Finding Hope, Joy, and Purpose

Have you ever just be completely wiped out? Spent. And, ever had the thought, "I don't know why I am so tired?" We live in a society where working hard is not just expected, but applauded. We also live in a society where we don't talk about our emotions, our stress and how they are affecting us. Well, that is what I am going to talk about in this episode!  You can find out more...

I hope I am not the only that struggles with comparison. I think our culture, perhaps our flawed humanity, leads us to look at others and then, sometimes, our brain sends us negative messages about ourselves. I have found that I have had to develop strategies for overcoming comparison and the negative thoughts that come with it. I will share my own experiences in this episode and I would love to k...

Do you listen to Christian radio? Do you follow and/or listen to Brandon Lake, Elevation, Bethel and such? If so, then you have heard the song "Make Room." In this episode I break down a verse and the chorus, and I question myself and hope to challenge others.  You can find out more about Jamelle at   www.jamellegodlewski.com, www.leadandimpact.org Instagram - Jamelle Godlewski Facebook...

Do you ever get lost and need GPS to get your way out? Or, if you are like me, you sometimes make wrong turns even using GPS! I find using GPS to be a lot like life - you make turns, you think you are going the right direction and then you need to re-calculate. In this episode I will share my own experiences and try to give a little bit of advice about how to re-calculate.  You can find out more a...

I am sure glad I can laugh about this now. According to some people, I am so crazy, maybe even evil, that I am not really a Christian. It is laughable. But here we are, living in a world where we look for division instead of unity. We search for ways to spew negativity, hatred and judgement others instead of finding commonalities, things we agree on, and voicing encouragement.  You can find out mo...

Matthew 13 has a very interesting parable regarding weeds in the wheat field. I think when you look at the context, original language and how Jesus describes meaning to His disciples, you will find a stern warning about being an obsessive weed whacker. Even if you are not a Christian, I think even you will agree with these life lessons.  You can find out more about Jamelle at   www.jamellegodlewsk...

Barna research has found that over 70% of people would say they are spiritual. So, how do we grow our spirituality? Have you found there are days, there are times where you feel close with the Creator and times you feel so lost? Have you established any habits or routine that keeps you 'in check'? I will continue using the book Domestic Monastery as I dive into ritual and spirituality. ...

Do you have friends? Good friends? Dare I say, godly friends? And, what does it mean to have true friends? I just finished a book called, Domestic Monastery by Ronald Rolheiser that was very impactful. In today's episode I will share his thoughts on true friendship.  You can find out more about Jamelle at   www.jamellegodlewski.com, www.leadandimpact.org Instagram - Jamelle Godlewski Facebook...

In this last episode, I will finish up what Bonhoeffer has to say in how Christians live and act in the world. As I finished this book, I was incredibly impacted that although everyone I know in the ministry/theology world would recognize Dietrich Bonhoeffer for his wisdom, we are far far from actually applying his words to our lives. It actually causes my heart and my spirit to grieve. Lord, have...

In this episode, I will be reading parts of the book in which Bonhoeffer discusses how Christians should interact with other Christians AND nonbelievers. Boy, we are not even close to doing these things. Again, it just amazes me how this theologian is read and studied at most seminaries and ministry programs, yet we fail miserably to apply any of his teachings. You can find out more about Jamelle...

For a few episodes, I am going to be reading and discussing parts of well-respected and studied theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book 'The Cost of Discipleship.' I find these words timeless. It also makes me shake my head as it seems we study these words, we respect his teachings, but we are far far far from taking them to heart. You can find out more about Jamelle at   www.jamelle...

Do you think about the future? Do you think about the fact that what we say and do now will not just effect our kids, our grandkids but generations we will never see or know? In today's episode, I talk about just this. I fear we are not sowing seeds of love.  You can find out more about Jamelle at   www.jamellegodlewski.com, www.leadandimpact.org Instagram - Jamelle Godlewski Facebook - Jamel...

Does it seem like there are some people that are, well, self-righteous? Do you feel like there are levels of 'goodness'? If you are like me, you have made some mistakes. Like my sin was worse than others. I don't think that is the case. In this episode I will share my heart, my soul and my thinking. I have burdened this Lenten season.  You can find out more about Jamelle at   www.ja...

