The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast

Latest Episodes:

165. The Difference Between Happiness & True Joy: Tara Dew Oct 31, 2024

Tara Dew is an educator, author, and mother of four. Tara discusses the difference between joy and happiness, and the importance of cultivating intentionality versus balance. Her insights offer a refreshing perspective on finding lasting peace and contentment through faith, even amidst life's daily challenges.

Quotes

“I have learned that your circumstances do not determine joy.” - Tara Dew

“Happiness is a state of being that often is equated with our circumstances. Joy is not. Joy described all through the Bible as being something that is like an anchor. It's this hope that we have, it is this state of peace and rest that's not found in our circumstances, but rather is found in the love of God.” - Tara Dew

“Joy is constant. It is something that can never be taken away. It's something that you can never lose, and it's something that you can have even when your world seems like it's falling apart.” - Tara Dew

“I truly believe that the biblical concept of hospitality is really when we just open up our hearts and our homes and our lives to other people, and we showcase the goodness and faithfulness of God to us.” - Tara Dew

“I love this idea of how God takes nothing and makes it everything, because that's what He's done in my life.” - Tara Dew

Guest’s Links

Tara Dew’s Facebook

Tara Dew’s Instagram

Tara Dew’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

164. Deep Learning and Deep Faith: Homeschool Mom Monica Swanson Oct 24, 2024

At first, Monica Swanson wasn’t excited about the possibility of educating her kids at home. Sparked by her eldest son's request, Monica began to see the unique benefits of personalized education and how it has helped her sons flourish. She debunks some common myths about homeschoolers, and gives practical tips for parents considering this path.

Quotes

“Over time as you homeschool, the confidence builds. As you see their character developing and you see their faith growing, you start to realize this is so much more than just scratching things off a list that they would get if they went to a traditional school. This was building something really beautiful in all of us.” - Monica Swanson

“My boys have really grown up with the ability to ask questions, dig in, and find the answers. I've seen my kids dig their roots even deeper, stand strong, and know what they believe because they had that time at home. They had the ability to really wrestle with things in their teenage years so that their faith was that much stronger when they went out into the world.” - Monica Swanson

“As a homeschool mom, I think it kind of adds a special way of seeing God's love, because I get to see it in my children every day as they learn something new, as we overcome challenges and adversities, as we grow together, as I see those light bulb moments.” - Monica Swanson

“God's in everything and everywhere, but I think it's easy to miss if we're too hectic, too busy, too distracted. It's that choice to slow down for me, to open God's Word, to get my kids to take the time to start their day with God's Word and prayer. His love is everywhere.” - Monica Swanson

“I want to simply lead my children to Jesus. I want them to learn to sit at His feet, to understand His love for them and to just simply know that they're called to come to Jesus. Then as they grow up, as they develop more skills, as they understand God's Word, they'll be ready and equipped and prepared to go out into the world and make disciples.” - Monica Swanson

Guest’s Links Monica Swanson’s website

Monica Swanson’s Facebook

Monica Swanson’s Instagram

Monica Swanson’s Twitter

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

163. Connecting People to Hope: Christopher Beth Oct 17, 2024

Before his current position, Christopher Beth, director of The Bucket Ministry, didn’t know what he didn’t know. Unaware of how severe the world’s water crisis is, and how many people are affected by a seemingly hopeless situation, his eyes were opened on a mission trip to the Amazon. Christopher felt moved to show love through tangible help and got involved in ways to provide clean, safe drinking water for those who need it—opening a door to hope and connection.

Quotes

“I thought I was just going to be chaperoning my child on this trip, but what happened on that trip changed me, because I got to see things I was not expecting. I saw people without hope.” - Christopher Beth

“God [was] opening my heart and softening my heart. I learned just how big the problem is from the water side and from the spiritual side as well.” - Christopher Beth

“I believe that is maybe some of the greatest illustrations of God's love—wanting His people to be healthier. I think because of His love, He has allowed me to see where He's working and He's allowed me to join in that work. I've gotten to see miracles happen firsthand.” - Christopher Beth

“I know I can't be perfect, but if I show people how I live by trusting Him and obeying Him, I don't have to be perfect. If they see me doing good things, if they see me worshiping God, if they see me being righteous, they will know who He is through my actions.” - Christopher Beth

Guest’s Links The Bucket Ministry

The Bucket Ministry Instagram

The Bucket Ministry Facebook

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Joshua Project

REI

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

162. God Will Give You Strength In The Storms: Jay Hewitt Oct 10, 2024

Jay Hewitt is a pastor, author, and motivational speaker. At the age of thirty-seven, he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, but despite the prognosis, he drew strength from his faith in God and embraced his calling as a storyteller—sharing his remarkable journey of striving to participate in the Ironman Triathlon while fighting cancer. Together with his wife and daughter, he continues to inspire others with his resilience, unwavering faith, and empowering messages, reminding us of the limitless strength we possess.

Quotes

“I've always used story as a driving force in my preaching and as a storyteller. God has given me a pretty remarkable story to tell.” - Jay Hewitt

“All of these waves of life were just crashing all around me, and Jesus spoke to my soul and said, ‘Be still.’ And it obeyed him, and the grace that that was for me was unbelievable.” - Jay Hewitt

“I now move forward in life knowing whatever I face—because I still have a terminal disease, there are still so many scary things that I'm facing—I know that if God is with me and if He's displaying His strength through my weakness, I can still accomplish the callings that He has put on my life.” - Jay Hewitt

“Every time that I prayed for God to give me strength and to help me, He sent me one of His people. Now when I'm really struggling and I pray the one word prayer, ‘Help,’ I look around to see who God is sending to help me. I also hope that God will use me and will send me to help others.” - Jay Hewitt

“I am strong because I want to help people learn to not only bear others' burdens, but to allow people to bear their burdens, to find a way to admit how weak they are so that they can become strong. Not only will they experience God's strength, they'll also experience God's love.” - Jay Hewitt

“God's going to put dreams in your heart and a calling on your life. Do not be surprised when the enemy tries to steal those dreams and calling and kill your faith. Hold on to the hope of Jesus in His power. Get up, stay strong, and press on. I promise you, you will experience and see that nothing is impossible for God.” - Jay Hewitt

Guest’s Links Jay Hewitt’s website

Jay Hewitt’s Instagram

Jay Hewitt’s Facebook

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Dunkin’ Donuts

Ironman Triathlon

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

161. We All Have Opportunities to Change the World: Tim Ross Oct 03, 2024

Raised in a family deeply rooted in ministry, Tim Ross's path to preaching and leadership was not a part of his own plans, but unfolded naturally through deep searching and examination of his convictions. Through his podcast, speaking engagements, and writing, Tim speaks to the power of small acts of kindness in changing lives and reflects on the true measure of success—finding the peace that passes all understanding.

Quotes

“I like to remind people that we can all change the world around us.” - Tim Ross

“We have an opportunity on a daily basis—our proximity to our neighbors, to our family, and our friends gives us the opportunity to really identify what a person needs. Just being prompted by the Holy Spirit and genuine acts of kindness, [we can] meet those needs in a way that allows them to receive and to feel God's love.” - Tim Ross

“Jesus is literally taking off glory and putting on humanity so that He can dwell among us. He goes on to say, ‘If you're going to be the greatest, you will be the servant of all.’ So, the reward for reaching the top in the Kingdom of God, according to Jesus, is that you get to serve everybody.” - Tim Ross

“It's very important for us to remember God's love for us on a day-to-day basis, because it orients how we navigate through our days, and ultimately, through our lives.” - Tim Ross

“When we carry that recognition of God's love every day, what we realize is we're not trying to perform for His love, we're performing because we are loved. That shift changes the way that we see ourselves and others.” - Tim Ross

Guest’s Links Tim Ross’ website

Tim Ross’ Instagram

Tim Ross’ Facebook

Tim Ross’ YouTube

Resources Mentioned in This Episode LAPD

U.S. Postal Service

Ace Hardware

Matthew 3

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

160. Holding Sorrow and Joy Together: Gabe and Keely Scott Sep 26, 2024

When musician and restaurant owner Gabe Scott unexpectedly contracted a brain infection, he and his wife Keely knew they’d have a long road back to their normal lives. But what they didn’t anticipate was his continued memory loss, and how their story would become both beautiful and hard at the same time, even as they put the worst behind them. The Scotts share how they’ve learned to hold sorrow and joy together, and how to find happiness in the smallest of victories.

Quotes

“My prayers were just give me a date to just expect [Gabe’s memory loss] to be gone. We quickly learned once we got home and were in those first few months of recovery, that was not going to be what our future looked like. It's really unpredictable, which has been the hardest—and the most beautiful thing—to live in the moment.” - Keely Scott

“We live with both a beautiful story and a hard story at the same time. It was such a freeing moment for both of us to still carry the sadness, but to recognize the beauty and who we've become.” - Keely Scott

“Our job is to continually keep sowing and digging in hope and in perseverance, knowing that what Jesus said is true. And that along the way, we keep finding treasures of His love and friendship. And we're just digging in hope.” - Keely Scott

Guest’s Links Gabe Scott’s Instagram

Keely Scott’s Instagram

Gabe Scott’s Facebook

Keely Scott’s Facebook

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Compassion International

Ladybird Taco

Andrew Peterson

Andy Gullahorn

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

159. The Thread That Connects Us All: The Arcadian Wild Sep 19, 2024

Lincoln, Isaac, and Bailey from the band The Arcadian Wild share how music can be a collective experience that draws us all together—no matter our backgrounds, beliefs, or experiences. The trio shares their unique process in leaving space in their songs so that people can bring their own stories and insert themselves into it, creating beautiful, grace-filled moments.

Quotes

“I learned early on that there's something beautiful about taking a step back and looking at something as a whole—it's the sum of its parts that are making it really special. After we've all kind of put our fingerprints on the song, it's going to be so much better and so much more beautiful than anything that I could have done alone.” - Isaac Horn

“Whenever we're hit with an idea to write a song, it's a very, very personal thing. Whenever we put it out into the world, we kind of let go of what we intended it to be, and we kind of open it up so the song becomes a new song every time a new person hears it. They meet the song with their own stories.” - Isaac Horn

“I think that there's a certain degree of responsibility as a songwriter to make sure that there is space in the song and in the story for someone to insert themselves into it. That's when I really feel wrapped up in something that's bigger than myself.” - Isaac Horn

“As the performers, we bring something different to the table each night. Maybe we've had a great day, maybe our tanks are really full, or maybe it's really close to empty. Everyone who is in the room with us brings something really unique to the table, too. But all of that kind of comes together and sings in a really, really beautiful way.” - Lincoln Mick

“I think we're just trying to be awake to the unique things that God is doing in those little moments—knowing that we've never experienced them before and we'll never experience them quite that way again.” - Lincoln Mick

Guest’s Links The Arcadian Wild website

The Arcadian Wild Facebook

The Arcadian Wild Instagram

The Arcadian Wild Twitter

The Arcadian Wild YouTube

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Lipscomb University

“Civil War” by The Arcadian Wild

Tourette syndrome

ADHD

Andrew Peterson

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

158. Finding Harmony When You Live For Others: Jess Ray Sep 12, 2024

Through the ups and downs of working in the music industry, singer/songwriter Jess Ray has seen God’s grace most exemplified to her in other people who’ve lent her a hand along the way. By choosing to take a people-centered approach to life, Jess has found how friendships can open doors and how they also inspire a truer and deeper aspect to her music.

Quotes

“Music and my relationship with God was very intertwined.” - Jess Ray

“It's really the kindness of so many people over a long time, giving me a shot, getting to learn from them, and honing my craft—learning from people who are so good and have walked this road in front of me.” - Jess Ray

“At this point, I'm just continuing to try to make art that is compelling to me, that feels true and authentic, and that's not afraid to push against the boundaries of what we might say. I see God in everything.” - Jess Ray

“I realize literally there is no greater job than our part to play here. I'm like, I don't want to be playing for thousands of people. I would rather be writing music for people to play on their very worst days and helping them get through that.” - Jess Ray

“When it comes to seeing God's love in the things around me, it normally starts with accepting today as a gift and not being in such a hurry with my own plan that I'm only frustrated when things don't go the way I want—instead having this heart that is open to what God will bring into my day.” - Jess Ray

“Honestly, a big shift for me the past few years has been a change to being people-centered, to shape my life around caring for people and what they need is something that does not necessarily come naturally for me. But when I've shifted my heart around that, I'm flooded with the love of God in the people around me.” - Jess Ray

Guest’s Links Jess Ray’s website

Jess Ray’s Facebook

Jess Ray’s Instagram

Jess Ray’s YouTube

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Christa Wells

“Held” by Natalie Grant

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

157. Relighting the Spark of Your Imagination: Liz Marie Galvan Sep 05, 2024

Interior designer Liz Marie Galvan has been reimagining spaces and places since childhood—but as the responsibilities, demands, and challenges of adulthood set in, she found it harder to tap into her imaginative side. Determined to harness her creativity once more, Liz enrolled in a design program, and found the spark once again, using her reactivated imagination to help others create cozy spaces.

Quotes

“I knew that refreshing a space, cleaning, and rearranging truly could make you feel good and really harvest an environment to nurture you in whatever you're going through.” - Liz Marie Galvan

“I think it's so important to continue to use your imagination into adulthood. I think ignoring that imagination side of you really kind of puts your passions to the side, and not exploring that can really just not be using your gifts in this world.” - Liz Marie Galvan

“We have this gift to use our imagination God gave us so that we can explore our passions and use that in the world for His good.” - Liz Marie Galvan

“I think that's such a cool part about being a parent—to have that excitement in a child, to see the Bible through a child's eyes, and to have that renew your love and excitement for these stories that we've heard so many times.” - Liz Marie Galvan

Guest’s Links Liz Marie Galvan’s website

Liz Marie Galvan’s Facebook

Liz Marie Galvan’s Instagram

Liz Marie Galvan’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode United States Marine Corps

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

156. We’re All Part of a Bigger Song: Ben Shive Aug 29, 2024

From the highs of getting to work with inspiring Christian music artists of the day to the lows of burnout and career challenges, Nashville producer, arranger, and musician Ben Shive has carved out a special space in the music industry by always striving to bring the best out of the people he works with. In this episode, he shares how he has been able to spiritually invest in his fellow musicians, acknowledging the beautiful narrative God has woven through music and friendship.

Quotes

“In my twenties and thirties, God's love was evident to me in that I was trying to make a living in music. God was so gracious in the way that He sort of lured me into it and then provided for me every step of the way, not usually abundantly, but just the perfect provision for the daily need. It was just clear to me that I couldn't deny that God was watching over me and my family and really making up for all of my shortcomings and failures.” - Ben Shive

“So much of producing is just learning how to connect with another person, listen to them, and sometimes push back, and sometimes give in. There's a lot of compromise and a lot of collaboration, so I've gotten the opportunity to get to know a lot of people on a really deep level.” - Ben Shive

“Even if the music doesn't last, the effect that the music has on people, I believe, will last beyond my lifetime.” - Ben Shive

Guest’s Links Ben Shive’s website

Ben Shive’s Instagram

Ben Shive’s Facebook

Ben Shive’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Rich Mullins

A Liturgy, A Legacy, & A Ragamuffin Band

I Dream of You Volume II

Keith and Kristyn Getty

Eat This Book by Eugene Peterson

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

155. Crafting Connections in a Disconnected World: Nell O' Leary Aug 22, 2024

Nell O'Leary, the institute communities manager at Word On Fire, left her job as a lawyer to focus on raising her children and found herself feeling disconnected from community. As she intentionally tried to build new connections through blogging, she realized that many women like herself were longing for deeper ties and belonging, and now she offers her insight into how we can build more authentic relationships both on and offline.

Quotes

“I had this interim period of just being kind of hidden and home and longing still for words in my life—for that engagement with the world that only language can do.” - Nell O’Leary

“For community to be deeply entrenched in our hearts, it has to be other women who are leading us and helping us grow in our relationship with God.” - Nell O’Leary

“If we're growing in relationship with each other—meaning we're able to be authentic—we're not worried about them judging us, we're not worried about not measuring up. Instead, we are really, truly ourselves. We're able to share our sorrows and our joys.” - Nell O’Leary

“Hopefully, those we’re surrounding [ourselves] with and allowing only certain people to influence us, is helping us actually be more intimate with Jesus.” - Nell O’Leary

“At the end of the day, we really do want that community—whatever it is, whatever form it is—to be authentic and to be leading us back to God. It's never too late to turn back and draw close to Him again.” - Nell O’Leary

Guest’s Links Nell O’Leary’s website

Nell O’Leary’s Instagram

Word on Fire’s website

Word on Fire’s Facebook

Word on Fire’s Instagram

Word on Fire’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Word On Fire

Perry Mason books

Law & Order

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

154. Bringing Jesus to the Streets: KB Aug 15, 2024

Dove award-winning rapper KB shares about his teenage life growing up without a father in southside St. Petersburg, and how he tried to emulate people in powerful positions in an attempt to curb the despair and darkness he felt. Through that confusing time, KB found solace in his music, and began to feel an overwhelming sense that God had not left him behind.

