Sometimes, life isn’t tied up in with a pretty bow.

Twelve years ago, Kay and Rick Warren (The Purpose Driven Life; Saddleback Church) lost their youngest son to suicide.

In this heartfelt episode, I chat with Kay Warren about navigating the profound grief of losing a child and what to do when our hearts and minds are filled with “Why?” or “What if?” Kay shares her journey after her son Matthew's passing, revealing how her beliefs were shaken but ultimately strengthened–and how ours can be, too.

This episode is for anyone who has lost a loved one or wants to help someone who has. 

We explore practical ways to support ourselves or our loved ones through grieving, and Kay offers some fresh insights (ones you’ve likely never heard) about what to do and what not to do in seasons of grief, especially during the holidays. 

Kay’s story highlights the coexistence of joy and sorrow, reminding us that moments of happiness can aid healing and that mystery and faith go hand-in-hand.

Tune in for a moving conversation on loss, love, and the balance of joy and pain in rebuilding faith.

Xo,

Donna

 

Listen in to learn more!

(02:26) Understanding Grief and Healing

(09:38) Navigating Overwhelming Grief 

(14:27) Navigating Grief During the Holidays 

(21:57) Understanding the Non-Linear Nature of Grief 

(24:37) Embracing Contradictory Emotions 

Connect with Kay

Website - https://kaywarren.com/ 

Kay Warren cofounded Saddleback Church with her husband Rick in Lake Forest, CA, in 1980, where they served until Rick’s retirement in September 2022. After the death of her son, Matthew, who lived with serious mental illness for most of his life, she founded Saddleback’s Hope for Mental Health Initiative as a way to support individuals and family members of loved ones with mental illness and suicidal ideation. In 2019, Kay started BREATHE, a ministry to support parents of children with serious mental illness. BREATHE events include weekend respite retreats, online retreats, and free Zoom calls with mental health professionals. Kay is the author of Sacred Privilege: Your Life and Ministry as a Pastor's Wife, Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn't Enough, Say Yes to God: A Call to Courageous Surrender, and the coauthor of Foundations, a popular systematic theology course used by churches worldwide. Her children are Amy, Josh, and Matthew (who is in Heaven), and she has five grandchildren.

 

Donna’s Resources:

 

Order a copy of my new book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

 

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!

 

Connect with Donna 

 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

 

Website: 

www.donnajones.org    

 

Donna’s speaking schedule:

 

https://donnajones.org/events/    

Feeling overwhelmed by the holiday rush is an all-too-common experience, and Amanda K. Jass knows this feeling intimately. The holiday season brings loads of extra activities and commitments - but are we choosing the best ones?

Inspired by her own journey through the chaos of Christmas, Amanda joins us to share her heartfelt creation, "Discovering Christmas," a 25-day Advent devotional crafted for families with young children. 

Amanda shares how her personal quest to find peace during the holidays led her to design a resource that refocuses on the core themes of hope, joy, peace, and love. We chat about how families can connect with Jesus, using interactive storytelling and simple activities to enrich the Advent season for everyone. 

 

Xo,

Donna

 

Contact with Amanda

 

Website: https://amandakjass.com/ 

Order “ Discovering Christmas “ - 25 Day Advent Devotion

 

Donna’s Resources:

 

Order a copy of my new book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

 

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!

 

Connect with Donna 

 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

 

Website: 

www.donnajones.org    

 

Donna’s speaking schedule:

https://donnajones.org/events/    

 

Discover how to find hope and strength in life's darkest moments with our guest, Dustin George. In this episode, Dustin, a lead pastor and author from East Tennessee, shares his personal journey of enduring 20 years of trials and how these experiences inspired his new book, "Before Dawn: Knowing God's Presence in the Dark Seasons of Life." He enlightens us on ways to recognize God's presence even when it feels like it's absent, offering a fresh perspective for those grappling with hardship.

We'll explore the difference between mere commitment and true surrender to God's will. With heartfelt anecdotes and biblical insights, we talk honestly about what surrender is, why it feels so difficult to surrender, and why surrender is ultimately the way to embrace a greater plan and find purpose in our pain.

