In this week's episode we interview worship leader and tech expert Carol Tetzlaff about the role of tech in the future of church ministry. Are you wondering what to do with your Bible studies, retreats, or even if you want to try church online? This episode is for you!

Show Notes & Links

1. How Carol and a friend "inherited" one of the largest women's conferences in the southwest. A lesson in how God qualifies those He calls.

2. If you make the decision to have live events, why over communicating and making provisions for personal safety are important. You'll love the lanyard idea!

3. Why we should use Facebook Live and other video tech to promote upcoming events. Build on the need for connection.

4. Make sure you provide online options for those who don't feel comfortable "showing up" but are in need of connection.

5. Learning to use tech effectively can be the key to making online connections real.

6. Advice for the hesitant and confused: technology isn't as complicated as you think. YouTube is a great teacher!

7. The Phoenix area LIFT organization is offering free training on how to use Zoom for groups on Aug. 14. See the links below to register for free.

Links:

-Find Carol on her website here.

-Connect with the SWCC Women's Conference on Facebook here.

-Find out more information about the free Zoom online training offered by LIFT and register for free here.

In this episode Chris is joined by guest co-host Michelle Nezat as they discuss one of the essential habits we all need for the journey to our new normal: personal worship. Listen and find out how personal worship can be a weapon against the enemy in troubled times.

Show Notes & Links:

-Have we delegated worship to the corporate church setting? God calls us to worship Him in every area of our life. Now more than ever when we can't gather together we need to cultivate the habit of personal worship!

-What is the difference between corporate and personal worship?

-How personal worship enhances our study of God's Word brings us into His presence in our everyday lives.

-Personal worship puts God in his "appropriate place" in our life.

-What are the roadblocks to worshipping in troubled times and how do we get past them?

-Worship as a warfare weapon: We may not be able to understand the times we're in but when we enter God's presence through worship, we understand that God is in control. Psalm 73:13-17

-What if I'm not musical?

-Tips from Michelle to enhance your personal worship.

Links:

-Michelle's podcast, More Than a Song, click here.

-To join Michelle's 30-day Music Challenge, click here.

-Link to Michelle's early episode on our podcast

-To join the conversation on our Facebook page, click here.

-Have you seen our Journey to Your New Normal blog posts? Click here to check them out.

-If you enjoyed today's podcast, would you consider sharing it with your friends? Thanks for helping us encourage our sisters in Christ.

In this episode Chris shares the first of three steps in the journey to your new normal. This week we'll talk about the first step in our journey: go across. Don't get stuck on the shore.

Links & Show Notes:

-Our motto for the journey: do not be discouraged, do not be afraid; for the Lord will be with you wherever you go. –Josh. 1:9

-The three steps in the journey: go across, conquer the land, inhabit the land. (Joshua 1:1-11)

-We have history to understand the dilemma we are facing, but we have no experience.

-Unlike the Red Sea experience, Israel doesn't have the luxury of seeing the water parted before they stepped into the Jordan River. God is requiring them to step into the raging water before He will make a way. Is that where we're at today?

-What happened in Joshua 3?

-We have never been this way before. Keep your eyes on God.

-What is distracting you from moving forward on your journey? Take a quick inventory.

-Before we can fight these battles, we need to take a step into the river.

-Is your life a "raging river" right now? Chris' story.

-God is bigger than any raging river in our life. And He wants to show us He's bigger, so let's take a step in.

Tips for taking a step: See the Show Notes for all the links in this section.

1. Start praying scripture. Find the promises of scripture and pray them into your life. See the Bible Study Tools link in the show notes to get your lists started.
2. Do you have a daily time of communication and connection with God? Click here for the tool to get started if you don't have that time in your life yet?
3. Step up your personal worship habit. Make some playlists.

-These three steps are not a guarantee your circumstances will change. But they will help change you in the circumstances.

-In order to take that first step into the river we have to leave some things behind. Don't let the fear of missing out turn into a fear that God is not in control.

Links:

Link to Bible Study Tools page on scripture references for specific topics.

Link to the First Things First tool to get your daily conversation time with God started.

Get more good info on the journey to your new normal on our blog. Click here.

Join the discussion on our Facebook page by clicking here.

Link to Pandora to set up a free Pandora account for worship music.

In this episode Chris starts a new series called Journey to Your New Normal. It is our hope that this series will help you through the tough challenges you are facing and give you hope during this crazy time.

Links & Show Notes:

-Quick history from the book of Joshua: how Israel faced the same kinds of troubled times we have now--it's uncanny.

-Why Joshua and Caleb were the only two of the original two million that crossed the Red Sea to go into the Promised Land.