Quotes

“Who were people that were feared? Who were the people who had money? I began to look up to those folks. The more I tried to emulate these individuals, the deeper I found myself in a pit of despair and darkness. All of that was in disarray, which made me a very confused kid, and there’s no doubt in my mind that those are the things that made me ripe for a Savior.” - KB

“I trusted Jesus, and that gave me a path forward in discipleship.” - KB

“People were coming to Jesus, and it had something on it that wasn't me. I kind of just started to put two and two together and said, ‘Lord, it looks like this is what you want me to do.’” - KB

“Imagine being at the beach with a metal detector and you're looking for something, then all of a sudden the metal detector starts going crazy. I think that's kind of what the gospel was for me. I started to see the season of digging, and I'm trying to unearth what it was that my soul had detected in the gospel. The deeper I got, I just started pulling out gems, hidden treasure, purpose, and value.” - KB

“God will oftentimes respond to my doubt of His activity, my doubt in His commitment to me. He will respond to that doubt with overwhelming evidence of His presence.” - KB

“He responds to my doubt with evidence of His presence, He responds to my drawing back by drawing near. It is in those moments that I am just reminded of and convinced afresh of how much He loves me and has not forgotten about me.” - KB

Guest’s Links KB’s website

KB’s Facebook

KB’s Instagram

KB’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode United States Air Force

Docta Wuzdead’s Bloody Streets Album

His Glory Alone

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Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

153. Is God Still There When My World Has Shattered?: Jordan Rice Aug 08, 2024

Jordan Rice began his career practicing law, but through a series of divine circumstances, he felt called to ministry—and now pastors the Renaissance Church in Harlem, New York. Along the way, he fell in love and married Danielle, who joined him to build a new life together in New York. Full of hope for the future, an unexpected illness would shatter their dreams and leave Jordan asking the question, “Why does a God full of love allow tragedies in our lives, especially when we’re trying to serve Him?”

Quotes

“When Danielle first died… I was just borrowing the faith of friends—people who would hold me down and keep me encouraged when I didn't have the muscle to encourage myself. I think one of the things I really had to wrestle with is the finiteness of humanity and my ability to understand the complexity of a sovereign God.” - Jordan Rice

“In some ways, faith for me had to be reoriented around this true God who really allowed more mystery into my faith, instead of everything working out exactly like I thought it was gonna work out.” - Jordan Rice

“I thought I was doing my part, but it didn’t feel like God was doing His. In many ways, it really was a remaking of my faith—after the old one had shattered. This one is, I think, much more in line with a God whose ways are not fully knowable.” - Jordan Rice

“Our faith is an eternal faith that Jesus has promised us—that He is making all things new. One day the sadness that I feel, the unresolved tension, the unexplained questions—one day they will be chased away like the morning sun.” - Jordan Rice

Guest’s Links Jordan Rice’s Instagram

Jordan Rice’s Facebook

Jordan Rice’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Renaissance Church

Tim Keller

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

152. Making God The Champion of Your Life: Olympian Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Aug 01, 2024

As a record breaking hurdler and sprinter who won an Olympic Gold medal in her sport, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has been trained to win. But when the losses do come, Sydney tries to use those moments to transform her heart and perspective, strengthening her resolve and trust that God will be there when it’s time to cross the finish line.

Quotes

“I ran my first race and I was so terrified to do it. But once I actually started and the gun went off, I just felt so free.” - Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

“I think every athlete trains to reach a certain goal, or point, or whatever it is that they've set their minds on—whether it be winning a medal at the Junior Olympics, the college National Championship, a gold medal at the Olympics, or the world record. I think when that's always your dream and aspiration for so long, that when it comes to fruition, it truly is just like a jaw-dropping moment.” - Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

“Being able to cross the line, and just know that the Lord was still with me, that He had a plan for my life, and as an athlete, you didn't win, but [you’re] still intact… As hard of a time as that was, I'm grateful for it because I don't think I would have realized my need for God without it.” - Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

“I think being able to show that even in losses, I'm satisfied in the Lord and His plan for me is the best thing I could do because it shows people that I'm not relying on winning to be okay. And I think that honesty is actually the best way to share the gospel, because it shows that even someone who has world records and gold medals still needs the Lord.” - Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

“I can show up to the track every day and understand that this is a gift He's given me—that win, lose, or draw, it's an opportunity to glorify Him. My value is already secure in Christ, so there's no fear of not being enough and everything I need is found in Him.” - Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Guest’s Links Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s website

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Instagram

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Facebook

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Olympics

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

151. Dance As An Expression of Worship: Silas Farley Jul 25, 2024

Former New York City ballet dancer, Silas Farley, first learned about dance in the context of worship at his church—a perspective that would stick with him through grueling training at the School of American Ballet and through his professional career. Silas shares the nerve-wracking story of taking a leap of faith towards dance over other paths, how he got to see a unique and beautiful dream come to life on stage and help others realize their dreams too, and how he got to embody his love for the Lord through movement.

Quotes

“My first encounter with dance was dance as worship, not dance as performance, and that really resonated with me.” - Silas Farley

“Getting to dance in the New York City Ballet was like someone who wanted to be an astronaut and actually got to go to the moon. The days were long, hard, and deeply rewarding, beginning with morning classes, rehearsing all day, and then performing most nights of most weeks of the year. That pace of work was relentless, but it was also deeply gratifying.” - Silas Farley

“It was kind of an embodied form of prayer to get to come into the theater and to work in this beautifully embodied art form and to do it for the glory of my King Jesus—kind of offering to the Lord through performing and working. I feel incredibly close to God when I dance.” - Silas Farley

“I always think about how Jesus is God made man, that He is the incarnation of God. He has a body, and in His resurrection, He shows us the glorious potential and future for the body.” - Silas Farley

“In my final year in the company, there were more dancers of color than had ever been in the history of the company. That felt really, really special and really significant—a beautiful shift in the evolution of the art form. I thought it a great privilege and joy to be at the New York City Ballet at a point in the institution's story when part of that original vision was starting to be realized.” - Silas Farley

“I hope I get to spend the rest of my life dancing, laughing, singing, and thanking God for His great, great grace and love.” - Silas Farley

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Southern Methodist University

New York City Ballet

George Balanchine

Patricia McBride

School of American Ballet

Professional Children's School

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

150. Life Lessons From Unchartered Waters: Steve Jamison Jul 18, 2024

When Steve Jamison was growing up, he got the adventure of a lifetime out at sea with his dad, a commercial fisherman. The lessons he learned as a member of a halibut fishing crew in Alaska would stick with him throughout his life, and it’s that perseverance, dedication, and determination that led Steve to become a pastor.

Quotes

“My dad would always take me into his state room where you would see the charts, and he would always remind me that we're going to sea because this is how God provides for our family. It's a very dangerous profession, and he would say, ‘Let's just reach up here and put our hands on this chart where we're going to go and ask God to watch over us. Let's ask God to provide for our family and let's ask God to bring us home safe.’” - Steve Jamison

“Being able to have that opportunity to grow up out on the ocean in the situations of life, [my dad] just gave me a living example of what the Word was all about, and I will never forget it.” - Steve Jamison

“[God] had just called me to be faithful. He had just called me to trust Him and to redirect my path and follow what He had for me. And the truth is, God had so much more than I could have imagined.” - Steve Jamison

“When it's difficult, when it's painful, when you want to quit, you just say, ‘Lord, I just need you to help me through this.’ With God's help, you can press through and you can see amazing miracles and amazing blessings in your life.” - Steve Jamison

“God put His hand upon my life, and yet, I was a lot like Jonah for a period of time. I just wanted to go the opposite direction. I can tell you myself, like Jonah, our plans are nothing compared to how great the plans are that God has for us.” - Steve Jamison

Guest’s Links Steve Jamison’s website

Steve Jamison’s Instagram

Steve Jamison’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Eastridge Church

The Most Valuable Catch by Steve Jamison

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

149. Stepping Out of the Boat of Success to Embrace What Matters Most: Colton Dixon Jul 11, 2024

Colton Dixon, a Christian singer-songwriter, reflects on his time with American Idol and the grueling tour schedule that followed. Facing the challenges of balancing a career, family, and a relationship with God, he shares how he had to prioritize what mattered most and how his faith grew in the process.

Quotes

“It was in that moment that I knew that we had a decision to make. It's faith or fear—boiled down as simple as that. Do we believe that God is who He says He is and who He's proved Himself to be during the course of my relationship with Him, or do I give in to fear?” - Colton Dixon

“I have this hope, I have this light to cling on to—no matter how dark the world gets, no matter how crazy it gets, I believe that God is that light that we can always count on.” - Colton Dixon

“It's something that you have to be cognizant of and constantly just shift your focus, reprioritize, and keep your eyes on Jesus.” - Colton Dixon

“When you look to Jesus and you lay everything at His feet, everything kind of just falls into place.” - Colton Dixon

“If you truly want to be better and you want to grow deeper in your relationship with the Lord, then I think maybe you might have to sacrifice some things—not because God wants to take away things from you, He just wants to get the best thing to you.” - Colton Dixon

Guest’s Links Colton Dixon’s Facebook

Colton Dixon’s Instagram

Colton Dixon’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe

American Idol

“Hakuna Matata”

“I Just Can't Wait To Be King”

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

148. Tapping Into Capital “P” Peace: Aaron Shust Jul 04, 2024

Singer/songwriter Aaron Shust has traveled all over the world singing messages of hope and love to his audiences. Time and time again, Aaron’s been moved by the gentle peace he’s been able to extend to his listeners when they sing his songs, as he’s experienced that all-encompassing “capital P” peace that comes from God during the hardest times in his life.

Quotes

“We're not just singing about a thing, we're singing to the living God who inhabits high praises.” - Aaron Shust

“I'll never forget that emotion of remembering that our children belong to God in the same way that we belong to God.” - Aaron Shust

“I feel like God gave myself and my wife the gift of faith that even in the face of the unexplainable or the unforeseen future, we trust that God is sovereign, that He's in control, that He's good.” - Aaron Shust

Guest’s Links Aaron Shust’s website

Aaron Shust’s Facebook

Aaron Shust’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This Episode “My Savior, My God”

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

147. Pointing People Toward Freedom: Carlos Whittaker Jun 27, 2024

Carlos Whittaker’s mission is to bring hope to humans all over the world. Growing up, Carlos watched his Panamanian, Afro-Latino father unite the diverse people of his neighborhood under one roof: his church. As an author, podcaster, and global speaker, Carlos’ wishes to follow his father’s legacy as he creates safe spaces for people—all people—so they may feel seen and understood.

Quotes

“I think there's things to celebrate about how God made me a little bit different.” - Carlos Whittaker

“I just think about how many times we don't even remember that Jesus saved us because of some of the ways that we're acting. He still chooses us. He still loves us. He still pursues us.” - Carlos Whittaker

“We have got to drastically lower the volume of life in order for whatever God has been telling us to do to finally start coming through.” - Carlos Whittaker

“Jesus is telling me through the scripture, ‘Carlos, you're not talking to them. You're not performing. You're talking to me in a normal way. So talk to me as if I'm the person that you say I am and don't talk to me as if you're giving me a speech.’” - Carlos Whittaker

Guest’s Links Carlos’ Instagram

Carlos’ Facebook

Carlos’ Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Primera Iglesia Bautista en Pico Rivera

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Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

146. The Resurrection of Lost Dreams: Monster Jam Driver Bryce Kenny Jun 20, 2024

Growing up watching his grandfather’s passion for motorsports, Bryce Kenny knew he wanted to one day experience that life for himself. But after making a go of it—unsuccessfully—he realized that his dream was slipping away. But what he never could have imagined was that God would reshape his dream and bring it to life in a way that would exceed anything he would have ever thought possible.

Quotes

“When I started getting really beat down in my pursuit of the things that I wanted to do, and the failures, and having to learn all those tough lessons that everyone is going to go through—it empowered me to believe that I could get through anything, that there's nothing that was going to be so hard and so difficult that it would take me out of the race.” - Bryce Kenny

“If we've got the courage to move forward, the humility to continue to pray through it, then God will resurrect our dream into something beyond what we could have even imagined to begin with.” - Bryce Kenny

“I can't expect God to work and then question the way in which He's working in my life.” - Bryce Kenny

“I am just so thankful that we can go to the Father and He loves us that much that He gave us the Holy Spirit to counsel, to educate us, to give us wisdom in situations, and to prepare our way. I can think of no greater love than that gift.” - Bryce Kenny

“Whatever chapter of life that we find ourselves in—whether we're in the birth stage of a dream, the death stage of a dream, or the resurrection stage of our personal dream—our story that we're in is really just a part of a much greater and bigger story, because in the end, Jesus wins.” - Bryce Kenny

Guest’s Links Bryce’s website

Bryce’s Facebook

Bryce’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Great Clips Mohawk Warrior Monster Jam truck

Monster Jam

Monster Jam University

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

145. Making a Difference, Right Where You Are: Danielle Coke Balfour Jun 13, 2024

Illustrator and activist Danielle Coke Balfour, is dedicated to delving deep into fostering greater empathy, kindness, and compassion for one another. Through her eloquent words and captivating illustrations, she skillfully draws attention to places we can be doing good in the world, even in small ways–because any step towards positive change makes a difference.

Quotes

“I view art as a means to an end. I think my overarching goal is to share these concepts of justice, equality, and empathy in a way that will help it land for the everyday person.” - Danielle Coke Balfour

“People tend to disqualify themselves when conversations get a little bit more tricky, a little bit more heavy, or have a lot more implications. I think our natural bend often is to say, ‘I'm leaving it for the people who dedicate their whole lives to this or have degrees in this.’ We fail to realize that a lot of the responsibility lies on us in the way we live our day-to-day lives.” - Danielle Coke Balfour

“I think the key for widespread change is each individual person recognizing that they have a part to play in the larger story of justice, empathy, equality, and love.” - Danielle Coke Balfour

“The conversations around the dinner table matter so much because these are the people we do life with. We want to align as much as we can with the people in our lives with these ideas because it's the way we spread good and the way we make change.” - Danielle Coke Balfour

“I want people to understand that when you choose to not just do good deeds, but to really embody the values that matter the most to you, you're reaching people that I will never reach.” - Danielle Coke Balfour

“I truly believe that remembering God's love for us frees us from the grasp of perfectionism and is a reminder that whether I do this or not, whether I finish this to-do list or not, whether I have this conversation perfectly or not, I am loved—period.” - Danielle Coke Balfour

Guest’s Links Danielle’s website

Danielle’s Facebook

Danielle’s Instagram

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

144. May We Be Known By Our Love: Dr. Robert Smith Jr. Jun 06, 2024

Pastor and professor Dr. Robert Smith Jr. knows this: that what really matters in life is not the awards or accolades or titles we may have achieved, but it is the fact that our identity rests in Christ—something that will transcend time. He wishes for us to be known by the way we love one another, and shares how we can be a light in the world.

Quotes

“It's a joy seeing how God orchestrates, choreographs, and demonstrates the diversity of the body of Christ. And yet, it's unity that we're different, diverse, but we're unified in Christ.” - Dr. Robert Smith Jr.

“We can be stripped of our credentials. We can lose our jobs. We can have financial reverses and relational rifts. When health breaks down and lives give way to death, I am a child of God. The fact that we are in Christ is an identity that will last throughout eternity.” - Dr. Rober Smith Jr.

“That's the most important thing, that we must be able to say, ‘I am a child of God.’” - Dr. Robert Smith Jr.

“God chases me with His love. God pursues me. God initiates His work in me. He's always coming after me.” - Dr. Robert Smith Jr.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Monopoly

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

143. Nothing Can Separate Us From God: Victoria Robb Powers & Cameron Mason Vickrey May 30, 2024

When we’re facing hardships or sorrow, it can be hard to see where God is working in our lives. Creators of Reverend Mamas, Victoria Robb Powers and Cameron Mason Vickrey, encourage us that God is around us whether we feel Him or not: in the wind, in the song of little birds, or in a child’s laughter–and they talk about teaching children how to recognize that God is always near.