What are the characteristics that make up a fox? (And I don't mean small, cute and furry!) Bad news- we are foxes. It's part of our human nature. Within the church, it has always been a problem. As Christians, it is still a huge issue and until we humbly admit it, we can't 'grow.' People that are not believers see this character flaw, as a matter of fact, it is glaring.  Y...

You might here someone say, "I am going to give up chocolate for Lent." Ever wonder why? Like, what is really the point? In today's episode I give some background for 'why' and how even if you are not a Catholic or even a Christian, how the practice of 'fasting' or just self-reflection and cleansing is really a good thing. Give a listen and share!  You can find o...

My daughter is actively growing her faith with a diverse group of girls at college. One evening after Bible study she called and asked me what is the purpose of going to church? Good question! Take a listen and let me know your thoughts! You can find out more about Jamelle at   www.jamellegodlewski.com, www.leadandimpact.org Instagram - Jamelle Godlewski Facebook - Jamelle Godlewski - Leader and K...

Is Generation Z some mysterious life form? Or, maybe you think of them in relation to 'church' or 'religion' and you might think they are so lost and doomed and just a result of today's evil or liberal culture. I want to challenge that thought process! In this episode and a few to come, I will share research that has been done regarding Gen Z and really how they are no dif...

What is evangelism AND 'whose' job is it? What is mission work? Is there a difference? I think so. I think there is a big difference. Two books I will reference in this episode are: The Hole in the Gospel and When Helping Hurts. I HIGHLY recommend reading them if you go on mission trips, are interested in going on a mission trip and want to know more about how I have come up with some of...

Question: What should the goals be for a church? For 'the Church'? And, WHY?!? Listen in as I give my thoughts on this. Remember, dialogue is important. Allowing people to have their own beliefs is a good thing! So, even if you don't agree with me, let's be respectful. I will be the same with you!  You can find out more about Jamelle at   www.jamellegodlewski.com, www.leadandim...

Everyone wants to grow their church - what does that mean? Are there churches growing? (Hint: no. not really) What should our goals be? Tune in as I will go over what I told my church and it has ZERO to do with a program or music. I will be spending a couple of months talking about what I think about evangelism is and how to grow YOURSELF! J You can find out more about Jamelle at   www.jamellegodl...

Sometimes we find ourselves sad at Christmas. Perhaps its because we have lost loved ones, maybe we are estranged from our families, finances are in the gutter, you name it. But, we can also be happy that it's Christmas. In this episode, Jamelle will share all of the above and it is OKAY to be grieving and joyous at the same time. Please remember, if you need or want to reach out to Jamelle,...

What is Advent? Maybe you aren't even sure about this whole 'Christmas/Jesus' thing. Perfect! You have found the right podcast! In this episode I will give a brief overview on the drama of this baby named Jesus coming into the world. I will be sharing a written version on my website, weekly, under Blogs. Also, if you want to find the sunday morning message, try Pleasant Lake United...

We like to think people should get what they deserve. Does God think like this? Do we think God should be like this? Jamelle dives into this idea looking at a lesson Jesus taught His disciples about the last being first. Easy to nod our heads at, but a very hard lesson to put into practice.  You can find out more about Jamelle at   www.jamellegodlewski.com, www.leadandimpact.org Instagram - Jamell...

As we head into the holiday season, Jamelle will challenge you with finding peace and joy and REST during this time. Do you ever use the word no? If not, maybe you need to! We have to be intentional if we want to have peace, joy and rest. How can you do that this year?  You can find out more about Jamelle at   www.jamellegodlewski.com, www.leadandimpact.org Instagram - Jamelle Godlewski Facebook -...

Assuming you live in the United States of America, in just a few days it is Election Day. We hope that no matter the outcome, we can stay the United States of America. In this episode, Jamelle encourages you, implores all of us, to keep unity at the forefront of our minds.  You can find out more about Jamelle at   www.jamellegodlewski.com, www.leadandimpact.org Instagram - Jamelle Godlewski Facebo...