The Refined Podcast

In this Episode, Kelsey talks to us about being molested as a child and forgiving her abusers.

One thing Kelsey says that really struct me is," Forgiveness is not a feeling; it is a commitment."

Being sexually abused is messy and forgiveness is hard, but that is where the grace of God comes in.

I pray this episode refines you in some way!

In this Episode I interview my sweet friend Karen Byrum. Karen and her husband Dale work in the Philippines. I have been on a few trips with them and witnessed Karens work. What I love most about Karen is her servant heart. She teaches the gospel while teaching women how to create a livelihood with talents like sewing and jewelry making. Karen is also an excellent photographer. 

Both Karen and Dale are such hard-workers for the kingdom. Along side the Filipino brothers and Filipina sisters in the Philippines, they spread the gospel through benevolently feeding numerous families, livelihood start-ups, medical relief issues, and building construction.

To support and stay up to date with their work, email Dale or Karen!

Dale's email: [email protected]

Karen’s email: [email protected]

Sarah B is such an inspiration to me. She glorifies God in everything she does. This quote reminds me of her and our conversation:

“Sometimes you can literally be a voice of hope.

You can be the difference between someone quitting or staying in the game.

Between someone giving in or continuing the fight.

From someone continuing to hate or choosing to forgive.

Between someone losing it or finding real peace, contentment, and joy.

Be watchful. Be prayerful. Be ready.

You may walk by someone at work who seems fine, but is in real pain.

You may talk to someone by text that puts up a good front, but really needs someone to listen. You might encounter a total stranger, and one word of encouragement might make a big difference.

You have no idea what God might do in someone else’s life through one simple act of encouragement.

Be available to Him today.”

Love you girl!

I had the pleasure of having sweet Beth on the podcast. In this episode we talk about life as a Christian college student, saving sex for marriage, and peer pressures college students face. I pray you are encouraged by listening to this sweet young soul who is on fire for our Lord.

The other day I was talking to my friend Sarah about life in a pandemic on foreign soil.  She told me she was once watching a Youtube video of a woman who fell on top of a cactus and each time she moved it made things worse, as the spines dug deeper into her. 

Eventually the woman realized she had to surrender to her situation and allow someone else to help her up and escape to avoid further injury.

Sarah said this reminded her of her situation in Peru, and how every time she tried to fight against what she was going through on her own, it felt like it was making things worse.

So she decided to surrender to God and let Him take the lead.

In this Podcast, Sarah will be sharing with us what that looks like. For most of us, giving up control in a situation is so incredibly hard. But it is often when we surrender that God is able to do His best work.

I think Sarah’s life is a great example of this and I am excited for you to hear this conversation!

In this episode Meghan Wallace talks to us about the journey she went through while studying the scriptures with her husband before he became a Christian.

Watch his story of faith here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChtblIjGuxyjj4hw1zK1RvA

1 Peter 3:15 says, "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."

I pray this episode encourages you to dig deep and discover why you believe what you believe. It truly is the best feeling in the world when your beliefs are backed up with the Word of God.

When my mother was alive, I was an unfaithful Christian. Since her passing, I have repented and returned to the Lord. However, I deeply wish I could have a conversation with her about how she stayed encouraged while I was unfaithful.

Since I cannot do that, I am so thankful God has blessed me with women in my life who are willing to have these types of conversations. In this episode, I interview my sweet friend Dee and she talks to us about raising children in the Lord and how to encourage an unfaithful child. I pray it encourages you.

Dee is an incredible artist and has also written two books:

From Coffee Bean to Mustard Seed available here: https://amzn.to/3jRBa2A

Another Cup of Devotion available here: https://amzn.to/35gbSr7

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way they should go and they will not depart.” If you currently have an unfaithful child, please do not give up. Please keep praying for them. I am living proof that prayer and a godly example can convict even the messiest of hearts.

In this episode Octavia Barrett talks to us about what it means to lean into God while caring for a child with special needs, and the blessings that come from it.  During this podcast she reads us this poem:

 

“You weren’t like other children and God was well aware

You’d need a caring family with love enough to share

And so he sent you to us and much to our surprise

You havn’t been a challenge, but a blessing in disguise

Your winning smiles and laughter

The pleasures you impart

Far out weight the special needs

And melt the coldest heart

We are proud that we have been chosen

To help you learn and grow

The joy that you have brought us

Is more than you know

A precious gift from heaven

A treasure from above

A child who taught us many things

But most of all real love.”

 

I pray this encourages you.

Thomas Jefferson once said, “when you’re at the end of your rope, tie another knot in it and hang on.” In this Podcast, Cynthia Guy talks to us about being in God’s waiting room the “nots” we have to cling to in the word of God such as:

 

“Let NOT your heart be troubled” John 14:1;

“Walk by faith, NOT by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

“Lean NOT on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5-6

 

Cynthia is such an inspiration to me. She has written multiple books, two of my favorites are:

“Struggle, Seek, Grow” available here https://amzn.to/3iOE0VP.

And

"Journey to a Better Place."

She also teaches online here https://www.myrtlebeachchurchofchrist.org/

I recommend her Spiritual Maturity class! But honestly you cannot go wrong with any of her courses.

Dallas Williard’s Triangle of Spiritual Maturity is available here https://www.dropbox.com/s/lh8aevf25pocr2i/golden%20triangle.docx?dl=0

 

I pray you walk away from this podcast feeling encouraged, inspired, and refined.

In this Episode, my sweet friend Brittany talks to us about what it means to ask the question, "God, I know You are good, but what good is in this?"