Quotes

“As parents, I think sometimes we put this pressure on ourselves to have all the answers for our children. I'm learning more and more how appropriate and helpful it is to actually tell your children the truth about the things that you don't know, particularly when it comes to faith.” - Victoria Robb Powers

“Faith isn't necessarily about a right set of beliefs, but is about surrendering our trust in a God that we believe is good and faithful.” - Victoria Robb Powers

“I think it's really important that we understand and embrace the fact that faith evolves. That will help us, so as our children's faith evolves, we don't panic. Let's celebrate that they're thinking and being thoughtful about who God is and the way God works in the world. In a lot of ways, that's a sign of faithful engagement.” - Victoria Robb Powers

“It's really natural to kind of ask, ‘Where is God in this? Where is God in this experience that I'm going through, and these emotions that I'm feeling, in the suffering in the world? Where is God?’” - Cameron Mason Vickrey

“No matter what you go through, no matter where you are, no matter what you've done, God is with you. So this persistent presence of God in the world, in the midst of your struggles and all of your feelings, is something that you can never get away from and something that you can always rely on.” - Cameron Mason Vickrey

“When you start noticing and start recognizing and naming that God's presence is in all these things around you and all the people around you, you'll see God everywhere.” - Cameron Mason Vickrey

Guest’s Links Reverend Mamas Instagram

Victoria’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Royal Lane Baptist Church

My Love, God Is Everywhere by Victoria Robb Powers & Cameron Mason Vickrey

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

142. We Need Each Other: Redeemer City to City’s Abraham Cho May 23, 2024

Abraham Cho is the senior director of global resources for Redeemer City to City in Manhattan—and he has a big, passion-filled vision for what he believes the church should look like in a world where division and hostility are ever-increasing.

Quotes

“People need people who didn't grow up with a religious background, people who have maybe since left the church, people who consider themselves secular or non-religious. The place a potential encounter will be, the dinner tables, the office tables, and the lunch tables—those are going to be the places of encounter.” - Abraham Cho

“If you have a group of Christians who are very intentional about engaging the needs of the neighborhood, and are willing to serve it in a joyful, servant-hearted, humble way, that can oftentimes be the most important apologetic.” - Abraham Cho

“At the very heart of the gospel we read is a ministry of reconciliation. It's both a reconciliation to God, and a reconciliation one to another.” - Abraham Cho

“I want to be a part of planting the kinds of churches that I could see my children attending when they're adults ten, twenty years from now.” - Abraham Cho

“The headlines might not give us a lot to be encouraged about, but in the streets, in the cities, in the everyday places, God is at work in really incredible ways.” - Abraham Cho

Guest’s Links

Abraham Cho’s Facebook

Abraham Cho’s Instagram

Abraham Cho’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Redeemer Presbyterian Church

Redeemer City to City

Ephesians 2

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

141. Navigating Disagreements with Grace: John Inazu May 16, 2024

In a culture that’s often divisive and argumentative, Professor of Law and Religion John Inazu helps people find a way through disagreements: by truly listening. He shares his insights on how we can hold healthy conversations on complex topics using careful intention, empathy, and the examples from Jesus found in scripture.

Quotes

“One of the key pieces about being a lawyer is that you're not going to be any good unless you really understand the other side's arguments, and that means having the best possible case of that argument, the most empathetic version and construct of that argument, and understanding why someone who is smart and kind and decently good might have a different view of something than you do.” - John Inazu

“I think actually core to Christian engagement in the world today is a willingness to not only ask hard questions, but be asked hard questions. The people we encounter want first to know that we care about them as human beings, that we take their ideas seriously, and that we're not so locked up in our own beliefs that we can't even listen to other people.” - John Inazu

“We can be both very confident in our own beliefs, as Christians are called to be, and also recognize the differences of beliefs around us.” - John Inazu

“When we work on [the fruits of the spirit] with people who aren't like us, it not only helps our own character and improvement, but it also helps us figure out how to relate better across disagreement.” - John Inazu

“Leaning into grace means embracing humility, and in some ways, when we can see ourselves as the recipients of grace, that we're big players in this really big cosmic story, and what a gift it is to be a part of it—we can be less anxious, less fearful, less controlling, and know that we're being used in small ways for a much bigger story, and embrace that as the gift that it is.” - John Inazu

Guest’s Links John Inazu’s website

John Inazu’s Substack

John Inazu’s Facebook

John Inazu’s Twitter

John Inazu’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This Episode C.S. Lewis

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

140. A Journey of Faith, Music, and Gratitude: Gordon Mote May 09, 2024

Gordon Mote, a piano player and musician who was blind from birth, shares with us the discovery of his astounding musical abilities at the age of three to being one of the first in the U.S. to enter the public school system as a blind student and overcoming all the unique challenges that would ultimately shape him into the musical legend he is today. With two Grammy Award nominations, twenty-one Academy of Country Music Award nominations, and three-time recipient of the Academy of Country Music Keyboard/Piano Player of the Year, Gordon has collaborated with renowned artists, including Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Martina McBride, Bob Seger, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, Josh Turner, Darius Rucker, The Gaither Vocal Band, The Martins, Triumphant Quartet, and Alison Krauss. Despite his numerous accolades, Gordon shows no signs of slowing down from using his gifts to the fullest and also reflects on how his own faith and support from others have helped him along the way.

Quotes

“There I was, just a little bitty three year old, sitting on the piano, barely big enough to reach the keys, and I was playing ‘Jesus Loves Me’ with both hands. That's how you know it's a God thing—it's just a miracle. It's one of those things that God does that's totally unexplainable, and yet, He can do all the things. His ways are not our ways.” - Gordon Mote

“Pretty much every day of my life, my morning routine is to get my cup of coffee, get in my office, and just start my day in the Word—trying to be open-minded, open hearted…just hear what God is saying to me.” - Gordon Mote

“When you have the hope of Christ in your life, you're able to live that and share that with others—now more than ever.” - Gordon Mote

“People say they love you all the time, but I don't know of anyone who proved it any more than Jesus did on the cross. So I'm very grateful for that and grateful that He allows me to share the gospel in all the ways that He does.” - Gordon Mote

Guest’s Links Gordon Mote’s website

Gordon Mote’s Facebook

Gordon Mote’s Instagram

Gordon Mote’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Alabama School for the Blind

Jacksonville State University

Steven Curtis Chapman

Chris Tomlin

Matthew West

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

139. Reminders of Love Can Be Found All Around Us: Roma Downey May 02, 2024

Actress and producer Roma Downey, best known for her role in Touched By An Angel, has experienced a lot of loss and grief in her life, but thanks to a touching tradition with her father that began when she was just a young girl, she trained herself to see reminders of God’s love all around her, a legacy that she’s continued with her own family.

Quotes

“[My dad] said, ‘Look, Roma, look at that moon. Just remember, wherever you are in the world, it'll be the same moon shining down on you as is shining down on me.’ And he said, ‘And that will connect us, we’ll be forever connected.’” - Roma Downey

“The moon has been a constant reassurance to me, and I often like to think of the moon as an analogy of God's love, that sort of loving presence that is ever with us.” - Roma Downey

“I think if you yourself have suffered a loss and you yourself have a deeper understanding of what it is to suffer, I think you're more aware and conscious of it than other people, and hopefully it makes you a little bit more thoughtful, a little bit more kind in reaction to others.” - Roma Downey

“God’s love is demonstrated to us through each other. When we show up with kindness, when we show up in service, when we show up joyfully, when we make somebody laugh, we will know each other by our love.” - Roma Downey

“Anybody can say, ‘I love you,’ but it's like, what are you doing? How are you showing up? What are your actions? What are the choices that you're making?” - Roma Downey

Guest’s Links Roma Downey’s website

Roma Downey’s Facebook

Roma Downey’s Instagram

Roma Downey’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Touched by an Angel

A Message in the Moon by Roma Downey

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Sally’s website

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

138. The Lies We Believe and The Truth That Sets Us Free: Hosanna Wong Apr 25, 2024

A common struggle among people from all walks of life is believing untruths about ourselves, due to things spoken into us and over our lives that influence and shape us into who we are. Author, speaker, and spoken word artist Hosanna Wong experienced this firsthand, and found herself feeling like she couldn’t measure up. But what she discovered by learning stories of other people on the streets of San Francisco was that so many of us feel unworthy, unloved, and unseen. Hosanna turned to Jesus’ life as the example for how we can know ourselves, and be set free from the lies we’re told.

Quotes

“Growing up, I believed the lie that I was not enough. I remember thinking that I had to change who I was in order to be accepted, in order to be loved. As I got older, that lie continued with me into my adult life. A few years ago, I started being healed from this lie and set free from this lie, resisting a culture that wants me to be defined by what I do.” - Hosanna Wong

“What you think about yourself determines how you live. If you think you're not enough, you might start living like you are. You might try to change yourself, or work harder, or produce more, or do more, or hustle harder in order to be loved. If you believe you are a burden—a burden to be loved—you might start living like you are.” - Hosanna Wong

“You are more than you've been told. My hope is that people discover who they really are, that they stop looking at their lives through the broken lens of other people, and start to see themselves through the lens of God. When you know who you are, it changes how you live.” - Hosanna Wong

“God knew we would believe lies that we have to do more, or produce more, or perform more to be more valuable, so God commanded rest, and then Jesus exemplified a life of rest. It shows us that we can do everything God has called us to do and also rest in knowing we are loved without doing one thing.” - Hosanna Wong

Guest’s Links Hosanna Wong’s website

Hosanna Wong’s Facebook

Hosanna Wong’s Instagram

Hosanna Wong’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode “You Are More Than You’ve Been Told” by Hosanna Wong

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

137. Little Moments From Heaven That Tell Us We’re Loved: SQuire Rushnell & Louise DuArt Apr 18, 2024

Did you know that you can train your mind to look for good in the world, and to notice little signs and wonders that God sends to show us that we are loved? SQuire Rushnell and Louise DuArt, authors of the Godwinks books, share how they’ve begun the habit of noticing little moments that are so personal to their lives, they can only attribute them to being divinely orchestrated.

Quotes

“Godwinks are two remarkable experiences that come together, and the cause is God. Divine arrangements that have made that happen. We start looking for these Godwinks; we start realizing every day that God is communicating to us in His own unique way.” – SQuire Rushnell

“Just look for your Godwinks. They're always there. They're messages of hope. And right now, in our time, we see what's going on in the world. We know that God has a plan and a purpose. We have to trust Him. And along our path, He will give us these little Godwinks to say, ‘Hey, kid, I'm thinking about you, I love you, and you're not alone.’” –Louise DuArt

“It stands to reason to me that if we want to have a good relationship with God, we just have to talk to Him. Talk to Him all the time. Talk to Him tonight. Talk to Him in the morning. It's just a conversation.” – SQuire Rushnell

Guest’s Links SQuire Rushnell’s Instagram

SQuire Rushnell’s Twitter

SQuire Rushnell’s Website

Godwinks on Facebook

Louise DuArt’s Facebook

Louise DuArt’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Good Morning America

ASPCA.ORG

Rescued by Ruby

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

136. Laughter is The Best Medicine: Nazareth Apr 11, 2024

When Nazareth came to the United States from the Holy Land, he worked several jobs to provide for his family and make ends meet. While running a marathon he didn’t want to run, Nazareth had a moment of clarity, realizing that what he loved in life was making people laugh. That’s when he decided to pursue a comedy career. When he came across a clean comedian who led him to church, Nazareth found the second part of his life’s calling: to bring joy and the good news of God’s love to people everywhere.

Quotes

“When I got to the finish line, I was laying there on the ground and I asked myself the question, ‘What would I want to do in my life that if I never get paid for it, I will still do it to the best of my ability?’ Because I felt at that moment that I could do anything. And the answer was making people laugh.” - Nazareth

“I thought, 'Okay, if I go to church 200 times, maybe God can be merciful to me.' That was my idea of who God is, which was completely wrong, because when I got to that church, the pastor said, ‘Come as you are. Jesus will start to work in your life.’ And that's all I needed to hear. I was crying like a baby. I gave my life to Christ that morning.” - Nazareth

“At a lot of my shows, I get to share the Lord and I get to share what God has done in my life. And I lead them to the source of joy. If I can lead you to the source of joy, regardless of what you're going through, you can still have joy.” - Nazareth

Guest’s Links Nazareth’s Website

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Orange County, California

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

135. Harnessing Adversity: Gaining Strength Through Tough Seasons with Daphne K. Johnson Apr 04, 2024

Minister and author Daphne K. Johnson’s life took an unexpected turn when her seemingly idyllic marriage ended in divorce, leaving her a single mother. As she reckoned with this new season of life, Daphne realized the strength she would gain from walking through difficult times would be the same strength she would call upon to help someone else.

Quotes

“Connecting with God regularly helped me to get back up, because I made the decision to believe the Word and to trust Him that He would not fail me. Because I was rooted and grounded in knowing who I am in Christ, and knowing that He didn't fail me.” - Daphne K. Johnson

“The concept of divine design means that we are uniquely created and uniquely fashioned on purpose and for purpose. He took the time to create us and to create this world, and He was so intentional in doing so. God instilled gifts and talents in us that can be utilized to help others, we embrace them so that we can show up and so that we can serve those who we believe God has called us to serve.” - Daphne K. Johnson

“You have the ability to make an impact because of the experience that you've had, and you can help others to come along on this journey. Even though this world can be a place where things can sometimes be upside down or not look balanced, at the end of the day, we still have His promises.” - Daphne K. Johnson

“We can be in the middle of what we believe to be a storm that might take us out or wipe us out, but Jesus has things under control. Even though we may experience difficulties, we may experience storms and we may experience things that we can't handle, He can.” - Daphne K. Johnson

Guest’s Links Daphne Johnson’s Instagram

Daphne Johnson’s Facebook

Daphne Johnson’s Website

Daphne Johnson’s YouTube

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Hurricane Katrina

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

134. “I’m Doing This Because I Love You” — Celebrating Easter 2024 with Sally Lloyd-Jones Mar 28, 2024

As we celebrate Easter, Sally Lloyd-Jones will be reading from The Jesus Storybook Bible to illuminate the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection for little ears. It was for our very own rescue story that Jesus was born into the world—and even though He faced great pain and suffering and humiliation, Jesus endured, because He knew it would save each and every one of us, no matter how small.

If you’d like to follow along in The Jesus Storybook Bible, Sally will be reading “The Servant King,” “A Dark Night in the Garden,” “The Sun Stops Shining,” and “God’s Wonderful Surprise.”

Quotes

“One by one, Jesus washed everyone's feet. ‘I am doing this because I love you,’ Jesus explained. ‘Do this for each other.’” - The Jesus Storybook Bible

“‘My life will break, and God's broken world will mend. My heart will tear apart and your hearts will heal. So now I will die instead of you, my blood will wash away all of your sins and you'll be clean on the inside in your hearts.’” - The Jesus Storybook Bible

“‘If you were really the son of God, you could just climb down off that cross,’ [the Roman soldiers] said. And of course, they were right. Jesus could have just climbed down. Actually, He could have just said a word and made it all stop. But Jesus stayed. You see, they didn't understand it wasn't the nails that kept Jesus there. It was love.” - The Jesus Storybook Bible

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

133. The Value of the Small and The Ordinary: Charlie Peacock & Andi Ashworth Mar 21, 2024

Every one of us has something of value to offer to the world, no matter how ordinary or small it may seem. Perhaps you’re a painter, a gardener, or the meal provider for your family. Perhaps you are good at raising money or providing for your family, or maybe your job is to simply show up for other people. No matter what gifts God has given you, what you do matters in the world, and has the potential to make a difference. Musician Charlie Peacock and his wife, writer Andi Ashworth, know the value in creating something meaningful, and they share how they’ve built a community with other creators through intentional connection in places like their home, The Art House.

Quotes

“Hospitality is like love. It's a living, breathing, inexhaustible subject, it's just really a way of life. You can't contain it. And it can be as simple as offering kindness and curiosity to another person, to those more complex forms of providing food and shelter. So hospitality is both simple and complex and broad and it's for a lifetime.” – Andi Ashworth

“What is my contribution to the world going to be today? What is my contribution to the culture to which I am literally soaking in? That's where intentionality and imagination and empathy are so incredibly important to anyone who wants to be known as someone who is actively and intentionally creating the world that God has left us steward over.” – Charlie Peacock

“I know that these things matter greatly to God, that we have a mission here on Earth to not just make the world that we want to live in, but to make a world for those of us who are following Jesus, to make a world that is congruent with the Kingdom mission, that He set out before us and invited us to participate in.” – Charlie Peacock

“We have experienced a lot of redemption in our life together, and Jesus has met us in our brokenness again and again and again. And we longed for more. We longed for more in ourselves, in our family, in our city, in the world. We longed for more rightness, more justice, more peace, more healing. And this image of God wiping away tears and making the world our perfect home again, it moves me to tears and my hope is renewed. Because my hope is in Christ and in His faithfulness, to His never giving up, always and forever love.” – Andi Ashworth

Guest’s Links Charlie Peacock’s Website

Charlie Peacock’s Instagram

Charlie Peacock’s Facebook

Charlie Peacock’s YouTube

Andi Ashworth’s Facebook

Andi Ashworth’s Instagram

Art House On Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Art House America

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

132. Letting Love Into the Dark Places: Rosie Rivera Mar 14, 2024

Content Warning: This episode contains content that may be triggering for some listeners.

