POSITIVELY JOY: Healing Hearts After Divorce

Halloween: A look at good and evil in pop culture

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 inspiring ending.

Warning, there are spoilers.

This is a bonus episode this week, so look out for our usual end-of-the-week podcast episode.

More on Leah Schade

Previous conversations on faith and pop culture

Forgiveness and hermeneutics can help our spiritual understanding

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 Matter Is"

Promise Keeper Retreats, organized by Kimberly Brown and Gabby Love. The retreats are Fall and Spring. Join the Facebook group for more information.

The Chosen, upcoming seasons and books that tell the life of Jesus

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, bible studies and other creative content. Oh, and ChosenCon starts today! (I spoke to Katherine two weeks ago and you will hear me refer to the convention in future tense).

Watch The Chosen (on Angel Studios)

Chosen Con website

Get the original content

 

Filmmaker talks about the startling statistics of youth mental health and suicide

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 startling statistics on suicide and mental health and why this movie is important for all families to see.

Learn more about "What Rhymes With Reason" movie

Read about World Mental Health Day

Kyle's previous feature, "The Posthuman Project"

 

 

 

Heart failure: Author has a divine detour to loving God with a broken heart

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

God’s truth met Angie Baughman’s hard story. His truth won.

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: "Talk to Your Triggers"

 

’Rachel’s Song’ was a gift to a musician who wants to inspire

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

Fast food or fast faith? Tools for food freedom

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

”Honoring Paula: A healing tale of grief and grace”

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.

Video games and kids: Is there room for God?

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 be true.

My average phone screen time last week was 86.82 hours, and  that doesn't include all the TV I watch. What about you? 

Get Truplay here

Learn more about the games

 

 

 

Military mama believes Down syndrome baby is a gift from God

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 pray for Ashley and her newborn, Finley.

Ashley is praying "The Magnificat," Mary's prayer to magnify God. She would like it if you would pray with her.

The Magnificat, or Mary's Song 

And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
⁴⁷     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
⁴⁸ for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
⁴⁹     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
⁵⁰ His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
⁵¹ He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
⁵² He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
⁵⁵ to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

Luke 1:46-55

She walked the Camino Santiago for holiness, not her husband

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.wisdomonthecamino.com/

Disease slayed as author surrenders her faith, part 2

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 

Author surrenders herself to God to find healing from Lupus

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 

Author and coach teaches worship teams how to lead

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

Author found a life of faith through unplanned pregnancy

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.vonajohnson.com/

Vona's books: "A Different View" and "Equipped for More"

 

Stroke survivor chose hope and joy over despair

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 trials and our “new normal”.

Her books, "Choices" and "Radical Abundance"

Her website

Our new music is "The Joy of Knowing" by Mars Coleman. Get the song here.

Amish upbringing and God’s grace helped Sara Daigle survive marriage

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. She also began to teach her girls how to have a blessed relationship.

Sara’s books: https://sara-daigle.org/book/

Sara’s blog: https://sara-daigle.org/

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My strongest memory of Mom: Faith, love and church

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...

Chorus
My mother’s hands, so warm so soft
Not perfect, no, but strong enough
My mother’s hands, caring but worn
You carried me from the day I was born

Standing in this church, I see you as a saint
To others you’re a servant, helping everyone
You’re out the door, there’s so much to be done. But I remember…

My mother’s hands, so warm so soft
Not perfect, no, but strong enough
My mother’s hands, caring but worn
Those hands held me till I was grown

She never forgot me;
Here’s what she taught me
Love justice, mercy and walk ever so humbly
And now, I’m all that’s left of …

My mother’s hands, so warm so soft
Not perfect no but strong enough
My mother’s hands caring but worn
She carried me till I was grown.

Drug screening reminds me of the persecution of Jesus

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 who have learned to find the joy of God despite trauma and loss. Their stories are compelling and will bless you. 

Why I go to two churches - it’s the good spiritual food

We’re spending some time in special solo episodes during the month of April. You know, I don’t do this very often. I’d rather share others’ stories and not my own. Today I reveal why I attend two churches. If you don't have a church home, please visit some in your area, and find one (or two!) that connects with you. 

Nationwide church directory. (Not all churches are listed.)

Holy Week: Why I got married on Good Friday

It's Holy Week, and it’s a very special week to me for more than the reasons you might think. Today, I’d like to share my story of how I got married on Good Friday.

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 who have learned to find the joy of God despite trauma and loss. Their stories are compelling and will bless you. In the meantime, I’ll spend some time with you in special solo episodes.

See the original story and photos from Yvette's wedding.

For more about Yvette, or to book her for speaking engagements, go to her website.

Revisiting LaQuisha Hall, Bible journaling and overcoming trauma

This replay with creative journaler LaQuisha Hall is one of my favorite conversations! Since this recording, she has gone on to win Mrs. Maryland International 2023 with her platform to end bullying.

Listen to LaQuisha as she discusses her challenges with abuse growing up, and shows how she overcame many of them through using her God-given tools of creativity.

Website: http://laquishahall.com/ Confidence Coaching: http://laquishahall.com/confidence-coaching/

Reporter John Lundy leaves journalism for ministry media

TODAY is a special episode of Positively Joy because I’m sharing the latest episode of the Journalists Advancing Ministry podcast. I started thejam.online because I’ve noticed more journalists turning to ministry and professing their faith. Today’s guest, John Lundy, went from a 40-year career of reporting the news to telling the good news of what God is doing in the world for TWR, a global digital company that spreads the gospel. 

Jessica Snowden ignites her God-given spark

Jessica Snowden is an entrepreneur who found encouragement from God in the most random way: through an encounter with a total stranger. This spark helped her to reach her highest goal, one that she never thought she would reach. It’s a message you need to hear and it will bless you in your home or work life.

Make sure to Follow our show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen, so that you get notified each time a new episode is available. If you already follow our show, help a friend follow the show too.

Find Jessica on social media

Jessica's website