Have you ever felt the Lord's presence speak directly to you - calling you to step out of your comfort zone for Him?

One night, Cassie Connelly, from our West Cobb community (outside of Atlanta, Georgia), had this personal experience with the Lord as He called her to the world of adoption - a call that had been placed in her heart since she was a little girl. Beautifully illustrated and told, Cassie will take you on a journey to China, where her family adopted her daughter.

Through it all, you will be reminded of the Lord's provision and providential care and encouraged to know that when the Lord calls you to do something, you are never alone. He is with you all the way.

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VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

In what ways have you seen the puzzle pieces of your life come together for the glory of God? This Christmas season, sit in remembrance of what the Lord has done in your life over the years and ask Him what He's calling you to do next.

Links:

Thank you to Waverly Advisors and Birmingham Design House for being StoryTellers Live's ministry sponsors! Listen to Jessica Prier's story- Ep. 312- Jessica Prier: "Hands Wide Open- A Story of Starting Business"

Listen to a similar story: Eva- Ep. 95: God's Perfect Timing:: An Adoption Story"

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Cassie and any of our past storytellers!

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Continue the Conversation with Lindy, Katie, and Robyn. Robyn shares her personal experience of adopting a child.

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

At the young age of 14, Emily Watkins, from our Vestavia Hills, Alabama community, lost her father suddenly in a tragic plane crash. It was a pivotal moment in Emily's life where fear became a foundation from which she lived. But God, in His loving kindness, pursued Emily's heart, longing for her to live trusting Him - Knowing and believing His ways are better, and His plan is best.

Listen and hear how the Lord sought after Emily and took her from an anxiety-driven, fear-filled world to one of safety, joy, and peace.

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VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

Where are you trusting your ways over God's ways? Practice choosing faith over fear.

Links:

Thank you to Birmingham Design House for being one of StoryTellers Live's ministry sponsors!

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Emily and any of our past storytellers!

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Story Within the Story with Emily and Lindy

Shop our Christmas store for all your stocking stuffer needs! It Closes on December 8th!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

It's time for our First Monday Story coming from our Trussville, Alabama community group… And, it's the perfect story for "Colitis and Crohn's Awareness week," celebrated the first week of December.

At the age of fifteen, Kristen Jones was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. It was a disease doctors said she would be fighting her entire life. The years that followed were spent being sick then well, taking medications and blood transfusions, only to be re-diagnosed with Crohn's disease as an adult. When told her only way to live was through surgery and wearing an ileostomy bag, Kristen hesitantly agreed. Listen in as she speaks of all the Lord has taught her as the Author of her story.

Links:

December 2nd is Giving Tuesday and we'd be honored if you would consider supporting StoryTellers Live with a financial gift! You can also Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Kristen and any of our past storytellers.

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content

Shop our Christmas store for all your stocking stuffer needs! It Closes on December 8th!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

Shop our Christmas store for all your stocking stuffer needs! It Closes on December 8th!

Happy day before Thanksgiving!

This week we are especially grateful for each one of you - from listening and sharing the podcast to supporting and praying for the ministry - we couldn't be here without you. So, a BIG thank you from the StoryTellers Live ministry!

Today on the podcast, we have an incredible story of hope from Tulsa, Oklahoma community team member, Emily Curzon. Emily beautifully shares how the loss of her sister taught her so much about herself and her faith. Through her story, Emily reminds us of the sweet truths the Lord has given her through His kindness and faithfulness: how grief and joy can coexist; how the practice of remembering can increase your trust in God; and how the hope found in Jesus is in fact a secure anchor for your soul. This is a great story to reflect on this holiday weekend!

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VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." Hebrews 6:19

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

Practice the art of remembrance this Thanksgiving week and be grateful for the hope you have in Jesus Christ.

Listen to a similar story: Diane Lee- Ep. 310: "Grieving with Hope: The Promises of God"

Search on the Spotify playlist for StoryTellers Live episodes based on a topic of interest to you!

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Emily and any of our past storytellers!

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Q & A with Emily and the audience at the Tulsa live gathering!

Shop our Christmas store for all your stocking stuffer needs! It Closes on December 8th!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

It's our 350th episode, and we have the perfect story to focus your eyes on the hope found in Jesus!!

Love, forgiveness, and restoration are three words that could sum up the heart of the cross, and they are also three words that could sum up today's message.

Stephanie Gaiters, from our West Cobb community (just outside of Atlanta, Georgia), shares her compelling story of how the Lord used the most challenging and painful experience of her life to bring reconciliation and healing to her family. Her words will inspire you to trust the Lord with all your heart, encourage you to acknowledge Him in all your ways, and challenge you to forgive freely in all your relationships.

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VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

What relationships need restoration in your life? Take a step of forgiveness today and allow God to begin the healing process.

Links:

Listen to a similar story: Jane Menendez- Ep 303: "Releasing Resentment: The Blessing of Forgiveness"

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Stephanie and any of our past storytellers!

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a bonus story from Emily Wolfe from our Trussville live gathering.

Our Christmas shop is open until December 8th! Shop now!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith.

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

When you are led into the dark, unforeseen valleys of life, it's easy to allow fear to paralyze you. But, as today's storyteller reminds us, it's in those moments that the presence of God draws near through His Spirit and His community.