When Rosie Rivera was just a little girl, she faced abuse that would scar her and make her question everything she knew about love. But at her lowest point, marked by anger and insecurity and despair, God reached out, and Rosie learned that no matter what she’d done, or what she’d suffered through, God would always love her.

Quotes

“It's beautiful how we recognize Him, even though we haven't spoken to Him. My spirit really recognized Him and I knew it was Him. It was this beautiful fatherly, firm voice, but full of love. I said, ‘Everyone else has rejected me. If I could, I would reject myself. But if only God knew what I've done, He wouldn't want me.’ And that's when I had to make my decision. Was I going to keep running?” – Rosie Rivera

“He does understand you. He does understand betrayal, rejection, and injustice. He definitely understands pain. And it still leaves me in awe that He can love someone like me.” – Rosie Rivera

“I was so loved, I just didn't realize it. I couldn't see it. It had to begin with allowing God to love me, letting Him into those dark places. Your anger, your emotions don't scare Him. You can go ahead and tell Him. You can surrender and give Him all the ugliness. Come as you are, He's going to receive you, and He is not going to fail you.” – Rosie Rivera

Guest’s Links Rosie Rivera Instagram

Rosie Rivera Facebook

Rosie Rivera Ministries

Rosie Rivera Twitter

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

131. The Expression of God’s Love with Andy Gosler Mar 07, 2024

Andy Gosler is Professor of Ethno-ornithology at Oxford university who studies the relationships between birds and people. As a scientist and a man of faith, Andy sees the hand of the Creator in the nature he studies. By looking at the science of things, Andy believes that our faith in God can only be amplified by understanding the workings and complexity of life—and ultimately seeing love at the very heart of God’s design.

Quotes

“There comes a point where God says, ‘Okay, well, now I've done this as a revelation, and not so you'll think that I am a tool. I just wanted you to know my presence in your life and that you've come and you've asked me so beautifully. And here you are.’” - Andy Gosler

“It was a moment that led to a lifetime of discovery, and of prayer, and of discovering the amazing power of prayer.” - Andy Gosler

“I want to suggest that the mutual dependency that underpins every aspect of life, which we've discovered through the science of ecology, is a way of defining love. Mutual dependency, you can see—it is love.” - Andy Gosler

“What does it mean to be made in the image of God? Well, there are many ways of trying to think about that. But if I go back to that sense of bringing order out of chaos, then maybe that's in the image of God is where to to bring order out of chaos. And that means not conflict, but cooperation and working for the good.” - Andy Gosler

Guest’s Links Andy Gosler Facebook

Andy Gosler Instagram

Andy Gosler Twitter

Professor Gosler at University of Oxford UK Ornithology Dept.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Oxford University Biology Dept.

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

130. Learning Each Other’s Heart Language: Evan Craft Feb 29, 2024

Christian singer/songwriter Evan Craft had an important mission laid on his heart: to love his neighbor as himself by singing in the language of the vast majority of the population around him. At only 15, Evan decided to learn Spanish to connect with his neighbors and share uplifting messages of love, hope, and most importantly, community with one another through his words and his music.

Quotes

“When you love somebody as yourself, you want to be able to connect with them. That was what drove me to learn Spanish, so I could love my neighbors as myself. Being able to sing in someone's heart language is very powerful.” - Evan Craft

“I think I fight this achievement mentality of wanting to go and do more and help more people. I just sometimes remind [myself] that whether my events have 500 people, 200 people, or 10,000 people, I want to be obedient to God and I want to have eyes to see the blessings that He's given me.” - Evan Craft

“It's also been powerful to see people who have suffered from cancer, lost a child, been through so much in Latin America, connect with this music.” - Evan Craft

“We want to support the church to say, ‘Hey, we're the people that you can lean on, we’re the people that when there's a problem, we're the first to respond because of God's love.’ But I can't sing it if I don't live it.” - Evan Craft

Guest’s Links

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Hosanna Woodlands Church Instagram

CCM Magazine

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

129. Finding Freedom From What Imprisons Us: Alice Marie Johnson Feb 22, 2024

One amazing thing about God is that He doesn’t just save His goodness for the beautiful and exceptional times in our lives— He’s there in the suffering, too. Criminal justice reform advocate Alice Marie Johnson spent a long and grueling twenty-one years in prison after receiving an extraordinarily harsh sentence for a past mistake made during a desperate time. What Alice never expected was to encounter hope in a seemingly hopeless place—and after establishing a relationship with Jesus, she allowed Him to transform her life. Now she spreads the hope she found whenever and wherever she can.

Quotes

“It was really a relief, almost, when the arrest came because, finally, I could get off of this merry go round that I was on. But I certainly did not believe that it would lead to the harsh sentence that I received.” - Alice Marie Johnson

“My family was in shock. No one thought that I was going to actually be convicted when I went to my sentencing. And found out that the suggestion was life plus 25 years. I couldn't believe it. I was literally told that the only way that I would ever be reunited with my family would be as a corpse.” - Alice Marie Johnson

“Having that Bible that I could understand opened my whole heart up to a relationship like I'd never known could exist. I literally fell in love with the Word of God. Had I not gone to prison, I may not have known how much the Lord truly loved me and was with me.” - Alice Marie Johnson

“I can now say it is good that I was afflicted, because I came to know the precepts of God. I came to know His faithfulness and love for me. He said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ And through the whole time in prison, He never allowed me to give up hope.” - Alice Marie Johnson

Guest’s Links Alice Marie Johnson Instagram

Alice Marie Johnson Twitter

Alice Marie Johnson Facebook

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Taking Action for Good Website

Taking Action for Good Twitter

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

128. Embracing Changing Seasons: Dawn Barton Feb 15, 2024

Dawn Barton—speaker and author of Midlife Battle Cry—felt invisible and forgotten when she faced the unseen challenges of midlife. After a journey of rediscovering who she was and the potential God gave her and taking a leap of faith, Dawn found a new love for herself and discovered there is goodness in every season of life.

Quotes

“I'm so glad I took that initial leap of faith. A leap of faith is not without fear sometimes.” - Dawn Barton

“I just kept hearing Him say, ‘Be still, be still and rest in me.’ And I finally figured out He was calling me to be still, to reevaluate and redefine, and to look at who I was as a woman in this season, in my life, and in being still, to draw closer to Him.” - Dawn Barton

“I think we sometimes look at life and we believe that all the great things, all the great miracles from God, were on one side of it. Our babies, our careers, all the big things that we did, all the great miracles, have already happened. But the reality is it doesn't work that way. There's no midlife to God, and if we live life fully and boldly, there's just as many sweet, beautiful, miraculous blessings still to come.” - Dawn Barton

“Just when we think we're in a hard season, a down season—He's just an Ephesians 3:20 God. He’s just immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine. And that's what I think of, who could ever imagine those kinds of miracles? But that is God, right? And it's just that reminder of just how human we are, just how big He is.” - Dawn Barton

Guest’s Links

Dawn Barton’s Website

Dawn Barton’s Instagram

Dawn Barton’s Facebook

Dawn Barton’s Books

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Mary Kay Cosmetics

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

127. Unexpected Healing Methods—a Gift from God: Anh Lin Feb 08, 2024

Social media influencer Anh Lin grew up in the throes of chaos and trauma–and it would take years before she realized the depth of what she faced. But when she started to work through her experiences with a counselor, it expanded her knowledge of who God was and opened the door to healing. Now she helps others find healing through creating beautiful and peaceful spaces in their homes.

Quotes

“The bulk of my work is bridging Jesus with home decor, interior design, things like that. So I went through a whole journey of figuring out how to do that in an authentic way, because faith and mental health and home decor are such different and specific niches.” - Anh Lin

“Before you take a step forward in any niche, in any creative endeavor, really bring your truest desires to the Lord and let Him know that you don't know what you want. But all you know is that you want Him to lead your next step, and I guarantee you He will.” - Anh Lin

“There were countless moments where I was in a really dark place, and I could not pull myself out of it if I didn't have the Holy Spirit with me. But I see God's love being so powerful, I see these breakthroughs in the midst of the darkness, and it really shows me that just as much as the enemy is active and working out there, God is even more so working in His people.” - Anh Lin

Guest’s Links Anh Lin’s website

Anh Lin’s Instagram

Anh Lin’s Facebook

Anh Lin’s YouTube page

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

[ANNOUNCING] “Strong” by Sally Lloyd-Jones Feb 06, 2024

Did you know that there is a psalm all about trees? Trees are miraculous. They look after their tree children. They communicate with each other. Sally’s new book is a paraphrase of Psalm 1 and today she shares her love of trees and reads from her new children’s book “Strong” (illustrated by Jago!), which reminds little ones that it is God who makes them strong and that being close to God is a good place to be.

Available right now at your favorite book retailer!

https://www.sallylloyd-jones.com/books/strong-psalm-1/

126. Pausing and Being Present For Others: Heather Thompson Day Feb 01, 2024

Professor, author, and podcaster Heather Thompson Day shares what she’s learned through mentoring students, growing an online community, and her interactions with coworkers and family and imparts some simple ways we can show up for other people and exemplify God’s love for those who need it most.

Quotes

“I really am concerned that we have raised an entire generation to think that if things don't happen instantly, then it's not for you, or that it's not meant to be, or that God hasn't called you to it.” - Heather Thompson Day

“I think the best thing we can do to stand in the gap is to just be present and to just see people, without an agenda, without the agenda of trying to convert them or change them or fix them.” - Heather Thompson Day

“I think that we sometimes lose how valuable that actually can be for people to just know, Oh, this person sees me, this person acknowledges what I've been doing. So many of us go through life feeling just invisible.” - Heather Thompson Day

“I have known the God of over and over again. And if there is one thing I have grown to appreciate about God, it's how patient He is. God has been incredibly patient with me on my journey.” - Heather Thompson Day

Guest’s Links Heather Thompson Day’s Instagram

Heather Thompson Day’s Facebook

Heather Thompson Day’s Twitter

Heather Thompson Day’s Website

Viral Jesus Podcast

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

125. Embracing Divine Surprises: Lisa Harper Jan 25, 2024

Writer and speaker Lisa Harper’s story is a testament to the unexpected twists and divine surprises that shape our lives. From the heart-wrenching experience of her father’s abandonment to the miraculous adoption of her daughter, Lisa shares about God’s limitless love and reveals how she discovered strength through Scripture.

Quotes

“Our God is so good. He's so kind. I love that verb at the end of Psalm 23—it's translated in our English Bibles that mercy and goodness will follow us. Then in Hebrew, it actually means God will pursue us. He'll chase us with goodness and mercy. He didn't just send Jesus to deliver me from my sins. He sent His son because He delights in me when He sees me.” - Lisa Harper

“I want to help people believe bigger in the unconditional love of God.” - Lisa Harper

“No matter how huge the mistakes are in our back story, they don't put a lid on our future, because God is a redeemer.” - Lisa Harper

“If you really take the time to look at the context of this love story we call the Bible, you see that from beginning to end, our God is consistently in the process of restoring us to an intimate, loving relationship with Him. He's always in the process of mitigating evil. He's always in the process of scooting us toward the true north of Jesus. He is a good God who's for us.” - Lisa Harper

Guest’s Links Lisa Harper’s Website

Lisa Harper’s Instagram

Lisa Harper’s Facebook

Lisa Harper’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Lisa Harper’s Books and Resources

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

124. Creativity is the Door to Spiritual Expression: David Chang Jan 18, 2024

In this beautiful world where we’re all made so differently, with unique gifts and strengths, we have a remarkable opportunity to appreciate one another’s creativity in whatever form it may take. David Chang unexpectedly found the art form of calligraphy, and after spending time in a church attic studying, developing, and perfecting his craft, realized that he could use his art as a form of spiritual expression and witness.

Quotes

“I got connected to this men's prayer group. And it was there that I learned the beauty of prayer and also the beauty of an intentional space of inviting the spirit in and having just a real authentic session, just crying out to God or just praising Him.” - David Chang

“I had never experienced prayer in that type of manner before. Something in my heart awoke and I remember there was a hunger.” - David Chang

“Things in my spiritual life began to come alive. It's almost like beginning to see things in color.” - David Chang

“There was this change happening in my heart and also my mind, and I started to have these encounters where I could just start to feel God.” - David Chang

“Calligraphy was just the beginning. It began more as a professional pursuit, and I became more technically proficient with calligraphy, and soon I was able to use it more as a spiritual expression to bless other people.” - David Chang

Guest’s Links David Chang’s studio website

David Chang’s Instagram

David Chang’s calligraphy

David Chang’s Facebook

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Redeemer Presbyterian Church

Center for Faith and Work

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

123. Redeeming God’s Creation: Peter Harris Jan 11, 2024

Peter Harris is a dedicated advocate for conservation, and shares his journey of working with A Rocha, a Christian conservation organization he co-founded over four decades ago. Peter shares how his faith-driven approach has helped him develop practical responses, and fostered connections between love for God, care for creation, and environmental stewardship.

Quotes

“It's quite clear that we are facing a climate crisis. In the lifetime of A Rocha—which is just 40 years—we have lost half of life on Earth, so you could call it the thinning of life, the disappearance of species and the collapse of populations.” - Peter Harris

“For a Christian organization that really believes that our life on Earth is intended to be a response to a loving creator, it is who we are in that relationship of worship and obedience that is going to be the wellspring for our actions.” - Peter Harris

“I think that many of our human rhythms and surroundings are artifacts of a commercial effort. We're surrounded by all we have done and what we have made. And it's often noisy and incoherent. Whereas Creation speaks of its Creator, as Scripture envisages creation as a kind of choir.” - Peter Harris

“We care for God's creation because it's God's creation. He loves it far more than we do. And because it is the fundamental thing about being human that we first learn in Genesis that we are in the garden to care for it. The two big Bible words are to care for and to serve the creation. That's what it is to be human. That's why we do it. We don't do it because we have hopes of some campaign of saving the earth. The world has a Savior, and it's not us.” - Peter Harris

Guest’s Links

A Rocha International

A Rocha Facebook

A Rocha Twitter

A Rocha Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This Episode A Rocha International

Kingfisher’s Fire: A Story of Hope for God’s Earth by Peter Harris

Under the Bright Wings by Peter Harris

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

122. Seeing Our Worth the Way God Does: Brittany Maher & Cassandra Speer Jan 04, 2024

Ministry partners Brittany Maher and Cassandra Speer went through the tough process of untangling the self-image they had of themselves after leaving the beauty and fitness industries, and realized for how long they’d felt not good enough. By creating Her True Worth, an online ministry, they’re helping people connect and have open, honest conversations about how they feel about themselves and how to find value from the one true source, Jesus.

Quotes

“I remember it became a daunting thing for me every morning to have to put on so much makeup and feel like I almost drowned in it, like I was masking myself. And I became keenly aware of the own imperfections of my face, like I wasn't enough to show up as my natural self; it just kind of kept perpetuating in my life.” – Brittany Maher

“I set out not only to discover my true worth through the power of using God's Word, but also through a healing journey of dismantling lies I had been believing about myself. I needed to be reminded of my worth every day through Scripture, through prayer, through seeking the Lord, I just felt like it was my mission to show up and help women do the same.” – Brittany Maher

“Our best is not enough. And that's actually good news. That's the best news, that the pressure is off and that we don't have to be enough. We don't have to earn our worth. We don't have to find our identity. There's a lot of messages about our worth and our value in this world. But the least common of those messages is that you don't have to earn it. It's irrevocable. It was purchased on the cross. God's goodness is not reliant upon our ineptness.” – Cassandra Speer

“It’s good to remember the simplicity of the gospel. It's really helpful for us to be able to see God's sovereignty woven throughout every word and every page of the Bible and looking at the whole story from an aerial view.” – Cassandra Speer

Guest’s Links

Cassandra Speer’s Instagram

Cassandra Speer’s Facebook

Cassandra Speer’s Website

Brittany Maher’s Instagram

Brittany Maher’s Facebook

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Her True Worth Instagram

There’s Beauty in Your Brokenness book

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

121. Celebrating Our Similarities & Our Differences: Linsey Davis Dec 28, 2023

When news anchor Linsey Davis learned about the Human Genome Project and started digging, she discovered an astonishing fact: humans are only 0.1% different from one another. 99.9% of our DNA is alike—and by appreciating both the commonalities and the things that set us apart, we can learn to appreciate exactly who God created us to be, and we can realize that we need no one’s approval but God’s.