This episode promises to offer hope, reassurance, and practical guidance for anyone seeking to navigate the storms of life with renewed faith.

Xo,

Donna

 

Listen in to learn more : 

(02:59) Before Dawn

(04:56) Recognizing God's Presence in Dark Times 

(10:10) Indicators of Growth in Suffering 

(21:57) Choosing Trust Through Pain 

(25:42) The Concept of Living Sacrifice

 

Donna’s Resources:

 

Order a copy of my new book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

 

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!

 

Connect with Donna 

 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

 

Website: 

www.donnajones.org    

 

Donna’s speaking schedule:

 

https://donnajones.org/events/    

 

Hey there, friend!

 

The holidays (and many “regular” days!!!)  can sometimes leave us feeling completely wiped out.

 

Some circumstances have a way of depleting us, don't they?

 

Inspired by a heart-to-heart I had with my daughter Ashton, I'm sharing a message I originally delivered to the women of my home church. We're diving into how God can help us in the midst of tough times and endless demands.  

 

Drawing inspiration from Isaiah 40, we'll chat about how God's infinite and intimate nature can give us the strength and comfort we crave when we're feeling a little lost or left behind. I'll share some personal stories about how leaning on temporary fixes or idols doesn't quite cut it, and how God invites into a deeper connection with Him.

 

Let's explore together how amazing it is that God is actively involved in our lives, helping us find hope, help, and strength when we need it most. 

Xo,

Donna

 

 

Listen in to learn more :

(09:22) Enduring Weariness in Life 

(14:23) Infused With Strength

(22:55) Trust in God's Faithfulness Amid Failures 

(27:09) Seeing God Beyond Limitations 

(32:20) Renewed Strength in the Lord

(34:42) Value of Daily Faithfulness in Christianity 

 

 

Donna’s Resources:

 

Order a copy of my new book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

 

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!

 

Connect with Donna 

 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

 

Website: 

www.donnajones.org    

 

Donna’s speaking schedule:

 

https://donnajones.org/events/    

 

What if there was one habit that could shift your attitude, make you more content, improve your relationships, alter the atmosphere in your home, and increase your love for God? Would you want to know what it is?

 

Of course you would! 

 

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of gratitude and its impact on health, relationships, and well-being. You likely already know gratitude is good for you, but in this episode you’ll discover practical, (do-able!!) ways to incorporate thankfulness into your daily routine and to curb the  propensity to complain. (Because, honestly, most of us complain more than we probably realize!)

You'll discover how cultivating a grateful mindset can enrich your life, and your family's life, especially during the holiday season. 

Try the tips from this episode and your guaranteed to experience more contentment, satisfaction, and connection with both God and the people around you, creating a more joyful and harmonious life.

Xo,

Donna

 

Listen in to learn more : 

(06:44) Verbal Gratitude and Expectations 

(11:26) The Power of Specific Gratitude 

(17:34) Practicing Gratitude and Appreciation

 

Donna’s Resources:

 

Order a copy of my new book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

 

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!

 

Connect with Donna 

 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

 

Website: 

www.donnajones.org    

 

Donna’s speaking schedule:

 

https://donnajones.org/events/    

 

Do you ever feel like you're going round and round with the same issues? Have you ever wondered, " Why am I not more_____ by now?” Have you ever wondered why you struggle to be a “better” Christian?

In this episode, I sit down with the inspiring Megan Fate Marshman to discuss her new book, Relaxed: Walking with the God Who's Not Worried About a Thing. Together, we explore the comforting idea of a God who remains steady in our anxieties, imperfections, and real-life struggles. Megan shares how letting go of self-reliance brings true peace.

Our conversation focuses on the power of honest prayer and surrender, redefining anxiety as a place where God meets us. Megan and I share stories about how raw, genuine prayers can deepen our connection with Him. We encourage listeners to view prayer as a space for authenticity, where even our wandering thoughts can reveal what we need to bring before God.

