True Harbor Podcast

Lauren talks with Emma Higgins, a children’s ministry director, about how unexpected opportunities shaped her path into church leadership. Emma reflects on finding work through faith, discovering her gifts with children, helping others find places to serve, and the spiritual and personal cost of ministry.

Keywords

church leadership, children's ministry, serving in church, faith, young leaders, Christian ministry

Key Topics

Emma Higgins shares how she left a fast-food job without a clear next step and later joined Faith Family Church as a youth assistant.

Emma describes how her childhood love for children developed into a calling, while youth ministry first challenged her to grow beyond her comfort zone.

A mission trip helped reignite Emma’s interest in children’s ministry; although she felt unqualified at 22, she accepted the director role.

Emma sees helping people find a place where their gifts are used as one of the most rewarding parts of church leadership.

Serving outside your strongest gifts can build skills and compassion, but service should also be fulfilling and make room for people’s God-given passions.

Emma describes ministry’s ongoing emotional and spiritual demands, including leading four Sunday services and carrying the pressure of weekly programs and events.

Lauren and Emma discuss guarding the heart against pride, bitterness, and distraction, and approaching ministry with pure motives.

Emma reflects on the visible joy of seeing children encounter Jesus, while acknowledging that ministry still involves sacrifice and exhaustion.

 Sound Bites

"You're not in control."

"She radiates Jesus."

"There is a constant grind."

Chapters

00:00 Meeting Emma and her path to Faith Family Church

05:01 Leaving Chick-fil-A and trusting an unexpected opening

09:57 From youth ministry assistant to children’s director

15:04 Taking the leadership role before feeling qualified

19:57 Recognizing the gifts that feel like a natural fit

25:04 Helping people discover where they can serve

30:05 The cost and joy of church ministry

34:55 Carrying the ongoing weight of children’s ministry

39:57 Protecting the heart while serving

44:52 Leading through imperfections and continuing to grow

In this episode, My friend Michelle shares her profound journey through grief, faith, and healing after her husband's sudden passing, her tragic car wreck and cancer diagnosis. Her story highlights the power of trust in God, resilience, and the importance of community support.

Below is an example prayer that you can pray if you would like to start your relationship with Jesus. These words alone are not magic. He wants to hear from your heart so feel free to use your own words. He loves you more than you could ever know or comprehend ♥️

“Dear God, I know that I have made mistakes and fallen short in my life. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, that He died on the cross for my sins, and that He rose again. I am sorry for my past, and I want to turn away from it. Please forgive me. Come into my life, be my Lord and Savior, and help me to follow You from today on. Thank You for loving me and giving me a new start. In Jesus' name, Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer, please let us know how we can help support you and get you plugged into a local community. Welcome to the family! 

Keywords

grief, faith, healing, trust in God, resilience, testimony, Christian faith, overcoming loss, spiritual growth

Key Topics

Michelle’s sudden loss of her husband in 2017

The impact of grief and loss on faith

How community and support helped Michelle heal

The role of prayer and trusting God in overcoming adversity

Michelle’s experience with GriefShare and spiritual growth

Takeaways

Trust in God's plan even when life is devastating

The importance of community and support during grief

How prayer and faith can bring healing and peace

Moving forward without leaving behind loved ones in memory

The power of visual reminders and personal visions in faith

Sound bites

"God saved my husband from those things."

"He carried me right through."

"Hope is what He gives you."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:51 Navigating Grief and Self-Discovery

05:04 Loss, Identity, and a Friend’s Reassurance

07:47 Returning to Work and Letting Grief Flow

09:25 Embracing New Beginnings

11:37 Moving Forward Without Leaving Love Behind

13:47 A Calling to Serve Through GriefShare

16:44 The Importance of Presence and Memory

20:02 How to Support Someone Who Is Grieving

22:56 Resilience and Moving Forward

25:43 Answered Prayers After the Car Accident

29:26 A Vision of Prayer Carrying Her Through

30:27 Transformative Experiences and Personal Growth

31:29 Finding Purpose in Everyday Encounters

32:00 Facing Breast Cancer With Faith

34:54 Trusting God's Plan Through Pain

37:12 Lauren’s Journey Back to Trust

42:02 Faith Through Life’s Hardest Seasons

43:47 Finding Support in Grief and Community

45:24 Hope, Music, and a Living Relationship With God

48:43 GriefShare Resources and Closing Encouragement

Resources:

griefshare.org Help for those dealing with grief

In this episode, Lauren Hartmann interviews Sebastian, a former college baseball athlete turned marketer, exploring his journey from sports to marketing, the challenges of content creation, and insights on faith, confidence, and overcoming criticism.

Keywords

sports, marketing, content creation, faith, confidence, social media, personal growth, entrepreneurship, Christian faith, mental health

Key topics

Sebastian's transition from college athlete to marketer

The challenges of content creation and social media

The importance of confidence and overcoming criticism

Faith and its role in personal and professional life

Strategies for consistency and discipline in content production

Takeaways

Writing things down helps memory and achievement

Consistency is key to success in content creation

Faith can help overcome insecurities and criticism

Debate and discussion are healthy ways to grow

Taking risks and starting small leads to growth

Sound bites

"If you want something done well, do it yourself"

"When I do stick to my deadlines, it feels really rewarding"

"People who comment negatively are often hurting themselves"

Chapters

0:00 — Introduction and guest introduction

0:46 — Sebastian's background and transition from sports to marketing

5:30 — The challenges of starting in marketing and content creation

8:50 — The importance of authenticity and passion in content

18:32 — Overcoming fear, criticism, and insecurities

22:49 — The impact of social media comments and how to handle them

29:55 — Debate, truth, and biblical perspectives on justice

35:59 — The balance of love, truth, and confrontation in faith

40:17 — Encouragement to pursue dreams and start small

In this episode, my friend Jacinda shares her powerful redemption story, highlighting her struggles, divorce, and loneliness, and how her faith in God transformed her life. Her journey offers hope and insight into God's mercy, forgiveness, and the importance of trusting Him through life's hardest seasons.

Keywords

faith, redemption, forgiveness, addiction, loneliness, God's mercy, personal testimony, Christian journey, trust in God, healing

Key Topics

Jacinda's childhood and family background

Her journey of faith and baptism at age 12

Marriage, divorce, and the pain of separation

Her experience of loneliness during COVID-19

The importance of forgiveness and trusting God

How her faith helped her recover and rebuild

The role of community and church in her life

Lessons learned about God's mercy and redemption

Encouragement to stay faithful in difficult times

Sound bites

"God is so good and He's so faithful"

"He is such a redeemer, so merciful"

"Trust Him even when you don't understand"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and background of Jacinda

05:53 Struggles and Faith

11:55 Loneliness and Seeking Connection

17:53 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

24:54 The Impact of Storytelling in Faith

32:47 Navigating Loneliness and Fear

38:32 Trusting God Through Difficult Times

38:41 Bringing Anger and Doubt to God

42:21 Closing Reflections and Farewell

Resources:

The Chosen TV Series

In this episode, my friend Rebecca Graber shares her remarkable journey from Amish roots to becoming a prison minister and author. Discover how her faith, experiences, and books have impacted lives and challenged cultural norms.

Keywords

Amish, prison ministry, faith, books, leaving Amish, spiritual journey, Christian testimony, outreach, personal growth

Key Topics

Rebecca's Amish background and family history

Her calling to prison ministry and how it developed

The story behind her book 'In the Whale's Belly'

Her experiences with outreach to inmates and their families

The challenges and rewards of leaving the Amish community

Her approach to sharing the gospel with outsiders

The importance of authentic faith and love over judgment

Her efforts to connect with her extended family after leaving Amish

The role of storytelling and books in her ministry and life

Her future projects and message of hope and faith

Sound Bites

"I wanted to keep the good things from my Amish roots."

"God called me to prison ministry, and I obeyed."

"Love and authenticity open doors where judgment closes."

Chapters

00:00 Introducing Rebecca Graber

01:06 Rebecca's Amish roots

02:04 Her calling to prison ministry and initial hesitations

05:09 The story behind 'In the Whale's Belly' and inmate stories

10:16 Her experiences with outreach and connecting with inmates

18:20 Leaving the Amish community and family reactions

30:33 Her journey of faith and trusting God's call

35:42 The impact of her books and sharing the gospel

51:48 Her future projects and message of hope

54:36 Closing thoughts and encouragement for listeners

Books:

My Amish Story

Breaking The Silence

The Amish And The Reformation

And More!

Where to Buy: 

thorncrownproject.com

On this week’s episode I talk with my friend Rosemary Graber again about our health struggles. We share our personal experiences living with chronic illness, highlighting the daily challenges, medical journeys, and ways to support others. This episode offers insight and encouragement for those navigating health struggles and those wanting to help loved ones.

Keywords

chronic illness, health journey, mental health, medical system, support, self-care, autoimmune, Lyme disease, PCOS, health advocacy

Key Topics

Daily challenges of living with chronic illness

Medical journeys and diagnosis struggles

Mental health and emotional resilience

Practical ways to support someone with health issues

Impact of stress and relationships on health

Importance of self-care and community support

Sound bites

"Stress and relationships can really impact health."

"Just knowing someone cares makes a huge difference."

"You're not alone in this fight."

Chapters

00:00 Living with Chronic Illness: Daily Struggles

02:42 The Impact of Physical Health on Daily Life

05:58 Personal Health Journeys: Rosemary's Story

08:21 Understanding PCOS: Diagnosis and Treatment

10:45 Alternative Health Approaches: Electrodermal Screening

14:10 Lifestyle Changes: The Path to Improvement

16:27 Fatigue: A Lifelong Battle

17:51 Feeling Misunderstood: The Struggle for Validation

20:08 Chronic Illness: The Search for Answers

23:04 Navigating Medical Dismissal: The Patient's Perspective

24:33 Seeking Answers for Chronic Pain

28:45 Emotional Healing and Brain Fog

31:57 Nutrition, Energy, and Self-Care

36:43 Living with an Unpredictable Body

37:47 Flexibility and Support at Work

39:29 You Are Not Alone

41:44 How to Support Someone with Chronic Illness

44:05 Making Connection More Accessible

45:39 Offer Specific Practical Help

47:19 Closing Encouragement

In this episode, my friend Rosemary Graber shares her journey from growing up Amish to becoming involved in Texas politics and national policy. She discusses her experiences with American history, faith, and her efforts to influence government through youth programs and legislative work. In this episode, we explore the intersection of faith, politics, and history, highlighting the importance of religious freedom, the role of faith in public life, and the historical roots of religious expression in America.

Keywords

Texas politics, American history, faith, youth leadership, legislative process, public speaking, political involvement, patriotism, government, leadership faith, politics, religious freedom, history, public schools, First Amendment, Supreme Court, faith in government, biblical citizenship, cultural values

Key  topics

Rosemary's background and Amish roots

Her involvement with Wall Builders and American history

Her journey into politics starting at age 18

Passing her first bill on drug testing for food stamp recipients

Her experience with public speaking and leadership in youth programs

The importance of shared values and storytelling in politics

Handling online political discussions gracefully

The role of faith in government and public service

Changes in government policy regarding faith offices and religious expression

The spiritual battles in Washington DC and the importance of faith in leadership

The case of Coach Joe Kennedy and the fight for religious expression in public schools

The history of the First Amendment and the separation of church and state

The significance of the Lemon test and its overturning by the Supreme Court

The tradition of prayer and faith in the founding of America and its institutions

The efforts to reintroduce the Ten Commandments in public schools and their historical basis

The influence of faith-based organizations like Wall Builders and Patriot Academy

The importance of biblical literacy and its role in shaping American values

The ongoing cultural and spiritual battles over religious expression in public spaces

The personal stories of faith and activism that inspire ongoing efforts for religious freedom

Takeaways

Knowledge reduces fear in public speaking.

Shared values and storytelling create connections in politics.

Handling online criticism with grace can be powerful.

Faith plays a significant role in government leadership.

Youth programs can inspire lifelong political involvement.

Sound bites

"Knowledge really does take away a lot of fear."

"Handling criticism with grace is powerful."

"The impact of faith in public life is huge."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rosemary Graber

04:10 The Awakening: Discovering a Passion for Politics

07:15 Facing Fears: Public Speaking and Legislative Success

11:45 The Art of Political Storytelling

15:15 Handling Controversial Conversations Gracefully

19:03 Reflections on Charlie Kirk and His Impact

20:14 Political Engagement and Awareness

21:12 Impact of Charlie Kirk's Legacy

22:55 Global Influence of Faith and Worship

24:59 Revival and Forgiveness in Tragedy

27:02 Faith in Government and Policy Changes

28:55 Challenges of Faith in Washington, D.C.

30:51 Historical Context of Faith in Politics

33:13 Legal Battles for Religious Freedom

39:19 Separation of Church and State Misconceptions

39:31 The Historical Roots of Public Education and Religion

43:06 The Role of the Ten Commandments in Society

49:32 Women’s Rights and Feminism: A New Perspective

In this episode, Lauren Hartmann interviews her friend Charlene Fort about her diverse life experiences, including her passion for glass art, gardening, singing, and her cancer and faith journey. They explore the importance of creativity, community, and finding beauty in everyday moments.

Keywords

glass art, gardening, faith, creativity, cancer, community, life experiences, teaching, worship, spiritual growth

Key Topics

Charlene's journey into glass art starting in 2000

Her childhood fascination with glass and early experiences

The importance of creating and expressing through art

Gardening challenges in Texas versus Oregon

The role of community education in learning new skills

Spiritual insights from studying the Bible and prayer

The joy of singing in the church choir

The significance of making a difference regardless of circumstances

The impact of small acts of kindness and relationship building

Living intentionally to find beauty and purpose

Guest Name

Charlene Fort

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

06:15 Teaching Glass Art: Sharing the Craft

13:15 The Science of Gardening: Understanding Plant Needs

18:16 Biblical Insights on Gardening and Life

25:26 The Importance of Community in Faith

31:54 Embracing Life's Adventures

37:17 Finding Safety in Community

41:50 Simple kindness during cancer treatments

44:19 Recognizing Beauty in Everyday Life

References

nicholsartglass.com

morningsunstudio.org

lisaharper.org/backporchtheology

Quote by Susie Larson

"God whispered to my heart one day, 'You don't have to feel well to be powerful.”

In this episode, Rachel shares her journey from cooking enthusiast to social media influencer and author, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, family, and faith. This episode offers insights into balancing family life, social media, and pursuing passions.

Keywords

family life, social media, cooking, authenticity, faith, entrepreneurship, cookbook, Colorado, homeschooling, large family

Key Topics

Rachel’s background and family life

Building a social media presence around family and cooking

The importance of authenticity and being yourself online

Rachel’s journey to publishing a cookbook

Balancing social media, family, and faith

Sound Bites

"Don't fit into your culture without thinking"

"Take your everyday life and place it before God"

"Don't get so consumed with doing everything right"

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting Through Shared Memories

06:13 Building a Social Media Presence

12:07 Navigating Career Changes and Faith

21:10 Exploring the Beauty of Colorado

28:11 Embracing Family Dynamics

33:23 The Cookbook Journey

Follow Rachel for all things homesteading, bread making, and family recipes!

Website: myeverydayordinarylife.com

Brand New Cookbook: https://a.co/d/09qBVQ19

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CAQHAp5bK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myeverydayordinarylife?utm_source=qr

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myeverydayordinarylife?_r=1&_t=ZT-99KKsLRiWYX

Summary

In this episode, Brent shares his journey from music and military service to faith and leadership, highlighting the importance of trusting God's timing and embracing opportunities. Discover how setting goals, perseverance, and faith can transform life's challenges into growth opportunities.

Keywords

personal growth, faith, military, navy, leadership, perseverance, trust, opportunity, goal setting, inspiration

Key Topics

Brent's early life and homeschooling experience

Journey from music to military service

The importance of trusting God's timing

Overcoming setbacks and setbacks in career

The role of faith and community in personal growth

Setting goals and embracing opportunities

Lessons learned from military leadership

Balancing family life with career ambitions

Sound bites

"God has been with me this whole time."

"God gives confirmation later."

"Set goals and do 'em."

Chapters

00:05 Introduction and Background

05:36 Joining the Navy: The Decision Process

11:37 Boot Camp Experience and Early Navy Life

17:31 Navigating Personal Struggles and Growth

25:44 A Journey of Faith and Revelation

35:20 Lessons from Rejection and Delays

46:46 Embracing Opportunities and Trusting the Process