Quotes

“We have so much in common. And I just think that is a messaging especially in our day to day world and our political parties and the divisiveness that's out there—it often gets lost how much we really have in common. And I think that’s something that kids more readily embrace.” - Linsey Davis

“You know, when we look at our height or our skin color or our hair or our features, our size, everything physically makes us different and sets us apart from each other. But I think that we're more similar in our desire to be loved or to love, our feelings of sadness or joy.” - Linsey Davis

“Often the desires of our life and our lifestyle tend to be pretty much in line and in tune with each other when it comes to those bare bone emotions of the human condition. And I think that we often overlook that.” - Linsey Davis

“I started thinking about just all the places that I see God, and that might be in the sunrise or sunsets. And biblically, you know, it talks about His eye on the sparrow, how God takes care of even the smallest among us, right? How they don't have to worry about what they'll wear or the food that they'll eat, that God is going to provide. I need to really be reminded of that and not get so stuck in the worldly thoughts and concerns and all the little pesky things that might invade our mind.” - Linsey Davis

Guest’s Links

Linsey Davis Website

Linsey Davis Instagram

Linsey Davis Facebook

Linsey Davis Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Las Noticias

The Human Genome Project

The Smallest Spot of a Dot Book

Quote from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

120. Rejoicing In The Birth of Jesus: Christmas Readings with Sally Lloyd-Jones Dec 21, 2023

In celebration of the Savior’s birth, author Sally Lloyd-Jones is reading four special Christmas stories from Song of the Stars and The Jesus Storybook Bible, perfect to listen to with your little ones during the excitement of the season. Merry Christmas!

Quotes

“Advent means arrival or coming. I'm going to read you stories that are all about the One who is coming and what we're waiting for.” - Sally Lloyd-Jones

“All through the long centuries they'd been waiting for this rescuer. Isn't it odd that when at last the promised rescue that everyone's waiting for—when He does at last come into the world, when Jesus is born in that stable, almost everyone is looking the other way. They're looking the wrong way. Almost everyone missed it.” - Sally Lloyd-Jones

“What about the animals that God made and the birds and the stars that He put in place? Did they sense it? Did they rejoice in the coming of Christ that very first time? This sense of longing in creation became my Christmas story, and it's called Song of the Stars.” - Sally Lloyd-Jones

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

119. True Change Comes By Asking for Help: Jason VanRuler Dec 14, 2023

When striving for true, deep, everlasting change in your life, the road can be a rocky one—and it can often be filled with turmoil and pain. Growing up, therapist Jason VanRuler struggled to find stability in his life, leading him to bad habits that he desperately wanted to break. Jason opens up about how something as simple as asking for help from God and from mentors made the difference in turning his life around.

Quotes

“I think God puts the truth in all of our hearts and we know it. And sometimes we distract ourselves from it or we pretend we don't know it, or we do something else or even try to squash it. But looking in the mirror, I knew the truth.” – Jason VanRuler

“Our emotions are really important, because if we don't acknowledge them or deal with them, they just come out in another place. They don't actually go away. If we're not dealing with them directly, we're going to deal with them indirectly. And so if we actually want to change our life or we want to become different, we have to address the things that are driving us and those are our emotions.” – Jason VanRuler

“Our relationship with God is really going to frame out all those other relationships. And I think that is something you can start on today.” – Jason VanRuler

“I think in my own story and in working with many other people’s stories, what we need most is a change of heart. I think the challenge is we can change our head pretty easily—we often know the problem. We can even identify potential solutions. But if we really want to be different, we need a new heart.” – Jason VanRuler

Guest’s Links Jason VanRuler’s Website

Jason VanRuler’s Instagram

Jason VanRuler’s Facebook

Jason VanRuler’s YouTube Channel

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

118. God Can Use Your Broken Dreams: Kelly Minter Dec 07, 2023

Kelly Minter had big dreams for her life—everything from basketball to a professional career in music. But fame, money, and fans became her idols, and when things didn’t go according to plan, Kelly felt lost and heartbroken. It was a chance encounter that led her to a purpose and a calling she never expected as a Bible study author and teacher, which helped her understand that when we lay down our dreams, we find what truly matters to the heart of God and how to help people around the world.

Quotes

“There are truths that I carry with me to this day about who God is—His presence with me, His protection over me, His character, His nature, how He made me. All of that has been so healing for me when it comes to my mind and my peace and sense of well-being.” - Kelly Minter

“When I see in God's Word that it is all people of all ages and races that matter to Him, then all of a sudden, certain things become so important and so exciting. That's just one small way that connecting with God's Word just helps me every day, because it gives His perspective on what life should look like and what matters.” - Kelly Minter

“There is no greater joy than following the Lord and being part of what He's doing in His kingdom. It is such a joy and it’s worth it. There's a lot that I've had to lay down, and at the same time, I wouldn't trade any of it because that's when we get to know the Lord more deeply, that we get to share in the abundance of His treasure.” - Kelly Minter

Guest’s Links Kelly’s Instagram

Kelly’s Website

Kelly’s Facebook

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Milan, Italy

Amazon Rainforest

The Cultivate Podcast

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

117. Appreciating the Season of Advent with Sally Lloyd-Jones Nov 30, 2023

The weeks leading up to Christmas are known as the season of Advent, of joyful expectation and waiting for our Savior to come. Author Sally Lloyd-Jones shares a couple stories from the Jesus Storybook Bible that prepare our hearts for the brave hero to rescue us.

Quotes

“My hope is that as your family follows the readings and games and adds ornaments to the tree, you'll be able to trace God's hand through all the stories of the Bible and to tell together the one big story of God's great rescue plan.” - Sally Lloyd-Jones

“You see, no matter what, in spite of everything, God would love His children with a never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking always and forever love.” - Sally Lloyd-Jones

“Let’s prepare our hearts for that most magnificent arrival on Christmas Day of the promised rescue, of the young Prince, the brave hero, God's own son, Emmanuel, God with us.” - Sally Lloyd-Jones

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

116. Gratitude for Life, Friendship, & Music: Nathan Tasker Nov 23, 2023

Australian singer/songwriter Nathan Tasker shares how his family practices gratitude throughout the year, especially at Thanksgiving, how he’s been touched by profound friendships in his life, and what he’s learned about honesty in the way we present ourselves to God.

Quotes

“I realized that I'd been given this platform for whatever reason, and I had this urge and sense of responsibility to use it, to encourage others to think beyond just this life and this moment.” - Nathan Tasker

“Questions [about heaven] don't just come out of the ether. They come because something else is happening in [children’s] hearts, in their minds. They've been stirred up by the Spirit, and by these things that they're reading and hearing as a family. And I think part of it is through The Jesus Storybook Bible. We read that to our kids. They've experienced that for their whole growing up. My oldest is only ten years old, but it really does continue to speak to God's desire to love us, not just as we walk through this world, but in the life to come.” - Nathan Tasker

“This idea of Thanksgiving, thankfulness, is really interesting to me. And within our own little family, every night around the dinner table, we really make a concerted effort to eat meals together as a family every night. And one of the things we do is go around and ask our kids and we share as well, about what we're grateful for on that day. And it is interesting to work hard to think about, What are the things that you're most grateful for? Not just what happened or what made you feel good, but what are you actually grateful for? And to be able to direct that gratitude to God is pretty special within my own life.” - Nathan Tasker

“I think about that gentleness and this beauty, this tenderness that seems to be very consistent with what Jesus says about how He knows His sheep. He knows them by name and He calls them, and He tenderly cares for us just like that. That seems to resonate so deeply.” - Nathan Tasker

Guest’s Links Nathan Tasker’s Website

Nathan Tasker’s Instagram

Nathan Tasker’s Facebook

Nathan Tasker’s Twitter

Nathan Tasker’s Music

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Crema Coffee in Nashville, TN Adelaide, Australia

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

115. God Is the Ultimate Storymaker: Melina Luna Smith Nov 16, 2023

Melina Luna Smith believes that art is a powerful tool that can open the door to the heart and allow kids to connect with stories from the Bible in a fun and engaging way. She has dedicated her creative skills to interactively recreating Bible stories for children through her company, Storymakers. Melina shares with us some of her imaginative ways to retell God’s stories and connect with our kids (or adult friends!) about faith.

Quotes

“Art always seems to be the back door to the heart, whether that's through music or visuals, even just creating quietly alongside someone. That always opens a door to connection, and that's really important for us as story makers.” - Melina Luna Smith

“When kids understand that God is in pursuit of them in the good, the bad, and the ugly, when they can connect to those moments, and then they can see what God did for characters like Rahab, characters like Jacob when he was super jealous and not behaving properly, or David. In all of those stories, the Bible is really the key, and the crown jewel in knowing how God moves in our lives and loves us and pursues us relentlessly.” - Melina Luna Smith

“If you want to engage with your kids and you want to engage with your teens, it's best practice to create spaces and meet kids and teens where they are.” - Melina Luna Smith

“With anxiety and depression on the rise, we want to be those people who are listening and praying and knowing really where the hearts of our kids and teens are. So stay engaged. Tune in to what your kids and teens are into. Meet them where they are.” - Melina Luna Smith

Guest’s Links Melina Luna Smith on Facebook

StoryMakers on Instagram

StoryMakers Website

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Calvary - St. George’s Church

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

114. Anxiety: An Opportunity for Spiritual Growth with Curtis Chang Nov 09, 2023

Curtis Chang is a non-profit director and the author of The Anxiety Opportunity, who vulnerably shares how he’s grappled with anxiety throughout his life. Curtis found that walking through his anxiety led him to deeper levels of self-awareness, and ultimately strengthened his relationship with God when he began to view it as an opportunity, rather than a burden.

Quotes

“There just wasn't much space and room for mental health struggles with anxiety in the culture I grew up in. I spent most of my early teenager years to early adulthood in a more sophisticated version of hiding anxiety.” – Curtis Chang

“The problem with highly functioning anxiety is that at some point, it can become the underlying cause—you can get so bad that it no longer becomes functional, then it becomes quite dysfunctional and it slides into what you would call an anxiety disorder, where we can no longer hold our anxiety in healthy, functional ways.” – Curtis Chang

“Anxiety, if we hold it rightly, in the way that God designed us to hold the anxiety, does not have to lead to sleepless nights and breakdowns. It actually is an opportunity, a redemptive opportunity that Jesus can use to lead us to profound spiritual growth.” – Curtis Chang

“My most profound spiritual growth as a Christian has come not because I've gotten rid of my anxiety, but it's come through my anxiety.” – Curtis Chang

“Anxiety is not a sin. It's not a spiritual problem. It's what it means to be human. So much so that Jesus Himself, in taking on all of humanity, took on the experience of anxiety. And for Him, it was also a doorway to growing into His true, best self, which is Christ the Messiah.”

–Curtis Chang

Guest’s Links Curtis Chang’s Facebook

Curtis Chang’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

The Anxiety Opportunity: How Worry is the Doorway to Your Best Self

Good Faith Podcast

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

113. Uplifting One Another’s Humanity: Eric Genuis Nov 02, 2023

Master pianist, composer, and world-renowned performer Eric Genuis launched Concerts for Hope in 2016 to bring beauty to the marginalized. The concerts quickly proved to be a gift to many among the broken and hurting audiences, and Eric found himself transformed by the hope reflected in their eyes. Now, after countless prison concerts, Eric has learned the true definition of charity and that giving dignity to others and recognizing their humanity—even if it doesn’t feel good—is one of the things that we're called to do in the world.

Quotes

“I believe in the impact of beauty and what beauty means to the person, what beauty means to the soul, and what beauty means to civilization.” - Eric Genuis

“If you give a kid a steady diet of pessimistic music and music that is cynical, they will look at life through the lens of cynicism and pessimism and of no hope. And if you give a child beauty, then they will look at life through the lens of art and wonder that we were all meant to view life.” - Eric Genuis

“As soon as we start giving up on people and looking at one life as more valuable or worthwhile than another, then we really have dismissed the whole concept of the mystery of life and who we are and the purpose and meaning and dignity. It's not glamorous, but it is glorious.” - Eric Genuis

“Through charitable works and inviting others—whether it's directly or indirectly—to a higher sense of humanity, ultimately that higher sense of humanity, God willing, leads them to a realization of their own spiritual reality and that God is calling them.” - Eric Genuis

Guest’s Links Eric Genuis’ Website

Eric Genuis’ Instagram

Eric Genuis’ Facebook

Eric Genuis’ Twitter

Eric Genuis’ YouTube Channel

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Plato

Confucius

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

112. God Is the True Superhero: Darnell Ferguson Oct 26, 2023

You might’ve seen SuperChef Darnell Ferguson on Food Network, hosting, guest starring, and even cooking in the Beijing Olympics, dazzling people with his culinary abilities. But Darnell didn’t always know he wanted to be a chef, in fact it wasn’t until a teacher spoke life into him and he found an unexpected home in the church, that he realized God had given him this “superpower” to be a force for good in the lives of other kids who might have the same love for cooking, too.

Quotes

“I was living my whole life just to be the best chef in the world. That's all I ever knew. No one ever asked me who I was going to be, what I believed. No one ever cared to ask me any question about myself.” - Darnell Ferguson

“I actually tried to disassociate my career from myself because alI ever knew was what I wanted to be, never who I was going to be. So it led me to a deeper place of understanding. And it changed my whole life.” - Darnell Ferguson

“My whole life I had been waiting for somebody to tell me I was special… It changed everything for me.” - Darnell Ferguson

“People are looking for that confirmation that they are who they are.” - Darnell Ferguson

Guest’s Links

Darnell Ferguson’s Website

Darnell Ferguson’s Instagram

Darnell Ferguson’s Facebook

Darnell Ferguson’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Food Network

SuperChef Family Cookbook

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

111. In Our Unknown, God Shows Up: Melanie Penn Oct 19, 2023

In Jeremiah 29:11, God reminds us that He has extraordinary plans for each and every one of us. Often, it can be easy to get anxious when we think about the future and the unknown, but it’s important for us to trust God—His timing and plans are greater than we can imagine. Singer and songwriter Melanie Penn opens up about insecurities she has faced throughout her career and how staying rooted in her faith has always gotten her through the unknown.

Quotes

“I believe that God is on my side and that this abundant God who knows all the songs that have ever or will ever be written, that same God is just delighted to give a song to one of His children.” - Melanie Penn

“My faith is the work and the work is my faith. I think that—especially for writers or creators—it's very incarnational to make something. So you are kind of peering into the unseen and then bringing something into the world that hopefully gives life to people. And that in and of itself is like the incarnational work of Christ.” - Melanie Penn

“Wherever I am, God is going to be there. And I will be given what I need from Him to meet the challenges of a place. And all I need to do is stay in the day and do what God has given me to do on that particular day and have joy in that.” - Melanie Penn

Guest’s Links Melanie Penn’s Website

Melanie Penn’s Instagram

Melanie Penn’s Facebook

Melanie Penn’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Curt Thompson, MD

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

110. Love Is the Greatest Act of All: Rich Villodas Oct 12, 2023

Rich Villodas is a pastor in a Queens, NYC neighborhood that National Geographic calls “the most diverse zip code in the world.” As he leads others who have a variety of experiences, Rich has seen that if we lead with love and go out of our way to see every single person as beautiful, no matter their differences, we will begin to see wholeness and beauty like never before.

