Gospel Spice | Awaken Delight in God through faith in Jesus Christ

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated

We are spending one whole month having conversations with inspiring guests about parenting at different stages of life - from newborns to adult children, and every stage in between! And then, we spend another whole month discussing essentials of physical, mental, and emotional wellness with a wide range of Christ-centered experts.

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Hope and healing for the diet-weary soul | with Laura Acuña Aug 22, 2023

Show notes

On this episode of Gospel Spice, Stephanie welcomes Laura Acuña to dive deep into the world of body image issues. They discuss Laura's personal story of how God set her free from her negative relationship with food, negative body image, and a pattern of yo-yo dieting. They also explore how the accumulation of little traumas can have a significant impact on a person's life. The episode emphasizes the importance of stewarding our bodies well, self-compassion, and allowing God's grace to come into our lives. Laura affirms that shame doesn't come from God and offers a prayer for listeners, asking God to help them understand their true relationship with their bodies, remove shame from their lives, and replace lies about beauty and body image with truth.

Stephanie and Laura talk about:

- Laura's own story of gaining one hundred pounds as an eleven-year-old and finally being set free fifty years later.
- How to re-think your thinking regarding food, body image and dieting through the lens of self-compassion, God’s grace and His word.
- The surprising truth that you can be free from food and body image issues before ever losing a pound.
- Why so many women who struggle with these strongholds need to recover their voice.
- The importance of to learning to show up as your true female self and being comfortable in your own skin.
- How to walk away from what has never worked and embrace the important mind-shift of accepting you need God’s healing instead of relying on dieting to fix what is broken inside.
- Why rejecting shame in all of its forms is crucial for healing and peace.
- The importance of stopping legalism (fire the food police!) regarding what you eat and how you treat your body.
- Our culture’s negative view of a woman’s aging body and how, as Christians, we can resist falling for this toxic and impossible standard.

In her 31-day devotional, Still Becoming, Laura shares her personal experience of struggling with body image and dieting for almost 50 years until she found freedom. We learn about how disordered eating and body image issues are often responses to the broken parts inside us, and people often use food to numb, distract, or hide their emotions. We also address how the dieting mindset can lead to shame and legalism. Laura emphasizes the importance of giving ourselves self-compassion and allowing God's grace to come into our lives. Additionally, we discuss the importance of stewarding our bodies well for maintaining mobility and allowing us to do the things we want to do, regardless of our physical appearance. We also dive into the cultural obsession with youth and beauty, and how Christians can embrace aging as a virtue. So sit back and enjoy as we explore how to overcome body image issues with God's help.

BONUS - QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER (ON YOUR OWN OR WITH A FRIEND)

1. How does Laura Acuna's personal story impact the way you view body image and dieting?

2. Do you believe that emotional eating and body image issues are often responses to broken parts within us? Why or why not?

3. What are some of the traumas in your life that you might have been using food to numb, distract, or hide?

4. Have you ever struggled with legalism or shame when it comes to dieting or fitness? How can you break free from that mindset?

5. What are some small steps that you can take to take better care of your body on a day-to-day basis?

6. Do you believe that the aging process is an underestimated virtue in our culture? Why or why not?

7. How can we as a society work to shift the focus away from the physical appearance and towards other qualities like wisdom and character?

8. In what ways can we show love to others regardless of their physical appearance or status?

9. How does scripture help us replace lies about beauty and body image with truth from God's word?

10. How can we support the men in our lives who may not understand or know how to support women who struggle with body image issues?

MEET LAURA ACUNA

Laura Acuña is a speaker, author, Bible teacher, and coach. She’s served as a women’s ministry leader for over 22 years. A graduate of Liberty University, she earned a degree in Christian Counseling and a minor in Biblical Studies. She’s the co-founder of Sisters In Faith Ministries, a non-profit ministry to women in the Damascus, Maryland, area. Married to Pat, the two are the parents of three sons, and one daughter-in-love. They became first-time grandparents to Evelyn Grace (finally a girl!) in July 2021. Laura challenges her sisters to grow up to become spiritually and emotionally mature. Her new book Still Becoming: Hope, Help and Healing for the Diet-Weary Soul was published in December 2022.

