Merry Christmas! In celebration, author Sally Lloyd-Jones shares stories from her book Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing and The Jesus Storybook Bible, perfect for listening to with your little ones to show them the real reason for the season. 

Quotes

“Christmas is about hope and peace and great joy.” - Sally Lloyd-Jones

“Are you worried about something today? Is something frightening you? God says to you, ‘Don't be afraid. I'm with you. I will help you.’ Whatever it is, you can put it in God's hands.” - Sally Lloyd-Jones

“Christmas is when God says to us, ‘Don't be afraid.’” - Sally Lloyd-Jones

Seasonal Products

Free Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Reading Plan & Bonus Printables

The Jesus Storybook Bible: A Christmas Collection

The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book

Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story

Little One, We Knew You’d Come

My Little Library of God’s Great Love 

Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing 

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram 

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

Maurice F. Martin is a best-selling author, award-winning vocalist, and a life coach. Early in Maurice’s life, he found his identity came from how many accolades he could collect, but when it all came crashing down, he sadly realized there wasn’t much else keeping him going. After sinking to the lowest point in his life, Maurice turned to the real source of his identity, and the truth that he was “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God. Transformed by that truth, Maurice’s goal became to help others overcome their self-limiting beliefs and find their worth in the light of God’s love. 

Quotes

“I was seeing myself have accomplishments and they sounded good on paper, but when I looked at myself in the mirror, I didn't like the person who was looking back at me when I laid my head down on my pillow at night.” - Maurice F. Martin

“I heard the voice of God, that still small voice, speak to me. It really shifted the trajectory of my life and got me thinking more about not only how do I heal, but once I'm healed, how do I help other people—other people who look like me, sound like me, and feel like me?” - Maurice F. Martin

“I thought that the applause of the crowd, the awards, and the accomplishments would fill me up. What I found out is it didn't—it just exposed how deep and wide the valley inside of me was.” - Maurice F. Martin

“If I would just open my eyes, if I would just open my ears, if I would just open my heart to the possibilities, then I'm able to step fully into the fullness of who I can be just today.” - Maurice F. Martin

“It's [in] the ‘what if’ moments when you quiet yourself—when you go into prayer—that God will provide you the greatest comfort. Before your situation started, before your anxiety, He knew who you were. He ordained this journey just for you, and even when you get it wrong, there's God's grace.” - Maurice F. Martin

“God is present, God is there for you, and God will never leave you or forsake you.” - Maurice F. Martin

Guest’s Links

Maurice F. Martin’s website

Maurice F. Martin’s Instagram

Maurice F. Martin’s Facebook 

Maurice F. Martin’s Twitter

Seasonal Products

Free Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Reading Plan & Bonus Printables

The Jesus Storybook Bible: A Christmas Collection

The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book

Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story

Little One, We Knew You’d Come

My Little Library of God’s Great Love

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram 

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

In celebration of the season of advent, author Sally Lloyd-Jones shares the meaning of hope, and how it means we can be certain of God’s love for us. She also reads a few stories from The Jesus Storybook Bible to get us in the spirit of the Christmas season. 

Quotes

“Advent means expectation. And expectation, of course, has everything to do with hope.” - Sally Lloyd-Jones

“This arrival of this Promised Child, Advent, is when we trace the magnificent story of God keeping His promises from the very beginning of the world, His promise to come and rescue His children, to do for them what they could never do for themselves, to free them from darkness and bondage and suffering.” - Sally Lloyd-Jones

“My hope is that as your family follows the readings and games and adds ornaments to the tree, you too will be able to trace God's hand through all the stories of the Bible and to tell together the one big story of God's great rescue plan.” - Sally Lloyd-Jones

“My hope is that The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book will fill your hearts with hope as we prepare our hearts for that magnificent arrival on Christmas Day of the promised rescue of the Young Prince, the Brave Hero, God's own Son.” - Sally Lloyd-Jones

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Seasonal Products

Free Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Reading Plan & Bonus Printables

The Jesus Storybook Bible: A Christmas Collection

The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book

Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story

Little One, We Knew You’d Come

My Little Library of God’s Great Love

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram 

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

Reverend Chris Lee unexpectedly found himself with an online platform where he shares short, encouraging messages that authentically reflect what he’s facing in any given moment. The messages have resonated with thousands, bolstering Chris’s belief that people are longing for an understanding of their identity and who God says they are. 