Quotes

“My identity is not rooted in having the right opinion about a particular issue. My identity is rooted in the love of Jesus. And if I can begin from that point, then I can live not without conviction, but I can live more open handedly with greater curiosity, with a greater capacity to ask questions.” - Rich Villodas

“Whenever disagreements, conflicts and tensions surface, which are inevitable and have happened since the very beginning of human existence, my hope is that people would see, number one, their identity is in God. But number two, because of that, one of the great acts of love is to actually step into the world as someone else. And this is the way of Jesus.” - Rich Villodas

“I think at the core of sin is a failure to love. Jesus said that the first and greatest commandment was to love God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors ourselves. And so if the greatest commandment is rooted in love, then sin must be failure to love, failure to love God, and failure to love our neighbor as ourselves.” - Rich Villodas

“Naming the reality and normalizing conflict is the first step to actually addressing it. A lot of people believe that to experience conflict means it's a sign of the unhealthy. I actually think that to never experience conflict is actually a sign of the unhealthy.” - Rich Villodas

“To live into goodness and beauty and kindness in our world, we need to remember that every single person is made in the image of God. Every single person is beautiful, beautifully made in the image of God. And imagine if we began to see each other in this way as people who were creations of a God who calls us lovely and lived into our lovableness in that way.” - Rich Villodas

Guest’s Links Rich Villodas’ Website

Rich Villodas Twitter

Rich Villodas Instagram

Rich Villodas Facebook

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Langston Hughes

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

109. Embracing God’s Call for Community: Elizabeth Passarella Oct 05, 2023

If we’re not careful, our busy, modern lives can blind us from the opportunities around us to connect and serve our neighbors. Elizabeth Passarella, a writer based in New York City, writes and edits for women's magazines such as InStyle and Vogue—along with writing her own two books. With her gift for storytelling, Elizabeth weaves a tapestry of everyday experiences, unveiling the parts of life that often go unnoticed. Through shared spaces and unexpected bonds that come with living in New York City, Elizabeth learns the profound truth that we are not meant to walk alone.

Quotes

“I love that throughout history, throughout the Bible, God has told His people to go to inhospitable places or stay in hard circumstances and persevere, and that He will never leave them alone. He is in the fire with them, He is in the fire with us.” - Elizabeth Passarella

“We know the verses of Jeremiah 29:11: ‘I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.’ Those are beautiful words, but before those verses, God told the people who were entering a strange city—a hostile place, where they were going to be exiled and face so much uncertainty. And He said to them, ‘Settle down, plant gardens, have babies, love your neighbors, seek the peace and prosperity of the city.’ Those words are my marching orders in life.” - Elizabeth Passarella

“Our circumstances are always shifting, and we can feel like we are wandering in the wilderness. But God is constant, and He is in the wilderness with us. He wants us to put down roots wherever He leads us, and He wants us to invest in our neighbors, even if that environment feels very foreign.” - Elizabeth Passarella

“God says we are not meant to do life alone. I have seen Him just slowly softening my self-sufficient little heart and showing me what can be gained by serving and letting people serve me, which I think is so much harder for so many of us. We can serve, but we don't want anyone to serve us or we don't want to have to be vulnerable and be needy. And it goes both ways. And that is what the beauty of the body of Christ is.” - Elizabeth Passarella

Guest’s Links Elizabeth Passarella’s Facebook

Elizabeth Passarella’s Instagram

Elizabeth Passarella’s Website

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Elizabeth Passarella’s Books

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

108. Humans—Flawed, Yet Loved: Max Lucado Sep 28, 2023

In the Bible, the story of Jacob is a good reminder that God can and will use you despite your flaws and struggles, whatever they may be. Max Lucado, a prolific author and pastor from Texas, shares his story of redemption and how, like Jacob, he has what he calls a "tilted halo." Max sees in Jacob a kindred spirit, a reminder that God's grace is for all of us and that God always has our backs, no matter our shortcomings.

Quotes

“Jacob is really written for all of us who struggle with faith. If you are part saint, part scoundrel, if you mean well but don't always do well, if you have breakthroughs, but more breakdowns, if you don't need a reminder of your failures, then you could probably use a refresher course on God's grace. I think Jacob provides that.” - Max Lucado

“Jacob and I have a lot in common. I tried to manage things by my own strength instead of His. I tend to do things secretly instead of honestly. And yet we have those moments in which God just allows us to see who we are and forces us to look in the mirror and be reminded of what we've become. We come face to face with ourselves and what we see we don't like. We use all our strength only to find out our strength isn't enough. And that's what happened to me.” - Max Lucado

“[Jacob] wrestled with God and he thought he had won. And then God, just with a touch on the hip, left him crippled for life, a constant reminder that God can bring us to our knees whenever He wants to.” - Max Lucado

“I'm thankful for those days, those tough days, that tough period. I'm not proud, but I'm thankful. I have long since given up on trying to leave the impression that I've got it all together. That's a load that I can't carry. I don't have it all together, but I'm grateful beyond words for my God who does.” - Max Lucado

Guest’s Links

Max Lucado’s Facebook

Max Lucado’s Instagram

Max Lucado’s Twitter

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

107. Our Bodies: A Beautiful Conduit for Worshiping God with David Taylor Sep 21, 2023

Often when we talk about worship, it is common to focus on the emotional side of it, but we tend to forget there’s a physical element of worship, too. Theologian and professor David Taylor’s perspective is that our bodies are a wonderful gift from God, and it’s up to us to honor Him with them in the way we worship and move in the world.

Quotes

“Our bodies are a gift. They're a gift and a grace and we should take our bodies as seriously as God takes our bodies.” - David Taylor

“All throughout Scripture, you have this constant drumbeat of affirmation underscoring the goodness of our bodies. So I think part of what I'm trying to do is to help Christians read the Bible with fresh eyes, but also to read it more consistently.” - David Taylor

“There are certain things that we can't know about the world unless we are silent, like going through the Redwood forest or walking through the mountains or being at a funeral in silence… there are unique ways that we can be before God in our bodies, in worship, and make the most of it.” - David Taylor

“My hope is that what I do with my body and in corporate worship with others is training me to be the kind of body that is the body of Jesus everywhere I go. The hope is that when we gather corporately, we're training our bodies in all these kinds of ways to be like the body of Jesus Himself.” - David Taylor

“And at the end of the day, how can I offer to God in worship all of my body, all my hands, my feet, my eyes, my ears, my nose, my mouth, every cell, every sense yielded over to God in humble and joyful adoration?” - David Taylor

Guest’s Links

David Taylor’s Instagram

David’s Taylor’s Twitter

David Taylor’s Facebook

David Taylor’s Website

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Redwood Forest

John F. Kennedy

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

106. Supporting Children and Adolescents Through Anxiety: Sissy Goff Sep 14, 2023

Anxiety is one of the leading mental health struggles for children and adolescents, but working through it as a family can help immensely. Author, counselor, and speaker Sissy Goff has been working with children and their parents at her practice for thirty years on these very topics and has helped countless families cope and navigate anxiety together—even in the wake of The Covenant School shooting, when Sissy read The Jesus Storybook Bible to grieving families and shared that even when our world feels scary and uncertain, God is there for us all.

Quotes

“We're now looking at one in four kids dealing with anxiety. Girls are twice as likely, one in three adolescents, and one in three parents, and women are twice as likely… and anxiety has an amazing ability to spread. The more we can stop it when we are contributing to the source, I think the better it is for the kids that we love.” - Sissy Goff

“When we can calm ourselves down, we have more of an ability to help the kids we love calm down, too. And sometimes that includes doing our own work, taking our own deep breaths, separating from the kids for the moment, just to help ourselves settle so we can help them settle too.” - Sissy Goff

“It helps [kids] see we're not perfect so they don't have to be overwhelmed by this burden of perfectionism, that we're all working towards health together. And I think our best tool in doing this work against worry is the peace of God that transcends our hearts and minds.” - Sissy Goff

“That profound, simple reminder of who He is and the fact that we have this place in His kingdom I think can take away our anxiety of having to think that we're in charge, because we're simply not. And Someone much wiser and kinder and gentler and stronger than we are is in charge. And His kingdom is coming to fruition.” - Sissy Goff

Guest’s Links Sissy Goff’s Facebook

Sissy Goff’s Instagram

Raising Boys and Girls website

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Daystar Counseling Ministries, Inc.

Raising Boys and Girls Podcast

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

105. Exploring God's Love Through the Universe: Dr. Deborah Haarsma Sep 07, 2023

Do you ever stand under the stars and feel like you have more questions than answers? Dr. Deborah Haarsma, an astronomer and president of BioLogos, shares her experience of grappling with the tension between science and the Bible. By reading the works of Christians who have studied these disciplines, she came to understand that the Bible's main points about God's creative power and the goodness of creation still hold true, even if the scientific details are different from what was understood at the time the Bible was written.

Quotes

“When I was starting to study astronomy and hearing how vast the universe is, I heard a lot of people saying things like, ‘The universe is just so huge and humans are so small. We're just this tiny, forgotten bit of the universe and not very significant.’ It took a while for me to really work through that and realize that that is completely wrong.” - Dr. Deborah Haarsma

“It's amazing, whether you look up at the stars at night or you look at the images from telescopes that you can find online of this incredibly vast universe, God says, ‘Look at that. That is how big my love is.’ God's love is as vast as the universe.” - Dr. Deborah Haarsma

“When I consider the Scriptures alongside what I see in the universe, I'm just overwhelmed by the depth of God's love and the incredible forgiveness He's willing to offer. No matter how often I sin and mess up and keep turning away, God is still willing to forgive.” - Dr. Deborah Haarsma

Guest’s Links Dr. Deborah Haarsma’s Instagram

Dr. Deborah Haarsma’s Facebook

Dr. Deborah Haarsma’s Professional Bio

Resources Mentioned in This Episode https://BioLogos.org/

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

104. The Courage to Answer: Rashawn Copeland Aug 31, 2023

A social media post caught minister Rashawn Copeland’s attention when he was in a dark, desperate place, and he felt the love of God in that moment, which ultimately saved him from a destructive pattern in his life. Now, he emphasizes the importance of being real and authentic with young people, sharing our testimony, and treasuring the message we've been entrusted with, because sharing that truth has the power to save lives.

Quotes

“What changed everything for me was when I understood that I needed a new appetite for something far greater. And whatever has our attention has our affection. It changed everything for me to understand His love for me.” - Rashawn Copeland

“We've been entrusted with this message that the world truly needs to hear, and we need to treasure it enough to tell those who don't know it.” - Rashawn Copeland

“We're in a beautiful time where we can reach the multitudes and not only share the King, but help others to get to know the King. And it changes everything.” - Rashawn Copeland

“When we are believers and we know what's real, when we know what's true, we need to speak, because someone's life literally depends on it.” - Rashawn Copeland

Guest’s Links

Rashawn Copeland’s website

Rashawn Copeland’s Instagram

Rashawn Copeland’s Facebook

Rashawn Copeland’s Twitter

No Turning Back: Escape Your Past, Empower Your Present, and Experience God's Best for You

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Bible Verse Daily on TikTok Soulja Boy

Lil’ Romeo

Machine Gun Kelly

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

103. Walking Your Own Road With the Right People: Melanie Shankle Aug 24, 2023

Moving from the era of blogging to the age of Instagram has shifted our perspective on motherhood and how we share those parenting moments with the wider world. Melanie Shankle shares her unique takes on the evolution of motherhood and how friendship can be a life-saving element in all of the change surrounding us.

Quotes

“We have this internal thing where we measure ourselves by what other people are doing. How does their marriage look? How are they parenting? How are their kids? It can be so easy to want to compete with them; it's like this inner envy or comparison game.” - Melanie Shankle

“The thing that God has always brought me back to in my life is that I’ve got to walk my own road. I’ve got to walk the road that God has given me. Someone else's road always looks better because I don't know all the bumps in their road.” - Melanie Shankle

“I think you just have to go back to what you know is the truth, which is that God has given you your path, your words, and your presence here on earth and He has something very specific tied to that that only you can do.” - Melanie Shankle

“You've got to have real life people in some capacity, the people who are going to show up on your doorstep when things are bad or hard or when you're sick or when you need something. That’s living in real community.” - Melanie Shankle

“I think real relationship, real friendship, starts when you're vulnerable with people and say, ‘Here are my struggles, here's who I really am,’ and they do the same.” - Melanie Shankle

Guest’s Links Melanie Shankle’s website

Melanie’s Instagram

Melanie’s Facebook

Melanie’s Twitter

The Big Boo Cast, Melanie’s Podcast with Sophie Hudson

On the Bright Side: Stories about Friendship, Love, and Being True to Yourself

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Nobody’s Cuter Than You: A Memoir About the Beauty of Friendship

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

102. How Stillness and Silence Create Room for God: Jon Guerra Aug 17, 2023

With the world constantly waging war for our attention, it’s becoming more and more difficult to sit with ourselves and God. Singer/songwriter Jon Guerra's practice of stillness during his commute to his studio in Chicago helped him to create the ethos of his “devotional music,” and he hopes that his music will inspire others to direct their everyday experiences towards God.

Quotes

“In the history of the church, silence has been a practice for a couple thousand years, even in the Psalms. As we try to make sense of our lives with God, there's something about silence that we understand to be helpful and useful.” - Jon Guerra

“My music is my daily turning to God; I hope that it helps others turn their everyday experiences toward God as well.” - Jon Guerra

“Silence not only gives music meaning, but it is a practice that helps us counteract the liturgy of the modern world, which is distraction. Silence is useful in so many ways.” - Jon Guerra

“I think that's what God wants for us. Ultimately, He wants to give us peace. He wants to give us shalom. He wants to give us rest.” - Jon Guerra

Guest’s Links Jon Guerra’s Website

Jon Guerra’s Instagram

Jon Guerra’s Facebook

Jon Guerra’s Twitter

Listen to Jon Guerra’s most recent albums

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Walter Brueggemann

Keeper of Days Album

Blaise Pascal

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

101. Trusting the God Who Brings Us Through Uncertainty: Alli Worthington Aug 10, 2023

Alli Worthington started a company with only $42, Google, and a fortitude that God would make a way. She shares how going through a tough financial downturn made her less afraid of failure and reframed how she viewed motherhood. Now, Alli’s passionate about helping women to believe in themselves and trust in God to guide their steps towards their dreams.

Quotes

“Going through losing it all makes you less afraid to make mistakes. It makes you less afraid of failure.” – Alli Worthington

“I knew that with God's guidance, I could learn something new. I knew if I put myself out there, He would guide my steps, and the end result would be a partnership with Him that wouldn’t depend completely on me.” – Alli Worthington

“When we try anything new for the first time, it's going to be harder than we think it is, and we're going to be a lot worse at it than we think we are going to be. That doesn’t mean we're not supposed to do it; it just means that it's new.” – Alli Worthington

“What I learned through the years raising my kids is that being the best mother I could be starts with learning to mother myself.” – Alli Worthington

“You can break the myths that culture tells us about motherhood. You can be armed with tools and research and gospel-soaked truth to be able to live out motherhood in a new and a fresh way so it doesn't have to be so hard every day.” – Alli Worthington

Guest’s Links Alli Worthington’s website

Alli Worthington’s Facebook

Alli Worthington’s Twitter

Alli Worthington’s Instagram

Alli Worthington's books

Alli Worthington’s podcast

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Remaining You While Raising Them by Alli Worthington

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

100. Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast Celebrates 100 Episodes with Ellie Holcomb Aug 03, 2023

Hooray! We are celebrating the 100th episode of the Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast, and while we can’t believe we’re already at this milestone, we’re honored to share the celebrations with a special guest host today, our friend, Ellie Holcomb. Ellie walks with us down memory lane as we visit some powerful episodes with guests who speak to God’s never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and forever love; including Amy Grant, Bishop Michael Curry, Jodi Benson, Michelle Hord, Aarti Sequeira, and the late and beloved pastor and writer, Tim Keller.

Quotes

“Isn't it so beautiful to learn and to rest in the knowledge that we are all part of God's story?” – Ellie Holcomb

“When I walk into a situation and I want to be a part of it, I ask, ‘What do I already have?’ I want to share what I have and I want to share it in a way of believing that a little bit can go a super long way in God's hands.” – Amy Grant

“Love makes room and space for others to be. Because that's what love does.” – Bishop Michael Curry

“This verse just spoke to my heart and spirit, and I truly believe it was God throwing me a lifeline: Job 13:15, ‘Though He slay me, yet will, I trust Him.’ This verse became a battle cry for me.” – Michelle Hord

“What I always wanted was that my relationship with God would be so real that it would just leak out of me… I think God has done that. I can't talk about hardly anything without talking about what God thinks about it.” – Aarti Sequeira

“God can do extraordinary things through ordinary people who obey Him. If you can walk in obedience in something that's terribly uncomfortable, then let Him take it from there.” – Jodi Benson

“If you are a Christian, you know that your relationship with God is impossible unless God forgives you. He doesn't make you repay your debt because your debt is far more than you could pay. And it's also true that if you do know you're forgiven by God, then you turn to other people who owe you, who have wronged you, and you're able to forgive them.” – Tim Keller

Guest’s Links Ellie Holcomb’s Facebook

Ellie Holcomb’s Instagram

Ellie Holcomb’s Twitter

Ellie Holcomb’s Website

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Amy Grant’s Episode Part 1

Amy Grant’s Episode Part 2

Bishop Michael Curry’s Episode

Jodi Benson’s Episode

Aarti Sequeira’s Episode

Michelle Hord’s Episode

Tim Keller’s Episode

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

99. Stewarding Our Land as a God-Given Gift: Dr. Ellen F. Davis Jul 27, 2023

America has seen a steady decline in the percentage of farming individuals in the last century, so how do we maintain a connection to the land that God gave us? Dr. Ellen F. Davis—professor of Bible and practical theology at Duke University Divinity School—has come to see how the Bible could help redirect our connection to creation and how we care for it. Dr. Davis’ extensive research led her to believe that land is not merely soil, but a community of all creatures that participate in the life of that soil.

