Spark Directory

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Intro/Blog Post:

To Michelle’s heartbreak she and her husband are in between churches. She shared her very transparent, humble journey and what it’s like in their current waiting period of leaning into the Lord to direct and confirm a new church family they can be folded into. Her willingness to look at both sides of the equation was refreshing. Whether it was through the lens of church responsibilities or the responsibilities of the believer she had a fair, biblically informed perspective.

As I listened to Michelle, I became aware of the various ways church hurt affects so many aspects of one’s spiritual grounding. We looked at what are some of the causes of church hurt such as personal sensitivities, past traumas, and individual mistakes. As human beings, we bring our own emotional baggage into every relationship, including those within a church community.

Additionally, failed leadership or sins committed against members can definitely be the most significant contributors to church hurt. Even well-intentioned leaders can fall short in their responsibilities. When they do it can lead to a deep sense of betrayal and hurt because as Michelle states, the leadership is not just someone you like or hope likes you, they are someone you have put your trust in, whom you look up to for examples and modeling of God and His word.

The conversation also touched upon the options available to individuals experiencing church hurt. While leaving the church may seem like the immediate solution, Michelle emphasized that leaving might not always lead to healing. Instead, she advocated for seeking greater holiness and aligning one's actions with God's will. This could involve choosing to stay and work through the issues or leaving with a heart open to finding a new community where spiritual growth can continue. The decision ultimately rests on discerning what leads to greater holiness in one's life and seeking the Lord's guidance in the process.

Finally, our discussion highlighted the role of forgiveness and the importance of maintaining a focus on Christ. Forgiveness is essential for healing, but it does not always mean restoring broken relationships. It involves letting go of bitterness and en

Welcome back to another uplifting episode of Fierce Calling! I’m your host, Doris Swift, and today we have a special guest joining us—Amanda Schaefer. Amanda is an inspiring author, speaker, and host of the popular podcast “A Cup of Gratitude.”

In this episode, Amanda shares her incredible transformation journey through faith, joy, and gratitude. From encountering Jesus in her home in a powerful way, to using her podcast to spread the gospel during the pandemic, Amanda’s story highlights the power of choosing gratitude and finding joy even in difficult times.

Amanda shares about the difficult seasons of two divorces, but don’t miss the praise story of what God did to redeem it all.

We dive into her upcoming book, which is set to encourage readers to explore their own stories and discover God at work in every chapter of their lives. Join us for a heartfelt conversation filled with insight, encouragement, and the reminder that our past story is part of our grace story.

Stay tuned for an episode that will inspire you to take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect.

06:03 Gratitude and Opportunity Beyond Borders

10:56 Testimony: Sharing Stories of Faith

12:29 “Connecting Through Shared Stories”

16:11 “Discovering God’s Purpose in Stories”

19:48 Divine Guidance in Marriage Choices

24:37 Seeking God’s Guidance

26:40 “Journey of Faith and Renewal”

31:01 Journey to Healing and Faith

33:40 Amanda’s Inspiring Show Highlights

You can connect with Amanda at acupofgratitude.org where you’ll find her podcast, blog, and all her social media links!

Amanda Schaefer is a podcast host, author, and speaker. She carries with her the goodness of looking through a lens of gratitude. The “A Cup of Gratitude” podcast is global, reaching over 112 countries and 3000 cities. As a speaker, Amanda teaches the Bible while challenging audiences to live the way God intends. She has a way of making scripture come alive through everyday examples. 

