"...They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor." Isaiah 61:3

Often times a yes, prompted by obedience and surrender, seems small at the moment but its significance can have a wider impact than we realize. One yes, stacked on another yes is often a part of God's bigger plan! Join Shantelle and I for this inspiring story of how a powerful encounter with God radically changed her life, ignited a passion within and has led her from Ireland to Central Illinois.

Connect with Shantelle:

Facebook at Shantelle Lyness

Instagram @shantellelyness

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Imagine the work involved in growing a successful business, receiving accolades and by the worlds standards, you're at the top of your game. It's a life that dreams are made of! But is it, really? Now imagine walking closely with God and sensing a stirring to step away from the very thing you've poured so much of life into.

Join Amanda Baer and I for this transparent, God honoring conversation about business, growing in Faith and how surrender has impacted her life.

Connect with Amanda:

Facebook at Amanda Baer

Instagram @_amandabaer

"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

What's it like to be a high school senior surrounded by a myriad of influences, voices, peers and faithfully walk with Jesus? Join Lillian (Lily) Roberts and I for this beautiful conversation about faith, high school, discovering a personal journey with Jesus and the impact of reading through the bible in three years.

Connect with Lily on Instagram @lily_elise6

The book study we referred to is The Attributes of God which can be found at www.thedailygraceco.com

"Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24 NLT

Marlen Hanson has acquired a wealth of knowledge in his 85 years. He enjoys sharing that experience with others, especially the proud owners of vintage Forester campers. Join Marlen and I for this uplifting conversation about family, faith and the knowledge he learned firsthand from his career at Forester. We recorded this episode, on location at the 8th annual Forester rally just outside of Forest City, Iowa.

Connect with Marlen on Facebook at Marlen Hanson

What's it like to grow up in a Christian home, do all of the right things and check all of the boxes? Join Gordy Allen and I as he shares the encounter with God that ignited his desire to know God intimately and walk with Him daily. What would a year of fasting every Monday do to strengthen his relationship with God? Fasting became a significant tool that brought Gordy closer to God.

“When you fast, don’t look gloomy and pretend to be spiritual. They want everyone to know they’re fasting, so they appear in public looking miserable and disheveled. Believe me, they’ve already received their reward. When you fast, don’t let it be obvious, but instead, wash your face and groom yourself and realize that your Father in the secret place is the one who is watching all that you do in secret and will continue to reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18 TPT

Connect with Gordy through his wife's social media.

Facebook: Brooke Allen

Instagram: @fitgritandgrace

Instagram: @truthnlovepodcast

www.truthnlovepodcast.com

"Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." Jeremiah 17:14

Join Eric and I for this beautiful conversation about faith, walking through a three and a half year cancer journey with his wife and how God was present through it all.

Connect with Eric:

Facebook @Eric Pillischafske

Instagram @ericpill

"So I will not be silent; I will sing praise to you. Lord, you are my God, I will give you thanks forever." Psalm 30:12

There is beauty and freedom in using your voice to tell your story. Join Stephanie Turner and I for this powerful story of finding her voice, the importance of community and walking through it all with Jesus as her guide.

Connect with Stephanie on Instagram @jaded.08

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33 ESV

Meridith Foster, a well known voice on Christian radio, a podcast host, a wife and mama of three knows firsthand what surrender looks like in her relationship with God. From the start of her career in radio to a full time leadership role in podcasting, God has been present through it all.

Join Meridith and I for this beautiful conversation about surrender, God's provision and His perfect timing.

Connect with Meridith:

Facebook at Meridith Foster

www.wowgod.com

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

Join my friend John and I for Part 2 of this moving conversation as we witness God doing what only He can do!

If you're interested in the resources mentioned in our conversation, I've listed them below.

God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines

Torn by Justin Lee

Unclobber by Colby Martin

Ashamed No More: A Pastor's Journey through Sex Addiction by T.C. Ryan

Geeky Justin, a podcast by Justin Lee

Youtube Matthew Vines dissertation

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods." Psalm 40: 1-4 NIV

What happens when your true self is hidden from others and you're living underneath the weight of a seemingly perfect life but behind closed doors you're bound by the chains of addiction? God, in His Grace and Mercy, breaks those chains and does what only He can do!

Join my dear friend John and I for Part 1 of this powerful conversation as he shares his story through honesty and vulnerability.