Hey Friend!

In today’s episode, we’re getting super-practical as we discuss how to manage other people’s difficult emotions. I’ll share the single most important tool necessary to deal with anyone’s (your kids, spouse, co-worker, etc.) frustration, disappointment, or anger. It’s not the only tool you need, but it is the secret tool you need to use first.

I hope this episode equips you to have better relationships and enjoy more peace.

 xo,

Donna

How we  can deal with other’s emotions

• If you don’t know how to listen, you won’t know how to lead.
• People escalate because they are screaming to be understood.
• Start by addressing inward emotions before addressing the behavior.
• Two words to use: “What’s up?”
• Don’t try to fix their emotions before they’ve expressed their emotions.

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!

If you’re a mom (or hope to be someday), you want to pray for your kids in a way that will make a difference in who they become and how they live. Prayer plays an extraordinary role in the life of a mom. Sometimes we pray quick prayers over specific situations, but other times we have prayers we need to pray for their whole lives.

In today’s episode, we’ll examine five essential prayers we should pray for our children throughout their lives. These are the five best prayers I ever prayed for my kids. I’ll think you’ll love them, too.

xo,

Donna

The 5 Best Prayers We Can Pray for Our Kids:

• God, help them choose to do right even if everyone else does wrong.
• God, help them love you even more than I love you.
• God, give them solid Christian friends who also know how to have fun.
• God, bring my kids a spouse who loves you fully and will love them deeply, for their whole lives.
• God, grant them wisdom and success.

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!

Do you have a friend or loved one you hope would change, even just a bit? ? I know we all do. The question we tackle in today's episode is, “how can we talk about something that needs to change in a way that will help, not hurt?”  

We take a look at Matthew 7:5, where Jesus teaches us about removing a speck from another person’s eye. To make things practical and fun, I share how  needing my husband to remove my contact lenses taught me how vulnerable we feel when someone else has to remove  something from our eye (or our life!)And, because I always want to leave us knowing what to do next, I share 5 tips for addressing someone else’s “speck” in a way that will help the relationship, not hurt the relationship. 

xo,

Donna

P.S. LAST WEEK: Don’t forget  I’m giving away a $50 Amazon gift card to one lucky winner who listens to an episode, takes a screenshot of “That’s Just What I Needed” and posts on Instagram or Facebook. Make sure to tag me @donnaajones! 

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts for an extra chance to win!

Five tips to be a helper, not a hurter

• Think about what you’re going to say before you say it
• Plan how you’re going to say it
• Determine the best time and place to say it
• Count on resistance
• Know your limitations

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!

It seems like everyone I know has faced more decisions in the past two years than any time I can remember. Job decisions. The kids' education decisions. Relationship decisions. Financial decisions. The list goes on and on, right? 

This episode is the 2nd part of a two-part series where we take a deep dive into the principles found in the Bible to help us determine God’s will. So, if you haven’t had a chance to listen, make sure to listen to Episode 13 in addition to today's episode.

Today, we look at the difference between deciding and discerning God’s will. We also examine the two filters all good decisions must pass through. Honestly, I love this episode! It breaks down discerning God’s will in a way I think you’ll find helpful.

xo,

Donna

P.S. BIG NEWS: This month, I’m giving away a $50 Amazon gift card to one lucky winner who listens to an episode, takes a screenshot of “That’s Just What I Needed” and posts on Instagram or Facebook. Make sure to tag me @donnaajones! 

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts for an extra chance to win!

Listen in to learn more about: 

{02:23} Does this choice reflect my love for God and others. Do I already know what I need to do? Has God already given me the wisdom I need?

{09:41} We discern God’s will so we can do God’s will. It is not about finding God’s will; it’s about living God’s will.

Favorite Quotes : 

If I seek to please God and extend love to others, whatever I decide will be the right choice. 

If I rush into a decision with no regard for God or people, the rightness of my choice comes with no guarantee. I can't do what I know is wrong and expect God to make everything turn out all right.

.Discerning God’s will doesn’t usually happen in one giant sweeping, divine revelation. It happens one small step at a time. It’s learning to listen to something—anything—God wants you to do, big or small, public or private, simple or complex—and then doing it. If you do this day after day, year after year, you’ll find you’ve lived smack dab in the middle of God’s best.

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!

Not long ago I was having lunch with a girlfriend and our discussion turned to a tough decision she had to make. Though she wasn’t sure about what to do, she was sure she wanted to make a decision she wouldn’t later regret. She leaned across the table and wondered aloud, "How do I know if this is God's will for my life?" 

