Up from the Muck Podcast

"I identify as_______". In today's society that has become such a common phrase. So, it got me thinking, what does it mean to have an identity? Can a person identify as more than one thing? And where does God fit in, if at all?  This podcast series seeks to address all those questions and more. For Part 1 of the Identity Series, I talked with Pastor Michael Wood of First West Baptis...

Life-after a sudden tragedy at first seems impossible.  However, as time passes, the space that used to hold a person, now holds the hope of Jesus as we mourn and heal. After losing her husband, Caleb Wood, in a tragic car accident, Tara becomes a young widow and single mom to three young children within a blink of an eye. Listen to Tara's story of how she has waded through her grief, guided...

J ames 1:27 says, “Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” I’ve always believed that this verse also applies to those that feel like orphans and widows, the least of these if you will. Times may have changed, but for women an unplanned pregnancy can still leave one feeling like the...

It’s never too late to start your health journey. Even though the thought of obtaining a healthy lifestyle can seem like daunting mountain to climb, having Jesus to lean on certainly helps. Listen to Ashlie’s powerful story of how she lost over 100lbs and let Jesus transform her thoughts, her heart, and her body. “Time is going to pass regardless, how will you spend it ?” -Anonymous .................

"Discipleship" the word alone can leave anyone feeling insecure. That's why I asked Connections Coordinator from First West, Rhonda Moody , to help us dive a. little deeper into what it means to disciple one another and how we cannot be so afraid of it.  Throughout this conversation, we learn that Discipleship doesn't have to be a scary thing. You can ask anyone to study the Bi...

Ever been presented with an opportunity to serve the Lord, but were afraid it was going to be too inconvenient? Too involved? Too exhausting? But then on the other hand, the desire to following the Holy Spirit's nudge was just kept gnawing at you...making you have this tug-of-war with your heart and brain. Well, Abby Cash had a similar experience this summer. If you've ever wondered abou...

Is worship just singing , standing, and waving your arms around? Why does it usually happen first?  Do I have to sing to worship? In this episode, Brad and I tackle those questions and more. *LINKS John 4:19-24 - "Woman at the Well" Part B conversation. First West Worship Pastor, Brad Jett Send us Fan Mail Support the show Click HERE for access to extra content through my Patreon Account...

I think we can all agree that family devotions are important, but what exactly is one and how do you it successfully? Children's Pastor, Dustin Lee helps us answer those questions and more. He gives good practical tips such as keeping things short and being intention in setting aside a consistent time to do it. He also mentions some resources that can used to for either toddlers and young chi...

Branching out and marching into the unknown can be daunting. However, if we never start making steps towards our dreams, that's all they will ever be. In this podcast we hear from Pure Drip Wellness studio owner, Lyndsay Turner, tell us her journey of going from her dreams to reality. We discuss what hurdles she faced and how she relied on God to bring her where she is today. If you are inter...

Today we hear from American Mattress Outlet store owner, Robby Compton.  We learn the behind the scenes story of how his successful business came to be and how God helped him to get there.  Send us Fan Mail Support the show Click HERE for access to extra content through my Patreon Account.

As June comes to an end, I thought it would be good to share a story that helps remind us that our pride should come from the promises of God and not ourselves.  Listen to my friend, Ainsley Yarbrough, as she describes how she traded in a counterfeit love for a true everlasting love. May everyone find freedom in the promises of the Lord. Links His kindness draws … Romans 2:4 Rainbow meaning from B...

For some people prayer can be an elusive and intimidating concept. How do we know if we're doing it right? Is anyone really listening? How do I reconcile with scripture that seemingly says that if we ask for something then we should receive it, but then don't? With the help of First West's Children's Pastor, Dustin Lee, we discuss these things and more. He gives great tips on h...

Happy Father's Day! Today's episode wraps up our celebration of all things dad. We've been talking about the good things about Fatherhood, the hard moments, and where and how to make God known in our lives. In today's episode we discuss grace based parenting, how to strive for patience while disciplining, and to why it's important to instill in our children who God is and...

