Hey Friends! 

Today is one of my favorite interviews I’ve done so far.  It’s poignant, helpful, and it's hopeful. You don’t want to miss one second of the episode. Seriously. It’s that good.

In this episode, I’m talking about suicide and mental illness with my friend and author,  Julie Busler. Julie shares her experience with trauma and suffering mental illness and also helps us spot a loved one that might be experiencing symptoms, so we know what to do to help–something every one of us needs to know. Julie shares real-life wisdom about how you can find healing and faith, even during depression.

However, we will discuss adult topics, so it’s not meant for little ears. But,  given the state of our world right now and the rise in suicide, today’s episode is so important! I also would love it if you would share this episode with anyone who may need to hear it. 

Remember, you are loved. 

Donna

Listen in to learn more about 

{02:43} Julie’s journey through trauma

{18:27} Finding faith amid Depression

{22:54} Finding healing

{28:44} How to identify symptoms in others  who might be dealing with depression

Bio for Julie:

Julie Busler serves as the Oklahoma President of WMU and is active in the women’s ministry at Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Julie understands the pain of mental illness and has learned that trials humanize us and increase our capacity to be used by God. She loves to use her experiences alongside Scripture to discuss and teach how to thrive despite mental illness and that joy and sorrow can coexist. Julie and Ryan have been married for 16 years, have 4 children, and have served overseas in Canada, Mexico, Germany, and Turkey.

Her book, Joyful Sorrow: Breaking Through the Darkness of Mental Illness, is available where books are sold online.

Resources

For a copy of “15 Things, Jesus Would Say to You if You Met Him for Coffee,” go to www.donnajones.org/blog 

Pick up a copy of Donna’s book : Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God 

https://www.amazon.com/Seek-Womans-Guide-Meeting-God/dp/0800725328/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3QOGM9DLB01MK&keywords=seek+a+womans+guide&qid=1644959052&s=books&sprefix=Seek+a+woman%2Cstripbooks%2C190&sr=1-2

Connect with Julie 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliebusler/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliebusler

Website:

http://www.juliebusler.com

Connect with Donna

Instagram: @donnaajones

Website: www.donnajones.org

Twitter:@donnajonesspeak

Vimeo: @DonnaJones

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hey Friends! 

During a recent conversation with my husband, JP, I had one of those out-of-body experiences; you know, the type where you actually listen to yourself as you speak. I’m ashamed to admit almost everything I said was negative! When did I become this way? How did I become this way? I wondered.

Of course, we all have moments we complain (gas prices? the economy? politics?) but If the last few years have made you more negative than positive, you’ll find this episode helpful. On this week's show, I share the surprising truth I discovered about how complaining affects us, and I share some tips to prevent negativity from taking over our lives. There’s lots of great info in today’s episode. I hope it’s just what you need because it’s definitely what I needed!

You are loved,

Donna

Highlights

• The physical effects of negativity on our bodies
• Three types of complainers (which one are you?)
• Don’t feed the negative, weed the negative
• Gratitude phrases every person should know, use, and teach to your kids

Resources

For a copy of “15 Things, Jesus Would Say to You if You Met Him for Coffee,” go to www.donnajones.org/blog 

Pick up a copy of Donna’s book : Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God 

https://www.amazon.com/Seek-Womans-Guide-Meeting-God/dp/0800725328/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3QOGM9DLB01MK&keywords=seek+a+womans+guide&qid=1644959052&s=books&sprefix=Seek+a+woman%2Cstripbooks%2C190&sr=1-2

Connect with Donna

Instagram: @donnaajones

Website: www.donnajones.org

Twitter:@donnajonesspeak

Vimeo: @DonnaJones

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hey Friend!

Are you a people-pleaser? Do you find it difficult to say no to requests from others? Then today’s episode is for you! 

On the show today, I talk with my friend and NY Times Best-selling author, Karen Ehman, about how to say "no" while dealing with your people-pleasing tendencies. Karen shares how she reached a breaking point, what she learned when she began to say "no," and when it is OK to say yes. 

You’re going to love our conversation! 

You are loved,

 Donna

Listen in to learn more about

• {03:00} Karen’s journey with being a former people-pleaser” and  some of the lessons learned by saying “no”
• {10:24} How to handle the emotions and  reactions when you say no to others
• {15:24} When it’s ok to say YES!
• {19:51} The 7 “stop it” statements

Resources

For a copy of “15 Things, Jesus Would Say to You if You Met Him for Coffee,” go to www.donnajones.org/blog 

Pick up a copy of Donna’s book : Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God 

https://www.amazon.com/Seek-Womans-Guide-Meeting-God/dp/0800725328/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3QOGM9DLB01MK&keywords=seek+a+womans+guide&qid=1644959052&s=books&sprefix=Seek+a+woman%2Cstripbooks%2C190&sr=1-2

Connect with Karen 

Karen Ehman is a Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and New York Times bestselling author. Described as profoundly practical, engagingly funny, and downright real, her passion is to help women to live their priorities and love their lives as they serve God and others.

