Spark Directory

Spark Directory

By Spark NetworkReligion & Spirituality
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Spark Directory episodes

  • Conversations with Christians Engaged - Hosted by ... - Candace Cameron Bure on America Reads the Bible: Inspiring a Nation to Pray and Read Scripture

    In this special episode of Conversations with Christians Engaged, Bunni Pounds interviews actress, author, producer, and national spokesperson Candace Cameron Bure about America Reads the Bible, a historic event hosted by Christians Engaged, taking place April 18–25, 2026 in Washington, D.C., and livestreamed nationwide.

    Candace shares her lifelong love for God’s Word, her journey of faith, and her mission to inspire Americans to engage with Scripture daily. Over 420 national leaders from every sphere of influence will read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and churches, businesses, and families across the country are invited to participate through livestreams, prayer, and discussion.

    From celebrating America’s 250th anniversary to fostering revival in homes and communities, this event is designed to make Scripture accessible, engaging, and transformational. Candace and Bunni discuss creative ways to join in, the power of God’s Word in everyday life, and how Christians can be part of this moment in history.

    Candace also shares about her newest projects that reflect her heart for faith and family:

    • Rise and Renew – her new devotional: https://a.co/d/hbIG1QA
    • Another Sweet Christmas – in theaters November 30: https://www.pureflix.com/another-sweet-christmas

    Learn more and participate: americareadsthebible.com

    Subscribe to Conversations with Christians Engaged for weekly encouragement, biblical worldview insights, and stories of Christians impacting America.

    Learn more, support, and get involved:
    ▪️ christiansengaged.org
    ▪️ christiansengaged.org/donate
    ▪️ christiansengaged.org/pledge

    #AmericaReadsTheBible #ReadTheBible #America250 #ChristiansEngaged #FaithInAction #CandaceCameronBure

    28 min
  • Finding God in Our Pain - Addiction Happens to Good People, with Dr. Janelle Martin

    SUMMARY:

    -Guest, Dr. Janelle Martin, author of “Losing Her, Finding Us,” shares the parent perspective of a child’s addiction, alongside her daughter Reagan’s perspective. These dual perspectives (parent and child) in one narrative to validate parents’ feelings, reduce isolation, and offer hope and clarity.
    -Janelle sought real-life accounts over “how-to” guides to understand others’ emotions, thoughts, and experiences during a child’s addiction.
    -A robust parent program at The Pathway Program (Phoenix) connected her with other parents; weekly meetings were pivotal to feeling safe, seen, and not judged.
    -She pursued her own recovery (sponsor and 12 steps) to understand her daughter’s world and to have informed conversations—an unexpectedly life-changing step.
    -Like grief groups, parent recovery support equips, reframes expectations, reduces isolation, and fosters compassion.
    -Many programs offer family weekends or encourage Al-Anon/Nar-Anon; walking into meetings is hard but profoundly helpful.
    -Addiction is widely misjudged as “bad people making bad choices.” Families can look “normal.” Judgment and silence fuel isolation.
    -Divorce, parental conflict, and manipulation by Reagan’s father harmed both children; Reagan felt unloved relative to her brother and experienced sexual abuse at age five (disclosed later).
    -God’s guidance felt evident in finding The Pathway Program and a tough, effective counselor for Reagan; long-term approach (2–2.5 years) was crucial.
    -Scripture study, worship, prayer, and teachings (notably Beth Moore) sustained her; she experienced divine provision (finances, people, peace) throughout.
    -Not all counselors understand addiction—seek specialists; forcing counseling rarely works without willingness.
    -Post-sobriety, mother and daughter had raw conversations, apologies, and interviews for the book, deepening empathy and respect.
    -“Losing Her, Finding Us” is a raw, hopeful, page-turning narrative for parents, loved ones, and anyone seeking compassion, practical insights (boundaries, hard decisions), and resources.
    -Janelle leads Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) meetings in Houston on Wednesdays at 7 PM—free, ongoing, and transformative for parents.
    -Addiction happens to everyday families. Seek support, cultivate compassion, and learn how to be a helpful ally. There are people ready to take your hand.
    -Resources mentioned were Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Celebrate Recovery, PAL, and long-term adolescent/young adult programs.

    PODCAST INTRO:

    As my guest Janelle Martin shares, addiction affects normal people. I personally think there is no boundary that addiction won’t cross. Mainly because when we use a substance to alleviate pain, find escape, dull our feelings; plain and simple … it works.

    Janelle learned this (addiction affects normal people) and countless other things associated with addiction when it came to light that her daughter Regan was using in order to cope with parental heartbreak, trauma and the overwhelm that it brought to her life.

    Janelle’s journey through addiction from the parent’s perspective began with fear, grief, and the heavy stigma that so often hushes families. She grew up believing addiction happened to “other people,” until it shattered her own home. What followed was a crash course in letting go, setting hard boundaries, and grieving the loss of shared memories, milestones (specifically her senior year because it all came to a head at that time)—so she didn’t go to the prom, she did not graduate with her class and nor did she get to enjoy all the ways that celebration culminates after 12 years of schooling. Janette found herself missing the simple joy of “normal.”

    A turning point came through community. While Reagan entered a long-term adolescent recovery program in Arizona, Janelle found that this recovery program also had a parent group that met weekly—there is such incredible value in f

    57 min
  • Fierce Calling - Faith, Fiction, and the Beauty of Our Unfinished Stories with Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

    Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In this episode, host Doris Swift sits down with award-winning author Kristen Hogrefe Parnell for an inspiring conversation about faith, fiction, and trusting God’s unique timeline. Kristen shares her journey from writing young adult suspense to crafting women’s fiction rooted in faith, revealing how her own experiences—like waiting for her husband and navigating motherhood—have shaped her stories and perspective.

    We dig into the power of Christian fiction to reflect real-life struggles and joys, Kristen’s advice for aspiring writers on developing characters and honing their craft, and the messy, beautiful reality of unfinished stories—both on the page and in our lives. Plus, Kristen gives us a peek into her Crossroads Suspense series and her upcoming children’s book, “Not Much Lunch,” reminding listeners that “little is much when God is in it.”

    Whether you’re an avid reader, a writer-in-progress, or simply someone seeking encouragement in a season of waiting, this episode is full of practical wisdom, hope, and a reminder that God’s plans are always better than our own. Stay tuned to hear how passion, compassion, and conviction intersect in Kristen’s work—and get ready to be uplifted and inspired on your own fierce calling!

    We’re Talking About Kristen’s Amazing Books & More!
    Episode Highlights and Takeaways …

    00:00 Author Spotlight: Crossroads Suspense

    06:02 “Compassion Through Fiction’s Truth”

    09:25 Writing Tips for Aspiring Authors

    14:08 Faith, Fiction, and Inspiration

    18:17 “Daily Faithful Waiting on God”

    18:52 “Waiting on God’s Timing”

    25:12 “Success Takes Time and Faith”

    29:08 “Writing Books That Fill Needs”

    30:33 Spiritual Maturity and God’s Timing

    35:58 “Abiding in the Vine”

    37:39 Finding Faith in Busy Seasons

    41:53 Writing Process and Plot Gaps

    43:34 “Living in Your Season”

    46:59 Marriage Is Like a Dance

    49:51 “Jesus: The Only Way”

    53:34 Encouragement and Connection Await

    Connect with Kristen!

    You can connect with Valerie and find her books and resources mentioned in the show, here:

    kristenhogrefeparnell.com

    Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon 

    | BookBub

    More About Kristen!

    55 min

About Spark Directory

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The Spark Media Directory is a podcasting platform dedicated to bringing you engaging Faith-based content through various podcast shows.