Abi Spencer is back! We haven't seen each other in a while to really catch up, so I decided to share it with you! We discuss her incredible trip to Beirut, Lebanon, swoon over the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and share our favorite gift ideas from companies that are either owned by women or promoting dignified work for women around the world. Companies mentioned in the episode: http://www.akouo.net http://www.noondaycollection.com https://tierramiastyles.com http://www.nickeland...
Dec 05, 2017•1 hr 5 min
Hattie Vance is one of my favorite people on the planet. I first heard her story a few years ago at a retreat, and she captured my heart immediately. Although her story is full of addiction, heartbreak, and prison, the greatest part is the redemption of God. Hattie shares honestly about the painful parts of her past, but the mercy and grace of God is a constant current throughout. Today, she and her husband Joe lead Celebrate Recovery in their community in Arkansas and continue to minister to in...
Nov 14, 2017•1 hr 6 min
Holly Tumpkin and I met our freshman year of college in the dorms at ORU. Our lives went in different directions, but our paths crossed again several years ago and we've been journeying together in our pursuit of God's calling on our lives. Holly's experience as a mom of three girls led her to have a heart and ministry that helps ground girls in who they are. This is Holly's story of answering God's call on her life and how she relied on him when the curveballs came, one of them being brain canc...
Nov 07, 2017•1 hr 6 min
I met Terri Paxton through a former guest on the podcast, Tammy Houghton (episode 28). Within five minutes of our first conversation on the phone, I fell in love with Terri! She has a beautiful heart for her family and the Lord. I instantly responded to her honesty and willingness to lay down her own desires for God's best. Little did she know that when she released her son to move to India as a missionary, her life would be changed in ways beyond her wildest imagination. Eventually, Terri and h...
Oct 31, 2017•53 min
What started as her project for a class, Bri Hoyt created an amazing international movement called the Two Cents Project. Her original intention was to express love to the homeless population of Charlotte, NC, but it developed into so much more. Her heart is to help people, especially youth, be part of loving the poor as Christ does. Her story is unconventional and surprising and absolutely inspiring!
Oct 25, 2017•58 min
Ashley Cross is the founder and executive director of Launch Outreach, whose mission is "to see youth excel through higher education, strong morals and ethics, and practical living skills." Having been part of a family that fostered and cared for kids her whole life and after visiting an orphanage in Brazil on a college missions trip, she knew she wanted to dedicate her life to helping young women who have been part of the foster care system be all that they were created to be. Her passion becam...
Oct 17, 2017•47 min
The first attempt at this podcast with my dear friend Joan Stuehm somehow got partially deleted. So, she graciously let me come over one night to re-record it. When I went to go edit it together with the original, something else got deleted! It's taken me a couple of months to get back on the horse and try it a third time. Another portion had "disappeared" but after digging through my files, I was able to relocate it and splice it all together!! For some reason, this message is clearly a threat!...
Oct 10, 2017•56 min
Lisa Goins is an amazing renaissance woman! She is mom of four grown children, entrepreneur, realtor, co-pastor Faith Church in Tulsa, OK, with her husband Kelly, and champion of others. Throughout our conversation, you'll hear "how did I get here?" numerous times in her story. Lisa is a woman who decided to say no to her fears and perceived limitations and has become a successful business owner and communicator of truth. Her story will inspire you to dream big and push yourself beyond your comf...
Oct 03, 2017•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Tammy Houghton is owner of the south Tulsa women's boutique, Purse-a-nality. At a recent women's event, I heard her share a beautiful testimony and I knew I had to have her on the podcast. A small offense from a friend was allowed to fester, and days turned in to weeks and then months and then over a year. Avoiding a hard conversation had destroyed a friendship and built a wall around her heart. But, the Lord wasn't going to let things stay that way. I know you'll be nourished and inspired by Ta...
Sep 26, 2017•54 min
I had the best conversation with my sweet friend Anna Lukes. Anna is the CFO of her family's company, a licensed drug and alcohol therapist, and leads the young adult group at her church. She has a passion for seeing sons and daughters return to the family of God, and her understanding of the Kingdom of God is transforming. I had the best time digging deep with her about being citizens of the Kingdom. Note: During our conversation, I refer to a podcast by Emily P. Freeman called "The Next Right ...
