That's Just What I Needed Podcast

When life handed Carol Lethem lemons, she didn't just make lemonade—she penned a playbook for finding joy amidst life's messiest moments. As a pastor's wife, author, life coach, and enduring caregiver to her husband, Carol joins us to share her personal journey through tumultuous waters, offering wisdom for those in similar straits. Her book, "Are You Ready to Find Joy When Life Gets Messy?", serv...

Picture this: we're all at a crossroads in life, right? We're looking back at some tough times and wondering, "Should I forgive or just hold on to that hurt?" Well, I've been right there, wrestling with these big questions. And guess what? I'm super excited to dive into these topics with you, drawing from my new book, "Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life."   In today’s podcast episode, we explore how...

Do you ever wonder if there’s a secret to living a truly purposeful and authentic Christian life? On today’s episode, I am joined by the esteemed Vivian Mabuni, IF Gathering and Weekend to Remember speaker. who brings her profound wisdom on the beauty of surrender to God. Vivian discusses the freedom found in letting go of control. Her insights from "Open Hands Willing Heart" will inspire you to r...

What comes to mind when you think of living a generous life? Probably something to do with money, right? On today’s podcast, we broaden that perspective as we explore the blessing of living generously with our whole selves–our schedules, our passions, our love, our professional lives–everything!   Joining me in the conversation is a long-time friend, Kim Moeller, area director for the National Chr...

January Blues. We all feel it, at least a little bit. It’s that after-the-holiday-slump that sneaks up on us a few days into a new year. A  recent heart-to-heart with my daughter, Ashton, shines a light on this post-holiday slump as we navigate that pesky joy stealer, disappointment, and its insidious cousins, discouragement and disillusionment.   In today’s episode,  we look at the counsel offere...

Have you ever wondered how it feels to really flourish in every area of your life? This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom designed to guide you through a transformative 2024, focusing on aspects of growth that have stood the test of time. Today, I tap into the timeless biblical model of Jesus, who exemplified growth in wisdom, physical stature, and favor with both God and man to inspire your p...

On today’s episode, we unwrap a treasure trove of wisdom in my special 'best of' podcast compilation. Listen in as we revisit an unforgettable chat with Jill Savage, exploring the raw and profound journey of loving someone through their darkest times. Jill opens up about the trials of unconditional love, the challenges she faced during her husband's affair, and her own path to healing.   Also, I e...

“Who do you say that I am?" This is arguably the most important question Jesus asked his disciples. It's also the most important question we must ask ourselves.    Join me as we uncover the divine nature of Jesus, connecting the dots from Old Testament prophecies to His birth to the first few weeks of His life. And reflect upon the significance of Jesus being referred to as a Savior, the Christ, a...

Everyone leaves a legacy, but not everyone leaves the kind of legacy their kids and grandkids want to replicate. Which prompts me to ask: How truly enduring is the legacy you're building?   You may not have ever paused long enough to consider how the way you live your life affects how others live theirs…but it's something we all need to grapple with so we leave a legacy worth passing on.    What d...

When darkness surrounds you, how do you find the strength to seek the light?   Join me and my dear friend Lori Marshall Armstrong as we journey through our discussion about the importance of faith during life's hardest moments. We reminisce about our 25-year friendship, which has evolved into a family bond, and discuss the magnified struggles that sometimes come with the holiday season.    Lori, w...

Today’s episode is a  transformative discussion on the power of gratitude. Tune in as I share my journey of how Psalm 136 helped me understand that every act of God is an act of love and mercy. Discover how this revelation not only transformed my family's Thanksgiving celebration but can also reshape your life. This conversation will leave you feeling inspired, encouraged, and, most importantly, t...

Ever wonder why conflict seems to be a constant part of our daily life? Could fear and insecurity be the hidden culprits sabotaging our ability to connect with others?   Join me as I have a fascinating conversation with therapist and author Tina Yeager. We dissect the root causes of conflict, revealing how common self-protective behaviors can actually hinder healthy communication. We also share ca...

