That's Just What I Needed Podcast

If you've ever wondered where God is in the middle of unanswered prayers or unexpected detours, this conversation is for you. As I sit down with author Laurie Short, we talk about how looking back at God's faithfulness gives us the confidence to trust Him with what's ahead. Laurie shares powerful stories from her own life, practical ways to recognize God's hand in your story, and why even painful seasons aren't wasted. My prayer is that you'll walk away with fresh hope, a stronger faith, and a renewed confidence that God is still writing a beautiful story in your life (because, my friend, He is).

Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Xo,

Donna

Key Takeaways:

0:02:12 -  Series on Discerning God’s Will and Introducing Laurie Short

0:03:16 – “Tracking God in Your Life” and the Power of Remembering

0:07:54 – Open/Closed Doors, Timing, and God in the “Rearview Mirror”

0:14:09 – Risk, “Mirrors and Cliffs,” and God’s Path to Freedom

0:19:46 – Pain, Flipped Scripts, and Finding Purpose in Your Story

What We Talk About

• Why God is often easier to recognize in hindsight
• Learning to trust God's timing instead of our own
• Open doors, closed doors, and divine redirection
• How suffering shapes our faith and our purpose
• The importance of vulnerability and self-awareness
• Why life's unexpected detours often become God's greatest blessings
• Sharing your faith story with your children and others
• Laurie's interactive approach to discovering God's fingerprints throughout your life

Eight Ways to Track God in Your Life

Laurie Short encourages readers to recognize God's work through everyday experiences, including:

• Hearing God's voice
• Open and closed doors
• God's timing
• "Coincidences" and divine appointments
• Mirrors (looking honestly at ourselves)
• Cliffs (taking courageous steps of faith)
• Pain and suffering
• Life's unexpected detours ("when the script gets flipped")

She also encourages creating a personal "stone pile"—a list of moments that remind you of God's faithfulness whenever your faith feels weak.

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my latest 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 deepen their faith.

Connect with Laurie:

Laurie’s Website: https://laurieshort.com/

Laurie’s Book: Tracking God in Your Life: https://laurieshort.com/product/tracking-god-in-your-life/

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: www.donnajones.org    

Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/

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

If you've ever wrestled with a big decision and wondered, God, what do You want me to do? This conversation is for you. I sit down with podcaster  Katrin Hegman to unpack a beautiful story from Genesis that offers practical, biblical wisdom we can use for discerning God's will. We talk about making decisions rooted in faith instead of fear, recognizing God's direction, and learning to trust His timing. If you're facing a crossroads or simply want to grow in hearing God's voice more clearly, this episode will give you both confidence and peace.

Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Xo,

Donna

Key Takeaways:

0:03:00 - Making Decisions WITH God, Not Just FOR God

0:08:46 - Don’t Take Shortcuts on the 500-Mile Journey

0:11:42 - Fear-Based Choices Always Backfire

0:15:30 - The $50 Price Tag of Integrity

0:21:23 - From Plan B to God’s Restored Plan A

What We Talk About

• Why discerning God's will can feel difficult
• The story of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24
• Why shortcuts often lead us away from God's best
• Making decisions from faith instead of fear
• Practical questions to evaluate whether you're walking in God's will
• The importance of integrity and biblical wisdom
• Why circumstances alone shouldn't determine your decisions
• Asking God for confirmation in meaningful ways
• Learning to wait, observe, and trust God's timing
• Thanking God for His guidance and building a testimony of His faithfulness

A Biblical Process for Discerning God's Will

Don't Take Shortcuts

• Choose integrity over convenience.
• Trust God's timing instead of rushing the process.

Don't Make Decisions Out of Fear

• Examine your motives.
• Ask whether fear or faith is leading your choice.

Make Sure You're Already Walking in God's Will

• Live with integrity.
• Practice biblical wisdom.
• Obey the last thing God asked you to do.

Seek God's Direction, Not Just Good Circumstances

• Pray specifically.
• Ask God for meaningful confirmation rather than simply looking for open doors.

Wait and Confirm

• Observe.
• Ask questions.
• Don't rush to conclusions.

1. Thank God for His Faithfulness

• Celebrate His guidance.
• Let His faithfulness become part of your testimony.

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my latest 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 deepen their faith.