Sep 20, 2017•1 hr 2 min
My friend and ministry teammate, Monica Epperson, is my guest today. Monica is an adjunct professor at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, author and speaker, and co-founder of The Child of Divorce, a nonprofit for children of divorce, which was recently acquired by ChristianWorks for Children of Dallas-Ft.Worth, TX. Her story is one of God's redemption from abuse, multiple divorces among her parents, and unhealthy patterns that she carried into adult and her own marriage. Monica has a passion for Jes...
Sep 12, 2017•1 hr 7 min
My guest today is longtime friend, the energetic, life-loving, never-know-what-she's-gonna-say Martha Weldon. You never know whose life you may impact without even realizing it. Martha and I were sitting in a history class at university when I mentioned getting a masters degree in TESL (teaching English as a second language). She'd never been out of the country before and her ears perked up. She went on to get her masters degree and live and work in multiple countries around the world, all after...
Sep 05, 2017•1 hr
The light that is Lisa Bain founded the charity "Joy in the Cause" during a time when most people would be at their lowest moments. Her mother's five-year battle with cancer birthed a beautiful movement that is rooted in choosing joy in every situation. Joy in the Cause and its off-shoots, the Purpose Project, Joy to the Rescue and Joy in the Adventure, brings hope and light to individuals, young and old, who are facing traumatic situations. Lisa's sidekick, Mavis Pearl, a six-year-old, tutu-wea...
Aug 29, 2017•1 hr 4 min
Award-winning teacher Annmarie Wright has many passions--literature, travel, the persecuted church, history, Mr. Darcy, just to name a few. She and I met while we were undergraduates in college, studying in the same degree. She, however, went in one direction, and I in another. This week she is beginning her 26th year of teaching at the same high school, and actually still LOVES what she does. That passion has translated into success in her classroom and impacting thousands of students over the ...
Aug 22, 2017•56 min
I caught up with Sarah Lout recently while she was on a home visit in the US from Kinshasha in the Dem. Republic of Congo. She teaches at an international school there, while her husband Scott serves as the country director for World Vision. Having both been been raised as missionary kids in Africa, the Louts have a clear understanding of what it takes to create a healthy environment for their third culture kids. They have lived in 5 countries over the past 11 years. You'll enjoy hearing how the...
Aug 15, 2017•57 min
I'm a firm believer that everyone has a story worth sharing, and Anna's is no exception. This incredible young woman experienced a loss that no little girl should. Father God has proven Himself to be more faithful than she ever imagined. You will be nourished for sure as you listen to this bright young millenial and her beautiful testimony.
Aug 08, 2017•48 min•Ep. 21
I have loved every one of my guests on the podcast, but my time with Kirsten LaCourse was so beautiful and the presence of the LORD was so precious. Kirsten was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, something that was completely unexpected. How she and her family responded to the news, how they and friends supported her through treatment, and how her faith grew even deeper will truly inspire you. I was so nourished after my time with her and I know you will be too.
Aug 01, 2017•56 min•Ep. 20
Carol Matza is a writer, producer, and media promotion specialist. Her company, Provision Enterprises, promotes musicians, businesses, and events. She has worked closely with the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and the National Fiddler Hall of Fame. She's authored children's books, produced and hosted tv shows, but her favorite role of all is grandma to her beloved grandkids! Carol is one who is always looking to promote the gifts and talents of others, both professionally and personally. Her life h...
Jul 25, 2017•49 min•Ep. 19
If you know anything about children's consignment, then you are sure to have heard of Just Between Friends. What started out as a great idea and simple gathering of moms, JBF has become an award-winning, highly sought-after national franchise with Shannon Wilburn at the helm. In this episode, you'll hear Shannon's story of how JBF got started, it's evolution and huge success, struggles she's faced and things she's learned along the way. Her enthusiasm and joyful spirit is sure to nourish you tod...
