtower of the flock, stronghold of Daughter Zion, the former dominion will be restored to you; kingship will come to Daughter Jerusalem.” 

Matthew 1- Lineage of Jacob, Rachel, Boaz, Ruth and David

Luke 2:12- Jesus was a spotless lamb, laying in a manger

Luke 2:8-20-The shepherds in the fields the angels appeared to

John 10:11-18 / Psalm 23 - The Good Shepherd

Isaiah 61:1-3-For His glory and our good

Matthew 1- The way His lineage of generations went back in certain numerical portions 

1 John 4:9-He sent His Son

Psalm 27:13-14-What would have become of me had I not believed

Romans 8:22- The groaning and the longing is part of the birth

Psalm 130:6- More than watchmen wait for the morning

Luke 2:22-38- Anna and Simeon

Ruth and Boaz (here’s an episode where we share more about them!) 

Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog 

In this episode, we’re continuing our journey of unpacking the lives of the people in the Christmas story, and I’m talking with my friend, fellow word lover and podcaster, David Wilkinson. David and I just dive head first into what the Bible shares with us about Joseph, his radical obedience, and mind blowing faith, but we also talk through how it all potentially could have gone down, based on cultural context and just being a human, and a new Dad. There were so many potential ripple effects of his and Mary’s choice to believe God, but the Light of the World came into a chaotic world and that is really good and encouraging news for us. When we miss how crazy and chaotic that moment of His entrance was, we miss how relatable this story is. Jesus didn’t just come to bring relief to a dry and weary land, He came to conquer the grip of death on it and redeem us once and for all. 

Friends, I want to tell you something. I don’t want to beat a dead horse, but I want you to know that I know this year has been hard. Maybe it was hard before the pandemic even began, and you know I can feel that. But I want you to hear me, as risky as it is to believe that there is goodness and peace to be found here. It is possible in Christ. 

Maybe your vision of Him has been shaken.

Maybe you’ve never really thought about Him being hard to follow before. 

Maybe you’ve never wanted to follow Him before, but you’ve got nothing left to lose. 

He. Is. Worth. It. The people in this story, which isn’t just a story, it's our HISTORY. It's just as true as the events we read about in history books. The risks they took, had life altering choices involved. Life and death decisions on the line. And it wasn’t all tied in a bow, but the presence of God broke into their chaos and His peace, His presence, His joy was the gift. Don’t shy away from the hard stuff, look for the activity of God in it. You are not too much for Him. Take heart and remember He can see past the shadows of this chaotic season. 

*Our Advent series intro music is by Chris & Stephanie Teauge of Out of the Dust. We’re so grateful for their generosity in allowing us to share their song “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” Listen on Spotify to the rest of this song and the remainder of their Christmas EP here.

*Sponsor and Outro music is from audionautix.com

*This episode was sponsored by : Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Listeners can go to www.crabtreehomestn.com to connect with Tony, and also connect with him for advice and current trends on his social media:Facebook.com/tonycrabtreehomes instagram.com/tonycrabtreehomes youtube.com/c/tonyteaches

*References:

-our reading of Ruth episode

-our reading of Esther episode

-Fellowship Bible Church

-wassail (what is it exactly?) lol :: Wikipedia says “Wassail is a beverage of hot mulled cider, drunk traditionally as an integral part of wassailing, a Medieval Christmastide English drinking ritual intended to ensure a good cider apple harvest the following year.” 

