• Growing up on a working farm can be challenging, especially for someone with severe allergies and asthma.
• Moving to a different location can have a significant impact on health and well-being.
• Being involved in the church and serving others can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
• Having a strained relationship with a father figure can make it difficult to relate to God as a heavenly father.
• Understanding and empathizing with the struggles of others can help build stronger connections and provide support. The importance of being a blessing to others and living a fulfilling life
• The value of mentorship and being a safe person for others
• The power of faith, family, and community in navigating life's challenges

Mark and Mike explore the importance of building a supportive community for men, equipping them for God's purpose, and the necessity of spiritual protection against doubt and temptation. They discuss the significance of daily renewal through God's Word and the transformative power of understanding personal brokenness. Mark shares valuable lessons from his lifeguarding experience, emphasizing awareness and preparedness in life, and concludes with a reflection on finishing well in one's spiritual journey. He discusses the importance of community and mentorship, particularly in faith-based organizations, and how these experiences have shaped his current initiatives, including the Power of Four and Unshaken Movement.

To learn more about the Power of Four Ministry or to explore having Mark speak at your next event, contact him at the link below:

https://www.powerof4ministries.org

In episode 15 of the Standing Stones Podcast, Mike Weisman welcomes our guest Sabrina Hammonds who shares her personal story of growing up in a family with hardworking parents and a lack of spiritual connection. She had a pattern of toxic relationships and felt a deep sense of guilt and shame when she became pregnant at a young age. Sabrina shares her journey of finding contentment and wholeness in her relationship with God, realizing that she didn't need a person or a relationship to feel complete. She trusted God to provide for her and her children, and he did so in miraculous ways, including bringing her the man of her dreams.

Sabrina is an experienced: Podcast Visibility Strategist, Kingdom Media Expert, Strategic Guest Booking Specialist, Culture-Shifting Consultant, Transformational Message Amplifier and Founder of Kingdom Connections Podcast & Media Agency.

🖥️ Learn More & Connect with Sabrina on her: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction 

02:55 Connection

06:04 Different Paths and Backgrounds

12:29 Growing Up and Seeking Approval

16:13 Gave Up Trying to Find Somebody

20:46 Crying Out to God

25:32 Answered Prayers and Unexpected Love

30:15 Committing and Surrendering to God

39:50 Trusting God's Provision

53:29 Waiting on God's Timing 

57:09 Embracing the Unexpected 

01:00:31 Working Full Time Plus Ministry

01:02:45 Sacrificing Ourselves for Others

01:06:22 I Didn't Know What Would Happen

01:09:11 Learning to Rest & Just Be with God

01:14:48 You Are Enough

01:17:13 Being in Relationship with God

01:22:26 Learning How to Be 

01:24:40 Wrap Up & Conclusion

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In Episode 14 of the Standing Stones Podcast, Mike Weisman welcomes Christopher Lind (Executive Advisor | AI Ethicist | Devoted Husband + Father) who shares how his early life filled was filled with trauma and dysfunction. A part of his trauma and dysfunction stemmed from growing up with a mother who experienced ritualistic occultish abuse. He discusses the impact of his upbringing on his faith journey and how he saw firsthand the darkness and ugliness of the opposite of God. In our time together Christopher also explores his spiritual awakening and the challenges he faced in navigating cultural Christianity, spotlighting two pivotal experiences that solidified his walk with Christ and led him to seek healing and a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. With a gracious heart, Christopher describes the darkness and hopelessness he experienced before finding faith, and how God's love/light transformed his life and broke through that darkness.

📖 Learn More & Connect with Chris on his:
Website | LinkedIn | Podcast

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00Introduction and Getting Acquainted

12:43Navigating Cultural Christianity

45:47Trusting God's Plan and Embracing Blessings

53:26Navigating Doubt and Struggle

01:04:28Inspiring Others Through Sharing Your Story

01:12:40The Power of Authenticity and Vulnerability

01:20:27God's Plans are Greater Than Our Own

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In Episode 13 of the Standing Stones Podcast, Mike Weisman welcomes Monique De Leon (Worshiper | Author | Speaker | Mentor) to the show, who shares with us about her journey of faith, spiritual upbringing, the power of prayer & the challenges she's faced as a Christian woman. She dives into her experiences with healing & miracles, while crediting her mother for laying a strong spiritual foundation for her to follow. This accompanied by a strong personal desire for God's presence shaped her path of purity & commitment to her faith. Monique also explores navigating the complexities of high school & the temptations of adulthood, emphasizing the importance of prayer, community & a personal relationship with God. As she continues her journey in singleness at 41, Monique offers insights into maintaining a vibrant spiritual life amidst cultural pressures. In our short but blessed time together, Monique shared her profound experiences of connecting with God, walking through the challenges of singleness & the importance of emotional health/obedience in one's faith journey. Highlighting the significance of understanding purity in relationships & countering cultural pressures that often lead to confusion about identity and fulfillment, all while encouraging listeners to manage their emotions & remain faithful to God, regardless of life's uncertainties.