Connect with Katrin:

Love God First Podcast: https://katrinlhagman5.podbean.com/

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: www.donnajones.org    

Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ 

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

“God, what should I do?” That's the question most of us ask–maybe you’re asking it right now.. Put another way, “what is your will, God?” These aren’t bad questions–they’re good. But they can also be incomplete. Kind of like missing the forest because of the trees. Sometimes the better question is not, “God what should I do?” but “God what are you doing?”

In  this episode, I want to encourage you to see your circumstances (yes, the ones you are in right now) from a different perspective. Instead of only asking God what decision you should make, what if you also asked what He's doing in you? We'll talk about how God uses trials, relationships, and His Word to shape us into the image of Christ. My prayer is that you'll walk away with renewed hope, greater confidence in God's plan, and the peace that comes from knowing He's faithfully finishing the work He started in you.

And, if you’re thinking, That’s great, but I still need to know God’s will. Today’s episode is the beginning point to that dilemma and next week my guest will answer the question, “How can I discern God’s will?” You won’t want to miss it!

And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Xo,

Donna

Key Takeaways:

0:00:12 - Rethinking God’s Will: Transformation Over Direction

0:02:40 - Life as a Dress Fitting: Conformed to Christ’s Image

0:09:09 - Trials as Refining Tools: Let Mind Lead, Not Emotions

0:13:29 - People and Scripture as Catalysts for Maturity

0:17:49 - From All Things to Radiant Bride: God Finishes What He Starts

What We Talk About

• Why we often ask the wrong question about God's will
• God's greater purpose of transforming us into Christ's image
• Philippians 1:6 and God's promise to finish what He starts
• How wedding dress alterations illustrate spiritual growth
• Why God uses trials to mature our faith
• Learning to lead with truth instead of emotions
• The importance of spiritually healthy relationships
• Reading Scripture to know both God's character and His heart
• Seeing difficult circumstances through God's eternal perspective

Instead of Asking...

Rather than only asking:

"God, what should I do?"

Also ask:

"God, what are You doing in me?"

God shapes us through three primary tools:

• Trials – Building endurance and revealing areas for growth.
• People – Using authentic relationships to encourage and sharpen us.
• His Word – Revealing who God is and teaching us how to live.

When reading Scripture, ask two simple questions:

1. Who are You, Lord?
2. In light of who You are, how do You want me to live?

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my latest 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 deepen their faith.

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: www.donnajones.org    

Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/

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

I loved this conversation because it reminded me that God doesn't just call pastors and missionaries; He calls teachers, nurses, engineers, business leaders, parents, and every one of us to make an impact for His kingdom. Brian Mueller shares his incredible journey from basketball coach to president of Grand Canyon University, along with his heart for raising up a generation that lives out their faith wherever God places them. If you've ever wondered whether your work, your family, or your gifts really matter to God, I think this episode will encourage you to see your everyday life as a sacred calling.

And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Xo,

Donna

Key Takeaways:

00:02:40 - From Coach to President: Brian’s Unlikely Road to GCU

0:06:48 - Sacred Vocation: Turning Every Career into Kingdom Work

0:13:58 - Risking Comfort: Leaving Success at Phoenix to Rescue GCU

0:18:30 - Five-Point Plan: Jobs, Safety, Homes, Scholarships, Service

0:26:15 - It Starts at Home: Parents Raising Culture-Shaping Kids

What We Talk About

• Brian Mueller's unexpected journey to leading Grand Canyon University
• Why every vocation can be a sacred calling
• Integrating faith into work instead of separating the two
• Raising children to influence culture for Christ
• The importance of Christian education and discipleship
• Living out the Gospel through service and community transformation
• Trusting God's plans over our own
• Helping young adults discover purpose and calling

Living Your Faith Through Your Calling

Brian shares a simple but powerful perspective on how Christians can influence the world:

1. Recognize your vocation as a sacred calling. Every profession can honor God.
2. Integrate your faith into your everyday work. Don't compartmentalize your spiritual life.
3. Serve people with excellence and integrity. Your character often speaks louder than your words.
4. Build relationships that reflect Christ. The Gospel is demonstrated through how we love others.
5. Trust God to use your unique gifts. Your passions and experiences are part of His greater purpose.

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my latest 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 deepen their faith.

Connect with Brian:

Brian’s Website: https://www.gcu.edu/

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: www.donnajones.org    

Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/

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

I think so many of us know Jesus has forgiven us, but we still live like we're carrying chains. In this episode, I want to remind you that Christ didn't simply make your life better. He set you free. Together, we'll look at what Scripture says about the freedom Jesus purchased for us and why so many of us still struggle with shame, fear, comparison, regret, and people-pleasing. My prayer is that you'll recognize the areas where you've been living like a prisoner and step into the freedom that's already yours. Because the prison door is open and Jesus is inviting you to walk out.

And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Xo,

Donna

Key Takeaways:

00:01–0:02:30 - Freedom: Walking Out of the Unlocked Prison

02:30–0:04:48 - From Self-Improvement to Christ-Set Freedom

04:48–0:06:40 - When Grace Becomes Familiar, Freedom Feels Distant

06:40–0:09:44 - Invisible Prisons: Regret, Fear, Opinions, Comparison

09:44–0:12:15 - Free People Free People

What We Talk About

• What Galatians 5:1 teaches about spiritual freedom
• The true cost Jesus paid on the cross
• Why Christians still struggle with shame, fear, and regret
• How comparison and people-pleasing rob us of joy
• The difference between striving for God's approval and living from it
• Why gratitude fuels genuine worship
• How living in freedom transforms the way we treat others
• Practical ways to identify the areas where you still feel spiritually stuck

Recognizing the "Unlocked Prison"

Ask yourself:

• Am I living with shame instead of grace?
• Am I choosing fear instead of trust?
• Am I holding onto bitterness instead of forgiveness?
• Am I comparing my life instead of living with contentment?

Jesus has already unlocked the prison door. The invitation is to step out and live in the freedom He has already given you.

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my latest 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 deepen their faith.

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: www.donnajones.org    

Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/

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

Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling manipulated or wondered if you've unknowingly done the same? I know I have. In this episode, we're taking an honest look at what manipulation really is, why even well-meaning people fall into it, and how fear, pride, impatience, and unmet needs can quietly shape the way we relate to others. I'll share practical ways to recognize unhealthy patterns, communicate with honesty instead of control, and trust God with the outcomes we can't manage ourselves. My prayer is that you'll leave feeling more free, more self-aware, and better equipped to build healthier relationships.

And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Xo,

Donna

Key Takeaways:

0:00:02 - Podcast purpose & listener invitation

0:03:49 - Defining everyday manipulation

0:09:02 - What really drives manipulative behavior

0:14:25 - Common relational patterns of manipulation

0:19:36 - Choosing honest communication and trust over control

What We Talk About

• What manipulation really is (and what it isn't)
• Why manipulation is often subtle instead of obvious
• Common motivations behind manipulative behavior
• The difference between influence and control
• Signs you're being manipulated—or manipulating someone else
• Passive-aggressive communication and guilt tactics
• Spiritual manipulation and why it's so dangerous
• Honest communication that builds healthy relationships
• Trusting God instead of trying to control outcomes

The Heart Check for Manipulation

When you feel tempted to control someone, pause and ask yourself:

1. What outcome am I trying to control?

Identify what you're hoping the other person will do, think, or feel.

1. What's driving me right now?

Ask whether your motivation is:

• Fear
• Pride
• Impatience
• Self-protection
• A legitimate unmet need
• Selfish ambition

When you recognize what's happening in your heart, you can choose trust over control and healthy communication over manipulation.

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my latest 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 deepen their faith.

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: www.donnajones.org    

Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/

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

If you've ever experienced a loss that changed everything, this conversation is for you. Grief comes in many forms–loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of a relationship, or simply loss of life as we want it to be–these things affect us. Deeply.

In times like this we need help for our wounded hearts.  Author, Lisa Appelo, knows this all too well. Lisa shares her powerful story of suddenly losing her husband and becoming a single mom to seven children overnight. Together, we talk about grief, healing, and the comfort only God can provide when life feels unbearable. Lisa offers practical wisdom for navigating loss, processing difficult emotions, and finding hope again when the future feels uncertain. Whether you're grieving yourself or walking alongside someone who is, I believe this conversation will encourage your heart and remind you that God is near to the brokenhearted.