Have you ever wondered why you sometimes make decisions that you later regret? In today’s episode, I’ll help you decode the process of making smart choices by exploring ten not-so-obvious questions we should ask before making a decision. We're not just talking about trivial decisions like choosing between tan or blue shoes, but rather critical decisions that can shape our lives.   As a special cel...

Hey friends – I am happy to share an exciting announcement with you - my book, "Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life," is now available for pre-order on Amazon !   This book provides a biblical guide to expressing thoughts, feelings, and opinions gracefully, truthfully, and without regret. I also offer a sneak preview of the introduction to give you a taste of what's inside.    As a special celebration...

Can you remember losing sight of your child for just a few seconds or minutes? Your heart pounding, panic setting in, as you searched frantically until you found them safe and sound. On today's very personal episode-–a message I believe God wanted me to share with you– we talk about God’s overwhelming love and grace for you and those you love. I share my own experience of watching a friend’s daugh...

    What if we could truly understand the minds of our adult children? Yes, you heard it right! We are rolling out a carpet of insight with our esteemed guest, Jim Burns, president of HomeWord and author of the bestseller, Doing Life With Your Adult Children. His experiences enrich us with invaluable knowledge about maintaining healthy relationships with our adult children.   Whether you have adul...

Ever found yourself in a room full of people, yet feeling utterly alone? You're not the only one. Loneliness is a silent equalizer; we all feel it sometimes. Did you know that 35% of American women fear loneliness more than a cancer diagnosis? My candid conversation uncovers the reasons behind this, touching on everything from the false sense of connection technology provides to the transitory nat...

You asked. He answered.   Get ready to uncover profound truths about the Bible with my husband, pastor and theology expert, Dr. JP Jones. He's here to enlighten us on questions like, "Why should we trust the Bible?" and “How do we prevent false doctrine?” You'll be inspired to see the Bible the way Jesus did and how to glean wisdom from it in a four-step process: observation, interpretation, illum...

Are your children prepared to face the world and protect themselves? We're fortunate to have former police detective Diane Obbema on the show today. With over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, including being part of the Columbine detective team, Diane shares her wisdom and real-life experiences to help us understand how to best educate and protect our children from potential harm. Her ex...

Could a simple “Good Morning” be the key to unlocking more joy in your home?   Today on the podcast, we’ll explore the little things that create a happier living environment, irrespective of your marital status or who you share your space with. We delve into the often-underestimated power of gratitude and genuine compliments and how they can dramatically transform any living space into a hub of ha...

Have you ever wondered if your feelings of shame are keeping you from having a stronger relationship with God? As a pastor's wife who’s worked with thousands of women, I see it all the time.   Today I share the story of a woman I met whose life choices seem to be taking her on a path of increasing isolation from God–and, truth be told, I’m not sure she realizes why.  However, as I’ve talked with h...

Do you ever find yourself lost in the throes of life changes, feeling as if you don't know who you are anymore?   It's a sentiment echoed by many of us during challenging seasons of life. Today’s episode promises a wealth of encouragement and hope, particularly if you're navigating a difficult transition. Carole and I discuss her book, I Don't Know Who I Am Anymore, written after an avalanche of p...

Recently, my mom mentioned her regret about not having a consistent Bible reading practice throughout her life. “I wish I'd read the Bible more,” she said.   I suspect Mom isn't alone.   It can be challenging to read the Bible consistently.    Our conversation triggered a self-reflection regarding my relationship with God's Word. And guess what? This led me to curate a list of 10 practical, life-s...

You may have seen her on Good Morning America or the Today Show. In a candid chat with Alli Worthington, a renowned speaker, business coach, and a mother of five sons and one stepdaughter, we tackle the realities of life as a mom. Alli's refreshing perspective on embracing imperfections and the power of resilience offers a beacon of hope to mothers everywhere. Her latest book, Remaining You While...

Does your child know the Bible as well as they should? If you're searching for effective strategies to foster biblical literacy among your children or grandchildren, you've come to the right place. Today, I'm joined by Dean-o Lies, a dedicated children's pastor, and musician who is passionate about ensuring that young hearts and minds are filled with the knowledge of God’s Word. Dean-o takes us th...