Karen writes for Encouragement For Today, an online devotional that reaches over four million women daily. She also contributes to the First 5 teaching team, an app designed to help you spend the first five minutes of every day reading the Bible.

She has authored seventeen books and Bible studies including the New York Times bestseller Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All. Her most recent devotional, co-authored with Ruth Schwenk of The Better Mom is entitled Settle My Soul: 100 Quiet Moments to Meet with Jesus and was selected as  2020 Devotional and Gift Book of the Year. She and Ruth also co-wrote the ECPA best-seller Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet with Jesus. She also released a Bible study with LifeWay on the letter of Philippians called What Matters Most.

You can visit her website at https://karenehman.com

Connect with Donna

Instagram: @donnaajones

Website: www.donnajones.org

Twitter:@donnajonesspeak

Vimeo: @DonnaJones

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hey Friend! 

If you are anything like me, you’ve wrestled with God. Most believers wrestle with God at some point in their life, but, sadly, it’s rarely something we talk about. Frankly, it makes us uncomfortable. This leaves too many of us racked with shame and ill-equipped to wrestle in a way that leaves us with a deeper relationship with God, not a defeated one. 

So, on today’s show, I’m sharing four lessons about wrestling with God successfully. I hope this episode is helpful for you. I think it’s one you’ll want to share. 

You are loved,

Donna

Listen in to learn more about : 

• We don’t have to wrestle alone
• Wrestling with God can take awhile
• The secret to wrestling with God is found in three words: Don’t let go!
• Wrestling with God will change our walk with God
• How to wrestle with God and come out with stronger, more authentic faith

Resources

For a copy of “15 Things, Jesus Would Say to You if You Met Him for Coffee,” go to www.donnajones.org/blog 

Pick up a copy of Donna’s book : Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God 

https://www.amazon.com/Seek-Womans-Guide-Meeting-God/dp/0800725328/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3QOGM9DLB01MK&keywords=seek+a+womans+guide&qid=1644959052&s=books&sprefix=Seek+a+woman%2Cstripbooks%2C190&sr=1-2

Connect with Donna:

Instagram: @donnaajones

Website: www.donnajones.org

Twitter:@donnajonesspeak

Vimeo: @DonnaJones

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hey Friend! 

Recently, I sat in a group of women who shared prayer requests. It didn’t take long to notice a theme: we are TIRED. Some of us feel physically exhausted, some of us feel emotionally exhausted, and some of us feel spiritually exhausted. While the source of our exhaustion may vary,  the need to know what to do about our exhaustion is universal. 

So, on today’s show, I share four things we can do when we feel worn-out, tired, and stressed

I hope this episode is helpful and allows you to get the rest you need. 

You are loved,

Donna

Listen in to learn more about : 

• How to identify the source of your exhaustion
• Create a plan and stick to it
• Allow Jesus to help you
• How to choose rhythms of rest

Resources

For a copy of “15 Things, Jesus Would Say to You if You Met Him for Coffee,” go to www.donnajones.org/blog 

Pick up a copy of Donna’s book : Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God 

https://www.amazon.com/Seek-Womans-Guide-Meeting-God/dp/0800725328/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3QOGM9DLB01MK&keywords=seek+a+womans+guide&qid=1644959052&s=books&sprefix=Seek+a+woman%2Cstripbooks%2C190&sr=1-2

Connect with Donna:

Instagram: @donnaajones

Website: www.donnajones.org

Twitter:@donnajonesspeak

Vimeo: @DonnaJones

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hey Friend!

Have you ever been in a situation where God brought someone into your life, and you knew you were supposed to say something about Christ but didn’t? Did you walk away feeling a little guilty,

Did you walk away feeling a little guilty, wondering, why didn’t I say something? 

Honestly, this has happened to me more times than I care to admit.

In this week’s episode, my guest (and friend), author Rhonda Stoppe, joins me to chat about how we can share the gospel with those we meet in a way that will bless them and us, too. Rhonda shares how she overcame her fears and became passionate about sharing her faith.

You’ll be inspired by the stories she shares!