Quotes

“I felt just the whisper of God say, ‘I want you to be on this platform and give a message of the gospel to a younger generation—to young people who were searching.’” - Rev. Chris Lee

“I think a lot of people online are looking for authenticity. That's what I try to do—give an authentic message that's hitting me at the moment and use that to immediately speak it online. Maybe it's about hope, or fear, or love, or about God's justice, mercy, or His grace—and I just come out with it.” - Rev. Chris Lee

“I think one of the things that I noticed in culture is [that] we're starving to be known and seen, and I think we're finding it in all the wrong places. I really wanted to teach and tell people that the truth of where they really are searching is in who God says you are. He says, ‘You are my beloved, I love you.’” - Rev. Chris Lee

“Your true self is good and loved by God. And yes, you will fall. Yes, you've got stuff wrong. Yes, you sin. But you are also deeply loved—and by a loving Father [who] has done all things for you to know Him.” - Rev. Chris Lee 

“I think the compass of our soul searches to find its home, and ultimately, our home is found in God and who God says we are. He says that we are His and that we are loved. I think to know ourselves—to be able to truly know who we are—we should know God.” - Rev. Chris Lee 

“Coming to a place of gratitude—of thanksgiving—for what you have, and being able to give thanks for your strengths, but also acknowledging that your weaknesses lead you to other lessons and other abilities to be taught, can strengthen you.” - Rev. Chris Lee

“If we live a life that is a little bit more seeking to be thankful—seeking to be grateful for things—then the lens in which we view the world changes. It leads to humility which I think leads to greater peace in our lives.” - Rev. Chris Lee

“When we know God's character, we are better able to know who we are, because we are made by Him and for Him.” - Rev. Chris Lee

“Wherever you may be in your life—maybe you've wandered, maybe you've got it wrong—God isn't surprised. He's not shocked. He simply loves you. He wants to bring you home again and again.” - Rev. Chris Lee 

Guest’s Links Rev. Chris Lee’s website

Rev. Chris Lee’s Instagram

Rev. Chris Lee’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Diocese of Mount Kilimanjaro

Cambridge University 

Church of England

Seasonal Products

Free Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Reading Plan & Bonus Printables

The Jesus Storybook Bible: A Christmas Collection

The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book

Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story

Little One, We Knew You’d Come

My Little Library of God’s Great Love 

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram 

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

Hope Lebedyn is a nonprofit organization in Ukraine providing aid and hope during a time of war, chaos, fear, and uncertainty. Co-founder Peter Martin shares the realities of what Ukrainian families are currently facing, and how God’s love has shown up as a lifeline.  

Quotes

“My family hasn’t been asked to leave their home because a bomb might come through their roof. I haven't had to abandon all my things. So I see love in the blessing of God, in the things that I have around me, which so often I take for granted.” - Peter Martin

“About twenty-five years ago, I went over to the outskirts of Moscow to hear 650 pastors from the underground church in the Soviet era share stories and how they wanted to see the church grow in the future. I was absolutely mesmerized by what was happening. The power of these stories that came across—they were just mind blowing, to be quite frank, and what people would do for the sake of the Christian cause. And I thought, Well, how can I help?” - Peter Martin

“We give out aid. We go to orphanages. We've helped loads of refugees and particularly children. We planted the church there. We've even planted other satellite churches from there. We've built a brand new activity center which runs a bakery and it has had an amazing impact in these recent years.” - Peter Martin

“We make sure that every child that comes to our center has a copy of the Jesus Storybook Bible. Since the start of the war, we have distributed around 2,500 to 3,000 and given them away for free. They've had a huge impact.” - Peter Martin

“With everything we do, we share the love of Jesus and the Father with Bibles and scripture, through services, and through activities. We're seeing lots of young people hungry to study God's Word, which is incredible.” - Peter Martin

“God, through His Son Jesus, will meet us in our time of need and He'll come into our hearts. I believe that's the same for us and these people that are struggling in the war [in Ukraine]. God will come back to them and restore them in due time.” - Peter Martin 

