Worth Your Time

When I read an article titled "Acidhead: God Took Me Higher" by Ashley Lande, I was totally enthralled. I hardly ever take the time to read an essay all the way through -- especially a long one. But Ashley's beautiful writing and incredible story drew me in. I immediately found her on social media and invited her on for this episode of the podcast. 

I love her story so much. She came from a life of drugs and partying -- and Jesus radically transformed both she and her husband. In this interview, Ashley gives me all the details how she got into using drugs and psychedelics, and how one day, God came crashing in. 

It's true -- the high of an authentic relationship with Jesus beats the high of any drug. Ashley knows. It's been years since she's done drugs, but her story is powerful. Read the article. Listen to the podcast. Follow this girl -- she is incredible. 

Recent episodes:

Jackie Aviles: Mama Cancer Warrior

Amy Gannett: Theology is For Everyone

Kristen Young: Biblical Living & Motherhood on Instagram

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Jackie Aviles is one of my favorite new online friends. I began following her last year, but it took months to realize she had overcome an insane battle against cancer as the mother of two young children. She recently hit 5 years in remission and the way she tells this story had me in tears.

Jackie is a "Hope Coach" with Go and Tell Gals, a writer working on her first book, and a pastor's wife at Christ Fellowship Church in Miami.

Listening to this conversation, you'll be struck by Jackie's unshakable faith during one of the scariest times of her life, when she had to tell her little boys that she might soon be going to heaven. She had to grapple with that reality and it was certainly something that could have happened.

By God's grace, she is alive and healthy today -- using her personal story as a way to bring hope and God's Truth to women around the nation. I was so honored to speak with Jackie -- and so incredibly encouraged by what she shared. You will feel empowered and inspired after hearing this episode.

Recent episodes:

Amy Gannett: Theology is For Everyone

Kristen Young: Biblical Living & Motherhood on Instagram

Phylicia Masonheimer: Every Woman a Theologian

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Amy Gannett does a lot of things. Being a church planter with her husband is no small task, but in addition to that -- she's an entrepreneur, Bible teacher, online leader and Mom to 1-year-old Emerson. I first discovered Amy through her company, Tiny Theologians, which makes theology cards for young children. You've heard me mention it before on the podcast because I love teaching my kids this stuff early.

Amy has quickly become one of my favorite people to follow, precisely because she is so focused on injecting the deep things of God into everyday life. I recently signed up for her Bible Study membership, which includes all kinds of Bible studies with fellow, amazing female Bible teachers.

I love Amy's commitment to learning and teaching the Word well, through her weekly "Theology Thursdays" videos on Instagram, monthly newsletter and -- very exciting -- her NEW BOOK, which releases very soon! "Fix Your Eyes: How Our Study of God Shapes Our Worship Of Him" (I pre-ordered!).

Enjoy her wisdom in this episode and be inspired to dig into God's Word as you never have. As I've learned in the past year, theology really is for everyone!

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Kristen Young is a lot of fun, but she's also got a lot to say about things that matter. By her own description, she's a "homemaker and a truth speaker" who is wants to encourage Christ followers to live out their faith boldly. She's a mom of 3 (and pregnant with #4) and has made a name for herself on Instagram in the past year.

When Reels became popular, Kristen realized she had knack for capturing hard truths in short, simple statements inside of eye-catching reels. She expounds on the short messages in the caption and sometimes does longer videos and posts for more explanation.

Kristen has spoken out about everything from mandated vaccines to masks to progressive Christianity. In this chat, she talks about how she was resistant to gettin involved in such sticky subjects, but felt God's call to speak out. After taking some time off of IG in late 2020, she heeded that calling and started making reels and videos as the ideas came to her.

I've enjoyed her content and couldn't wait to hear what was behind her passion!

Recent episodes:

Phylicia Masonheimer: Every Woman a Theologian

Leah Wacek: Living a Generous Life

Rachel Pieh Jones: How my Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Christ

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In this episode of the podcast, I speak with Phylicia Masonheimer, an author and teacher I have come to love and respect so much in the past year. Phylicia makes learning the Bible and understanding hard issues according to a Biblical worldview accessible to everyone.

She's a mom of three young kids who has written several books, including "Stop Calling Me Beautiful" and offers multiple online courses in theology basics and leadership. She hosts the popular "Verity" podcast and runs her business, "Every Woman a Theologian" with her husband and a small team of staff.

I'm always fascinated at how much Phylicia does, but it's clear this is her calling and she's doing such a service for the everyday woman who wants to know God on a deeper level, but doesn't have time or calling for seminary.

In this conversation, we talk a bit about how Phylicia stays balanced, taking regular month-long social media breaks and trusting in God to sustain her ministry as she cares for her family and her whole body health.

There are so many gems of wisdom in this episode, including the conversation we have about the Church, why it matters and what Phylicia has to say to those who have been hurt or are thinking they don't need to church to have a thriving relationship with God.

