Conversations About Life

Susan Rhodes is starting a nonprofit called Ripple Affect.  It’s an organization that helps women connect and enjoy relationships with one another.  There’s a lot of good information in this conversation about relating to God and relationships with people. Susan Rhodes

Dr. Chuck Hetzler is executive director of Day & Night , and organization that calls and encourages Christians to seek God for a nation wide transformation.  We talk about his work, extended times of prayer in his own life, and experiencing God.    

It was really a privilege to talk with Julia Woods.  Julia is a marriage communication coach.  We talk about Julia’s journey of becoming who she was created to be, the beliefs that are behind how we feel and act, relationship with God, and books that have influenced her.  I enjoyed this and hope you do too. Julia Woods  

I had the privilege of a conversation with Ben Koranda.  Ben is a machinist, enjoys rebuilding trucks and cars and is newly married.  As is obvious in our conversation, Ben has thought about important matters and has a reasoned opinion about them.  We talk about gut feelings, God and Christianity, work, and getting out of unhealthy rumination. Ben

I had the privilege of a conversation with Eric Nevins, host of the podcast, Halfway There .  We talk about spiritual formation, experiencing God, podcasting, church, and being fully ourselves.  I hope you enjoy it. Eric Nevins

A enjoyed this conversation with Jim, a fellow high school student.  I enjoyed getting to know Jim through this conversation and I appreciate the frank and thoughtful way Jim participated in it.  We talk about Jim’s career change to being a mental health councilor, his experience with Christianity, and the same sex attraction the Jim experiences. Jim

My sister, brother and myself talk about what it was like growing up in our family. Will, Cindy, Jeff

Bernie is a neighbor of my parents in the Missouri Ozarks.  His childhood started out in Germany during the war where he lost both parents.  Adoption brought him to the United States.  We talk about his life. Bernie

Jenna is an emotional freedom and life coach.  We talk about handling emotions in a healthy way, Jenna’s book, “Tenacious Grace”, and Jenna’s experience with Christianity. Jenna Jenna’s website, jennabarbosa.com

Tony is 22, a college graduate and working at Spectrum.  We talk about his perspective of the world, the things that have shaped him into who he is today, and his perspective on Christianity. Tony

I enjoyed a conversation with DeVaughn and his sister Zoe about their experiences of racism and what they think the current state of racism is in the US. DeVaughn and Zoe

Richard has thought about preterism (the idea of some in Christian faith that most of the prophesies concerning the end of the age took place in the 1st century), Calvinism (the idea of some in the Christian faith that the salvation of individuals from God’s punishment of sin is 100% his doing), and open theism (the idea of some in the Christian faith of the free will of man and even God doe...

It was a special privilege to talk with my mother-in-law, Judy, about her growing up experience, what she values, and thoughts about God and the Bible. Judy

Keith accidentally killed his housemate with a gun he thought was unloaded.  We talk about his prison experience and life after. Keith

Chris is a friend who didn’t think about racism too much earlier in life but has now come to think of it as a problem that needs to be addressed.  We talk about his experience of racism as a black man. Chris

I enjoyed a conversation with Robert Treskillard, author of Merlin’s Blade, Merlin’s Shadow, Merlin’s Nightmare, and now working on Arthur’s Blade.  We talk about writing, myths and story, history and legend. Robert Treskillard Robert’s blog

DeVaughn lost his sight at the age of 17.  His life turned around about that same time after he had a religious conversion experience.  DeVaughn enjoys judo, jiu-jitsu and wrestling.  He is currently going to college on a wrestling scholarship.  Someday he hopes to help kids by providing a place for them to wrestle and “rough house”. Devaughn Bam Bam Smith

This is a conversation with my mom and dad, Bill & Erma Jackson.  We talk about what the farm means to them, how Dad got involved in pastoring, and their enjoyment of boating through the years. Bill & Erma

Evan is a great guy to have a conversation with.  We ramble a little and talk about a number of different things, but a big part of our conversation is about how our Christian identity of being a child of God must dictate the way we see and act in the world. Evan

I enjoyed a very informative conversation with Esther Spilger who helps churches reach out into their communities and connect with kids.  Esther had a lot to say about her own growth.  Also, I appreciate Esther’s comments at the end about how she made a church experience more meaningful. Esther Spilger  

I had the pleasure of a conversation with my pastor on a number of different topics.  We discuss racism, what the Christian good news is all about, Scott’s prayer routine, and how confidence in God has come from confidence in Jesus. Scott Lee

Chris left a successful career in the banking business to give himself a chance to consider who he was and what he really wanted.  He’s a year in and has enjoyed the discovery. Chris Kieffer

Grace is a young woman who is starting her first year as a 1st grade school teacher in a North St. Louis charter school.  She talked about her conversion experience after beginning college, missionary experience and the things that have made an impact on her life. Grace Woodward

Andy is vocalist in a Rolling Stones tribute band called, “Street Fighting Band”.  He’s also involved in church planting and a director of worship and culture in Perth, Australia.  We talk about how Andy got involved in the Rolling Stones tribute band, tension with involvement in music and art for a Christian, interaction with people outside of our circles, and loving our neighbo...

Terry is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, sometimes referred to as the Mormon church.  We talk about the differences between the LDS church and traditional Christianity, which is what I’m involved in.  We also talk about our spiritual lives. Terry