Guest’s Links Hope Lebedyn’s website

Hope Lebedyn’s Facebook

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Swan Lake by Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky

“How Great Thou Art” by Stuart Hine

Seasonal Products

Free Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Reading Plan & Bonus Printables

The Jesus Storybook Bible: A Christmas Collection

The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book

Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story

Little One, We Knew You’d Come

My Little Library of God’s Great Love 

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram 

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

Dandi Daley Mackall is an award-winning writer whose most recent work is a devotional called Women Who Followed Jesus, which honors ordinary women who were early church believers and key figures in the life of Christ. Dandi shares how God showed up in the lives of these women and what lessons we can draw from their extraordinary faith. 

Quotes

“God lets me write, and then He takes it and touches hearts and works His grace in other people. I get to be a little part of it.” - Dandi Daley Mackall

“I don't know how people get through life without our Refuge and our Helper. I just sense more every morning that God's pouring out His unfailing love on me.” - Dandi Daley Mackall

“Nobody would choose women in the first century Israel to be the witnesses of anything, but Christ chose them to be the first. That's the power of resurrection that keeps giving this hope and power all day through eternity—that's the hope of resurrection.” - Dandi Daley Mackall

“God can change ordinary people like us into extraordinary believers.” - Dandi Daley Mackall

Guest’s Links Dandi Daley Mackall’s website

Dandi Daley Mackall’s Facebook

Dandi Daley Mackall’s Instagram

Dandi Daley Mackall’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Women Who Followed Jesus 

Seasonal Products

Free Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Reading Plan & Bonus Printables

The Jesus Storybook Bible: A Christmas Collection

The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book

Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story

Little One, We Knew You’d Come

My Little Library of God’s Great Love

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram 

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

Author and speaker Molly Stillman was raised by a Vietnam veteran Army nurse, who acted as the hands and feet of Jesus when chaos and pain and terror were all around. As Molly grew up, she watched her mom trailblaze for veteran’s rights, so when she passed away, Molly was devastated and confused and hurt. As she spiraled into a deep, dark place, she found herself looking for hope—and she realized that no one is ever so far gone that God’s love can’t bring them back.

Quotes

“My mom's death, in a lot of ways, was the catalyst for the rest of my life. Growing up the daughter of this woman who was a trailblazer, full of life and love, but also watching her face an incredibly difficult and dark battle—I really struggled. I didn't have a faith foundation to guide me, and I was in a pretty dark place pretty quickly.” - Molly Stillman

“In a lot of ways, I was very angry with God, because I saw this woman who so fiercely loved others and fought so hard. I saw her pray and a lot of times I questioned, Why would God let something like this happen?” - Molly Stillman 

“I created this kind of facade that, If I make everything look great on the outside, then I'll actually be that way on the inside, even though I had all this pent up grief and all of these root issues that I had never dealt with after the death of my mom.” - Molly Stillman 

“God had to continue to strip away everything I had placed my faith in. I had to get to a place where I was at an emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical rock bottom in order to really understand my need for God.” - Molly Stillman

“I stepped foot in that church that day desperate—desperate for change, desperate for something different. I heard the gospel for the first time. I heard that there was a God in heaven who loved me, who created me on purpose, with a purpose, and for a purpose, and that there was no part of my story that was too far gone or too broken. I left that church that day with hope, and when you give hope to a hopeless person, that's a really, really powerful, powerful thing.” - Molly Stillman 

Guest’s Links Molly Stillman’s website

Molly Stillman’s Facebook

Molly Stillman’s Instagram

Molly Stillman’s Twitter 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Can I Laugh on Your Shoulder? Podcast

Mercy Hospital School of Nursing

Vietnam War

PTSD

Vietnam Veterans of America's Women's Project

Home Before Morning by Lynda Van Devanter

Vietnam Women's Memorial

Diane Carlson Evans

John Kerry

Colin Powell

Agent Orange 

Seasonal Products

Free Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Reading Plan & Bonus Printables

The Jesus Storybook Bible: A Christmas Collection

The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book

Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story

Little One, We Knew You’d Come

My Little Library of God’s Great Love 

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram 

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

Tara Dew is an educator, author, and mother of four. Tara discusses the difference between joy and happiness, and the importance of cultivating intentionality versus balance. Her insights offer a refreshing perspective on finding lasting peace and contentment through faith, even amidst life's daily challenges.