Laura Acuna's life changed drastically when she was just 11 years old and experienced a significant weight gain, leading to yo-yo dieting and a negative body image. She struggled with disordered eating and shame for years until a series of tragic events - the sudden loss of her mother and best friend - led her to seek help from a therapist. Through years of therapy and her faith, Laura learned about trauma and its impact on her mental health, including how little T traumas can accumulate and have just as much of an impact as larger ones. With this knowledge, she was able to overcome her disordered eating and negative body image and use her experience to help others through her book.

Fina Laura at https://laura-acuna.com/

NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!

Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/start

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated

We invite you to enjoy a Christ-centered summer by experiencing Jesus through the lens of the body of Christ. We bring you a diversity of viewpoints on several issues, and invite you to discover Jesus through their own journey with Him.

Our Summer series invite you to ponder important topics for daily living. Stephanie and her occasional guests tell us about the importance of our definition of success, the key elements of leadership roles, the traps of comparison, the importance of theology, and much more! These stand-along episodes are meant to encourage you and challenge you to experience deeper fruitfulness in your various roles and ministries, in all the relationships and areas of your life. The topics we discuss are eternal and apply to both genders, across time and space and culture and age. So, join us for deep conversations with inspiring Christ-followers, conversations that will flavor your summer with the Gospel.

Conversations about culture, leadership, success, dating, gender, and struggles with comparison, pride, and more: that is your Gospel Spice summer!

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Find balance between hustling and letting go | with Rebecca George Aug 15, 2023

Show notes

Stephanie welcomes Rebecca George to discuss the power of embracing weakness as part of our Gospel Spice Wellness series. They share their experience with the “curse of the capable woman”, as Stephanie calls it, and how surrendering our weaknesses to God allows Him to turn them into His strengths. They discuss the tension between achieving for God's glory while avoiding self-sufficiency and how we can open our hands and offer ourselves to God. The conversation shifts to the ultimate calling of a Christ follower to make disciples, and the importance of surrendering one's life to God. The episode also touches on the dangers of constantly doing and the importance of trusting God's timing. Together Stephanie and Rebecca emphasize that embracing weakness is the path to success and encourage YOU to focus on God in moments of brokenness. Rebecca shares her personal experiences with being an overachiever and how surrendering our weaknesses to God can transform them into strengths. Rebecca also talks about the importance of balancing grace and self-discipline in our lives and the ultimate calling of a Christ follower to make disciples wherever we are and in whatever season we are in. They also discuss the Great Commission and the ongoing behavior of making disciples without striving or burnout. Tune in to gain valuable insights on living a life of surrender and obedience to God!

Some key takeaways for this conversation include,

- We can feel like we have to rely on our own strength to get things done.

- Weakness is what God wants from us, because He already has plenty of strength!

- Surrendering our weaknesses to God allows Him to turn it into His strength. That is the goal!

- Embracing weakness is actually the path to success, because we learn to trust Him.

Stephanie and Rebecca invite you to focus on God:

- Have an eternal perspective

- Fix your eyes on Jesus and worship Him for His character

- In moments of struggle and brokenness, invite God into our weaknesses and ask Him to transform them into strengths.

- The outcome belongs to God, and the obedience belongs to humans.

They also inspire you to balance grace and self-discipline with the following:

- Strive to do everything with excellence for the glory of God;

- Hold both grace and self-discipline closely and not see them as opposing forces.

Making disciples is the ultimate calling of a Christ follower. Together, they add:

- a calling is not necessarily to have a public ministry.

- We can make disciples wherever we are and in whatever season we are in.

- Making disciples is an ongoing behavior, not a one-time task or something to be added to a to-do list.

- Striving to make disciples all the time can lead to burnout.

- Different seasons may require a shift in our time and capacity, and it is important to have ongoing conversations about where we feel called to spend our time.