-In order to start where we're at, we need to take stock of where we are.

-Before Israel got ready to enter the Promised Land, God told them they needed to do three things:

• go across
• conquer the land
• dwell in the land (inhabit)

-Before we can start the journey to our new normal we have to make the same three commitments. We can't stay stuck on the other side of the Jordan.

-Conquering the land means declaring war on the things that are keeping us stuck.

-Best advice ever: Three things about this journey we cannot escape (from Pastor Jeremy Foster at Hope City Church in Houston.

Next week: Crossing the Jordan.

Scripture verses from this episode:

Numbers 13-14:Joshua and Caleb's story

Joshua 1:10-The three things Israel had to do

Isaiah 50:11

Rom. 12:2 & Pr. 3:5-6

Ps. 27:4

Deut. 4:29

Tell us what you think in the comments section or visit our Facebook page here and join the conversation.

Links:

Our April episodes on finding your new normal (click here)

In this episode Chris interviews national speaker, author, and comedian Amberly Neese about her new book The Belonging Project. Listen up--you won't want to miss this!

Show Notes & Links

-Find out how Amberly got interested in comedy. What are the hardest and best things about using comedy to teach the Bible.

-What inspired Amberly to write her latest Bible study, The Belonging Project?

-Find out how you can be a dongle for Jesus.

-A look at the four "one-another" scriptures the book is based on.

-Why making new friends can be hard work and why we need to persevere.

-If making new friends is a challenge for you, Amberly has some specific words of encouragement for you.

Links: (click 'em, they're live)

Amberly's website and contact information here.

Find out more about Aspire women's events here.

Find out more about Marriage Date Night events here.

In this episode Chris digs into the Lord's prayer to look at how personal prayer can transform our lives.

Show Notes & Links:

-Personal prayer is one of the four legacy building blocks that lay the foundation for our journey to finish well.

-Definition of personal prayer: we look to John 15 where Jesus talked about remaining. It's the mindset of staying continually in God's presence. It was David's "one thing" in Psalm 27.

-Lifestyle prayer is a heart that is always listening for a "poke" from God.

-The four types of prayer modeled in the Bible:

• Lifestyle prayer--pray without ceasing. 1 Thes. 5:17
• Corporate prayer: uniting with others and agreeing. Mt. 18:19-20
• Declaring or praying God's Word. Psalm 119:105, Heb. 2:12
• Intercessory prayer: one-on-one closet prayer.

-Jesus taught us how to pray in the Lord's Prayer in Luke 11:

• Remember that God is Holy.
• Pray for God's will--acknowledge that His plan is the best.
• Ask for Him to meet your needs - your daily bread.
• Confess your sin and ask for forgiveness. Forgive others.
• Pray for protection from evil. We have an enemy.

-Bring peace to your days with "bookend" prayers.

Links:

-If you would like to subscribe to our email list and get the free mini Bible study on First Things First, click here to sign up. You may unsubscribe at any time.

-Please connect with us on our Facebook page. There is a pinned post at the top of that page to share any prayer requests. We would love to pray with you. https://www.facebook.com/womenfinishingwell/

-Link to "Set A Fire" music video-click here. (live version)

If you have a friend that would be blessed by our podcast, would you consider sharing it with her? We also invite you to leave us a review on iTunes. That helps other women find us!

In this episode, Chris and Diane explore the lifestyle of personal prayer. Using Psalm 27, they look at the how David cultivated a life of waiting on God.

Show Notes & Links:

-What was David's response to his enemies hunting him down and trying to destroy him? Psalm 27:2-5

-What does it mean to "never stop praying" from 1 Thessalonians 5:7?

-Life is full of waiting rooms. So, how should we wait on the Lord?

1. Wait with focus and passion. Waiting is not passive. (Ps. 130:5-6)
2. Wait in hope. (Ps. 33:20)
3. Wait confidently. (Heb. 11:6)
4. Wait patiently. (Ps. 27:14)

-"Living as if there were none but He and I in the world."-Brother Lawrence in The Practice of the Presence of God.

-Lifestyle prayer is about being in a continual state of listening and expecting to connect with God in our everyday lives.

-For more in-depth study of waiting (abiding) in God's presence, we recommend starting with John 14:15-24.

Links (Click 'em, they're live):

-Link to The Practice of the Presence of God book

-Link to our Women Finishing Well Facebook page. Won't you drop by and connect? You'll be inspired and encouraged!

-To celebrate our first anniversary of our podcast, we invite you to leave us a comment on our Facebook page or podcast post about how the podcast has encouraged you!

-Our June newsletter goes out Wednesday, June 10. Sign up on the link to get in on this month's giveaway and get a free copy of our First Things First mini Bible study! Sign up here.