That’s the question we all have, isn't it? 

Well, that’s the question we’ll answer in today’s episode. This will be the first of a two-part series where we'll take a deep dive at the principles found in the Bible to help us determine God’s will. I’m praying God uses these words to speak directly into your life, your circumstances, and your specific need for wisdom.

xo,

Donna

P.S. BIG NEWS: This month I’m giving away a $50 Amazon gift card to one lucky winner who listens to an episode, takes a screenshot of “That’s Just What I Needed” and posts on Instagram or Facebook. Make sure to tag me @donnaajones! 

Leave a review for an extra chance to win!

Listen in to learn more about: 

• {05:00} Principle #1: Pray for Wisdom (James 1:5)“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously… and it will be given to you.”  James 1:5
• {06:00} Principle #2:  Pre-determine to Obey God ( Rom 12:1-2)“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2
• {08:38} Principle #3: Get As Much Information as Possible (Prov 15:22)“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22
• {12:25} Principle #4: Go With Your Spirit-Filled Intuition (Psalm 37:22-23)“The Lord directs the steps of the godly.He delights in every detail of their lives.Though they stumble, they will never fall,for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37:22-23 NLT
• {14:51} Principle #5 Don’t Make a Decision Based Soley on Emotion (Prov 13:16“Wise people think before they act” Proverbs 13:16a

Favorite Quotes : 

The ability to discern God’s will for our life is largely determined by our commitment to follow His plan for our life. 

Never make a decision today that a good night’s sleep might make you regret tomorrow.

Good decisions come from godly advice.

God promises that if you ask Him for wisdom, He will give it. 

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! If you struggle with anxiety or performance-based living, or know someone who does, (because, hello, 2022) you’re going to love this episode. On the show today, I’m joined by the amazing Michelle Lazurek. We sat down to talk about processing anxiety, surrendering our need to perform, and Michelle’s new book, I Surrender All…Sort Of!

Michelle shares her struggle with anxiety, her journey of surrendering lies she believed, and offers practical tips to help us find our way to peace and healing.

Michelle is an author, speaker, pastor's wife, literary agent, and certified writing coach. Her mission is to” help Christians reach their potential, mentor new writers and give hope to weary leaders.”

Xo,

Donna

Listen in to learn more:

• The process of surrender
• Giving up the need to perform
• What you learn about God when you surrender
• Being in community with other believers

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 Michelle - 

Website:http://www.michellelazurek.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.

Recently my daughters and I had a conversation about feeling significant. We concluded that no matter how old (or young) we are, we all want to live a life of significance. But, what does a life of significance look like, exactly? Is there any way we can be sure what we’re doing, day in and day out, is actually significant?

In this episode, I share how I had to learn a new definition of significance.

xo, Donna

P.S. BIG NEWS: This month I’m giving away a $50 Amazon gift card to one lucky winner who listens to an episode, takes a screenshot of “That’s Just What I Needed” and posts on Instagram or Facebook. Make sure to tag me @donnaajones!

Leave a review for an extra chance to win!

Listen in to learn more about:

• {01:15} A lesson I learned from my husband.
• {05:15} James and John’s mother wanted to find significance through her son’s accomplishments and what Jesus had to say about that.
• {10:00} Truth you need to hear today.

Favorite Quotes:

A New Definition of Significance: Living to give rather than living to get.

If you want to be great in the kingdom of God you must be a servant. - Jesus

In God’s economy, the way up is down.

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

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!

All I can say about today’s episode is, “WOW!”  Renee Swope joins us to talk about how you can be confident in your parenting journey, whether you’re a mom (or dad) who’s just starting out or you have grown kids. We tackle how to handle your child’s anxiety (oh my gosh…this is SO GOOD!), the importance of saying you’re sorry (and why it’s never too late), and how to mine for your child’s gold (even if your “child” is an adult.) 

This episode is longer than usual, but honestly, I could have listened to Renee’s wisdom for another hour. 

It. Is. That. Good. 

And this is one you’ll want to make sure you share. (Sidenote: to share, find the three tiny dots beside the podcast cover picture, click on the dots, and you’ll see where you can share. Don’t forget to rate and review, too!) 

xo,

Donna

About Renee 

Renee Swope is a former executive director and radio co-host with Proverbs 31 Ministries and a writer for (In)Courage (a division of Day Spring). But those who know her well would tell you she is a people-loving, adventure-seeking friend and mom who loves Jesus, her family, and being outside. They might also mention she can be a mess and has been known to take her dog’s medicine (accidentally) and call the fire department more than once. 