To conclude, surrender to God is the key! You have heard it before, but it is important to remember:

- Surrendering one's life to God on a regular basis is important.

- It means not producing results on one's own strength or measuring one's own performance.

- True freedom comes from allowing God's spirit to produce the fruit.

NEW! GO DEEPER WITH QUESTIONS, ON YOUR OWN OR WITH A FRIEND:

1. How do you relate to the “curse of the capable woman,” (even if you are a man!) and how have you experienced it in your life?

2. Do you struggle with self-sufficiency or overachievement? How does this conversation resonate with you?

3. What is your view on grace and self-discipline, and how do you balance the two in your life?

4. How do you feel about the importance to fight striving? Do you agree with her stance against “Girl Wash Your Face”?

5. Have you ever experienced a moment of surrender to God in your weakness? How did that change your perspective?

6. What does it mean to you to make disciples as you go about your daily life? How can you apply this principle to your own life?

7. Have you experienced moments of burnout? What do you do to avoid it?

8. How does your personal view of success align or differ from Rebecca’s and Stephanie’s perspective?

9. How do you remind yourself of God's unconditional love for you and the fact that nothing you do can make Him love you more or less?

10. In moments of struggle and brokenness, how do you invite God into your weaknesses and ask Him to transform them into strengths?

MEET REBECCA GEORGE

Rebecca George is an author, a speaker, and the host of the popular podcast Radical Radiance. Her greatest joy is helping women pursue their passions in a way that builds God’s kingdom. In her free time, she loves running outside or trying a new recipe with Garth Brooks playing in the background. You can connect with her @rebeccageorgeauthor on Instagram or at radicalradiance.live.

MORE ABOUT HER BOOK, DO THE THING

What is your “thing”? Surely there’s a better way to view it than through a lens of striving and worldly achievement.

You may have a special cause, project, or talent you feel called to develop. Fear and lack of clarity often make it easier to avoid the “thing” than risk failing at it.

Rebecca George is an encouraging voice in your ear to say, “Let’s not waste another minute of the all–too–brief time we have on this side of eternity.” She shows you how to pursue your goal with grace and confidence.

Part guide, part manifesto, Do the Thing beckons you to pursue the passions that stir your soul.

On this journey, you will discover how to:

See your gifts and talents from a gospel-centered perspective.

Prioritize goals related to your calling as you move forward with gumption and grace.

Overcome negative thought patterns so you can brainstorm, develop, and create with the confidence of a go-getter girl!

Today is the day to take a brave step in a purposeful direction, using God’s Word as your compass to do the thing He has designed for you to do. After all, if not now … when?

Find the book here: https://davidccook.org/books/do-the-thing/

NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!

Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/start

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated

The perfect gift for everyone - apparel, drinkware, stickers and more for all the women, men and kids in your life!

https://www.gospelspice.com/merch

Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Deeper faith through worry, doubt and control | with Lori Ann Wood Aug 08, 2023

Show notes

A serious diagnosis took Lori Ann Wood on a faith detour she never saw coming. As a lifelong believer, she felt profound disappointment in the God she thought she knew. Wanting answers, but more than anything, needing permission to ask the questions, she took the risky decision to embrace those difficult questions. She shares her hard-won insights today on Gospel Spice.

Lori Ann was raised by a mother who strongly believed in God, but she didn't initially feel the same conviction towards faith. Lori Ann compared faith to how people have different tastes and preferences with cilantro, with some believing without a doubt, while others may come to faith through questioning. Lori Ann embraced her unique perspective and believes that God does not think less of her for it.

Lori Ann’s journey towards faith began after she was diagnosed with heart failure. She was given a journal to write out questions and complaints to God during uncertain and difficult times, and it eventually turned into a blog where she started sharing spiritual content. People related to her spiritual struggles, and Lori Ann saw a connection between her questions and Jesus' temptations in the desert, which helped frame the content of her book, Divine Detours, into three questions to deepen one's faith.