Quotes

“I have learned that your circumstances do not determine joy.” - Tara Dew

“Happiness is a state of being that often is equated with our circumstances. Joy is not. Joy described all through the Bible as being something that is like an anchor. It's this hope that we have, it is this state of peace and rest that's not found in our circumstances, but rather is found in the love of God.” - Tara Dew 

“Joy is constant. It is something that can never be taken away. It's something that you can never lose, and it's something that you can have even when your world seems like it's falling apart.” - Tara Dew 

“I truly believe that the biblical concept of hospitality is really when we just open up our hearts and our homes and our lives to other people, and we showcase the goodness and faithfulness of God to us.” - Tara Dew 

“I love this idea of how God takes nothing and makes it everything, because that's what He's done in my life.” - Tara Dew 

Guest’s Links

Tara Dew’s Facebook

Tara Dew’s Instagram

Tara Dew’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram 

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

At first, Monica Swanson wasn’t excited about the possibility of educating her kids at home. Sparked by her eldest son's request, Monica began to see the unique benefits of personalized education and how it has helped her sons flourish. She debunks some common myths about homeschoolers, and gives practical tips for parents considering this path. 

Quotes

“Over time as you homeschool, the confidence builds. As you see their character developing and you see their faith growing, you start to realize this is so much more than just scratching things off a list that they would get if they went to a traditional school. This was building something really beautiful in all of us.” - Monica Swanson

“My boys have really grown up with the ability to ask questions, dig in, and find the answers. I've seen my kids dig their roots even deeper, stand strong, and know what they believe because they had that time at home. They had the ability to really wrestle with things in their teenage years so that their faith was that much stronger when they went out into the world.” - Monica Swanson 

“As a homeschool mom, I think it kind of adds a special way of seeing God's love, because I get to see it in my children every day as they learn something new, as we overcome challenges and adversities, as we grow together, as I see those light bulb moments.” - Monica Swanson

“God's in everything and everywhere, but I think it's easy to miss if we're too hectic, too busy, too distracted. It's that choice to slow down for me, to open God's Word, to get my kids to take the time to start their day with God's Word and prayer. His love is everywhere.” - Monica Swanson

“I want to simply lead my children to Jesus. I want them to learn to sit at His feet, to understand His love for them and to just simply know that they're called to come to Jesus. Then as they grow up, as they develop more skills, as they understand God's Word, they'll be ready and equipped and prepared to go out into the world and make disciples.” - Monica Swanson

Guest’s Links Monica Swanson’s website

Monica Swanson’s Facebook

Monica Swanson’s Instagram

Monica Swanson’s Twitter

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram 

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

Before his current position, Christopher Beth, director of The Bucket Ministry, didn’t know what he didn’t know. Unaware of how severe the world’s water crisis is, and how many people are affected by a seemingly hopeless situation, his eyes were opened on a mission trip to the Amazon. Christopher felt moved to show love through tangible help and got involved in ways to provide clean, safe drinking water for those who need it—opening a door to hope and connection.

Quotes

“I thought I was just going to be chaperoning my child on this trip, but what happened on that trip changed me, because I got to see things I was not expecting. I saw people without hope.” - Christopher Beth  

“God [was] opening my heart and softening my heart. I learned just how big the problem is from the water side and from the spiritual side as well.” - Christopher Beth 

“I believe that is maybe some of the greatest illustrations of God's love—wanting His people to be healthier. I think because of His love, He has allowed me to see where He's working and He's allowed me to join in that work. I've gotten to see miracles happen firsthand.” - Christopher Beth 

“I know I can't be perfect, but if I show people how I live by trusting Him and obeying Him, I don't have to be perfect. If they see me doing good things, if they see me worshiping God, if they see me being righteous, they will know who He is through my actions.” - Christopher Beth

Guest’s Links The Bucket Ministry

The Bucket Ministry Instagram

The Bucket Ministry Facebook

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Joshua Project

REI 

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram 

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*