Renee’s passion is to encourage and equip women, moms, and girls to overcome self-doubt and live in the fullness of their God-given purpose, gifts, and potential, roles, and relationships—and empower them with courage and confidence to make a difference right where they are, with what they already have.

Listen in to learn more about: 

• Renee and her experience with writing her new book, A Confident Mom {03:00} 
• Why do moms struggle with confidence? {08:00} 
• Why you should apologize to your children {13:00} 
• You don’t need to parent the way you were parented {16:30}

Favorite Quotes : 

“It’s never too late to say, ‘I’m sorry.”

“It’s more important to do the right thing than do things right.”

Links

www.reneeswope.com

Renee Swope’s Books:

The Confident Mom:  Simple Ways to Give Your Child What They Need Most 

A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God’s Promises

Connect with Donna:

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 Friends! 

There has been so much talk lately on social media about friendships. Friendship can be a source of great happiness, but friendship can also be a source of heartache and hurt. 

We are created for connection, but many women don’t have that one good, trusted friend. Did you know that more than 30% of women are more afraid of loneliness than of dying of cancer? Pretty mind-blowing, right? 

In today’s episode, I’m talking about all things friendship. We’ll dive in together into what makes a good friend, how to spot a toxic friend, and why you must have at least one truly good friend. 

Listen in to learn more about:

• What makes a healthy friendship? [2:59]
• The 12 signs of a toxic friend. [6:57]
• Why do we need friends at all? [8:45}
• Plus, much more, including how friends are guardrails for our relationship with God. 

Also, I’ll be talking about friendships all week on Instagram ( @donnaajones) and Facebook (Donna Jones, Speaker, and Author - Home), so make plans to join me! 

Favorite Quotes:

Definition of a Good Friend: one who propels you to be the best version of you–the one God had in mind when He created you.

A good friend is a cheerleader, not a competitor.

12 Signs of a Toxic friend:

1. She is often critical of others (you better believe she’s critical of you, too!)
2. She talks more than she listens; more self-centered than other-centered.
3. Her “care” is her attempt to control.
4. She loves to give advice but rarely takes advice; she tries to change others but seldom looks to change herself
5. She is easily offended; her feelings are often hurt.
6. Her apologies are insincere; she may not apologize at all. She justifies or blames others for her behavior, rather than owning behavior.
7. She is passive-aggressive.
8. She is MIA (missing in action) when you need her most.
9. She demeans you (or your kids), sometimes cloaking her put-downs in humor.
10. She doesn’t just love to be the focus of attention; she needs to be the focus of attention.
11. Her life is one continuous drama.
12. Her conversation is constantly full of complaints and critiques. 

Resources

Link to Bible Study on Friendship: http://www.crosslinechurch.com/sermons/friendship-what-makes-a-good-friend-really-lesson-1/

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 Friends!

On the show today, I’m joined by the fabulous Kelly Minter. We sit down to discuss how we sometimes compartmentalize our faith and why that doesn’t work, how spending time in God’s word brings us closer to God, and share tips on making prayer more meaningful, even when it’s hard. Kelly even shares the story of how my daughter ended up staying at her home in Nashville!

Kelly Minter is an author, Bible teacher, and podcaster. Her most recent Bible study from Lifeway publishers is Encountering God: Cultivating Habits of Faith Through the Spiritual Disciplines. Kelly speaks around the country and also works closely with Justice & Mercy International in the Amazon jungles of Brazil and the Eastern European country of Moldova.

Kelly is deeply passionate about teaching the Bible and believes it permeates all of life. When she’s not writing, traveling, or speaking, she enjoys time in her garden, cooking, and being with her friends and family. A Southern transplant, she delights in long walks, her local church, meaningful conversation, and coffee in her Justice & Mercy International diner mug.

Listen in to learn more about:

• Kelly’s journey to Nashville, being a singer-songwriter, and lessons that season brought. 
• The idea that a righteous person is not divided and why we shouldn’t compartmentalize our faith. 
• How are spiritual disciplines gifts from God, and what should we do with that knowledge?
• When we pray in secret, our Father is there with us. 
• Plus, much more, including Donna’s tips for writing your prayers!

Favorite Quotes:

“Spiritual Disciplines are a gateway to God’s blessings.”

“God is after our hearts.”

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:6

Resources

Ways to Connect with Kelly: 

• Facebook @KellyMinterAuthor 
• Instagram @Kelly_Minter
• Website: www.KellyMinter.com

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.