During the episode, Lori Ann discussed three important questions related to faith: the question of worry, the question of doubt, and the question of control. She admitted to struggling with the latter due to her natural tendency towards planning and control. However, she believes that Jesus is the perfect companion, friend, savior, and God who can help us through our unbelief.

Lori Ann also reflected on the value of asking questions and how they wish they had instilled this value in their younger self and their own children. Lori Ann believes that questions are an important part of their faith journey, referencing how Jesus used questions in his teachings.

BONUS | GO DEEPER WITH QUESTIONS, ALONE OR WITH A FRIEND.

Lori Ann invites us to ask deep questions fearlessly. Here are a few to come alongside your own journey!

1. What was your biggest takeaway from Lori Ann Wood's story?

2. Do you relate more to the idea of faith coming easily or through questioning? Why?

3. How do you think Lori Ann’s struggle with illness impacted her faith journey?

4. Have you ever struggled with any of the three questions Lori Ann posed (worry, doubt, control)? How did you overcome them?

5. What do you think it means to "ask questions" in relation to faith? How can questioning faith strengthen it?

6. What insights did you gain from Lori Ann’s reflections on her book and her journey as an author?

7. How do you feel about the comparison between faith and cilantro? Do you see any parallels between the two?

8. Have you ever felt like the woman who touched Jesus's cloak and was healed? What parallels do you see between that story and your own faith journey?

9. Do you agree with the idea that asking for healing (spiritual, emotional, relational, or physical) is important and that God is not afraid of people's questions?

10. In what ways can we cultivate a closer relationship with God and deepen our faith? How do you plan to do this?

DISCOVER LORI ANN’S BOOK, DIVINE DETOUR

WHAT – Divine Detour is a book of relatable essays that gently guides the reader to confront the three most important questions of her life—the three questions every life must answer.

WHEN – Divine Detour is an invitation to explore the questions of worry, doubt, and control that always surface when a Christian finds himself on a path he didn’t choose.

WHO – Divine Detour is for the believer who hits a snag in her careful life plan and starts to wonder if her faith is any good at all: the career has evaporated overnight, the adult child has turned his back on his family, the marriage vows have worn paper thin.

WHY – Heart failure patient and award-winning essayist Lori Ann Wood confronts faith’s three most menacing questions of worry, doubt, and control, and discovers hope for anyone on an unexpected path.

Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Detour-choose-always-wanted/dp/1936501759/

MEET LORI ANN WOOD

LORI ANN WOOD lives in the shadow of the Ozark Mountains in beautiful Bentonville, Arkansas, with her husband, the unsuspecting guy she chased all the way from ninth grade to grad school. She is mom to three world-changing young adults, one impressive son-in-law (who all live too far away) and a miniature dachshund named Pearl (who threatens to never leave). Her new favorite role is appropriately spoiling her granddaughter Hazel.

Read more from her at loriannwood.com.

NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!

Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/start

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Remaining YOU while raising THEM | with Alli Worthington Aug 01, 2023

Show notes

Do you feel like other moms have it all together, while you struggle silently? Are you really enjoying the journey of parenthood… or are you just trying to survive? You are not alone! You want so much to be a "good" mom. Yet, you're afraid you aren't. There's hope. You are on the right track. Alli Worthington joins Stephanie today to address the mom who is ready to live a life outside the unachievable cliche of “Supermom” – regardless of the season of life you are in. This is NOT a conversation about parenting – this is a conversation about your personal wellbeing as you navigate motherhood. It is about your own wellness, so that you can love others well. It is about embracing a healthy mom mindset.

So, whether you are considering starting a family, or whether your adult children are now raising their own babies, this conversation is for you! Also, this conversation will be eye-opening to all the men who want to understand how the moms in their lives struggle to hold it all together. Do you have a sister, daughter, or wife who is a mom too? This is for you!

If you’ve forgotten what it means to care for yourself while caring for others, this conversation is for you.

If you want to feel energized by motherhood, this conversation is for you.

If you constantly feel weighed down by mom guilt, this conversation is for you.

