POSITIVELY JOY: Healing Hearts After Divorce

I'm releasing some extra episodes now and until the end of the year. Last week we talked to Bible translator Brian Simmons, and later this week we'll hear about the joy of the Christmas season and Mary, the mother of God. Today, let's talk about compassion. Dallin Candland is a podcaster, poet and a man of compassion. He's also a Mormon, and we'll talk about how people with differences can still l...

Get ready for an incredible episode. In the early 1970s, Brian Simmons was a drug dealer on LSD but had what he calls a “radical” conversion. “I went from LSD to G.O.D. in one day,” he said. Part of the Jesus movement, he began memorizing scripture. Years later, after mission work in the rain forest of Central South America with his wife, Candace, he said he was given a commission by God to do a n...

Social drinking may be acceptable, especially during the holiday season. But for some, it's a problem that non-Christian alcohol programs can't help. Rose Ann Forte knows these problems first hand, and she wrote a book, a Christian program, and now, a podcast called "Say Goodbye and Imagine," for people interested in understanding what's possible when they remove something toxic from our lives, na...

Author and speaker Christine Trimpe has inspired so many women to lose weight and treat their bodies as a temple since she shed more than 100 pounds. You may know her for that. But she is a strong Christian, and today we are going to talk about her award-winning Christmas devotional "Seeking Joy through the Gospel of Luke." It's a perfect read this December and we'll talk to her all about it.  Chr...

Born with a cleft palate here in America, Sue Corl has one of the most unusual testimonies I have heard in my conversations here on the Podcast. God equipped her with a mother who was a nurse with cleft palate experience, working in a hospital with expertise of her needs. You might say she was cursed, but Sue says she was blessed. And I agree. Listen to her story. Here's more about Sue: Crown of B...

Happy Halloween! Wait: I know some of you don't observe this and don't watch scary movies, and that's OK. But stay with us. The Rev. Dr. Leah Schade joins us once again to talk about how faith and good and evil is represented in pop culture. Today, we'll talk about the comedy "Good Omens" about angels and demons, and, yes, we'll talk about the sequel to "The Exorcist"  -- which has a surprisingly...

It's a two-fer today on the podcast! Join me in the retreat house at Promise Keepers 2023 conference, for a short chat on why forgiveness heals us. Then, listen to Johnathan Drayton and I talk about the topic of hermeneutics, which is Bible interpretation. We talk about how hermeneutics and understanding translations can help our spiritual understanding.  Drayton's podcast, "The Truth of the Matte...

Today we speak to Katherine Warnock, Vice President of Original Content for the hit television series, "The Chosen." You know that I have talked to several members of the show, most notably Creator and Director Dallas Jenkins and his wife, Amanda. But did you know that there is more to the Chosen than the show? Katherine and her team are responsible for original material like children’s books, bib...

Kyle Roberts is a videographer, stop-motion filmmaker and a feature filmmaker who loves God. His newest film, “What Rhymes With Reason” releases for one night on 10/10 World Mental Health Day nationwide, and tells the story of a group of friends on a journey of mental health awareness. Kyle said God was all in the making of this film, including the prophetic release date. We will talk about startl...

Author Lori Ann Wood's victory isn't done. She's a survivor of heart disease  but the disease isn't cured. She lives every day, trusting God, and walking out the journey that she describes in her new book, "Divine Detour." It's a lesson we can all learn. "Divine Detour" : Read more about her new book. Her website: Learn more about Lori Ann. Free resources

Angie Baughman experienced God's faithfulness in the middle of her worst day. She and her family were in accident, and when she opened her eyes, God didn't promise that she or her kids would be OK. He promised He was with her. It was all she needed in that moment. Her ministry, Live Steady On, is an outgrowth of His faithfulness. Learn more at Live Steady On Stronger Together podcast Free resource...