Fathers often times get the short end of the stick, which is why I decided to have series that uplifts, honors, and encourages all the dads out there.  We discuss the bad times, the good times, and the truly special times of being a dad. But we also discuss what it looks like to be a Godly father in the midst of an ungodly world. In this episode with Jimmy, we discuss how a fluid display of our re...

We've celebrated our mothers, now it's time to champion our fathers as well. In part 2 of our Fatherhood series you will hear from, Spencer Hutchinson. He talks of being a dad that not only strives to provide his children with physical safety, but to be a safe place for his daughters emotionally and spiritually. His approach to discipline might be considered counter-cultural to some, whe...

We've celebrated moms and motherhood, but now it's the guys' time! Father's Day is June 19th and from now until then Up from the Muck will be interviewing dads from various backgrounds. They will be telling us how they lead their families, what they struggle with, and how they seek out victories while fathering their families. In this episode,  I interview Young Married and Eva...

Happy Mother's Day! We've made it to the end of our series and as promised I have yet another mom from a different stage of motherhood that will be sharing with us her many trials and triumphs. In this episode, I have a very special guest, my mother-in-law, Jennifer Bostick.  Jennifer showed her motherly love for me in being willing to share with me and the rest of you guys her story. Th...

Mother’s Day is now just one week away and this series is committed to continue to uplift, challenge, and celebrate all moms from different backgrounds and various stages. I have learned something new from each mom I have talked to  and this is episode is no different. In this 4th episode we get to hear from empty nester, Joy McMahan. We talk of loving your kids' unique personality, carrying...

Up from the Muck is still continuing with its Motherhood series focusing on the trials and triumphs of motherhood. We're also giving throwbacks of praise to our own mothers and endless encouragement for all moms.  In this episode, Kinsley Corley, a youth pastor's wife and online retail owner of Little Rays, talks to us about accepting grace, sharing the gospel through discipline, and let...

The Up from the Muck Podcast has decided to celebrate all the joys and trials of Motherhood with a 5 part series. The series will host mothers of various stages from various backgrounds. All of them God-fearing mothers with tons of wisdom, love, and laughter to share. In Part 2, Bethany Jett ,  gives great examples for how to make positive reinforcement work as an effective discipline strategy, an...

Mother's Day is just around the corner and with that in mind the Up from the Muck Podcast has decided to celebrate all the joys and trials of Motherhood with a 5 part series. The series will host mothers of various stages from various backgrounds. All of them God-fearing mothers with tons of wisdom, love, and laughter to share. In Part 1, Sara Chauhan, starts the series off by sharing many nu...

The fear of being alone is a strong one. Strong enough to make any season of singleness feel unbearable and too long. But it doesn’t have to feel this way. In this episode, Hope and I discuss how a person is more than their dating/married status and how to fully enjoy the current season you’re in! Send us Fan Mail Support the show Click HERE for access to extra content through my Patreon Account.

The betrayal of a trusted friend is always so gut wrenching. We can sometimes be at a loss as to how to move forward. But as Elizabeth shares with us today, God calls his children to forgiveness and reconciliation. Listen on to see how she was able to do that. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Click HERE for access to extra content through my Patreon Account.

Control is something we like to have especially when it comes to our dreams. Annmarie is no different. When her dream of becoming a mom is endangered with an unforeseen diagnosis of endometriosis listen to how see clung His truth and reveled in His sovereignty.   Send us Fan Mail Support the show Click HERE for access to extra content through my Patreon Account.

Welcome Back to Season TWO! In this episode, local artist, Molly Engen, and I discuss how she navigated the unexpected and unfortunately long NICU stay with her first born daughter. Giving up control and being forced to be completely reliant upon God is hard, but Molly's story is one of such humility and grace. Listen, be encouraged, and learn how God carried her through. You  can check out h...