If you can’t stop comparing yourself to other moms, this conversation is for you.

If you’re looking for ways to protect your emotional, spiritual, and physical health, this conversation is for you.

If you can’t break the cycle of pleasing others, this conversation is for you.

If you crave more meaningful relationships with your children, this conversation is for you.

Alli tells us, “Drop the “good mom” myths that have been stealing your happiness. Rediscover the beautiful, joy-filled, sacred and secret art of confident motherhood.” If you’re ready to rewrite the parts of motherhood that are stressful and exhausting so you can raise your little–or not-so-little–humans with a healthy mom mindset, it’s time to discover the secret art of confident motherhood.

MORE ABOUT “REMAINING YOU WHILE RAISING THEM”

You’re allowed to enjoy motherhood- and pursue it in your own unique way.

Remaining You While Raising Them will give you tools and a framework you can return to over and over as you pursue a life you love while raising children you love.

Alli says, “I know you want to be a wonderful mother. And you're worried you aren't. Whether you arrived at motherhood by birth, adoption, or marriage, you want to get it right. Me too. I spent too many years caught in the trap of lies that surround modern motherhood. I want more for you than that. You're worth it! This book will reassure you that you ARE worth it and give you the tools to enjoy motherhood more! Remaining You While Raising Them, may just change your life.”

PREORDER TODAY FOR ALL SORTS OF BONUS CONTENT

More at https://alliworthington.com/remaining-you-while-raising-them

BONUS | QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER, ON YOUR OWN OR WITH A FRIEND

1. Have you ever felt overwhelmed or guilty after reading parenting books? How did it affect your parenting approach?

2. How do you think our own emotional and spiritual health as mothers impacts our relationship with our children?

3. Have you ever felt pressure to live up to societal expectations as a mother? How did you navigate through that pressure?

4. What have been some of the challenges and joys you've experienced as your children have grown older?

5. How do you define "mom guilt" and why do you think so many mothers experience it? How can we combat mom guilt in our own lives?

6. What are some ways that we unintentionally hinder our children's development by trying to do everything for them?7. How can we find a balance between being a supportive parent and allowing our children to experience their own struggles and failures?

8. Alli and Stephanie discuss the importance of experiencing God's love and understanding in the midst of pain. Have you ever gone through a period of feeling abandoned by God? How did you work through that?

9. How can we create a safe space for our children to be honest about their own doubts, disappointments, and feelings towards God?

10. How can we model resilience and faithfulness to our children, even in the midst of challenging circumstances?

ALLI WORTHINGTON SHARES HER STORY

“Who doesn’t love a good rags to riches story? Yep, that’s how it started for me. Ten years ago, we lost everything when my husband’s job came to a sudden and drastic end. That’s when I got very, very serious about figuring out how to create a business on the Internet and started my own online business. I have co-founded BlissDom and BlissDom Canada, the single largest international women’s small business conference in the world (now that was a mouthful!) I also co-founded and served as the CCO (Chief Creative Officer) of Blissful Media Group. And it all started when I founded the magazine for women, Blissfully Domestic. Through these major events, I’ve helped thousands of men and women start successful businesses online. I was a consultant and strategist who has worked with and advised Fortune 500 companies and small businesses, from tech companies to your favorite household brands. My book, Breaking Busy, has helped thousands of women break out of cycles of busyness and find purpose and happiness in this crazy world.Fierce Faith: A Woman's Guide to Fighting Fear, Wrestling Worry, and Overcoming Anxiety launched January 2018. I served as the founding COO for Propel Women from 2014-2018…”

More at https://alliworthington.com/

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Cultivate childlike wonder | with Catherine Larson Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

Stephanie welcomes Catherine Larson to discuss how we can learn from children to nurture a sense of wonder in our own lives, a Christlike childlikeness, even amidst the busy lives of parenting and everyday life with children. This conversation invites all of us, whether we have young children at home or not, to cultivate the wonder that will allow us to enter deeper in intimacy with God every day.

