We have a powerful new episode to share with you! This week, Doris Swift welcomes the incredible Mary DeMuth—author of over 50 books, literary agent, artist, podcaster, and global speaker—who shares her story and wisdom on finding freedom, healing, and joy through surrender.

Here’s what you’ll find in this inspiring conversation:

✨ The Freedom of Surrender Mary opens up about her latest devotional, The Freedom of Surrender: 40 Devotions for a Joyful Life in Christ. She shares how her journey with art, Lent, and letting go of daily struggles became a lifeline and ministry for others. Her artwork (featured throughout the book!) makes this devotional extra special.

Healing from Church Hurt and Trauma Mary connects deeply with listeners struggling with church hurt, grief, or past trauma. With practical encouragement, she reminds us that “an untold story never heals,” and offers her gentle approach to lament, processing pain with God, and finding safe spaces for healing.

Community & Connection Both Doris Swift and Mary DeMuth highlight how genuine community can be the remedy for pain received in broken relationships. For those feeling lonely or unseen, Mary shares hope and a prayer that God will bring needed friendships into your life.

✍️ For Writers and Creatives Are you a writer or aspiring author? Mary gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be represented by a literary agent and her journey writing across genres. If you’re interested in publishing, she offers a three-legged-stool framework: platform, writing ability, and unique ideas.

Bonus! Free Art for Your Soul Mary is generously offering free downloadable lock-screens featuring her original art from The Freedom of Surrender. Sign up for her email list at marydemuth.com/surrender to receive yours and find encouragement in your inbox.

Don’t Miss Out Whether you’re seeking healing, longing for joy, looking for creative inspiration, or simply needing to feel less alone, this episode will encourage your heart. And if you haven’t yet, check out Mary’s “Pray Every Day” podcast for daily scripture and prayer!

▶️ [Listen to the episode now] (insert your episode link here) ️ Grab your free art lock screens here

Let us know what touched your heart most—we love to hear from you! Stay tuned for more faith-filled encouragement, and remember: your story matters and you are never alone.

Mary loves Jesus. And really that’s the most important thing about her. It’s not writing or speaking or praying or mommying or any other -ing you can find. She flat out loves Him. Why? Because he has utterly, truly, completely re-storied her. 

She has three adult children, and she’s been married to Patrick for 33 years no

Could you live with greater spiritual vitality?

In today's episode, host Tina Yeager sits down with her longtime friend and Bible study expert, Kathy Howard. Together, they dive into the essentials of spiritual vitality—why it matters, and how we can move from spiritual dryness to vibrant connection with God.

With over 30 years of experience, Kathy Howard shares her personal journey from spiritual deserts to seasons of growth, unpacking the vital role of engaging with Scripture—both individually and in community. You'll learn why our faith was never meant to be kept private, how being rooted in God transforms all our relationships, and practical steps for making Bible study approachable through the Inductive Bible Study Method.

Whether you're seeking a deeper sense of purpose, longing for authentic connection in your faith, or simply want effective tools to grow, this conversation is packed with wisdom, resources, and encouragement. Get ready to flourish from the inside out!

Key Takeaways:

• Why Spiritual Vitality Matters: Kathy Howard shares her personal journey from spiritual dryness to deep connection with God, explaining how spiritual vitality shapes every aspect of our lives—from relationships to purpose and confidence.

• The Power of Community: The episode highlights that faith isn't meant to be a private affair. We're called into a spiritual family! Both personal and corporate time with God are essential, and our gifts are meant to encourage one another.

• How Spiritual Vitality Influences Relationships: Kathy Howard offers a transparent look at how seeking value outside of Christ led to disappointment. When we're rooted in God, we're free to love and serve others authentically.

• The Inductive Bible Study Method: Learn the three simple steps—Observation, Interpretation, and Application—to getting the most out of your time in the Word. Kathy Howard encourages you to set aside preconceived ideas, look for keywords and contrasts, and always ask, "What does this passage tell me about God?"

• Tools & Resources for Growth: Kathy Howard invites listeners to visit her website (kathyhoward.org) and her YouTube channel "Deep Rooted Faith" for free resources, devotionals, and guides to walk you through the Bible study process step-by-step.

Feeling inspired? Take the next step—connect with Kathy Howard for more practical tools to fill your life with spiritual vitality!

We're thrilled to accompany you on this journey of faith, growth, and transformation. As always, we appreciate your support! Please subscribe and share this episode. We can't wait for you to join us for future episodes of Flourish-Meant.

To book Tina as a speaker, connect with her life coaching services, and more, visit her website: https://tinayeager.com/

Optimize your mind and body with my new favorite, all-inclusive supplement, Cardio Miracle! I love the energy and focus this health-boosting drink mix provides without toxins, caffeine, or sugar! Get a discount on your purchase with my link: http://www.cardiomiracle.com/tinayeager Use the code TINA10 at checkout.

To flourish in all seasons of life with the highest quality nutraceutical health supplements that benefit charitable causes, shop NutraMedix wellness supplements. Be sure to use my link https://www.nutramedix.com/?rfsn=7877557.b6c6785 and add my special code TINA to get 10% off your entire purchase!

If you're a writer, subscribe to Inkspirations Online (devotional publication by writers for writers):

SUMMARY:

-Dating is harder today due to digital misrepresentation and added life complexities after 40 (widowhood, divorce, family-of-origin issues); real-life community is essential for discernment and support.

-Prioritize meeting and observing potential partners in Christian community and everyday life to see a 360-degree picture (church involvement, service, friendships, parenting).

-Four non-negotiables for compatibility: 1) a disciple of Jesus (vibrant, fruit-bearing faith), 2) adult readiness for marriage (responsibility, job, ownership), 3) humility and teachability, 4) generally aligned direction/calling.

-Avoid “project” dating and rescuer roles; don’t ignore red flags—marry a whole person as you bring your whole self, with ownership and healing underway.

-Therapy can be valuable, but vet carefully; seek biblically grounded counseling and community oversight (e.g., Focus on the Family’s vetted counselor network).

-Lisa’s book, The Dating Manifesto, urges intentional, biblically honoring dating, debunks rom-com myths, and equips singles to live with purpose and hope while navigating grief and unmet expectations.

-Churches often center on families; singles can be part of the solution by serving, leading, and creating community rather than criticizing from the sidelines.

-Treat early dates as exploratory conversations (not instant marital auditions); ask your own questions, keep emotional perspective, and ensure you can remain in community, in a healthy way, if it doesn’t work out.

-Discuss difficult topics (past relationships, addictions, pornography) as the relationship progresses; look for transparency, accountability, and community verification—humble, teachable responses are key.

-Identity in Christ anchors dating and marriage; sexual integrity matters (avoid premarital sex and cohabitation), trust God’s timing, and “wait well” by abiding in Christ, engaging community, and pursuing purpose with open hands.

PODCAST INTRO:

Our conversation is based on a biblical viewpoint of dating. I know many think it too strict but if we’re honest, God’s ways always bring life, peace, joy, protection and that’s a pretty good return on your investment.

Lisa lays out some clear boundaries on dating and even sharing how to reflect on our own personal wholeness (meaning in what mental/emotional condition are we showing up, which can also help us know if we’re even ready to be dating). She talks about how to find a mate who is healthy themselves and what does healthy even mean. Her point being, if you’re dating after 40 then there’s been a lot of life that has happened. That’s a reality that we must fold into the process and so how can we discern between healthy, a hot mess, a fixer upper?

I don’t know about you but at my age the thought of a fixer upper is not appealing but Lisa takes the reality of how life takes it toll on us and she breaks down on exactly how to tell if this is someone who has taken responsibility and is moving forward, vs stagnate or a straight up red flag.

Oh and then there’s the challenges of digital dating. That seems to raise the bar on deception but in all fairness I’ve had friends who have used digital dating and they had good experiences. So don’t be dismayed, Lisa says there’s some good news. You don’t need perfect conditions to move forward, you need community, clarity, and courage. And that’s what Lisa delivers in this conversation.

Real quick, Here are 2 of her dating suggestions that I think are solid:

Start with real community

One of the safer places is to meet someon