Quotes

“The land, in some sense, comes first and we have to be responsible for it. That was a new way of thinking and working for me as a biblical scholar. I began reading the Bible with that view in mind, and discovered issues having to do with the well-being of the land, and how they are interconnected with human well-being.” – Dr. Ellen F. Davis

“Being an agrarian means recognizing that the health, the life of human beings is not separate from the life of the land on which we live, on which we depend daily for existence. And when I speak of land, I mean not just soil, but also land as a community, all of the creatures that participate in the life of that soil.” – Dr. Ellen F. Davis

“The Bible was written by people who knew their land, knew that if they did not care for it, it would not be available to their children. So they knew their land and its fragility and its infinite value. They knew that it came to them as a gift of God, and it was entrusted to them not as individuals, but as part of an intergenerational community.” – Dr. Ellen F. Davis

“The good news and the source of hope is that people are more concerned about the central issues of land use and land care, sustainable food production, and destruction of habitat for animals. People are more aware and more determined to be involved in whatever kind of healing we can participate in.” – Dr. Ellen F. Davis

Guest’s Links Dr. Ellen F. Davis

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Meeting the Expectations of the Land book

Scripture, Culture, and Agriculture: An Agrarian Reading Of The Bible by Dr. Ellen F. Davis

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

98. The God Who Meets Our Needs: Peter Greer Jul 20, 2023

Peter Greer found his purpose amidst the rubble of the Soviet Union empire. While studying in Moscow, he had lunch with an individual that jump started his purpose in alleviating poverty through ingenuitive finance and business tools. Traveling all over the world, he’s found that deep lasting hope can be found in the action of others in community—working together to find solutions to life’s biggest challenges.

Quotes

“If all we see in the world are the problems, and we feel that there's nothing that can be done, there's nothing we can do, the problems are too big, they're too scary, that leads to a place of helplessness. That leads to a place of despondency. But I think there's a different approach, and it's to see the problems in our world to say, ‘Yes, there are big and scary problems. Yes, there are complexities.’ But then hope comes from the actual belief that there is something that we can do.” – Peter Greer

“Even in the most complex issues, it is possible to see progress. And that has been the joy of my life, to see places of poverty, to see complex problems, but also to meet and spend time with entrepreneurs that are working for a greater good, that are serving courageously, that are responding generously.” – Peter Greer

“I believe hope is rooted in the greatest story that has ever been told, a story of God's redemption and love. I believe that is where true hope comes from.” – Peter Greer

“Even though there are challenges, even though there are complexities in our world, hope is not lost. We can look to the story of Jesus as love, know that it was true in history and it is true today. And really, from that foundation of receiving God's love, then that equips us to go and share God's love with others.” – Peter Greer

“If we're not careful, we can look at the needs around the world, we can look at communities that are in poverty, and we can have this sense of, We've got to go in and we've got to solve all the problems. And I love the heart of compassion that that comes from. But if you take a step back, there's a question that we don't ask often enough: who is already there in that community? Who are the individuals that are already living in those communities already working toward change? And what would it look like if we partnered with them, equipping them and supporting them and walking with them as they are solving these challenges?” – Peter Greer

Guest’s Links Peter Greer’s Website

Peter Greer’s Instagram

Peter Greer’s Facebook

Peter Greer’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Hope International

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

97. What Does God Want for Us Most? To Flourish: Norman Wirzba Jul 13, 2023

What God most wants for us, says Duke Divinity professor Norman Wirzba, is that we be flourishing together, that we live in communion, and that in our sharing of life with each other, we can experience God’s love. Norman shares why nurturing the world changes our lens from consumer to carer, and why asking, “How do we build more beauty in the world?” is a question most worthy of our attention.

Quotes

“How can we build more beauty in this world? How can we cultivate goodness in our neighborhoods? Because when we have that goodness and that beauty, our lives are so much better. We can experience the joy that God has always wanted for creatures.” - Norman Wirzba

“God is constantly active, nurturing and feeding and protecting and celebrating a beautiful world, a good world. And we should learn to do the same thing.” - Norman Wirzba

Guest’s Links

Norman Wirzba’s Instagram

Norman Wirzba’s Facebook

Norman Wirzba’s Twitter

Norman Wirzba’s Website

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Duke Divinity School

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

96. When We Press Into Our Pain, We Heal: Toni Collier Jul 06, 2023

When you feel broken, can you ever truly heal? Author and speaker Toni Collier says you can—and she’s the living proof. Toni vulnerably shares the road that took her to rock-bottom at age 24: a childhood and teen years filled with emotional neglect, sexual trauma, an eating disorder, substance abuse—and how counseling gave her the tools to discover the joy and hope she had when she was a little girl.

Quotes

“Even Jesus had circles, and we can put people in different levels of our circles around us that can help protect us, that can help us put good boundaries in place, that can transition people out in love and kindness too.” - Toni Collier

“Gratitude is huge when it comes to a healing process, because sometimes you have to wake up and say, ‘Thank you, Lord, that I just had peace today, and that was enough.’” - Toni Collier

“The truth is, I am who I am today, I have the capacity and the resilience and the grit and also the authority to speak into these really hard places because of what I've been through.” - Toni Collier

“Jesus comes in, and He redeems and He restores and He makes us brand new over and over and over again.” - Toni Collier

“The greatest gift I've ever given myself is the bravery to press into pain and the freedom to really heal from it.” -Toni Collier

Guest’s Links

Toni Collier’s Facebook

Toni Collier’s Website

Toni Collier’s Instagram

Toni Collier’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Teletubbies

EMDR

Broken Crayons Still Color

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

95. When Your Biggest Achievement Becomes God’s Greatest Tool: Astronaut Charlie Duke Jun 29, 2023

At 36, Charlie Duke walked on the moon as part of the Apollo 16 space mission. At 37, he asked himself, Now what? Charlie shares his incredible journey to the moon and back, and how his biggest achievement lay just beyond his galactic voyage—because God was going to use that walk to open doors Charlie could’ve never imagined.

Quotes

“No matter what life status people are, they want to meet somebody that walked on the moon. And God has opened the door of that moonwalk to change a lot of people.” - Charlie Duke

“God has given us free will. We get to decide whether to believe His word or believe what the world says.” - Charlie Duke

Guest’s Links

Charlie Duke’s Facebook

Charlie Duke’s Instagram

Charlie Duke’s Website

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Duke Ministry for Christ

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

94. Finding Meaning In Our Pain: Elizabeth Davis Jun 22, 2023

Elizabeth Davis is a Tony-nominated actress who finds meaning in stories—even in the painful ones. As Elizabeth went through her own season of grief, she found meaning that art connects us to each other and reveals that even though we all feel pain from failure or loss, we are never alone in our suffering.

Quotes

“I hope to take my art and lay it as an offering. And say if you are in pain, here is maybe a way to deal with that to lead you forward. Maybe you'll find an understanding of what [God] is doing through my tiny, small drop in the bucket offering.” - Elizabeth Davis

“I've spent a career trying to understand what it really looks like… I call it my creative theology, my attempt to fuse my work and my faith together in such a way that makes this a true calling in my life.” - Elizabeth Davis

“As artists, we're alchemists. We enter into pain and we empathize. We convert pain into meaning. I believe we are tasked with a very high, holy calling: of entering into pain in order to make it make sense, so that we can deliver it to people in such a way that we can learn from it.” - Elizabeth Davis

“I'm trying to just be a human, walk through pain, create art, and do that in such a way that it can extend a hand to someone else who may be going through something similar.” - Elizabeth Davis

“We don't find ourselves in success. We find ourselves in failure. And I do think from a faith perspective that's true, too. Suffering is such a gift in some confusing way, but suffering is a gift.” - Elizabeth Davis

“Faith is a day-to-day journey. It is waking up and putting one foot in front of the other moment by moment.” - Elizabeth Davis

Guest’s Links Elizabeth Davis’ Instagram

Elizabeth Davis’ Facebook

Elizabeth Davis’ Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

93. Building Healthy Community at the Roots: Brian Davis Jun 15, 2023

What does it take to build a healthy community? It starts, says pastor Brian Davis, by showing up with an open heart. Brian shares about the hard work of church planting, why he’s determined to share God’s love in hard places, and why there’s no greater reward in nurturing a new church than reaping the joy of community.

Quotes

“The Lord's grace is sufficient for every challenge that He brings His people to and through.” - Brian Davis

“At the end of the day, people are people everywhere that people are, which is one reason we know the gospel is the right fit for everyone, because it's for all people everywhere.” - Brian Davis

Guest’s Links Exalting Christ Church

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Risen Christ Fellowship

Shai Linne

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

92. A God Who Dwells Among Us: Nancy Guthrie Jun 08, 2023

God’s Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love is woven throughout the pages of scripture—even the Old Testament, as writer and teacher Nancy Guthrie has discovered. As her family has endured heartbreaking losses that no parent ever wants to face, Nancy holds onto hope as she receives continual comfort from a God who’s always been determined to dwell among his people.

Quotes

“Life comes to all who take hold of Jesus by faith.” - Nancy Guthrie

“We see God continuing to work out His plan to dwell with his people.” - Nancy Guthrie

Guest’s Links Nancy Guthrie’s Facebook

Nancy Guthrie’s Instagram

Nancy Guthrie’s Twitter

Nancy Guthrie’s Website

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Nashville, Tennessee

Old Testament

Zellweger Syndrome

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

[ANNOUNCING] “Happy” by Sally Lloyd-Jones Jun 06, 2023

Psalm 92 reminds us that it’s good to give thanks to God for all that He’s given us. To show gratitude for His many blessings, Sally’s reading from her brand-new children’s book Happy (illustrated by Jago!), which reminds little ones to get in the habit of looking for the good in the world, and seeing that it comes from the hands of the Heavenly Father—filling our hearts with happiness.

Available right now at your favorite book retailer!

https://www.sallylloyd-jones.com/books/happy-psalm-92/

91. Tapping Into God’s Real, Deep Rest: Curtis Zackery Jun 01, 2023

Are you weary and burdened, looking for rest? Pastor and author Curtis Zackery has been there too. Curtis shares why we find ourselves in seasons of physical and spiritual burnout and how, as he once did, we can climb out of them with intentional practices that refresh our souls.

Quotes

“There's always more to do. There's always good things to do. And in doing those good things, in those more things, then we miss the chance for us to stop and consider what it means for us to receive rest.” - Curtis Zackery

“We actually need to be intentional to set time aside because there's always more to do. There's always good things to do.” - Curtis Zackery

Guest’s Links

Curtis Zackery’s Website

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Søren Kierkegaard

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

90. Finding God in the Lyrics: Luke Laird May 25, 2023

“God is so real to me in my music,” says Nashville songwriter Luke Laird. Luke shares how he went from growing up in rural Pennsylvania to writing songs with some of country music’s biggest stars (like Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, and Kacey Musgraves), and how music is a gift that can touch us in ways that sometimes sermons can’t.

Quotes

“There is music in just the quiet. When you go outside, it's never fully quiet. There's always a bird singing or you can hear a river flowing. I'm just so grateful that not only is He giving us His word, but He's giving us His creation.” - Luke Laird

“God has been so faithful in so many ways throughout my life and just in music. It really is a gift.” - Luke Laird

Guest’s Links Luke Laird’s Facebook

Luke Laird’s Instagram

Luke Laird’s Twitter

Luke Laird’s Website

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Carrie Underwood

Middle Tennessee State University

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

89. God Brings Light to the Dark Places: Sandra McCracken May 18, 2023

God breaks into our lives, even in the dark places, giving hope to people like songwriter Sandra McCracken. Sandra shares her lifelong love of wrapping scripture into her life and work, and the delicate balance of holding lament and hope in both hands.

Quotes

“I think God's love comes at us from all angles, in all different directions. For me, it was bound up in music and words and being in the family that I was born into.” - Sandra McCracken

“It's so important to not just put kind of a sunny take on everything that was, but to continue to tell our story in a way that is reflecting who we are, and how God has brought grace and deliverance to us, like over and over again.” - Sandra McCracken

Guest’s Links Sandra McCracken’s Facebook

Sandra McCracken’s Instagram

Sandra McCracken’s Twitter

Sandra McCracken’s Website

Resources Mentioned in This Episode We Will Feast in the House of Zion

Steadfast

The Mercy, My God

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

88. What We Miss When We Forget to Pause: Ken Shigematsu May 11, 2023

Life would be so much easier if everyone had access to a pause button. While we don’t have a literal red button to push, God gave us a way to access rest and clarity at the most challenging times — prayer and meditation. Ken Shigematsu found peace by studying the rhythm of life that monks in Ireland observed, and he shares his most profound and life changing practices.

Quotes

“It's really important not to see your rhythm of life, any spiritual practices that you might engage in, as a performance, but simply as a way to turn to the Lord.” - Ken Shigematsu

“A rule of life is simply a way of life that supports our most life-giving friendship of all: our friendship of Jesus Christ, so that we receive more of His sunlight in our life, so that our lives are guided by His wisdom, pruned and simplified, so that we bear more of the fruit of His love, joy, and peace in our lives.” - Ken Shigematsu

“God doesn't love us because of some benefit that we provide Him with. He doesn't want us to be anxiously living in the past. He wants us to enjoy His love for us in this present moment.” - Ken Shigematsu

Guest’s Links Ken Shigematsu’s Instagram

Ken Shigematsu’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Leighton Ford Ministries

Thomas Keating

Tenth Church

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

87. Believing Your Body Is Good: Jess Connolly May 04, 2023

If you believed your body was good, how would that change your life? For author Jess Connolly, it radically changed the way she saw herself. The more she remembered how compassionate God was toward her, the more she treated her body with kindness and care—and the more joy she found.

Quotes

“[I thought,] If God has said my body is good, if I believe that truth, how would I act? How would I move? And then I had to really start to live like I was free before I felt like I was free.” - Jess Connolly

“My Father, who is compassionate and kind, who created this world with love and tenderness and justice and rightness, how could He not be compassionate toward me?” - Jess Connolly

“Consider talking to God about how you feel about your body and consider the possibility that He wants to talk back. There is a world of intimacy to be found in just communicating with our father about this issue.” - Jess Connolly

“Speak kindly and speak truth about your body the same way God would talk about your body, and talk to Him and hear what He has to say back.” - Jess Connolly

Guest’s Links Jess Connolly’s Facebook

Jess Connolly’s Instagram

Jess Connolly’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Bright City Church

Go and Tell Gals

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

86. A Window into Holistic Healing: Amy Julia Becker Apr 27, 2023

What does it mean to experience healing, whether from physical, emotional, or spiritual pain? Is it possible to live with pain and experience peace? Writer Amy Julia Becker shares the challenges she’s faced on her personal health journey and how she learned to connect her spirit, body, and mind to encounter holistic healing through God’s shalom.

Quotes

“That's been my experience with Jesus, one who does not want me to simply feel better and then go away and not be a bother, but in fact wants to see me face to face and say, ‘Let me speak a blessing over you and send you out in peace and with purpose.’” - Amy Julia Becker

“What does it mean for us to actually live in what I think God's dream for healing would be, a state of shalom or of mutual giving and receiving of love and peace to one another?” - Amy Julia Becker

“That's a pattern we see throughout Scripture, that we have to acknowledge pain and be honest about it, and then we have to ask for help and be humble about it. And then healing is possible for us, and that's true for our minds, our bodies, our spirits, and our communities.” - Amy Julia Becker

Guest’s Links Website

Amy Julia Becker’s Facebook

Amy Julia Becker’s Instagram

Amy Julia Becker’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode To Be Made Well: An Invitation to Wholeness, Healing, and Hope by Amy Julia Becker

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

85. The Empathetic Power of Good Stories: Claude Atcho Apr 20, 2023

“Reading brain” is a phenomenon discussed by psychologists, pastor Claude Atcho, where reading good stories expands your perspective—and your empathy. Claude shares why reading is an important tool in loving our neighbors as ourselves, because we can enter their lives through story.