Jul 18, 2017•53 min
Brenda Coomer Black is a woman who loves Jesus and has ministered to women for most of her adult life. This former women's chaplain of Oral Roberts University heeded the call to pursue an advanced degree in counseling after surviving significant personal transition and trauma. She founded Hope Forward Counseling and Life Coaching, where she serves to bring hope into the lives of men and women of all ages through godly counsel and support. Her expertise in communication and counseling makes her a...
Jul 11, 2017•48 min
Joanne Greene is a woman who clearly loves the LORD and her family. She has suffered tragedies in her life that no woman should have to experience. But, through it all, her faith in God has carried her through and given her strength she never knew she had. Besides being a loving mom, grandma, and friend, she is an amazing artist who uses her talent to bring joy to others and pleasure to the Father. Joanne is one who always nourishes my soul when we're together!
Jul 04, 2017•50 min
This week I'm flying solo and share with you about my experience in a completely different culture right in my own city. The LORD reminded me of the importance of caring for the "alien" or "other" in my land, and how when we care for them, we are caring for him.
Jun 27, 2017•42 min
Each of us has a unique story in God's story. So often we think our stories are insignificant or unworthy of sharing because of the pain or shame that so often accompanies them. But, the truth is, God wants to redeem our stories and show them to us from His perspective. There is grace and beauty and value in each of them. Holly Beitel is president of TRUE Stories Ministries, a ministry that uses a tool called storyrope to help women explore their stories in a beautiful way. It has had a profound...
Jun 21, 2017•48 min
Patty Gerstenberger has always been one who naturally enjoys helping others achieve their goals and overcome obstacles. Becoming a life coach a couple of years ago made perfect sense, but it was up to God to make it clear that it was the right step for Patty. Join me as she shares about her journey of following her gifting, the LORD's provision, and how she helps clients reach their dreams.
Jun 13, 2017•44 min
Join me and my dear friend Cathie Searcy as we discuss one of the best books I've read recently, "Loveable" by Dr. Kelly Flanagan. Our lives are a journey of discovering our worth, where we belong, and what our purpose is. This book has been a game-changer for us and we're excited to share our favorite parts with you.
Jun 06, 2017•1 hr 8 min
Shannon Smith is a woman of many passions. She is a seamstress, chef, jewelry-maker and world traveller. Her love for cooking and micro-finance projects with her husband, Phil Smith, have taken her around the world. Shannon loves learning how to cook different cuisines and then bringing them back to eager students here in Tulsa. Recently she has been able to teach cooking skills to impoverished women in Rwanda and Dominican Republic. Shannon is a beautiful example of using her gifts and talents ...
May 30, 2017•46 min
May is National Foster Care month. My dear friend Ronna Eddins is a social worker who has the biggest heart, especially for kids. She has a passion for foster kids and families, and she and her husband, Mike, are waiting to adopt a waiting child into their own family one day. I know you'll appreciate her heart as she shares the needs and ways to help!
May 23, 2017•42 min
Abi Spencer is back! This time we share about how we all have expectations and they often can lead to great pain and disappointment when they're not met. We discuss realistic expectations and keeping those before the LORD. We also share about dealing with disappointment in healthy ways.
May 16, 2017•1 hr 3 min
Kelly Tietsort answered the call of God as a single woman to serve and love the marginalized women and men in the border town of Reynosa, Mexico and the brothel known as "Boys' Town". In this podcast she shares as only Kelly can about the challenges, the loneliness, the exhilaration, the joy and the pain of giving yourself to loving others while expecting nothing in return. Her story will most definitely inspire you! Her insightful blog, which includes everything from Kingdom truth to the antics...
May 09, 2017•58 min
Singer/songwriter Casii Stephan moved to Tulsa from Minnesota looking for a change. Turns out, God, surprise! surprise! was in the midst of it. Her dream of creating music came together quickly after moving to Oklahoma and she's been going after it ever since. Not only does she write and sing amazing songs, she is the brainchild of MisFest, the upcoming music festival that celebrates and promotes female musicians here in Oklahoma. Casii's journey of using the gift that God has given her is truly...
May 02, 2017•37 min