And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Xo,

Donna

Key Takeaways:

0:00:02 - Hope-Filled Podcast & Book Giveaway Setup

0:03:33 - From Sudden Loss to Writing on Grief

0:07:30 - What Grief Really Does to Your Whole Self

0:13:18 - Daily Lament: Journaling, Scripture, and Sustaining Grace

0:26:12 - Parenting Kids Through Grief and When to Seek Counseling

What We Talk About

• Lisa's story of sudden loss and becoming a widow overnight
• How grief affects the body, mind, emotions, and faith
• Common misconceptions about grieving as a Christian
• The role of lament and honest prayer in healing
• Practical ways God provides comfort during loss
• The benefits of journaling through grief
• Why the traditional "stages of grief" can be misleading
• Helping children navigate loss and grief
• Trusting God when answers don't come
• Finding hope, healing, and joy again after loss

Lisa's Daily Practice for Walking Through Grief

1. Pour Out Your Heart

• Bring your fears, questions, sadness, and frustrations honestly to God.
• Pray, cry, journal, and lament.

1. Open God's Word

• Anchor yourself in Scripture, even when you don't feel strong enough.
• Focus on God's character and promises.

1. Offload What You Can't Carry

• Release burdens that are too heavy for you.
• Allow God to carry what you cannot.

1. Trust God's Presence

• Even without answers, trust that God is with you, for you, and sustaining you.

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my latest 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 deepen their faith.

Connect with Lisa:

Lisa’s Website: https://lisaappelo.com/

Lisa’s Book: God of Comfort: A Devotional Journal for the Grieving Heart: https://www.amazon.com/God-Comfort-Devotional-Journal-Grieving/dp/0764246038/ref=sr_1_1

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: www.donnajones.org    

Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ 

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

Every summer, I find myself hoping this will be the season I feel more rested, more connected, and more present. But too often, Labor Day arrives, and I wonder where the time went. In this episode, I'm sharing five practical ways to make this summer one you'll truly enjoy, not because it's packed with activities, but because it's filled with what matters most. We'll talk about caring for your body, feeding your mind, strengthening your soul, investing in relationships, and learning to rest. My hope is that you'll finish this episode with a simple plan to create a summer that's meaningful, refreshing, and deeply life-giving.

And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Xo,

Donna

Key Takeaways:

0:00:02 - Redefining Your Best Summer Yet

0:01:40 - Caring for Your Body Without Obsessing Over Looks

0:06:40 - Feeding Your Mind with Books and New Hobbies

0:10:55 - Deepening Your Relationship with God This Summer

0:14:45 - Strengthening Family Bonds and Practicing Real Rest

What We Talk About

• Why the best summer isn't necessarily the busiest summer
• Caring for your body without focusing on appearance
• The benefits of spending time outdoors
• Simple ways to grow mentally and emotionally
• Creating space for spiritual growth during summer
• Building stronger family relationships
• Speaking life into your children and loved ones
• Having deeper, more meaningful conversations
• Learning the biblical value of rest
• Five reflection questions to help shape your summer intentionally

The Five Areas for Your Best Summer Yet

1. Care for Your Body

• Take daily walks
• Spend more time outside
• Drink more water
• Prioritize sleep
• Choose activities that bring joy

2. Feed Your Mind

• Read a meaningful book
• Explore a new hobby
• Learn a new skill
• Study something that interests you

3. Strengthen Your Soul

• Spend intentional time with God
• Read Scripture regularly
• Take prayer walks
• Practice gratitude
• Create moments of quiet listening

4. Invest in Relationships

• Spend intentional time with family and friends
• Have deeper conversations
• Speak life into those you love
• Create meaningful memories

5. Learn the Art of Rest

• Take breaks without guilt
• Create healthy rhythms
• Allow yourself to slow down
• Trust God with what remains undone

Five Reflection Questions for Summer

1. How do I want to feel when summer ends?
2. What memories do I want to create?
3. What habits do I want to build?
4. What relationships do I want to strengthen?
5. How do I want to grow closer to God?

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my latest 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 deepen their faith.

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: www.donnajones.org    

Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/  

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

Heartbreak is something we all experience, whether it's a devastating loss, a painful disappointment, or a season we never saw coming. In this conversation with author and podcaster, Jodi Snowden, we talk about what it really looks like to heal, grow, and deepen your faith when life hurts. Jodi shares the powerful framework God gave her after walking through miscarriage, divorce, and the loss of a dear friend. 

If you're carrying grief, disappointment, or unanswered questions, I you'll find hope, practical tools, and encouragement to help you take your next step forward.

And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Xo,

Donna

Key Takeaways:

0:03:04 - Introducing the Book “Depth” and Its Core Question

0:06:20 - Healing vs. Growth: Moving Through, Not Around, Pain

0:15:08 - The STRENGTH Acrostic Framework for Heartbreak

0:28:12 - Vulnerability, Community, and Breaking Shame’s Hold

What We Talk About

• Why heartbreak is a universal part of life
• The difference between healing and spiritual growth
• How to lament honestly before God
• Processing grief in healthy ways
• The role of counseling, support groups, and community
• Why vulnerability helps break shame
• Finding purpose in painful experiences
• The importance of perspective during difficult seasons
• How God develops deeper faith through suffering
• Using your story to help another hurting person

The STRENGTH Framework

Moving from Heartbreak to Strength in the Lord

S - Seek God and Invite Him Into Your Pain
Bring your doubts, questions, frustrations, and fears honestly before God.

T -Tearfully Allow Yourself Time to Grieve
Give yourself permission to process your emotions and heal.

R -Replace Your Finite View with God's Infinite Perspective
Trust that God sees a bigger picture than you can currently understand.

E - Embrace God's Character Development
Allow God to grow your faith, empathy, and maturity through the process.

N - Never Lose Sight of God's Grace
Refuse to let shame define your story and embrace God's forgiveness.

G - Give Praise to God Even as Your Heart Breaks
Look for God's presence and blessings in the middle of the pain.

T - Trust God Is Good When You Don't Understand
Choose faith even when circumstances don't make sense.

H - Honestly Share Your Story and Help Another Hurting Heart
Allow God to redeem your pain by using it to encourage others.

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my latest 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 deepen their faith.

Connect with Jodi:

Jodi’s Website: https://jodisnowdon.com/

Jodi’s Book: Depth: Growing Through Heartbreak to Strength: https://www.amazon.com/Depth-Growing-Through-Heartbreak-Strength/dp/1646458044

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: www.donnajones.org    

Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/  

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

If you’ve ever struggled to balance the demands of everyday life with an eternal perspective, this conversation is for you. If you’re a believer you know heaven is real. You probably even know you should thInk about living in light of eternal life. But how?

If you’ve ever struggled to balance the demands of everyday life with an eternal perspective, this conversation is for you. In this episode, I sit down with storyteller and ministry founder Joe Mayers to talk about what it means to “think forever.” Joe shares how a devastating personal loss deepened his faith, strengthened his hope in heaven, and shaped the mission behind his ministry. 

We also talk about the judgment seat of Christ, why our daily choices matter more than we realize, and what Joe learned while creating his newest project about the Apostle Paul. This conversation will encourage you to live today with eternity in mind.

And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Xo,

Donna

Key Takeaways:

0:00:12 - Donna’s Summer Speaking Tour & Connection Invite

0:03:14 - Think Forever: Using Storytelling for Eternal Perspective

0:04:52 - How “The Bema” Reshapes Life in Light of Eternity

0:10:37 - Losing a Son, Grief, and Making Eternity Personal

0:17:19 - “Zeal”: Paul’s Life, Hidden Years, and Redeemed Passion

What We Talk About

• The mission behind Think Forever
• The Bema Judgment Seat of Christ
• Why eternal perspective changes how we live today
• Joe's personal story of losing his infant son, Obi
• Finding hope in heaven after tragedy
• How God brings purpose out of pain
• Joe's new one-man show, Zeal
• Lessons from the life of the Apostle Paul
• The overlooked ten-year season of Paul's preparation
• How storytelling helps people engage with Scripture

Think Forever: Living Today with Eternity in Mind

Joe's ministry centers around one simple but powerful idea:

1. Remember that you are an eternal being.
2. Recognize that your daily choices matter forever.
3. Focus on what has lasting value.
4. Live faithfully in the responsibilities God has given you today.
5. Keep your hope fixed on Christ and eternity.

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my latest 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 deepen their faith.

Connect with Joe:

Think Forever: https://www.thinkforever.org/

Think Forever Podcast https://www.thinkforever.org/podcast

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: www.donnajones.org   

Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/

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