Word Pictures with Meredith

Happy New Year! Do you choose a word for the year? I've been choosing a word for a number of years now and it's been incredible how God has been present! Not only in choosing the word, but in His faithfulness throughout the year, teaching me things about myself and Him with the word woven within. In this episode, I'll do a recap of 2022 and how God showed up with the word Harvest. I'll also share about what I believe He has spoken for 2023. 

A special thanks to several guests from Season 2 of the podcast, Lois Reed, Cathy Vincent, Tasha Schifo and Mahala Kneller for sharing their word of the year!  

Tasha is a woman who undoubtedly loves Jesus! She wears many hats working part time outside of the home, as a busy mom of four and as a supportive wife of her husband Jason, who is a pastor at one of our local churches. Tasha recently added the title survivor to her journey with breast cancer! Join us for this meaningful conversation about faith, the journey after diagnosis, God's faithfulness and how He can use all things for our good and His glory. 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

You can connect with Tasha on Facebook at Tasha Schifo or on Instagram @tschifo

Mahala Kneller is a daughter, sister, friend and follower of Jesus. Through a turn of events, she is fully embracing her new role as mama to a sweet, yet feisty red headed 2 year old. Join Mahala and I for this encouraging conversation as we journey through faith, the importance of family and how God cares for us through the little things in life. Friends, He is surely in our midst!

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26

You can connect with Mahala on Instagram @mahalagrace or on Facebook at Mahala Kneller.

Ben and Crystal Woods are the founders of the ministry, The Brave Way Home. A ministry that locks arms with others who are walking through a myriad of life situations. On their website, they beautifully and eloquently state "We are wayfaring through this life, eyes fixed on Jesus and hearts set on Heaven, traveling The Brave Way Home." 

Join Ben, Crystal and I as we have a moving conversation about what wayfaring looks like, the joys of being partners in marriage, ministry and parenthood and how Jesus has walked and continues to walk beside them through the hills and valleys of grief. They invite us into their journey, this heavenly mission filled with authenticity and hope. 

You can connect with Ben and Crystal Woods on their website www.thebravewayhome.com

Karidia is a mother of two and a recent U of I graduate. She is a ray of sunshine and is the type of person you simply want to be around! Join Karidia and I for this encouraging conversation as she shares how God was in her midst through difficult decisions, joyous occasions and everything in-between. You'll be reminded that when we surrender our lives to God, through His kindness and mercy we receive so much more than what we're releasing. 

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

You can connect with Karidia on Facebook @Karidia Shelby or on Instagram @karidiashelby

Hey friends! Today's episode is an update on how God has been moving in my life over the past year. I share about my experience attending the Soul Identity conference the past two years, hosted by our local radio station, and the impact it has made in my life. Be sure to listen to the end as I share some exciting news and ask for you to partner with me through accountability!  

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1

Lois Reed is a wife, mother of three and a newly retired nurse. She is walking into this new season with excitement, anticipation and eyes fixed on Jesus as He faithfully guides her every step. Join Lois and I for this warm, inviting and hope filled conversation as she walks us through her journey of building community, purpose through pain and the unshakable Truth of God's love. 

You can connect with Lois on Facebook @Lois Matson Reed or on Instagram@ loismreed84

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." John 1: 1-3

On September 13th, I had the absolute pleasure of being the keynote speaker for an event held at my church. I shared stories of how my faith has grown in the twenty-three years of walking with Jesus. I hope you are encouraged, challenged and reminded that friend, you are loved! 

If you're interested in learning more about CU church you can find them at www.cuchurch.com

Sandy is a wife, mother of three and a beloved teacher of twenty plus years in the Mahomet-Seymour community. She is also a child of God whose close walk with Jesus has seen her through mountains and valleys. Join us for this awe inspiring conversation of how God's kindness has seen her through. 

"For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, And My covenant of peace will not be shaken,” Says the LORD who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10

You can connect with Sandy on Facebook @Sandy Hible Prather

Tom Douglas is a husband, father of four, a pastor and an all-around great guy. He's the type of person you'd want to have as a friend! If you're in need of prayer, a listening ear, or are in need of a handyman, Tom would be certain to show up. Join Tom and I for this transparent, hopeful and encouraging conversation of God's faithfulness, perfect timing and consistent pursuit throughout his faith journey. You'll be inspired to reflect on the "stacked stones" moments in your life as well! 

Joshua 4: 21 And he said to the people of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 22 then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, 24 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”

You can connect with Tom on Facebook @Tom Douglas