A busy author, homemaker, and mother of six young boys, Catherine invites us to enjoy how children use their five senses to enter their appreciation for God's creation. She challenges us to use playfulness to enter the world as children, focusing on positive moments instead of frustrations. She shares her own tips to nurture wonder in our kids and in ourselves, like for example the creation of personal space for children to experience quiet time, and taking a Sabbath day for rest and renewal. She reminds us of our God-given need for church community and connection, and the paradoxical use of technology in connecting and isolating people.

BONUS | QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER, ON YOUR OWN OR WITH A FRIEND

1. What are some ways in which children can help us grow in our faith and relationship with God?

2. How can play and experiencing the world through a child's eyes help us release our worries and be more present in the moment?

3. What is your opinion on taking a Sabbath day for rest and renewal as suggested by the speaker?

4. In what ways has technology both isolated and connected you with others, and which of these have you found to be more helpful?

5. How has COVID-19 impacted your sense of community and the importance of fellowship?

6. In what ways do you intentionally seek out opportunities to connect with others and build relationships?

7. Have you ever considered journaling and recording prayers and love notes for your child during pregnancy or the first year of their life? Why or why not?

8. How do you intentionally cultivate wonder in your daily life and with those around you?

9. What does it mean to you to be childlike rather than childish, and how can you practice this in your relationships and daily life?

10. Have you read any books or used resources that have been particularly helpful in your spiritual journey as a mother or caretaker? If so, which ones and how have they impacted you?

MEET CATHERINE LARSON

“Hi! I’m Catherine, lover of dappled light, and Blue Ridge hues, of closing my days nestled in my husband’s prayers, and of mornings which bud with baby coos and the voices of my sweet boys calling for mama (that name I wondered if I’d ever get to wear). I’m a collector of words, a cataloger of wonders, and a curator of grace stories. Once upon a time (how can a few years ago seem like a lifetime?) I worked full-time writing, but these days you can find me vrooming toy cars across the red rug, slathering peanut butter and jelly on wheat, and carrying baby boy close to my heart. Once bedtime prayers are aloft, I cozy up with my laptop and labor in love to exalt the One who is the most important part of my life. Because if I could tell you only one thing about me I’d want you to know how passionately I seek to love a nail-scarred and risen Savior. It’s this love that leads me here, hoping for you, expecting you. Because here’s the thing; you matter. You matter so much more than you know. His eyes light up at the thought of you. And He loves you enough that He will not leave you where you are. And no matter where you are, He beckons. We live expectantly. Expecting grace, expecting mercy, and yes, expecting trials, pain, and suffering. But we also expect that evil will not have the final say, but that love will prevail, transforming even the bitterest moments into sweetest grace. We live expecting His presence, one day His appearing, and ultimately His absolute reign.”

Meet Catherine at catherineclairelarson.com

MORE ABOUT HER BOOK, WATCHING IN WONDER

Watching in Wonder: Growing in Faith During Your Baby's First Year by Catherine Claire Larson is a weekly devotional journal that will inspire you to record stories and prayers for your newborn as you create a memory book that you (and they) will treasure for years to come. Get it here: https://www.amazon.com/Watching-Wonder-Growing-Faith-During/dp/140023610X/

“I hope women will walk away from Watching in Wonder with a deeper understanding of who God is and how He meets and cares for them in these days of early motherhood,” said Catherine. “A recurring theme in the book is that motherhood is a high and holy calling and that women are nurturing a human soul of inestimable importance.”

Embrace the exhilarating, exhausting, and joy-filled first year of motherhood in the pages of Watching in Wonder as you marvel anew at His goodness and the miracle of life that is growing day by day before your eyes.

NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!

Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/start

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Life-Changing Hospitality | with Janell Wood Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

Dare to dream about living a big life for the glory of God! That is our theme today, through seemingly mundane examples of daily faithfulness and stewardship. Today, Stephanie welcomes Janell Wood, who was inspired to host exchange students and turn it into a ministry. Hosting these students has not only impacted their lives but has also transformed Janell's life in the process. Stephanie was a foreign exchange student from France when she was 17 (30 years ago this year!) and, as you may know, she gave her life to Jesus at the end of her year there. She is a living proof example of the power of faithfulness when a family welcomes a student in their home and shares Christ faithfully--albeit imperfectly. Being real and authentic is what matters. Janell therefore encourages us to be authentic and to ask God for guidance in making decisions that might affect our lives. Together, Stephanie and Janell talk about faith and daring to trust God to live a big life for His glory. Janell also discusses the importance of exposing her kids to different worldviews and traditions through hosting exchange students. In her ministry, Janell interviews young women who have questions about God and belief, and they speak with various Christian apologists to address these questions. Janell emphasizes the importance of being faithful in one's spiritual walk, and of loving God and our neighbors.

BONUS | QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER

1. How has Janell's experience hosting exchange students challenged and transformed her faith in God?

2. Janell talks about embracing change and stepping out in faith. What are some examples of where you see this in your own life?

3. Janell emphasizes the importance of being authentic and seeking God's guidance. How do you remain authentic in your relationships and life experiences?

4. How has apologetics helped you to address your own doubts and uncertainties about faith?

5. What can we learn from Janell's approach to sharing her faith with others she meets in her work?

6. How has traveling and experiencing different cultures impacted your worldview and faith?

7. Janell's family intentionally exposes their children to different worldviews. Have you had conversations with your own family, friends, or colleagues about faith differences and how to love others well through those differences?

8. What can we do to "offer our lives" to God and be obedient to His call in our lives, even when we don't necessarily see the results?

9. How do you handle fear or doubt when stepping out in faith to do something new or challenging?

10. How can we seek God's guidance in making decisions that might impact our lives or the lives of those around us?

MEET JANELL WOOD

Janell Wood is a devoted wife and mother of four children who grew up in a Christian household and gave her life to Christ at an early stage. Although she experienced her own doubts and struggles with faith, she felt a nudge to go all-in for the Lord after reading Francis Chan's book, Crazy Love. Fueled by this call to action, Janell and her husband decided to do something extraordinary and ended up hosting exchange students from different parts of the world. Starting from the Netherlands, they now have hosted five exchange students and hope to host more! The experience has been life-changing for Janell, who now views this ministry as a way of opening her heart up to young women from different backgrounds who have never known someone who deeply loves the Lord. The journey has not been without its challenges, but Janell has found that God has been working in her life along the way.

Find Janell at https://www.janellmwood.com/

If you want more info about hosting foreign exchange students, go to www.efexchangeyear.org

If you want to get connected with Janell directly on this topic, meet her at https://efexchangeyear.org/iec/janell-wood/ or email her at janellmwood@gmail.com

NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!

Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/start

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated

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Equipping our kids to face culture biblically | Part 2 Jul 11, 2023

Show notes

On this episode of Gospel Spice, Elizabeth Urbanowicz joins us for a discussion on equipping children with a biblical worldview. She shares about her organization, Foundation Worldview, which provides resources for parents and Christian leaders to teach children how to evaluate ideas through the lens of Scripture. We discuss the importance of discipleship within the home, stewardship of time and activities, and how to find a local church. Elizabeth also shares about her new curriculum, Attributes of God, for kids 4 and up, as well as the importance of teaching children to think well and critically. She and Stephanie talk about on the importance of role modeling rest and balance, and teaching children the gospel from an early age. The episode ends with an emphasis on the importance of investing in what matters and assessing how we invest our time and activities. Tune in to discover how you can help equip the next generation to follow God's plan and resist cultural pressures.

Children are constantly exposed to false ideas. They are constantly bombarded with content from various sources, shaping their young minds in a rapidly changing world. As a parent or any Christian working with kids, it's essential to equip them to pursue truth and embrace a biblical worldview. Does the child in your care know how to discern what is true and what is false? Today, Stephanie welcomes Elizabeth Urbanowicz, founder of Foundation Worldview, to discuss the essential role of adults in raising children with the tools to critically approach the surrounding culture. Elizabeth helps Christian parents equip their children to think biblically and to carefully evaluate every idea they encounter. Foundation Worldview serves children as young as 4 years, and until they reach High School.