If you've enjoyed the podcast, please share with a friend! Let's get the word out!

In this episode Chris and Diane talk about how to read the Bible for transformation: be a hearer a doer. A continuation in their series from the Bible study, Women Finishing Well.

Show Notes & Links

-The goal of personal Bible study: go get to know the Who behind the Word.

-Personal Bible study is a journey of transformation. We are all at different places on the path but reading the same road signs.

-Benefits of personal Bible study from Psalm 119:

1. It keeps us on the path of purity. (vs 9-16)
2. Gives our lives stability. (v 165)
3. It keeps us from being put to shame. (vs 5-6)
4. Gives joy to our hearts. (v 111)
5. Helps us make important decisions. (v 105)
6. Gives us comfort in suffering. (v 50)
7. It becomes a joyful heritage for us to pass on. (vs 111-112)

-Tips to get started in personal Bible study:

1. Find a reading plan that fits your time and life needs. Start with the YouVersion app for your phone or computer. See link in the show notes for help getting the app set up.
2. We recommend The Heartbeat of God from Christ Baxter reading plan if you're just getting started. Use the search function on the app to find the plan.
3. If you want a deeper study of a particular topic or book of the Bible, try the S.O.A.P. method:

• S=write and recite the scripture
• O=write your observations: What jumps out at you in this passage? Who is talking here? What comes right before this passage? How does this passage connect to the context of what comes before and after?
• A=Application: How does this apply to my life right now? What truths are coming to the forefront as I meditate on the passage? What do I believe this passage is asking me to do
• P= Close with a prayer asking God to help for apply what you're hearing from His Spirit. Be a listener and a doer.

-Chris and Diane give their take on the "O" and "A"--it's all about mirrors.

Links:

-Sign up for our newsletter list and get a free mini Bible study on how to establish a First Things First routine in just 10-15 minutes a day. Click here to sign up.

-Do you have a prayer request or want to pray for other women? Go to our Facebook page. There is a pinned post at the top of the page for prayer requests. Leave yours in the comments and we'll pray with you. Click here to go our Facebook page.

Click here to download the YouVersion app on to your phone, device, or computer.

Click here for the computer-based reading plan from Chris Baxter's The Heartbeat of God.

In this episode Chris talks about why we all need to learn to tell stories. Building a legacy of faith to pass on requires we start with the why.

Links & Show Notes

-Building a legacy of faith with stories has deep roots in the Bible:

-Why storytelling is important for everyone: Ps. 145:4-7

6 Truths of Storytelling from Psalm 78:2-8

1. We are commanded to tell stories. (vs 2-3)

2. Stories of God showing up in our lives are for the benefit of others. (v 4)

3. Learn how to tell a parable. (v 5)

4. Encourage others to tell their stories. (v 6)

5. Storytelling increases faith and trust in God in others and us.

(v 7)

6. Storytelling can help us avoid rebellion and sin. (v 8)

Links (Click 'em, they're live)

- Women Finishing Well Facebook page

-Link to Melanie Davis Porter podcast episodes:

Episode 13 - Trusting God is a Season of Grief

Episode 19 - Helping Friends Walk Through Grief

Women Finishing Well Website Link for Writers, Podcasters, and Bloggers

Scripture Memory Challenge

Chris' email: [email protected]

In this episode Chris and Diane talk about the practical stuff--how we can remember what God has done for us and how that helps build our legacy of faith.

Show Notes & Links

Review from episode 48: what God wants us to remember (Ps. 103:2-5):

1. Remember what God has done.
2. Recognizing what He is doing now.
3. Remember what God said He will do.

-How to get started building an archive of moments and monuments:

1. Build your own personal archive of moments (stories) and monuments (tangible, visible reminders). What has God done for you personally? Keep a dated list!
2. Start thinking about which moments and monuments God wants you to pass on to the people around you and create ways to do that.
3. Find ways to remember and share that fit your personality and the people God has put in your life to pass a legacy to. Is it your family? Friends? Co-workers? Community members?

-Remember, you don't have to be a preacher add God to your stories. You're not writing a sermon. Make God sound like your friend and their friend. Make Him a natural part of your story. Diane give tips on how to do that.

Links

-If you don't have a copy of the Women Finishing Well Bible study yet, you can get yours in ebook or print book here.

-Link to a picture of Diane's pink door. Don't forget to join our community while your'e there by liking or following our page.

-How to make memory books from your digital pictures? Here's a non-affiliate link to Shutterfly. It's a good place to start.

Chris' email: [email protected] Be sure and email her if you've done the online Legacy Inventory for the Bible study. We need your input!