Monumental Moments with Melissa Motschenbacher : The Forge Podcast Network

My kids and husband surprised me with the most thoughtful Mother's Day gift — a custom family portrait on canvas, beautifully framed. But when it arrived, the frame corner was damaged in shipping. In this episode, we talk about that moment of disappointment, the grace of a company that made it right, and a bigger question it stirred up in my heart: do I give God my best? We look at the incredi...

A local Facebook post caught my attention — a man wearing a "Walking by Faith" hoodie was being accused of stealing hundreds of dollars in merchandise from Target. The irony stopped me in my tracks. In this episode, we talk about the gap between what we wear (or say) and how we actually live. We dig into some powerful faith verses often tied to this exact phrase — 2 Corinthians 5:6-7, Pr...

"But mom, it's nothing — it's just a junk drawer!" That's what a sweet little girl said while exploring drawers at our house during a dinner with friends, and it made me laugh out loud... and then think. In this episode, we talk about junk drawers — those catch-alls of old batteries, expired stamps, and random cords we swear we'll need someday — and what they reveal about...

Two orders in a row, the tamper-proof seal on my vitamin bottle was broken — and I almost dismissed it both times. When I finally paused to count the pills, I discovered I was 9 vitamins short. Something had clearly been tampered with, and I had overlooked the warning signs right in front of me. In this episode, we talk through this real-life "aha moment" and what it reveals about the wa...

On a mission trip to Peru, our family had the chance to explore Machu Picchu with a tour guide who told us to just call him "Patrick... Patrick Swayze." It was a rich, unforgettable history lesson — and it got me thinking about a very different kind of tour guide found in Scripture. In this episode, we look at Judas Iscariot — one of Jesus' own twelve disciples, someone who witnessed...

Ever caught yourself on a self-checkout security camera? I did — and I turned it into our own personal "Kiss Cam" moment with my husband right there at the Lowe's checkout! In this fun, lighthearted episode, we talk about stealing kisses on camera, playing along with love, and even a stranger who wanted in on the fun. But there's a deeper message behind the laughs. Life can feel...

The first time I heard someone yell "FORE!" on a golf course, I had no idea what it meant — and I nearly got hit by a golf ball because of it! In this episode, we unpack the meaning behind golf's most famous warning, the essential golf clubs every beginner should know (drivers, irons, wedges, hybrids, and putters), and what a "Mulligan" really is. But there's a bigger l...

You don't need to visit Coney Island in Brooklyn, NYC to grab a famous Coney dog anymore — but where did this hot dog tradition really come from? In this episode, we dig into the history of the classic Coney dog (and how it differs from a chili dog), the wild story behind Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, and legends like Joey Chestnut and Takeru "The Tsunami"...

Devo #132: Fear Factor | Facing Your Biggest Fears with Faith Instead of Fear What happens when your spouse gets pulled into a live "Fear Factor" show at Universal Studios? In this episode of the Monumental Moments devotional series, I share a hilarious and unforgettable family vacation memory — my husband being chosen out of a crowd to compete in Fear Factor Live, facing his fear of hei...

Devo #131: There's Just Something About That Name | The Power and Meaning Behind the Name of Jesus What's in a name? In this episode of the Monumental Moments devotional series, I share a deeply personal memory of my grandmother singing the name of Jesus while gardening and walking through her home — and how the way she spoke His name with reverence, love, and surrender shaped my understan...

Devo #130: Count Your Blessings | Why You Need to Start Counting (and Writing Down) Your Blessings Today Were you ever told as a child to "count your blessings"? In this episode of the Monumental Moments devotional series, I share how a morning reading in John 1:16-17 turned into spontaneous worship — and led me to two powerful songs that capture the heart of gratitude: "Counting My...

Devo #129: Last Call | A Firefighter's Funeral, the Sound of the "Last Call," and What It Means to Live Sober-Minded What does a 21-gun salute, bagpipes, and a haunting radio dispatch called the "Last Call" teach us about life, death, and faith? In this episode of the Monumental Moments devotional series, I share my experience attending the funeral of a beloved WWII Army ve...

A cute "Stay Awhile" sign with some not-so-cute fine print sparks a powerful question in this episode of Monumental Moments: are we truly willing to linger in God's presence, or are we rushing off the moment we've gotten what we came for? Looking at Exodus 33:7-11, this devotional highlights Joshua's example — the one who stayed behind at the tent of meeting, unwilling to mis...

Bright red caution tape reading "DO NOT ENTER" surrounding a church parking lot sparks an unforgettable question in this episode of Monumental Moments: have we, God's people, unintentionally put up our own barricades around the church? Through judgment, pride, or condemnation, are we making people feel unwelcome in the very place meant to welcome sinners and saints alike? Walking thr...

There's something about a clothesline full of laundry that tells a story — and in this episode of Monumental Moments, that story becomes a powerful picture of sin, grace, and the cleansing power of Christ. After a drive through the Amish countryside of Lancaster County, PA, watching home after home air their once-dirty laundry to dry in the sun, this devotional unpacks a memorable family story...

It only takes one spark to start a forest fire — and the Bible says the same is true of your tongue. In this episode of Monumental Moments, we explore the striking connection between wildfire science and James 3, where Scripture warns that the tongue is "a fire, a world of evil" capable of corrupting the whole body and setting the whole course of a life ablaze. Using the real-world &quot...

What if the most meaningful moment of your day happened in a hotel lounge between meetings? In this episode of Monumental Moments, Melissa Machenbacher shares a remarkable true story about a chance encounter with a young hotel worker whose name literally means "gift" — and how that moment turned into a powerful, Spirit-led gospel conversation. Melissa walks through what it looked like to...

The latest from Melissa!

The latest from Melissa!

The latest encouragement from Melissa!

The latest encouragement from Melissa!

In this episode of Monumental Moments, Melissa Motschenbacher uses the relatable story of faded denim and distressed jeans to illustrate a deeper spiritual truth about faith and spiritual care. Drawing parallels between caring for clothing and caring for the soul, she reflects on how neglecting God’s Word can cause faith to slowly drift and fade over time. Through Scripture from Hebrews, 2 Peter,...

In this episode of Monumental Moments, Melissa Motschenbacher reflects on aging, purpose, and what it means to continue bearing fruit for God throughout every season of life. Inspired by a group called “OPUS” — meaning “Old People Up to Something” — she shares personal stories about her grandmother’s unwavering faith and challenges listeners to stay spiritually fresh, fruitful, and passionate abou...

Have you ever been completely convinced you were right — until God's Word stopped you cold? In this episode of Monumental Moments, Melissa Motschenbacher shares a relatable and surprisingly convicting story about a dropped phone call, a frustrated rant, and a Proverb that hit a little too close to home. Short, honest, and full of grace, this devotional is a timely reminder that God uses Script...

Where are your eyes right now? In this episode of Monumental Moments, Melissa Motschenbacher shares a late-night drive down a winding country road — and the unexpected moment a rental car's lane assist alarm became a message straight from heaven. Short, convicting, and full of practical truth, this devotional is a timely reminder that we will always travel in the direction we are looking. In t...