Dave Combs had a song in his head, and flowed out through his fingers on the piano. He eventually named it, "Rachel's Song," and it has been played to audiences, large and small. Today Dave talks about the song, his faith, and how a little tune that God gave him has inspired thousands around the world. Dave Combs website , and hear "Rachel's Song." Dave's music with his co-writer Gary Prim

If you have ever shouted at God, asking, no pleading how you can lose weight, then Listen today as Julia Fikse and I talk about food addiction and cravings, how faith is the solution, and how we can love and hate food at the same time! This episode certainly speaks to me!  One Step to Wellness: Julia's website Dear Food book series (scroll down for the mood tracker) Dear Food podcast

Carole Sluski's "Thirty" is an inspirational and emotional memoir about the loss of her daughter, Paula. Find strength in this touching story to face life's challenges with courage and grace. Carole's website Get the book.

The average American watches a screen 52.5 hours in a week and that includes children. Brent Dusing can't change that, but he wants to do something about it with his new Christian gaming platform called TruPlay. Says Brent, "The Bible says the eyes are the windows of the soul, so we know whatever content that we take in is going to change what we think, how we process emotions, what we believe to...

Ashley Ashcraft posted a heartfelt message on Facebook. She and her husband had just been told that the baby inside her most likely had Down syndrome. What struck me was the joy, trust and faith she presented, and the knowledge that her baby – no matter what happened – was a gift from God. Her baby was born early and is the intensive care unit, right where Ashley recorded this interview. Please pr...

My last name is Walker, but could I do what Kathleen Donnelly Israel did? I don’t think so. Kathleen is a wisdom walker. At 69, this super senior walked the Camino Santiago and lived to tell the tale. Listen to Kathleen candidly share the spiritual wisdom she found on this nearly 500-mile pilgrimage, and also wisdom on marriage and life. Her book, " Wisdom on the Camino " Her website: https://www....

Andrea Lende is an author who has survived Lupus, become a mother and is helping other authors publish their God-given message. Before Lupus grounded her, she was a pilot, soaring through the heavens. She surrendered everything to God in her journey to be healed and get closer to Him. Here’s Andrea, for part 2 of a 2-part episode. Andrea’s website Andrea’s books  

Andrea Lende is an author who has survived Lupus, become a mother and is helping other authors publish their God-given message. Before Lupus grounded her, she was a pilot, soaring through the heavens. She surrended everything to God in her journey to be healed and get closer to Him. Here’s Andrea, for part 1 of a 2-part episode. Andrea's website Andrea's books  

Donna Renay Patrick likes to sing, but she enjoys helping worship teams succeed even more. She uses her expertise to help them find their Biblical footing in scripture and leadership. Donna is the behind-the-scenes coach you never see or think about as you enjoy worship. Her website: DonnaRenayPatrick.com Her books

Vona Johnson is an author, a health coach and  a woman who, because of an unplanned pregnancy at 23, found a new path for her life that surrounded the Lord. She said people tell her that she knows her stuff about health, but when she speaks about her faith, she lights up. Vona’s two books, “A Different View” and “Equipped for More,” explore her life and lessons.  Her website: https://www.vonajohns...

Welcome to our 5th season! Lori Vober is a stroke survivor, author and adoptive mom of three children from South America. She had a devastating hemorrhagic stroke at age 29, and she learned a message that she shares today: when we are faced with unexpected challenges we cannot control, we do have a choice how we react to those circumstances. We can still find hope, joy, and new success within our...

It's a replay on this Throwback Thursday! In one of our most listened-to episodes, Sara Daigle was raised in an Amish Community. When she married, her history of obedience caused her to put up with a marriage that tolerated pornography and even considerations of possibly having multiple partners in marriage. But these trials forced her to cling to the Lord, who delivered her from that relationship...

It's Mother’s Day on Sunday. My mother left this earth two decades ago and I think of her often. Today, I’ll tell you about my fondest and strongest memory of her, sharing faith and being in church together. Bonus: A new song release! Song lyrics to "My Mother's Hands" Beautiful lady, we bow before the altar You’re my everything I’m your little daughter Every Sunday, your hand in mine. I remember....

I have accepted a new job and I recently had to get a drug screening. It made me think of Jesus. Listen to hear why. This is part of my month of stories about me. It's a little break from the regular interviews, but we’re gearing up for a new season, season 5, of the Positively Joy podcast, which launches in May. I’m so excited to share with you all the new guests, including faithful women and men...