Chasing Hard-Trusting God when life doesn't turn out the way you planned

Talking with Lora was an interesting mix of sadness, joy, acceptance, gratitude and Jesus. The Jesus part came from her eyes and demeanor. How does one go through such a horrific event and exude the love and grace of our Lord? Read her story Song of a Wounded Heart: Regaining Hope and Trust After Personal Tragedy: The Incredible True Life Story of a Woman Who Lost Everything

Cameron knew at an early age he was called to be a missionary in Mexico. Sometimes callings cost a lot. Sometimes the gains are better than you can imagine. And sometimes you get to experience them both.

Debbie talks about the dysfunctional hard places in her life and how God turned things around so she can walk with women in difficult places. Check our her book I Got This - God and her website, https://womenatthewell.us/home

People can say some rude and insensitive when we go through hard times. We touch on a few things during this episode.

There's something about going to college that often challenges our faith while becoming an adult and discovering who we really are and what we believe. Heather shares parts of her young adult years and the pivotal point giving encouragement to families with grown kids who may have walked away from their faith for a time

Being the mother of littles brings joys and challenges, often at the same time. Listen in as Tessa from http://raisingyoungins.com shares tales and tips about mothering young kids.

No person or family is totally dysfunctional or functional. Whether you live in a healthy home environment or one riddled with chaos, there is always functionality to be found.

My friend Pam and her husband were relocating to Florida to continue to work for the companies they were employed by but after they bought their new place and sold their home, her remote job went away. They moved anyway, trusting that God would provide.

My friend, Jarod, talks about wanting a child and the struggle of waiting, the excitement when his wife got pregnant, and the heartache that often accompanys parenthood, due to the physical condition his son was born with. It's a story of pain, joy and faith that they continue to walk.

It's never easy to start over, no matter your age. Being in your 50s, losing your home, your family and friends, and even fellow believers is challenging at best. Mary talks of struggles and growth during a difficult season of starting all over.

Marshall and his wife decided to foster while raising their biological children. Marshall shares the struggles and joys and the nuances of parenting while fostering. 

In honor of our first podcast anniversary, Blake from Confessions of a Crappy Christian, my podcast mentor, joins me again to talk about her decision to start the homeschool journey. She talks about the excitement, of she and her husband being on the same page with it all, and the joy of this new chapter in their family's life. I was reminded of my homeschool tenure as we talked.

We talk about staying when you feel called to stay in a relationship or situation that is toxic or has unhealthy circumstances surrounding it. What does staying well look like? What about called to stay? How can you stay well in situation you feel called to?

What do you believe about money? Is it good or evil? Do you have a healthy relationship with money? My guest today has much to say about how our beliefs about money affect our lives. Let me know what you think! Find her here https://changeyourfinancialstory.com/ and https://www.amazon.com/stores/Noelle-Schwantes/author/B0B14HS6N9?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnab...

I don't know what called to stay looks like in your life. It may be staying in your marriage or another significant relationship. It may be a job or even the place you live. Called to stay looks different for everyone but make no mistake, called to stay is a call from God. Called to stay is something you know deep inside. Listen in and see if what you are experiencing is a call to stay.

Growing up with a severe stutter makes like challenging. Brittany talks about the hardships of trying to make friends and fit in while growing up with a stutter.

Laurie talks with Chrystan about when you don't fit in. What happens when you don't fit in at church, or in your women's group? What happens when your life, your marriage, your ideas and opinions don't fit in, especially with the Church? Chrystan shares how she navigates the differences we have and encounter in others.

Ciarra from When The Church Leaves You, joined me again to finish the story of being married to an unbeliever. After Ciarra found her way back to Jesus and made peace with the church that left her, she still had an agnostic husband. She shared her story of allowing God to write his story while she stayed out of the way.

Things get passed down from generation to generation. Good things and not-so-good things. It's part of the human experience. The things we pass down matter. Looking back to past relationships and the generations before us matter. Listen in while Betty Owens tells parts of her story of the generations before her and the things they purposed to change.

Listen as Faith and Charlie talk of the birth of their first child, during the Covid pandemic. Charlie watched the birth of his daughter via FaceTime because he was in a fight for his life as he battled Covid. This story of faith gives hope and encouragement to those who are struggling.

Why would God ask you to give up a family tradition, an heirloom, something that brings joy? Do you have to know why to follow Him? How do you move forward in the relationships that are special to you when obeying God alters the lives of those you love most? Joyce Anne talks candidly about parts of her story and shares about choosing God's way even when it will affect other people.

Noah had a few turns in his young life. He changed his major during his college days to answer God's call. He moved to a new small town to be a campus pastor. He lost a cousin to cancer and two other relatives. Then Covid hit and he was alone to deal with all his emotions. Noah shares in truth and with wisdom that only comes from God.

Parenting is hard, no doubt about it. And so is addiction. When the two collide there are no words to describe the pain and heartache, the guilt, and learning to trust God with your kid. My friend, Patti Coleman was open and incredibly vulnerable when she talked of her journey with her son.

Jessica Hottle, a spiritual mentor and coach, was my guest on this today. She talked about how to honor your feelings and heal from your hurt. 

I talked with my young friend, Trevor. He grew up fast to become the man of the family at 13 years old. He is a young adult, in a committed marriage with a 7-month-old daughter. We talked of the things that shaped him into the person he is today and the things he is most concerned about raising kids in this present world.   For comments on the podcasts, questions, topic suggestions and prayer need...