📲 Learn more & Connect with Monique on her:

Website | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | Mentorship

⏰ Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

09:25 Experiencing the Miraculous: A Desire for God's Presence

25:05 The Influence of a Praying Parent

26:31 Journey of Faith, Purity, and Contentment in Singleness

35:32 Navigating Temptation and Spiritual Maturity

53:43 The Value of Emotional Health and Maturity for Healthy Relationships

54:40 The Journey to Wholeness and Spiritual Maturity

59:02 Navigating the Pursuit of Purity in an Over-Sexualized Culture

01:07:13 Managing Emotions and Walking by Faith

01:14:07 The Power of Faithfulness and Standing Firm

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Join us in episode 12 of the Standing Stones podcast, where Mike Weisman welcomes Rafa to the show. Throughout this episode, Rafa generously shares with us about his story of transformation from a life of abandonment, betrayal, and dissolution, to complete renewal and restoration at the hand of a loving Father who never left him during the trials of life.

📲 Love this episode? Rate & review us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help spread the word!

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In episode 11 of the Standing Stones podcast, Mike Weisman sits down with Scott Cunningham (Worship Pastor + Orange County Director for Likewise Worship), who shares with us his journey of growing up in Orange County, California, and the influence his praying mother had on his life & faith journey. In our time together, Scott touched on his spiritual awareness and explains how he felt his calling from the Lord at a young age. He also discusses the importance of surrendering to God's plan and how it led him to pursue a career in leading worship. Throughout our conversation, Scott emphasizes the importance of serving with humility and how he believes in facilitating an environment for people to connect with God.

📲 Learn more about Likewise Worship & Connect with Scott on his:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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In episode 10 of the Standing Stones Podcast, Mike Weisman welcomes Kenny Luck (Pastor | Author | Founder) to the show, who shares his journey from a difficult childhood to encountering God and experiencing a radical transformation. Growing up in a military family with a distant father, Kenny found solace in superheroes and a longing for significance. He eventually realized that worldly achievements and relationships couldn't fill the void inside him. In a moment of desperation, Kenny cried out to Jesus and had a powerful encounter that changed his life forever. Now, he is the founder of Every Man Ministries,  whose mandate is to: activate every man, everywhere to their God-given purpose and get them to fully commit to a relationship with Jesus, so that they can experience true life in Him. In our brief yet blessed time together, Kenny also stresses the importance of aligning expectations with God's journey, while finding redemption in suffering and unmet expectations. Throughout it all, Kenny encourages us to be rooted in God's love and to seek life-giving water, expressing how God's love overcomes fear and transforms our lives + relationships.

📖 Learn More about Every Man Ministries & Connect with Kenny on his: 
Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

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In episode 9 of the Standing Stones podcast, Mike Weisman is joined by our guest Jess Acuna, (Disciple of Jesus | Wife | Boy Mom | Spiritual Director) who shares with us about her journey of faith, from her early life and family experiences to encountering the gospel and accepting Jesus as her Lord and Savior. In our time together Jess discusses the challenges of constantly moving and the impact it had on her sense of identity and relationships when she was growing up. She also reflects on her international experiences and the different perspectives of Christianity she encountered during her travels. A key point she zoned in on throughout our talk was the importance of discovering rest and finding purpose in pain. She delves into the lessons she's learned along the way and walks us through her journey of healing, explaining how it has shaped her understanding of God and her relationship with Him. 

[ Jess & her husband Chase serve as mentors (Shepherds) for a ministry called Standing Stone, which helps to provide confidential care ministry to pastors and ministry leaders, helping them prioritize their relationship with God and flourish in their calling. ]

📖 Learn more about & donate to Standing Stone Ministry & Connect with Jess on her:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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In episode 8 of the Standing Stones podcast, Mike Weisman is joined by our guest Chase Acuna (Follower of Jesus | Pastor | Spiritual Director) who shares about his journey of faith, burnout and renewal in ministry, beginning with his idyllic childhood in Southern California, His Christian upbringing and the challenges he faced in questioning his beliefs. Chase explains the transformative experience he had in his 20's, where he shifted from a self-centered life to one focused on serving others and recognizing the grace of God. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of relying on the grace of God in times of challenge, understanding that sanctification is an ongoing process. He also highlights the need to trust in God's plans and the lessons he learned about himself and Christ through his burnout experience. Throughout our time together, Chase discusses theological and psychological perspectives on self, the challenges of early ministry, the importance of mentoring, shifting values and identity in Christ, navigating burnout and prioritizing self-care, and the presence of God and transformation in every season.

[ Chase and his wife Jess, now serve as mentors (Shepherds) for a ministry called Standing Stone. Their mission is designed to strengthen and encourage pastors & couples serving in ministry, by giving them tools to help: navigate crises, prevent them and increase leaders health so that ministries flourish, and provide confidential care ministry to pastors and ministry leaders, helping them prioritize their relationship with God and flourish in their calling. ]

📲 Learn more about & donate to Standing Stone Ministry & Connect with Chase on his:

Website | Facebook | Instagram 

🌟 Love This Episode? Rate & review us to help more people find Standing Stones Podcast!

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