Recent episodes:

Leah Wacek: Living a Generous Life

Rachel Pieh Jones: How my Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Christ

Brittany Estes: Pink-Haired Mom of 7 Reveals Her Joy

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Ten years ago, Leah Wacek's pastor made a bold statement: You can't out-give God.

She and her family put those audacious words to the test. They soon discovered the truth in the statement. 

"Each time we gave what seemed sacrificial," writes Leah, "We saw the gift somehow make its way back to us."

​It started with financial giving, but for their family, it's become a mission to build generosity into every part of their lives. From dedicating family days with her kids to service projects to saving money for fun, extravagant giving (like purchasing something someone in their community really needs), Leah has made generosity the focus of her faith and life.

Her blog is called "A Generous Life" and she regularly gives away books, sticks $20 bills inside boxes of formula at the grocery store and makes a point to go above and beyond for those around her. It's not about how much you have, but what you do with what you've been blessed with.

I also love that part of her giving method is time-related. They don't just give away money, but also DAYS -- because time and presence matter deeply as well.

Her website is packed with helpful blog posts that can help you and your family start thinking generously on a daily basis. Highly recommend a listen and following her on Instagram!

Recent episodes:

Rachel Pieh Jones: How my Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Christ

Brittany Estes: Pink-Haired Mom of 7 Reveals Her Joy

Michelle Donnelly: Agape Moms

Kim Patton: An Adoption Story She Never Expected

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Rachel Pieh Jones has lived overseas for two decades -- and in Djbouti no less. She's American, but these days, more familiar with life in a very different place. In her new book, "Pillars: How Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Jesus," she talks about all she has learned.

It was neat to speak with Rachel on IG Live from around the world and to hear what her experiences have meant to her as a Christian. She is not a missionary, but has still had the opportunity to live out her faith and connect meaningfully with the many Muslim friends around her. 

So often, we see the meaningful religious rituals demonstrated in religions like Islam, yet don't have or activate similar kinds of rituals in our own lives. How could our faith grow were we to be as dedicated to Jesus as some are to their own faith? Rachel -- who is an incredible writer -- has learned a lot and we can all benefit from her wisdom.

You can catch my first interview with Rachel (from March 2020) here, where we discuss her fascinating book, "Stronger Than Death."

Recent episodes:

Brittany Estes: Pink-Haired Mom of 7 Reveals Her Joy

Michelle Donnelly: Agape Moms

Kim Patton: An Adoption Story She Never Expected

Claire Culwell: An Abortion Survivor’s Story

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Brittany Estes is a pink-haired (sometimes rainbow-haired) mom of 7 and she radiates joy. Luckily for us, she brings it to the internet to share! I first met Brittany through a random Instagram connection and now she is one of my favorite people to follow because of her fun, empowering content -- including some viral reels and awesome, inspiring messages for young women.

She is a pastor's wife, a biological and adopted mom, a writer, a licensesed coach with Jess Connolly's "Go and Tell Gals" and creator of The Bestie Club. Brittany spreads joy wherever she goes and believes in having fun with your Christian faith. I saw a post on her feed recently that said "Have you ever met someone that was sunshine in human form?" Well, I think we've met her!

Enjoy this episode and be sure to follow Brittany on socials! Here's her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbrittanyestes/

Recent episodes:

Michelle Donnelly: Agape Moms

Kim Patton: An Adoption Story She Never Expected

Claire Culwell: An Abortion Survivor’s Story

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Michelle Donnelly is the founder of Agape Moms, a unique ministry designed to speak to and equip single moms. Michelle is a single mom of three and she believes that every single mom can discover a life of peace, power, and purpose, right in the middle of what God is carrying them through.

She felt called to minister to women like herself and is providing such an important service. We often hear how the Church doesn't cater well enough to single moms or nontraditional families. We must do better and we can follow the lead of people like Michelle.

Even if you are not a single mom, you can learn so much about how to help those in your community. And let's be honest, all moms can relate on many levels. It was so fun and easy to chat with Michelle -- I loved our conversation and. I know you will too!

Recent episodes:

Kim Patton: An Adoption Story She Never Expected

Claire Culwell: An Abortion Survivor’s Story

Christina Crenshaw: Faith, Culture and Getting Cancelled

How MOPS is Reaching Out to Moms in Crisis

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In this conversation with the lovely Kim Patton, we speak about her journey through infertility and trusting God to guide her towards adoption.

Now mom to Eden, Kim and her husband are expecting a second baby they will be adopting from Edens birth mom. We talk about the incredible love Kim has found for Edens birth mom and how it’s showed her how much God loves us.

We also talk about her experience leaving a church and a denomination after a lifetime...her family’s path toward *very* small church in the living room of friends and how COVID gave them the chance to re-evaluate what they wanted and needed in their church life.

Kim was so sweet and I really enjoyed talking with her about two things I am passionate about: adoption and the Church.

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