The episode closes with a touching reflection on experiencing God’s love by bringing our true selves to Him. Plus, there’s a special opportunity to win Megan’s book-simply share this episode on social media and tag me @donnaajones.

Listen in to learn more:

(04:59) Transforming to be More Like Christ

(13:05) God's Response to Imperfection 

(16:29) Understanding Double Knowledge and Transformation 

(23:23) Surrendering All to God (47 Seconds)

(24:58) Holding Tight to Faith 

(29:04) Purpose of Book 

Speaking of social media, remember to connect with me on social media for additional resources and upcoming speaking events. On Instagram, you'll find me @donnaajones.

Xo,

Donna

 

Donna’s Resources:

 

Order a copy of my new book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

 

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!

 

Connect with Megan Fate 

Website - https://www.meganfate.com

Book - https://www.meganfate.com/books 

 

Connect with Donna 

 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

 

Website: 

www.donnajones.org    

 

Donna’s speaking schedule:

https://donnajones.org/events/   

Join us for an insightful chat with Jim Burns, founder of Homeward and author of A Student's Guide to Sexual Integrity: God's Plan for Sex and Your Body. Jim shares his wisdom on discussing sexual integrity from a Christian perspective, offering guidance for parents and grandparents to support young people in navigating sexuality with faith and moral clarity.

We tackle the challenges of talking to teens about sexuality, and Jim offers practical, do-able advice: frequent, brief conversations at home, starting early (though it's never too late!). This approach helps normalize these discussions, making parents trusted sources on sensitive topics. Jim also highlights the important role grandparents can play, offering a safe, approachable presence for kids facing tough questions.

I'm giving away a copy of Jim’s new book. Simply post a picture of this podcast on social media, mention the name of the show (That's Just What I Needed) and tag me @donnaajones so I'll know you posted. 

Speaking of social media, remember to connect with me on social media for additional resources and upcoming speaking events. You'll find me on Instagram, @donnaajones.

Xo,

Donna

 

Listen in to learn more:

(07:38) Speaking About Awkwardness and Sex 

(10:46) Addressing Adolescent Sexuality and Pornography 

(15:07) Talking to Kids About Sexuality

(17:28) Showing Christian Love to LGBTQ Individual 

(22:25) Accessing the Master Designer's Word 

(26:05) Teaching Biblical View of Sexuality 

(30:16) Parenting Seminars and Resources Highlighted 

 

xo,

Donna

Episode 93: How to Have a Healthy Relationship with Your Adult Children with Jim Burns

 

Donna’s Resources:

 

Order a copy of my new book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith or Christianity or simply want to strengthen your knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

 

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith.

 

Connect with Jim 

Website - https://homeword.com/ 

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/drjimburns/?hl=en 

 

Connect with Donna 

 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

 

Website: 

www.donnajones.org    

 

Donna’s speaking schedule:

 

https://donnajones.org/events/    

It’s easy to allow Jesus’ love to flow through us when everything is going our way, right? But what about those times when people, circumstances, and just plain ‘ole life is tough?

On today’s episode, I sit down with Marnie Swedberg, a dynamic mentor, speaker, author, and founder of the world's largest Christian Women’s Speaker resource. Marnie shares how we can be a “flow-through” vessel of Jesus’ mercy, love, and grace. 

Marnie shares her remarkable journey and examines how to seamlessly integrate faith into everyday life, especially when confronted with modern-day challenges.

We dive into the transformative practice of "Prayer Breathing," which encourages maintaining a spiritual connection akin to dolphins surfacing for air. We explore how this practice fosters spiritual vitality and resilience, especially during tough times like the back-to-back hurricanes Marnie faced recently at her home in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. Her personal stories of evacuation and loss showcase the profound impact of relying on spiritual guidance instead of conventional defense mechanisms during life's inevitable storms.

Cultivating a consistent connection with God is at the heart of this episode. We introduce the "four R's"—  Recognize, Release, Receive, and Respond—as a practical guide to transitioning from self-reliance to divine dependence.