-Word Biblical Commentary :: If you are divorced within the betrothal, the automatic assumption was adulterer. Adultery’s punishment was stoning  

-After Dumbledore’s fall, and Professor McGonogall raises her light and the others follow

-Francine Rivers’ The Lineage of Grace series // Mary’s is called Unafraid

-Being a righteous man is not just about following the letter of the Law, its also about being a man of mercy and compassion. (From Bible Readers’ Companion)

*Scripture References:

Luke 1 - Zechariah’s story

Hebrews 6:18, 13:8- God is still who He says He is

Matthew 1 -Joseph’s story is mostly found here

-- angelic dream #1 (Matthew 1:20-23)

--angelic dream #2 (Matthew 2:13-15)

--angelic dream #3 (Matthew 2:19-21)

--”is warned in a dream”- doesn’t specifically say from an angel, but Divine intervention/direction was involved! (Matthew 2:22-23)

Luke 1:26-38- Mary’s angelic encounter

Matthew 1:1-17-Joseph’s lineage

Matthew 1:24-25 - Joseph takes Mary home

Luke 2:1-7 - they are still only betrothed 

John 10:10 / Hebrews 10:23/  Hebrew 12:12-13-Life with Christ is worth holding on to

Luke 1:45 - Blessed is she who believes the Lord will fulfill his promises to her. 

Luke 2:25-35-Simeon tells Mary He will pierce her soul (and reveal many hearts)

Psalm 127:3 - Children are an inheritance from the Lord 

Hebrews 12:2- For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross

Matthew 2:1-18- The Magi come to Herod, and then he fixes his eyes killing children 

John 8:12- He is the Light of the World

Isaiah 9:2 / John 1:5 / 2 Corinthians 4:6- He is the Light that pierced the darkness

John 1:14 /John 1:51/  John 10:30- He came fully God, and fully man

Psalm 16:11 / John 16:33 / John 3:16 / John 15:9-17 His presence brings joy, hope, peace, love

Philippians 1:6- He will complete the work He began

Luke 19:10 / Colossians 1:13-14- He came to restore

Romans 8:31-39-We are more than conquerors in Christ 

1 Corinthians 15:58- Nothing is wasted

Luke 2:8-20-The angels appear to the shepherds 

Luke 2: 25-38-They receive the word from Simeon and Anna at the Temple

Exodus 4:10- Moses wasn’t a good speaker

Judges 6:15- Gideon was the least in his family and his tribe

Matthew 5:13-18 / John 15:5 -Submitting to the fact that the light doesn’t come from us

Revelation 1:12-20 Lampstands of the churches holds the Light

2 Corinthians 5:20- We are the ambassadors of Christ

1 Corinthians 12 / Romans 11:29-31-He is using our gifts

2 Corinthians 12:9- His power is made perfect in His weakness

2 Corinthians 4:5-13- Jars of Clay

Isaiah 53:3- Jesus was the man of sorrows

John 11:30-44-Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus

Hebrews 4:15- He is able to sympathize with us

1 Corinthians 13:12- We now only see in a mirror dimly

Matthew 13:55 / Mark 6:3 Our King is a son of a carpenter

John 2: 1-11- Jesus’ miracle at the wedding at Cana

John 19:25-27 - Jesus’ care for his Mother while on the cross

Mark 3:20-35 / John 7:1-13- confrontation with Jesus’ siblings

Matthew 1:19- It says he was a righteous man

John 14:27- Jesus’ peace

Connecting with David:

Mana Media

Dad Matters Podcast

Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog

Today on the podcast, we’re continuing our Advent series of walking through some prominent people in the Christmas story today by chatting with one of my dearest friends Alicia Perry about Elizabeth. We talk all about friendship, motherhood, the activity of God, living with disappointment, about the hope that God has not forgotten you, and what we glean about all those things from the story of Elizabeth and so much more. 

You know, it's funny, when I felt God lead me to ask Alicia to come on the podcast and talk about Elizabeth, and this is true about every person I approached for this Advent series, I didn’t totally know why and then He began to just unfold it all in the sweetest way. In this case, I realized as I was talking with Alicia that we essentially are like an Elizabeth and a Mary in our own way. I am in no way the mother of the savior, but I am a younger woman who was given a relationship with a woman who further along in life to learn about God, about marriage, and Motherhood from and we have overflowed onto one another over and over again. 