Remember, you are loved,

Donna

Listen in to learn more about

• {03:40} How Rhonda found her passion for sharing the gospel with others
• {07:20} Steps to take so you don’t chicken out when sharing the gospel
• {14:10} Overcoming our fear and getting a heart for the lost
• {20:00} Look for opportunities to develop boldness and watchfulness
• {31:20} Being a regular person who shares the gospel

Resources

For a copy of “15 Things, Jesus Would Say to You if You Met Him for Coffee,” go to www.donnajones.org/blog.

Pick up a copy of Donna’s book : Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God https://www.amazon.com/Seek-Womans-Guide-Meeting-God/dp/0800725328/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3QOGM9DLB01MK&keywords=seek+a+womans+guide&qid=1644959052&s=books&sprefix=Seek+a+woman%2Cstripbooks%2C190&sr=1-2

Connect with Rhonda

Rhonda is the author of 6 books and appears on numerous radio programs, including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, and Dr. James Dobson’s FamilyTalk, & hosts The No Regrets Hour. She’s an evangelist and speaker at women’s events, College Women’s Chapel, Pastor’s Wives Conferences, MOPs, and Homeschool Conventions. Sharing the gospel at her NoRegretsWoman Conference is her sweet spot.

Rhonda is a regular contributor to Crosswalk and many other magazines. Rhonda ministers alongside her husband Steve, who for 20 years has pastored First Baptist Church of Patterson, California. They live out their own Real Life Romance, writing books and speaking at their No Regrets Marriage Conferences, but their favorite ministry is their family. They have four grown children and 10 grandchildren.

To learn more about Rhonda’s speaking topics, watch her teaching and book her for your next event.

Website: https://www.rhondastoppe.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhondastoppe/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoRegretsWoman/

Connect with Donna

Instagram: @donnaajones

Website: www.donnajones.org

Twitter:@donnajonesspeak

Vimeo: @DonnaJones

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hey Friend!

Summer is finally here. Yippee! But, have you ever noticed how less summer structure can easily morph into less spiritual committment? I sure have.

This time of year our faith can either flounder or flourish. In today’s episode, I’m sharing three easy tips to help your faith grow exponentially this summer. I’m also sharing six inspiring biographies you’ll want to put on your summer reading list.

Happy summer!

You are loved,

 Donna

My summer tips : 

• Leisurely read your bible every day
• Summer book suggestions
• • The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boomce 
  • The Same Kind of Different as Me.
  • Left to tell
  • Jesus, my Father, the CIA, and Me
  • The Girl in the Song
  • Unbroken
• Go to church
• Look for an opportunity to serve

Resources

For a copy of “15 Things, Jesus Would Say to You if You Met Him for Coffee,” go to www.donnajones.org/blog 

Pick up a copy of Donna’s book : Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God 

https://www.amazon.com/Seek-Womans-Guide-Meeting-God/dp/0800725328/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3QOGM9DLB01MK&keywords=seek+a+womans+guide&qid=1644959052&s=books&sprefix=Seek+a+woman%2Cstripbooks%2C190&sr=1-2

Connect with Donna:

Instagram: @donnaajones

Website: www.donnajones.org

Twitter:@donnajonesspeak

Vimeo: @DonnaJones

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hey Friend!

Question: Do the events going on in our world, in your life, or in the lives of those you love sometimes weigh heavy on you?

I’m pretty sure I see you nodding.

When life feels weighty we need to know how to process our circumstances and our feelings. At least, I know I do! Today’s episode is a friend-to-friend chat where I share what God taught me on my walk this morning about how to process the heaviness we all experience from time to time. These truths will lighten your burdens, clarify your places of confusion, and genuinely restore your soul.

What I learned this morning changed the course of my whole day. I hope this episode helps you with your walk with God, too.

You are loved!

Donna

Listen in to learn more about :

• For the woman who loves Jesus, everything is spiritual.
• You will never forget your awful times, but you will also remember God’s faithfulness.
• The Spirit helps us in our weaknesses.
• How God’s Word revives our souls–and what they mean, exactly.

Bible References

• Psalm 19:7a
• Proverbs 3:5-6
• Lamentations 3:18-25 (NLT)
• Romans 8 (NLT)
• Jonah 2:8

Resources

For a copy of “15 Things, Jesus Would Say to You if You Met Him for Coffee,” go to www.donnajones.org/blog 

Pick up a copy of Donna’s book : Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God https://www.amazon.com/Seek-Womans-Guide-Meeting-God/dp/0800725328/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3QOGM9DLB01MK&keywords=seek+a+womans+guide&qid=1644959052&s=books&sprefix=Seek+a+woman%2Cstripbooks%2C190&sr=1-2

Connect with Donna:

Instagram: @donnaajones

Website: www.donnajones.org

Twitter:@donnajonesspeak

Vimeo: @DonnaJones

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hey Friend!

Today I’m excited to welcome my friend and author of five award-winning Bible studies, Jean E. Jones, on the show. Jean E. shares her journey of coming to Christ after being taught by her family that Jesus was not to be trusted. We explore the struggle with accepting God as your Father when you don’t have a great relationship with your own earthly father, and Jean E offers great insight on what she did to overcome that gap. We also discuss how studying the Bible was a key in her personal and spiritual transformation and how studying the Bible can be part of your routine, too. Her story of redemption is just amazing! 

Remember friends, you are loved!

Xo,

Donna

In today’s episode, we discuss:

• When you have been led to believe that Jesus is a bad guy
• How to have a good relationship with your Heavenly Father when you don’t have a great relationship with your earthly one. 
• Freeing advice for the person who isn’t reading their Bible and how to start

Jean E. Jones enjoys writing Bible study guides that help people put God’s words into action. Along with best-selling author Pam Farrel and popular artist Karla Dornacher, she wrote Discovering Good News in John (July 5, 2022), the ECPA finalist Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament (2019), Discovering Joy in Philippians (2019), and Discovering Hope in the Psalms (2017). Jean is a member of the Women in Apologetics (WIA) and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA). Besides writing, Jean speaks at conferences and women’s events in both keynote and breakout sessions. She also was a contributing writer for Crosswalk.com and has written for Today’s Christian Woman and Home Life. Additionally, she has served on women’s ministry leadership teams for over 20 years.

Jean E. Jones is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Clay, who teaches apologetics at Talbot Seminary. He’s the author of Why Does God Allow Evil? and Immortal: How the Fear of Death Drives Us and What We Can Do About It.

Resources:

For into on Jean E’s Bible studies or to ask her any of your Bible questions, contact: www.jeanejones.net

For a copy of “15 Things Jesus Would Say to You if You Met Him for Coffee,” go to www.donnajones.org/blog 

Pick up a copy of Donna’s book : Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God 

https://www.amazon.com/Seek-Womans-Guide-Meeting-God/dp/0800725328/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3QOGM9DLB01MK&keywords=seek+a+womans+guide&qid=1644959052&s=books&sprefix=Seek+a+woman%2Cstripbooks%2C190&sr=1-2

Connect with Jean E. Jones : 

https://www.jeanejones.net/ 

Connect with Donna:

Instagram: @donnaajones

Website: www.donnajones.org

Twitter:@donnajonesspeak

Vimeo: @DonnaJones

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hey Friend!

One of the questions I get asked most frequently is, “how can I help my husband, son, brother, or father grow in his relationship with God?”

In today’s episode, I am talking with pastor, author, and president of Every Man Ministries, Kenny Luck, about the mind of a man. Kenny gives us the inside scoop on what makes men lean away from doing good and lean away from God. He helps us understand how we, as women, can help the men in our lives move closer to Christ. The answers might surprise you!

You are loved,

Donna

In today’s episode, we discuss:

• What makes men lean away from God
• Kenny’s story and how God entered his life when he was a broken man
• Kenny’s advice for the woman in a relationship with a non-believer or a man who is lukewarm in his relationship with God.

Kenny Luck is an ECPA Platinum Award Winning and Best-Selling Author of twenty-three books for men. As a thought leader and expert on men and culture, Kenny is called by God to revolutionize men’s ministry, free men spiritually, and empower men’s movement worldwide. God uses Kenny to reach over a hundred thousand men weekly through the Every Man radio show in Los Angeles and the worldwide LIVESTREAM of his weekly men’s meeting via Every Man Ministries on Facebook.

Kenny and his wife Chrissy have been married 29 years, are parents to three awesome millennials, and live in Trabuco Canyon, California.

Resources For a copy of “15 Things Jesus Would Say to You if You Met Him for Coffee,” go to www.donnajones.org/blog

Pick up a copy of Donna’s book : Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God https://www.amazon.com/Seek-Womans-Guide-Meeting-God/dp/0800725328/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3QOGM9DLB01MK&keywords=seek+a+womans+guide&qid=1644959052&s=books&sprefix=Seek+a+woman%2Cstripbooks%2C190&sr=1-2

Connect with Kenny:

https://www.everymanministries.com

Connect with Donna:

Instagram: @donnaajones

Website: www.donnajones.org

Twitter:@donnajonesspeak

Vimeo: @DonnaJones

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.