Karen Edwards, who spoke at our Homewood, Alabama live gathering, shares details from the week her life took a sudden turn when her husband suffered an unexpected aneurysm and needed emergency surgery. Surrounded by powerful prayer warriors, Karen expounds on the grace and provision of God, emphasizing that there is no challenge in your life that is wasted by the Lord.

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VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

In what ways has God comforted you so that you can be a comfort to others? Reach out to someone this week and bring the peace of God to them.

Links:

Listen to a similar story: Alice Churnock- Ep 331: "Life is Hard, but God is Good"

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Karen and any of our past storytellers!

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith.

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

God's Word tells us to take every thought captive to Christ, encouraging us to submit our minds to the truth, freedom, and hope found in Jesus. Today's podcast is a beautiful reminder of the healing power of Scripture when the enemy attacks our minds.

Piper Rinehart, from our Tulsa, Oklahoma community team, vulnerably shares her story of how the Lord graciously met her in a season of spiritual warfare as she was being bombarded by extremely fearful and intrusive thoughts. As Piper recounts the battle in her brain, you are going to see firsthand how the armor of God protected and defended her and how His voice took her from darkness to light.

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VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

Mediate on the armor of God found in Ephesians 6 and visualize putting each piece on this week.

Links:

Listen to a similar story: Patti Davis- Ep. 302: "Fighting Depression Through the Gift of Friendship"

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Piper and any of our past storytellers!

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a bonus story from Anna Rogers from our Homewood live gathering!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

In the midst of intense brokenness, it can be extremely difficult to feel the presence of the Lord. Today's "First Monday Story"is a sweet reminder to recognize that even in the most heartbreaking of circumstances, the Lord is with you.

Joni Cheney, from our community group in Fairhope, Alabama, joyfully expresses her faith and walk with the Lord during the most difficult time of her life. In this hope-filled story, Joni will point you to the unwavering truth found in Deuteronomy 31:8: "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

Links:

For more information on the Anna Todd Cheney Memorial Foundation, contact Joni at [email protected]

Listen to a similar story: Brooke Preus- Ep. 291: "Finding Purpose in Suffering- Walking Through a Child's Cancer Diagnosis and Remission"

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Joni and any of our past storytellers!!

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content.

Join us live on Thursday, November 6th, at 7:00 PM at Samford University Wright Center for a night of worship and fellowship with Ellie Holcomb, presented by Portraits of Hope! Register here and use promo code ELLIE10 for 10% off at checkout!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith.

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

Today's episode wraps up our three-week "Religion to Relationship" series, and, once again, it focuses our eyes on the beauty of God's grace and how this gift plays a key role in our relationship with Him.

Courtney Ballard, from our Tupelo, Mississippi community, grew up as a pastor's kid, always aware of God and His existence, and working hard to be the "angel child" others expected her to be. However, this self-imposed title created a life pattern for Courtney of living for people and their applause, rather than living for God alone. She soon found herself at a crossroads—would she choose God's grace or her own efforts and good intentions? Listen and find out what the Lord revealed!

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VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

This week be self-aware of the intentions in your heart and ask - am I living out of God's grace or am I living for the applause of people?

Links:

Listen to this song by Lauren Daigle- Losing My Religion

Listen to a similar story: Courtney Doyle- Ep. 71: Removing the Masks

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE! (click the link and hold down on the photo to save to your phone)

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Courtney or any of our past storytellers!!

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Story Within the Story with Courtney!

Join us live on Thursday, November 6th at 7:00 PM at Samford University Wright Center for a night of worship and fellowship with Ellie Holcomb presented by Portraits of Hope! Register here and use promo code ELLIE10 for 10% off at checkout!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

Today's podcast places us in the middle of our three-week series "Religion to Relationship", and it's a story many of us can fall victim to - "if I'm just good enough for God, I'll earn His favor and His blessing over my life."

Rachel Temple, from our Pinehurst, North Carolina community, shares her story of growing up under the pressures of having a mother who was an alcoholic and a father who was an enabler, and subsequently succumbing to the role of caretaker in her family while believing the lie that if she could do all the right things for God life would be easier. This theological misunderstanding led Rachel down a path of comparison, depression, insecurity, and despair until the Lord met her and asked, "Will you be defined by your victimhood or by My grace?" - a question that, as you'll hear, changed the trajectory of Rachel's life.

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VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees." Psalm 119:66-68

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

Where are you comparing the goodness of God in your life to the goodness of God in the lives of others? This week shift your thoughts to gratitude and the gift of God's unmerited grace.

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Links:

Breaking Free by Beth Moore

Listen to this song by Lauren Daigle- Losing My Religion

Listen to a similar story: Ep. 30- Amy Williams: Faith Above Works

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE! (click the link and hold down on the photo to save to your phone)

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Rachel and all of our past storytellers!!

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Q & A with Rachel from the Raleigh community.

Register for our Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story workshops being offered online on October 29th at 9:30-12:30 CST and in-person on November 12th at 5:30-8:00 PM CST

Join us live on Thursday, November 6th at 7:00 PM at Samford University Wright Center for a night of worship and fellowship with Ellie Holcomb presented by Portraits of Hope! Register here and use promo code ELLIE10 for 10% off at checkout!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.