In my Advent study I’m doing from At His Feet Studies, there was a section that said this: “We see God answer individual and corporate prayers of his people through the baby in Elizabeth’s womb. What does this tell us about God’s care and use of details in our stories for His glory?” and I just couldn’t help but think about the overflow. The answer to Elizabeth’s prayer impacted her, her marriage, her family, her community, and ultimately a nation all the way to you and I and the Church as we know it today. How incredible is that? That is the God we serve. That is a God who cares about His people individually, as a family of His children. What a gift. 

We have all walked through fire this last year in some form or another, and the activity of God in our lives, the exercising of our faith and how we share all of that with the people in our lives matters. It builds us up and helps us persevere. So, whether you are dealing with disappointment, or feeling forgotten, or suddenly faced with something new and overwhelming and you have many questions for God, keep going, friend. He hears you, and He has not forgotten you. You matter, your story matters. 

*Our Advent series intro music is by Chris & Stephanie Teauge of Out of the Dust. We’re so grateful for their generosity in allowing us to share their song “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” Listen on Spotify to the rest of this song and the remainder of their Christmas EP here.

*Sponsor and Outro music is from audionautix.com

*This episode was sponsored by : Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Listeners can go to www.crabtreehomestn.com to connect with Tony, and also connect with him for advice and current trends on his social media:Facebook.com/tonycrabtreehomes instagram.com/tonycrabtreehomes youtube.com/c/tonyteaches

References:

-Juvenile Type 1 Diabetes

-The Levites and how they were separated

-Gluten Free Great Value “Black and White” cookies (see also vanilla creme, which are currently in the cookie jar on our counter lol)- (not sponsored, just SOOOOOO good!)

-Gluten Free Red Lobster biscuit mix (not sponsored, just also SOOOOOO good!)

-Elizabeth means “oath of God”

-Conversation about Zechariah with Dr. Chris Williamson

-Mary’s age

-Israel in exile and then brought back (also see the books of Ezra and Nehemiah)

-the ark of God never returned to the Holy of Holies after the Babylonian invasion/captivity

Scripture References:

Luke 1- - Elizabeth and Zechariah, Mary

Hebrews 2:5-18-Jesus was fully God and fully human

Luke 1:15-John the Baptist was full of the Holy Spirit from birth

Luke 1:41-45 -Elizabeth’s declaration upon Mary’s arrival

Romans 8:26 / Romans 15:14-asking the Spirit to help her understand the words (Romans)

Genesis 16:1-15-There was surrogacy in the Old Testament 

Luke 1:18-25-Zechariah and his questions for the angel

Luke 1:26-38-Mary and her questions for the angel

Psalm 16:5-6-the boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places

Galatians 4:4-7-the fullness of time (Galatians)

Jeremiah 29:11-despite who we believe we are, God has something for us

Matthew 18:21-23-forgiveness when its hard

1 Thessalonians 5:11-encourage one another

Romans 8:11 / Ezekiel 36:27 / 1 Corinthians 3:16-The Holy Spirit dwells inside each of us

Luke 1:24-25-Elizabeth and her processing for 5 months of seclusion

Luke 1:37-for nothing will be impossible for God

1 Chronicles 24 / Numbers 3-The descendants of Aaron and their responsibilities

1 Peter 2:9-A holy priesthood

Luke 1:14-17-John the Baptist spent his whole life filled with the Holy Spirit

Matthew 18:11/ Matthew 20:28-Jesus was the Son of Man

Joel 2:25-the Lord will restore the years the locusts have eaten

1 Corinthians 2:13-the Holy Spirit ushers in wisdom and truth 

1 Corinthians 15:58 / Ephesians 6:11 -standing firm and confident in the Lord

Romans 12:6 / 1 Corinthians 12 -leaning into the gifts He has given us

2 Corinthians 3:18-working on being made more like Him

---

The Perry Family has made a few appearances on the podcast! Kevin and Karleigh helped me with the reading of Esther, and Kevin and I also got to talk about the history of Pentecost before our reading of Ruth.

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