Wildflower Stories Podcast

Easter is all about the death and resurrection of our Saviour, Jesus. It's about God closing the chasm between Him and us so we can spend eternity with Him. But what meaning does the cross have for us now? It's easy to get caught up in our messy, disappointing, frustrating and painful seasons that life throws at us. And it's just as easy to miss the meaning of the cross in the midst of it.

In this episode, I unveil what I have learnt recently about how the cross doesn't just represent life over death, but beauty and power in our everyday and sometimes unexplained messes. 

I pray that this Easter you are led to the foot of the cross again to discover more of its meaning in your life. 

In this episode I share about a struggle we all face as Christ following women in our current westernised society: not making enough time or room for God in our busy lives.

I use the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 as an example of how we can often relate to Martha, who was busy running around making preparations for Jesus and his disciples. But as women who desire to have a heart after God, Mary is the example we should be following; the woman who took her place at Jesus' feet and drank in his presence, even though this act was improper for women of their day.

I encourage you to make space for God even while life goes on with all of its tugs and demands. Begin to cultivate a Mary heart that allows the peace of Christ in even when there are dishes to wash, emails to respond to and children to bath. 

Even when life is caving in, there is a way to move forward without being overwhelmed or anxious. And it only takes a few small alterations that will make a huge difference in your everyday life.

In this third episode of the 'Heart To Heart' series, you'll get to hear from the heart of a young woman by the name of Michaelah Phillips. Michaelah is a singer and co-leads the Kids creative team at my church. What I love about Michaelah is her pure heart after God and the wisdom she has far beyond her years. I thought she would have a beautiful gift in sharing a word of encouragement from a tough season she has recently faced.

Michaelah speaks from a recent place of wanting perfection but when faced with the reality that she will never meet that standard, she would shut down and hide from God. But upon encountering God one time at the beach, He showed her that His faithfulness and desire for her will always meet her no matter how far she has run. 

I know this word will encourage you regardless of age or status, because it's a timeless reminder that we all need at one time or another.

So grab your morning coffee, put your earphones in and lean in as Michaelah pours out her heart in these few minutes.

This episode is for the women who have been negatively labelled by others or by themselves. 

I mention four biblical women who were shamed for their sin or position in society, but somehow God turned their negative labels around for a beautiful purpose.

I also share about my own personal experience with anxiety and how I allowed it to define me until I realised that God was working to birth a good purpose for it.

My prayer for you is that you won't allow yourself or others to add negative labels to your identity, but allow God to define who you are.

 

 

This episode is the first of the Heart To Heart series. This series invites women to lean into the heart of another, with affirmation and encouragement for their different seasons of life.

In this episode, I will be sharing about expectations that accompany a new year and how to trust God with them, even if they aren't met.

This year doesn't have to be like the last. It's a fresh year, full of new beginnings and lessons, joy and pain. But in the midst of each season you face this year, my heart wants to encourage yours with the assurance that God is undoubtedly, consistently in your corner.

Angela Reynolds lives in Thailand as a missionary. She is called 'mum' to a number of children in one of Mercy International's children's homes, where she resides and helps give children a bright future to hope for.

Angela shares about her journey in making the decision to move to Thailand permanently, the challenges and rewards that come with life as a missionary and the amazing ministry of Mercy International.

If you would like to support Mercy International by sponsoring a child or in other ways, go to www.mercy-international.com or head to their Facebook page: Mercy International.

The story of Vanessa (a.k.a my mum) rounds up the last of the Motherhood Stories. Vanessa was married at 19, had her two daughters by the age of 25 and began her career as a teacher in her mid thirties. Although it's unconventional in this day and age to start a family before pursuing her career, she says that she wouldn't have had it any other way.

From having many health issues and being hospitalised numerous times as a child and teenager, Vanessa didn't think she would live to see her children grow up. She gives credit to God for granting her many more years to see her children grow up, have an established career and be a grandmother.

Vanessa sheds light on the balance and blessing of being a mother and a career woman and gives advice to women who feel torn between having an established career and starting a family.

 

Lydia is a mother of 6 and a grandmother of 13. Her story is about what she has learnt over many years of being a mother, what truly matters and what doesn't and what word of advice she would give to herself when she was once a young mum.

Keren's story is a beautiful testimony about faith amidst trial. She and her husband, John, are Foster Carers, and have taken in 8 year old Harley on a permanent basis for the past four years. They also have their miracle baby, Jack, who is one years old.

Keren shares about her pregnancy losses and the children that have come into their home and have left for various reasons. And what remains the same, regardless of the grief that she and John have faced, is her unwavering faith in a good God.

Millie Robertson shares about her passion for modesty in a culture where it's sadly rare and outdated. She discusses how modesty is about confidence or lack of and how God's Word should be the benchmark for how we portray ourselves both inwardly and outwardly. We also talk about how modesty is rooted from the heart and not just affiliated with our exterior.