Amanda’s books include, “Crumbled, A Place for Broken People” and “Daily “Instaration.” She is a contributing author of “Life Changing Stories and the newly released books, “One Chance, One Dance, Don’t Miss the Moments in Your Life,” and “Courageous Voices Unlocked.” Her books are down to earth and packed with Biblical truth. Amanda has also written articles for “The Brave Women Series,” “The Uncommon Normal Gratitude Series,” “The Love Offering,” “The Warrior Women Series,” “Butterfly Living, “The Empty Nest Mom Series,” and “The Season Series.” She is under contract to write a new manuscript slated to be released in April 2025. Connect with Amanda at www.acupofgratitude.org or on Social media 

www.instagram.com/acupof_gratitude

www.facebook.com/amanda.f.schaefer

www.acupofgratitude.org

https://youtube.com/@acupofgratitude?si=PF55x6T4ecrs7jdg

In this season we have been discussing Healing the Heart of the Church. In our last two
episodes we have heard from 2 different business leaders on how they bring their faith and
unique experiences into the workplace to help others thrive. If you missed those you will want
to go back and listen. In this episode I have a special guest who uses her unique leadership
experience to bring out the best in others. She shares her personal and professional experience
to inspire us in the power of investing in others.

What you can expect in this episode:

- Our guest today will share her experience when she entered a new career.
- She will discuss how good leadership made a difference in her life.
- And how God is using her gifts in business to help others be successful in their
business and in life.

Our special guest is Melesa Hudson, a successful real estate agent in the Houston area. She is
an accountant, rancher, mother of four and grandmother, as well as a good friend.

Connect with Melesa

[email protected]
Melesa Hudson, Realtor
Facebook and Instagram

If we are seeking a move of God we have to prepare our hearts to receive it and carry the
weighty responsibility. Now is the time for healing the heart of the church, to find healing and
wholeness for our own heart, and move forward fearless and free, to be all He has created us to be in the workplace.

For more on improving the work culture, get your copy of When Work Works. Available on
Amazon.

Subscribe at www.danagrindal.com/podcast to receive free prayer and reflection guides for
each episode to empower you to live fearless and free-spirit, soul and body.

If this has been helpful please rate this podcast wherever you listen and share it with a friend.

Thank you for listening to My Yes Is On The Table, a podcast hosted by Jennifer Hand and Coming Alive Ministries.  Jenn has been working on a book to help people who have experienced trauma and courses to help people who have been through trauma.  She is working on taking those courses to other countries to minister to those who have been in war, poverty, and traumatic situations.  Today she welcomes one of her students who has traveled with her to these needy areas.

Connect with Jenn: Instagram, Facebook, Website

DONATE to Coming Alive Ministries

The post Trailer: It is Time To Stand Up appeared first on By His Grace.

Do you struggle knowing your purpose and calling in life? 

Tune into this transformation episode to learn practical insights and actionable steps, along with personal stories to encourage your journey. 

Chris Cree of New CREEations ministries and I have a live discussion on how we need to have a kingdom mindset in order to understand our purpose and calling.

We share three key purposes we must know first before we will understand our calling. 

1. To have a personal, intimate relationship with Father God, Jesus and Holy Spirit.

We are to steward what we have been given.

Watch Chris’ other great interviews on His YouTube channel: Kingdom Mindsets. https://www.youtube.com/@KingdomMindsets or his website: https://newcreeations.org

Key Scriptures

2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Colossians 3:17, 23-24, Colossians 1:13, Matthew 5:14-16, Ephesians 3:20, Genesis 1:26

Other episodes with Chris Cree:

Ep. 111 Better Than Miracles with Chris Cree 

Ep. 104 Unlocking the Power of the Kingdom of God in Your Life

Ep. 98 The Power of Hope to Overcome Disappointment and Discouragement  

Ep.87 Soul Health: Key to Thriving

Ep. 70 Heart Connection With God. Guidance And Tips To Grow In Your Faith 

Ep. 64 How To Receive The Emotional Desires of Your Heart 

Have you or someone you know experienced the grief of losing an infant child? Ashley Opliger, President and Executive Director of Bridget’s Cradles,  shares her story of heartbreak and  how the hope of Jesus brought her healing even in the midst of overwhelming grief. Learn how the ministry she founded in honor of her precious daughter, Bridget, comforts over 26,000 bereaved families a year. She is also the host of the Cradled in Hope podcast and the leader of Hope Gatherings support groups.

Journey of a Cradle Video
Wave of Light Video
Bridget's Cradles Social Media:  Instagram | Facebook
Ashley's Social Media: Instagram | Facebook

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God Girl Nation Community Facebook Group