This month, Gospel Spice offers a parenting series for all adults who have children in their lives – as parents, aunts and uncles, family members and friends, as well as youth group leaders, children ministry leaders, and more. With each episode, we tackle a different aspect of the essential stewardship of the children in our lives so that we will equip the next generation with the right tools to embrace fullness of faith in a changing world. Join us as we explore practical ways to raise children to have a strong foundation in Christ and be equipped to evaluate ideas that come their way.

The interview covers topics such as the importance of fulfilling the command to be fruitful and multiply, how to role model rest, and the importance of giving children a firm foundation in the gospel. Elizabeth shares her own journey starting from an afterschool class for third through sixth graders and how Foundation Worldview grew from there. Listeners are encouraged to invest in what really matters, practice biblical hospitality, and assess how they invest their time.

Discover Foundation Worldview: https://foundationworldview.com/about

BONUS | QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER (ALONE OR WITH A FRIEND!)

1. What are some of the biblical promises that Elizabeth and Stephanie reference that can help alleviate the fear associated with raising children?

2. How can raising children be seen as fulfilling God's mission, and what are some of the risks and rewards involved?

3. What are some of the key attributes of God that Elizabeth Urbanowicz's curriculum for kids focuses on? Why do you think these are essential?

4. Why is it important to introduce children to the gospel at a young age, and how can parents and influencers of children help them think critically from Scripture?

5. What are some of the challenges associated with discipling children in today's culture, and how can families prioritize discipleship across other activities or entertainment?

6. Why is commitment to a local church important, and how can families foster unity within the church through hospitality and community involvement?

7. What are some of the societal norms that the conversation urges listeners to reevaluate in light of biblical values, particularly with regards to children's education and extracurricular activities?

8. How can teaching foundational skills in critical thinking and evaluating ideas help prepare children for facing cultural issues related to gender and sexuality?

9. What inspired Elizabeth Urbanowicz to start Foundation Worldview, and what does the organization aim to provide for parents and educators?

10. What can be gained through family-led spiritual growth and learning together?

MEET ELIZABETH URBANOWICZ

Elizabeth Urbanowicz is a follower of Jesus Christ who is passionate about equipping kids to understand the truth of the Christian worldview.

She holds a B.S. from Gordon College in Elementary Education and Spanish, an M.S.Ed. from Northern Illinois University in Literacy Education, and an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Elizabeth began her professional career as an elementary teacher in a Christian school.

Several years into her teaching experience, Elizabeth realized that despite being raised in Christian homes, attending a Christian school, and being active in church, her students thought more like the culture than like Christ. Elizabeth began searching for curricular materials that would equip her students to think critically, helping them discover that Christianity is the worldview that lines up with reality. After not finding any materials that met this need, she began creating a curriculum for her students.

Elizabeth first taught Foundation Comparative Worldview Curriculum as an after-school class for third through fifth graders, and the results were incredible! Students were transformed from passive recipients of information to active evaluators of every message they receive. Parents and teachers alike noticed the impact these materials had on students’ media consumption, academic achievement, and everyday habits. This transformation lasted beyond the elementary years and guided students’ thinking in junior high and beyond.

Elizabeth now works full-time on developing comparative worldview and apologetics resources for children. Her goal is to prepare the next generation to be lifelong critical thinkers and, most importantly, lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.

NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!

Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/start

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Equipping our kids to face culture biblically | with Elizabeth Urbanowicz | Part 1 Jul 07, 2023

Show notes

Discover Foundation Worldview: https://foundationworldview.com/about

MEET ELIZABETH URBANOWICZ

Elizabeth Urbanowicz is a follower of Jesus Christ who is passionate about equipping kids to understand the truth of the Christian worldview.

NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!

Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/start

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated