Danny Edwards knows where he's going after he dies and he's not afraid to answer any questions you may have. At 16, athough always in trouble and with more freedom than most teenagers, Danny had a deep side to him and often wondered: "What happens after death? And how should I live so that I find out the answer to that question? What is the truth?"

Today you'll hear how the Gospel worked a miraculous transformation in Danny at age 20 through a circuitous series of events including moving to Colorade to join an Ashram and becoming a Sikh, all in his search to find God and answers to his deepest wonderings. 

And yes, Danny loves talking about death. You will get excited and blessed as you listen to today's episode, Gospel Transformation With Our Eyes On Eternity with Danny Edwards.

Danny and his wife Kimber of over 30 years have raised 5 chidlren and are happy and busy grandparents of 8. 

Some gems from today's conversation:

• At age 16, I began asking: "Where am I going after death?" 

Fellow podcaster, teacher and speaker, Amy Watson from Florida, joins me today on Welcome Heart: Living a Legacy Life to tell her story of trauma, healing and hope in Jesus. Although she lived with trauma from early childhood, it wasn't until age 35 when she "felt safe" that she began her healing journey. She began her podcast, Wednesdays with Watson, to share not only her story but to help in the healing of others. All contributions to her Patreon are donated to help those receive therapy who cannot afford to get it. 

Some gems from our conversation:

• When trauma victims finally begin to feel "safe" that's when they can start the long process of healing.

From Amy: 

I am a Florida girl who loves a simple life: Jesus, family, friends, football, and the beach (usually in that order). I am a native of Jacksonville, Florida, but have spent most of my adult life on Florida’s west coast.

While being introduced for a speaking opportunity a few years ago, the pastor asked me, “Who are you?”. The words that followed shocked even me: “I am the precious daughter of the most high God”. There were many years when I would not have answered that question as I did that day. I have spent most of my life defining myself by all that I have survived, all that I have accomplished, or all the degrees on my wall. The truth is, my answer to that pastor’s question that day is the definition that is most important, and one that I hope truly defines my life when I am gone. The rest: survival, accomplishments, and college degrees are certainly a part of my story and why I write, mentor, and speak. My description of “who I am” that day is why I stand proclaiming Him and Him alone.

I grew up in a children’s home, graduated from Clearwater Christian College with a degree in Biology (1994); was married for 12 years to a man who tried to kill me and somewhere along the way managed to earn my Masters Degree in Business Administration. I have enjoyed success as an entrepreneur as well as an educator. As a survivor of a lot of things that tried to kill me, it is my desire to use my story to spread a story of Hope for any who may find themselves in similar situations as mine.

I love both the written and spoken word and enjoy opportunities to share my experiences in both personal and professional genres. My greatest desire is to invest my life in something that will outlive it. It is my hope that all of my efforts here and in other places will accomplish just that.

To learn more from Amy follow all these places:

wednesdayswithwatson.com 

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/132618684688613

Instagram.com/authoramywatson

X: twitter.com/amywatsonauthor

If you're interested in hearing a more detailed story of her trauma, Amy recommends this recording:

https://wednesdayswithwatson.com/charting-the-course-of-healing-a-personal-odyssey-through-trauma-faith-and-redemption/

And to see how to contribute to her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/amywatsonauthor

Sally Clarkson didn't grow up feeling accepted or acceptable and wondered if she ever would be until one day she prayed, "If there's a God in the universe, will you please send me someone to explain who you are." And he did. A young woman knocked on her door and asked, "Can I give you a religious survey?" From that brief conversation, Sally learned that she was greatly loved and designed for great purpose and she didn't look back. 

Today, after writing over 40 books on knowing God and living for Christ, Sally talks of how as women we have agency—we have options to flourish and make decisions by faith that will cause us to thrive and make a difference in the lives around us. Her latest book speaks of beauty and choices and the love of God, Well Lived, Shaping a Legacy of Gratitude and Grace. Put it on your Christmas list and pray about giving it to someone you love this Christmas.

Some Sally gems:

• I thrive better when I live in a rhythm of obedience—doing what's right because I love God serves me well even if I don't feel it at the time. 

Sally Clarkson is a bestselling author, renowned speaker, and beloved mentor who has dedicated her life to inspiring countless women to live for Christ. She has been married to her husband Clay for more than forty years and they have raised four adult children. Today, Sally lives between the mountains of Colorado and the rolling fields of England.

You can learn more of Sally Clarkson's ministry below:

Website: https://sallyclarkson.com/

Jan Morton believes that everyone needs to be and feel seen so that they know the Gospel love of Jesus and that it might be best accomplished at her table with homemade biscuits. A pastor's wife of 47 years, Jan surprised herself and everyone else in her church when she realized that she had never given her life over to Christ even after marrying a pastor and singing in the choir. She had to move her faith from her head to her heart and she loves sharing her story with everyone she meets. 

Jan co-authored the book Tasting Grace: A Mentoring in the Kitchen Bible Study with Leah Adams and now the Tasting Grace kitchen ministry is going on nine different states across the country. Leave a comment to be entered into the book giveaway. 

Some gems from our time together:

If it matters to us, it matters to Jesus.

I was mentored without knowing that was going on—we just did life together.

After I trusted Christ, I knew I could be myself and just love on everyone I met. 

God is writing your story and I want to hear it. 

I've learned to now pray about everything and delight in the fact that I am not in control of everything.

What happens at Gran-Jan camp stays at Gran-Jan camp. 

My best cooking tip is to make sure you place all your ingredients out on the counter before you start. 

I want my family to know that all of my treasure is in heaven and that I love Jesus with all my heart. 

Mentoring means to come alongside, ask questions and sit with another. 

Jan, a mother of two boys and grandmother of five, retired six years ago after thirty years serving in Houston County Schools. She describes herself as a content homebody, and a biscuit-maker who especially enjoys gardening, cooking, and quilting. Co-author of the book Tasting Grace, Jan also served in women’s ministry for 21 years.

She serves in a kitchen mentoring ministry of the same name: Tasting Grace – I think this is why I found Jan on Instgram – we have similar passions and both love making and serving biscuits.

A favorite fun fact of hers is being on Wheel of Fortune Season 33! Yes she won!

 https://granjansjoy.com/

And on Instagram. @jan_m_morton

Just for you:

Kathi Lipp's latest book is sure to be a treasure for you and hopefully for your neighbor who may need your chicken and wild rice soup that you just made!

Sabbath Soup: Weekly Menus and Rhythms to Make Space for a Day of Rest released October 8th. Beyond the convenience and peace of mind of managing meals, Kathi wrote this book to help you experience true Sabbath rest, a full day to relax, recharge, and reconnect with God and your friends and family. We were designed to rest—it’s time to reclaim your Sabbath day. This book will show you how.

Kathi is no stranger to Living a Legacy Life as this is her third time to be a guest on my show. Kathi and her husband Roger live in the mountains of CA and they have learned the joy and rhythm of "pre-deciding" meals, not only for their own sense of rest and refreshment, but also for those they know and love. 

Kathi Lipp is the Publishers Weekly best-selling author of over 20 books, including Sabbath Soup. She and her husband Roger ran away to the mountains of Northern California where they grow their own food and turn it into delicious meals for those they host.

And she will be hosting a giveaway all week long so be sure to enter and leave a comment below or on social media or just email me: [email protected]. 

Some gems from our conversation:

• The reason we keep sabbath is because it's God's gift to us.

Thirteen years ago, Sarah felt stirrings in her heart and spirit—she knew she was meant for something in God's great purpose plan. She just didn't know what. So she invited some friends over. Four came. They talked about their own dreams and stirrings and how they might fit into God's great story of love and design. From small beginnings—you've heard the adage—great things emerge when offered to God with humility and perhaps, some trepidation. REFRESH.ORG was born and now reaches 1,000's of women. I love how God does math. Loaves and fishes offered to the Muliplier and Distributor. 

Join Sarah Birkbeck today on my podcast and find out how God led her to help women "join the battle" to  do God's will with joy and intention. And if there's still room for REFRESH 2025,  she's offering a 50.00 off coupon to our listeners. Go sign up today! www.refreshwomen.org

Some gems from our conversation:

• We tend to diminish what God's put inside of us for his kingdom work, thinking that who we are and what we offer can't make a difference for him or for others. 

Sarah Birkbeck, wife and mother of four, is the founder and visionary of Refresh, a ministry dedicated to activating women to advance the Kingdom of God. She is a speaker, passionate about leading women to discover their kingdom purposes. Sarah lives in North Dallas with her husband James, son Asher, and daughters Stella, Skyla and Adeline. 

Find out more in these places: 

Instagram: @refresh_women

@Sarahhelenabirkbeck

Website: www.refreshwomen.org 

Christmas is my favorite season but I can miss Jesus in the rush and crush of it all.  Laura Crosby, a writer, pastor-teacher and welcomer—loved the Christmas story so much she wanted to help us hold still enough to appreciate all the Lord did for us. 

Laura wrote an Advent study during Covid for her church in D.C. and has since made available for all of us to share, and I'm so glad she did. You may remember my first interview with Laura. Here's the link in case you want to get acquainted with her welcoming heart. She included a simple and delicious chicken recipe which I'm making tonight just because I have all the ingredients and a neighbor stopping by for dinner. 

All week long Laura is graciously offering one free copy of her Advent Study as a giveaway.

"Choosing Welcome at Advent" includes 4 short videos, Scripture for reflection and recipes! All for $10.00 (Except for the winner of the giveaway! comment below to be entered - or email me [email protected].)

Here's a recipe sample:

Link to purchase HERE to get your own copy. Holidays are around the corner and you may need to consciously sit still, breathe and watch!

Follow Laura on instagram: @lauracrosby.

Learn more about Laura on her website here.

Laura just got home from a missions trip to Scotland and last year she raised funds and awareness for those in need by hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim. I appreciate Laura's heart for the needy as well as her desire to make travel and do challenging things with a purpose. 

Some gems from our conversation:

• We might think that "this season of our lives" is too difficult to set time aside for God, but to keep Him first is hard in any season because Satan wants to distract you. 

I love Laura and I know you will too. 

Single in my 20’s, in a new career, a new town and a new church, I felt okay mostly. Life was full and purposeful, but lonely on occasion. I wondered why families didn’t ask me over for Sunday dinner.

All I could think of was that my church friends must have thought I had such an exciting single life, I wouldn’t want to come home to their normal, ordinary home and stand at the sink and peel potatoes or hold their babies while they got dinner on and then sit down at their table to get better acquainted.

But that was exactly what I wanted to do. To be part of a family, if just for an hour or two.

The Bible says God sets the lonely in families. I was lonely. I needed to be set somewhere.

I got tired of waiting. So I called up some people. Invited them over. Invited myself over. I had a precedent and his name is Jesus.

Sometimes you just have to make it happen and not wait for someone else to pick up the phone or send a text. I invited people over because I needed friends. I don’t think people thought I might be bad company or that I would run off with the soup ladle if they had me over for dinner. I just think they didn’t think of me at all.

Maybe that’s what loneliness is: To believe you aren’t even thought about.

Trishie's Apple Crisp

5 large apples

1 cube butter, firm

Peel and slice apples

See printable version HERE

In case you're wondering, it's okay for Christians to talk about their money. Why? Because all we have belongs to God, anyway. 

Today I'm delighted to host Erik Olson, a fellow podcaster and a wealth and money consultant from Holland, Michigan. As a Kingdom-impact investment adviser and retirement planner, Erik talks about not only money, but a theological view of our earthly resources that may surprise and delight you and maybe put a fire under your seat to do something worthwhile—PLAN something worthwhile—so that God is glorified and His kingdom well-served. 

Some gems from our conversation:

• As in introvert, I prefer a spreadsheet over a conversation, but I like to think I can come alongside someone and gently and expertly help them serve themselves, others and God better with training and counsel.

Thinking of writing your story? Susy Flory thinks you should begin, like today.

Currently in seminary working on her doctoral degree, Susy Flory directs the West Coast Christian Writers Conference, and knows a good story when she hears it. Raised by an Irish mother who could tell a good yarn, Susy is a 17 book New York Times best-selling author whose favorite books are memoirs. Today we discuss how she came to co-write her lovely book, Sanctuary about a young man named Patrick who lost his way and the rescue donkeys that led him home. 

She's offering a free copy this week - leave a comment to be entered.

Susy leads Everything Memoir, both a free facebook group with loads of quality free offerings, as well as a year long coaching group on how to write your memoir which will be starting up again this coming January. Learn more about both on her website: susyflory.com and find all her links HERE.

Some gems:

• I find people endlessly fascinating and I love helping them tell their stories in any form but especially in written form.