Join us in this heartfelt conversation. I loved it, and I think you will, too!

Also, remember to connect with me on social media for additional resources and upcoming speaking events. On Instagram, you'll find me @donnaajones.

Xo,

Donna

 

Listen in to learn more. 

(03:20) Multifaceted Mentor and Ministry Resource 

(08:13) Flow Through Vessel Book Discussion 

(12:54) Seeking Divine Guidance Through Dolphin Analogy 

(19:25) Navigating Chaos and Toxicity 

(23:32) Finding Peace in the Midst 

(26:50) The Power of Surrender and Faith

(30:37) Developing a Habit to Trust God 

 

Donna’s Resources:

 

Order a copy of my new book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith or Christianity or simply want to strengthen your knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

 

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith.

 

Connect with Marnie

Website - https://www.marnie.com/ 

 

Connect with Donna 

 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

 

Website: 

www.donnajones.org    

 

Donna’s speaking schedule:

 

https://donnajones.org/events/    

 

Emotional scars. We all have them.

 

Whether they’re wounds we can trace back to childhood or recent hurts we’ve just gotten past, we all need to know how to deal with our scars and, even better, how they can be redeemed for good.

 

Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Michelle Bengston, a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist and best-selling author. Together, we explore how her expertise in neurology, and psychiatry meets the profound depths of faith to provide healing paths for those struggling with emotional, spiritual, and relational woundedness. 

 

Dr. Bengston opens up about her new book, "Sacred Scars," in which she passionately uncovers how the physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds we carry can become marks of profound purpose and divine transformation. Her journey from suffering to healing is not just a personal narrative but a beacon of hope for anyone feeling trapped by their scars.

 

This episode tackles the daunting topics of shame and fear of rejection, revealing how sharing personal scars can forge deep connections and foster healing. Dr. Bengston's candid reflections on her battle with clinical depression illuminate the power found in vulnerability—how opening up those hidden parts of ourselves can offer real hope and inspiration for others.

 

Don't miss a minute of this heartfelt, wisdom-filled conversation. It’s a great one for anyone on a journey of healing (and honestly, aren’t we all?)

 

xo,

Donna

 

Donna’s Resources:

 

Order a copy of my new book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith or Christianity or simply want to strengthen your knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

 

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith.

 

Connect with Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Website - https://drmichellebengtson.com/ 

 

Listen to her podcast - Your Hope-Filled Perspective https://drmichellebengtson.com/podcast/ 

 

Pick up a copy of her book, Sacred Scars

https://amzn.to/4hdenge

 

Connect with Donna 

 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

 

Website: 

www.donnajones.org    

 

Donna’s speaking schedule:

 

https://donnajones.org/events/    

 

How do we truly see beyond the surface of our lives?

 

On this special episode for National Blindness Awareness Month, I’m joined by two amazing guests—legally blind author Judy Kirby and voiceover artist Annie Donnellan. Judy shares the profound spiritual lessons she’s learned from her vision loss, as detailed in her book Blurred Vision. Anne brings an extra layer of humor and insight from narrating the audiobook.

Our conversation encourages looking beyond appearances to appreciate the inner beauty and unique journeys of others. Reflecting on writings like "Heart Eyes" and "Bear Not Compare," we focus on living with more compassion and grace. 

Tune in to be inspired, learn, and gain a fresh perspective on the world around you. Hit the “subscribe” button now so you don’t miss a single episode!

xo,

Donna

 

Donna’s Resources:

 

Order a copy of my new book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith or Christianity or simply want to strengthen your knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

 

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith.

 

Connect with Judy and Anna 

 

Visit Judy’s website and pick up a copy of her book, Blurred Vision https://blurredvisionbooks.com/

 

Annie’s website 

https://anniedonnellon.com/

 

Connect with Donna 

 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

 

Website: 

www.donnajones.org    

 

Donna’s speaking schedule:

https://donnajones.org/events/