Quotes

“I realized I had a unique angle from my literary background and then also my pastoral experience: those two things could really come together and help people process art and the beauty of art and stories.” - Claude Atcho

“We can't really understand American Christianity without thinking about African-American Christianity and how Black people were central and vital to preserving and upholding the faith, both in its doctrinal truth and also its lived truth, its ethical truth.” - Claude Atcho

“Literature is obviously story, right? It’s human experience. And what story does is preserve our deep longings, our deep fears, our questions and our hopes, and kind of our wandering and exploring through life. So we're trying to think about human experience as told through stories with all of its pain, all of its joy, all of its hope, all of its struggle. And then we're trying to think in the sense of God's kingdom and God's word as we consider those stories.” - Claude Atcho

“Sometimes I'm not brave like David. I don't have this sort of faith. I can be discouraged, I can be weak, I can be cynical and skeptical. And when I'm like that, God still saves and acts for His people through the real hero, which is Jesus.” - Claude Atcho

Guest’s Links Website

Claude’s Twitter

Claude’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Church of the Resurrection

Reading Black Books: How African American Literature Can Make Our Faith More Whole and Just

Frederick Douglass

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

84. When You Change the Mind, You Change the Game: Kennith Thomas Apr 13, 2023

Over and over, dancer and speaker Kennith Thomas has seen that when you change your mindset, you can change your life—even in the midst of trying times. Kennith shares how shifting the atmosphere in his son’s hospital room during his leukemia battle helped the whole family, and how the story of Samson’s last days shows us the pillars we can push when we reach for God’s strength.

Quotes

“Negative things come into our life all the time. I don't believe that one person or any person really is positive all the time, but you can have a positive mindset to different things.” - Kennith Thomas

“You and God together means there's a collective here. So when we change the mind and you allow Him to come in, you can change the game.” - Kennith Thomas

“Are you making your environment comfortable in your life? Are you making the environment comfortable inside your home, inside your workplace? What are some of the things that you can do?” - Kennith Thomas

“Are you optimistic that God can go ahead and change things at the blink of an eye if it's according to His will? Do you believe that much? Are you willing to fight and ask for His strength at the end of the day?” - Kennith Thomas

“If you continue to move in impact today and live today to the fullest, effort plus commitment will equal success.” - Kennith Thomas

Guest’s Links Website

Kennith’s Facebook

Kennith’s Instagram

Kennith’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Romans 12:2 NIV

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

83. “Love Gets the Last Word” – Easter 2023 with Sally Lloyd-Jones, Part 2 Apr 06, 2023

To celebrate the hope and joy of Easter, Sally is reading three stories from The Jesus Storybook Bible that remind us in the end, love gets the last word. He is Risen!

*Don’t forget to download our FREE "Countdown to Easter" Activity kit! https://bit.ly/3II97Rc

Quotes

“Jesus said, ‘Anyone who believes in me will live even after dying.’ That's the hope we can hold onto.” – Sally Lloyd-Jones

“Death is not the end of you and me. Sickness and pain and suffering and tears don't get the last word. Love does. That's the great hope of Easter.” – Sally Lloyd-Jones

Resources Mentioned in This Episode The Jesus Storybook Bible

Charles Spurgeon

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

82. In a Broken World, We Can Have Hope – Easter 2023 with Sally Lloyd-Jones, Part 1 Mar 30, 2023

As you prepare for Easter, Sally Lloyd-Jones invites you to listen as she reads two stories from The Jesus Storybook Bible: “Washed With Tears” and “The Servant King.” They remind us that even as we walk through a broken world, love gets the final word.

*Don’t forget to download our FREE "Countdown to Easter" Activity kit! https://bit.ly/3II97Rc

Quotes

“‘Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying’ (John 11:25). That is a truth we can hang on to: that even as we walk through pain and suffering, even as we see all the brokenness in the world. It’s the truth at the center of the Easter story.” – Sally Lloyd-Jones

Resources Mentioned in This Episode The Jesus Storybook Bible

Wit by Margaret Edson

Wit special on HBO featuring Emma Thompson Charles Spurgeon

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

81. Capturing the Rescuer’s Story in Illustrations: Jago Mar 23, 2023

A picture book is a story told in words and illustrations. And when it comes to The Jesus Storybook Bible, Sally’s storytelling partner is the talented artist, Jago! In this special episode, Jago shares his unlikely journey to illustrating for picture books, the movie-worthy story of how he came to be the illustrator for The Jesus Storybook Bible, and the awe-inspiring impact his work has had on generations of children.

*Looking forward to Easter? Don't forget to download our FREE "Countdown to Easter" Activity kit now! https://bit.ly/3II97Rc

Quotes

“I've always enjoyed the idea that illustrations—good illustrations, if you look at the picture on its own, they should kind of make you wonder what's going on and what's going to happen next.” – Jago

“When I'm doing my illustrations, I try to remember what it was like as a child to look at the pictures.” – Jago

“I do find it quite kind of overwhelming, when you sort of step back and think that there's a whole generation—multiple generations, I guess—of children who've grown up with [The Jesus Storybook Bible] as their version of all of these stories. It's quite a strange feeling, really, as an illustrator to realize that somebody's whole idea of what Jonah and the giant fish looks like is based on a picture that I drew fifteen years ago.” – Jago

Guest’s Links Website

Jago’s Twitter

Jago’s Facebook

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

80. The Joy of Embracing Our Limitations: Kelly Kapic Mar 16, 2023

19th century Danish philosopher Søren Kirkegaard once mused, “Busyness tends to prevent people from forming a heart.” Theologian Kelly Kapic agrees. Kelly shares his struggle to shed the unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves and the solution he found to “the busy problem” — embracing our limitations, which connects us to God and to others.

*Are you celebrating Lent with your family? Download our FREE Lent + "Countdown to Easter" Activity kit now! https://bit.ly/3II97Rc

Quotes

“In our busyness, our ability to form a heart, to be kind and loving to others, gets harder and harder.”

– Kelly Kapic

“Theology is not so much for just pastors and scholars. It's for all of God's people.”

– Kelly Kapic

“What I found so often was that wave of shame that would come over me when I put my head on the pillow, it was so often this: I should have gotten more done today. I should have done more. And so the question is, did God actually think I needed to do more?”

– Kelly Kapic

“It would be beautiful for us to revisit and understand the rhythms of work and rest and laughter and delight in gratitude, not just busyness.”

– Kelly Kapic

“Really embracing our limitations brings freedom and joy because at its base, it connects us to God and others.”

– Kelly Kapic

“Humility at its best is a recognition that to be a human creature is to be dependent on God, to be dependent on neighbor, and to be dependent on the Earth.” – Kelly Kapic

“I think it takes a tremendous amount of courage to believe not just that God loves you, but He likes you. And He is faithful to slowly, truly be working in your life.” – Kelly Kapic

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Covenant College

Ben Franklin

Netflix

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

79. God’s Love Can Work Through Paradox: Brandon Vaidyanathan Mar 09, 2023

As a teen in Dubai, Dr. Brandon Vaidyanathan experienced God’s love, ironically, through heartbreak. This experience gave him a new lens that launched him into a career in sociology. And eventually, Dr. Vaidyanathan realized that maybe the forces he thought were at odds—science and religion, truth and wonder—could actually work together for good.

*Are you celebrating Lent with your family? Download our FREE Lent + "Countdown to Easter" Activity kit now! https://bit.ly/3II97Rc

Quotes

“I think science is a place where you can learn to be open to something that challenges you and it doesn't threaten you. It can help you to more deeply appreciate a truth that is beyond your current imagination.”

– Dr. Brandon Vaidyanathan

“There's this profound truth about the gospel: to save your life, you must lose it.” – Dr. Brandon Vaidyanathan

“We can talk about how we ought to live, but how are we actually living?” – Dr. Brandon Vaidyanathan

“It's one of the most appealing and sort of scary things about Christianity: the call to give everything away, which is beautiful and noble.” – Dr. Brandon Vaidyanathan

Find Our Guest Online Dr. Brandon Vaidyanathan’s website

Dr. Brandon Vaidyanathan’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Catholic University of America

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

78. Politics as a Form of Loving Your Neighbor: Michael Wear Mar 02, 2023

Michael Wear believes politics doesn’t have to be a cage match; it can be a forum for loving your neighbor. As a leading strategist, Michael shares how faith communities can participate in the public sphere as a form of service, shifting their focus from effecting policy to helping people flourish.

*Are you celebrating Lent with your family? Download our FREE Lent + "Countdown to Easter" Activity kit now! https://bit.ly/3II97Rc

Quotes

“Our God is a God of possibilities. We open up more possibilities when we're willing to take that step of humbly, hopefully, joyfully stewarding our influence in a healthy way, in a way that views politics as just one form of loving our neighbor.” – Michael Wear

“When it comes to politics, and for Christians, when it comes to all of life, it’s how do you steward the responsibility you have to love and honor and bring glory to God and love your neighbor?” – Michael Wear

“We don't need to be completely comfortable to participate in politics. That's why we're to be in the world, but not of the world.” – Michael Wear

“If we view politics as one forum in which we can love our neighbor, then we can let go and just try to be faithful in the situation that God has placed us.” – Michael Wear

Guest’s Links Michael Wear’s website

Michael Wear’s Facebook

Michael Wear’s Twitter

Michael Wear’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Center for Christianity and Public Life

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

77. Drawing Strength from Your Scars: Kechi Okwuchi Feb 23, 2023

God’s greatest work, says author and speaker Kechi Okwuchi, is a kind of alchemy: He can transform pain into purpose. As one of two survivors of a commercial airline plane crash, Kechi shares her miraculous yet harrowing struggle to survive her trauma, and how she’s learned to draw strength from a story she never asked for.

Quotes

“What sets you apart as a Christian, as a believer, is that when those bad things happen, it gives you a place to go to, to run to when they happen.” - Kechi Okwuchi

“I learned that I need to learn about God for myself, know about Him for myself, so that I can understand how to pray for myself and how to access that feeling and that peaceful feeling like everything's going to be okay.” - Kechi Okwuchi

“[I was] seeing God as this transactional figure, where you pray and He gives you results. And so when I didn't get the results I expected after praying, I got very frustrated and I had to deal with that.” - Kechi Okwuchi

“Being a Christian does not exempt you from bad things happening to you in this world. That is not what Christianity or the faith is supposed to represent. It doesn't mean that you're suddenly shielded from life. Good and bad things happen to good and bad people.” - Kechi Okwuchi

“I pray that anyone who has gone through any kind of trauma, whether it's as visible as mine or invisible, that they somehow are able to grasp the truth: that there is life after trauma to look forward to. Not only life where you survive, but one where you can actually thrive.” - Kechi Okwuchi

Guest’s Links Kechi Okwuchi’s website

Kechi Okwuchi’s Facebook

Kechi Okwuchi’s Twitter

Kechi Okwuchi’s Instagram

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s Facebook Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

76. Your Emotions Aren’t Too Much for God: Laura Smith Feb 16, 2023

As she navigated an emotionally unstable childhood, Laura Smith decided she needed to earn love through perfection. Today an author and speaker, Laura shares how receiving a different kind of love in adulthood, along with immersing herself in the Psalms, taught her how to trust God and experience a love not determined by achievement, but by being exactly who we are.

Quotes

“I love Psalm 16 so much. This is someone who is terrified of something and they're saying, ‘I know you're going to give me joy. I know that you will give me what I need. I know you'll keep me secure, even though right now I am terrified.’ We don't have to be in the best of places, thank goodness, because God is.” - Laura Smith

“I can be loved for myself. Just because my father didn't love me in the way that I needed to be loved doesn't mean that other people can't or that God doesn't.” - Laura Smith

“We don't have to have it all together because God does.” - Laura Smith

“I just think it's such a beautiful reminder to be content with where we are and what we have, and content with His love and His protection. Because when we sit in that, when we actually hang out with our good shepherds, then our souls truly can be restored.” - Laura Smith

Laura Smith’s Links

Laura Smith’s website

Laura Smith’s Facebook

Laura Smith’s Twitter

Laura Smith’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This Episode Psalm 16 NIV Psalm 23 NIV

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

75. Finding Your Purpose, No Matter the Season: Dr. Dharius Daniels Feb 09, 2023

Pastor and author Dr. Dharius Daniels believes we’ll find fulfillment when we find our purpose. Dr. Daniels shares how God places purpose in each chapter of our lives, so that can we can live with contentment in every role we play.

Quotes

“I try to help as many people as possible transform their life so that they can make some transformations in the world.” - Dr. Dharius Daniels

“I believe God has wrapped our fulfillment in purpose so that we will not find it in any other place but the place and space that He's called and created for us to occupy.” - Dr. Dharius Daniels

“Ultimately, your purpose is the compilation of the contributions you've made in the roles God’s called you to play in different seasons of your life.” - Dr. Dharius Daniels

“At different times, in different ways, God's reassures me that He is with me, and that He is committed to guiding and leading me to the place He wants to take me.” - Dr. Dharius Daniels

Guest’s LinksDr. Daniels’ website

Dr. Daniels’ Facebook

Dr. Daniels’ Twitter

Dr. Daniels’ Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeChange Church

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

74. Choosing to Be Blessed, No Matter the Moment: Kyle Petty Feb 02, 2023

Kyle Petty comes from one of NASCAR’s most legendary families, as one of four generations who have raced in the sport. But perhaps the more lasting legacy comes from Kyle’s grandmother, who showed him that even amid horrible loss, we have a choice: do we choose to stay mired in our pain, or do we try to move forward with new purpose?

Quotes

“On that day, [I had] two choices. I could choose to be bitter or I could choose to be blessed. And on that day, I chose to be blessed. I chose to be blessed to have a son for nineteen years.” - Kyle Petty

“Racing gave us a platform to raise our hand and say, ‘We're going to build a camp to help people and help kids.’ And that's what keeps camps going, the love of all these fans, the memory of Adam, and people just willing to help other people.” - Kyle Petty

Guest’s LinksKyle Petty’s website

Kyle Petty’s Facebook

Kyle Petty’s Twitter

Kyle Petty’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeNBC

Charity Ride Across America

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

73. Saying ‘No’ Means Saying ‘Yes’ to More: Dr. Sasha Shillcutt Jan 26, 2023

After years of stress and burnout, award-winning physician Dr. Sasha Shillcutt shares how a dedication to saying “no” revolutionized her life and put more joy in her days.

Quotes

“Many women struggle to set boundaries because they feel guilty, and they feel like they're going to be letting someone down. They would rather overextend themselves and live in constant burnout, which is unhealthy, so that they never have the feeling of guilt.” - Dr. Sasha Shillcutt

“I prayed and I asked God to help me. I said, ‘I don't know how I've gotten to this place where I feel so alone, and it's such a dark place. I am not living at all the life that I thought I was going to be living.’ And that very moment was a pretty pivotal moment.” - Dr. Sasha Shillcutt

“I think I was so afraid of disappointing my family and work colleagues by saying no to things. But the truth of the matter is that I was actually able to show up more fully for the things that I said yes to when I started saying no routinely to more things.” - Dr. Sasha Shillcutt

“Jesus walked the earth as a human, and He set boundaries. So I need to do that too.” - Dr. Sasha Shillcutt

Guest’s LinksDr. Shillcutt’s website

Dr. Shillcutt’s Facebook

Dr. Shillcutt’s Instagram

Dr. Shillcutt’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeBrave Boundaries by Dr. Sasha Shillcutt

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

72. A Song to Sing for All Eternity: Fernando Ortega Jan 19, 2023

Time and again, songwriter Fernando Ortega has seen that art has the power to carry our strongest emotions—love, joy, grief—and connect us to others who may be feeling the same. Fernando shares how he discovered a love for writing contemporary hymns, how his craft helped him heal after suffering huge losses, and the joy of watching his words give meaning to the moments of others.

Quotes

“The process of writing, the challenge is always to take something that's your experience and then letting somebody take their own meaning from it, making it universal.” - Fernando Ortega

“The idea that there's a song that has been sung through all eternity is something that has become more and more real to me.” - Fernando Ortega

“The Jesus Storybook Bible came into my life, and I read that thing to Ruby every night when she was a little girl for years. The theology in it is so beautiful. As an adult, it just broke into some of the coldest parts of my heart. I would read it from cover to cover, and then we would just start again, and we did that for years.” - Fernando Ortega

Guest’s LinksFernando Ortega’s website

Fernando Ortega’s Facebook

Fernando Ortega’s Instagram

Fernando Ortega’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode“Give Me Jesus” by Fernando Ortega

“Mi Abuelito” by Fernando Ortega

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

71. The People and Places That Shape Us: Anne Snyder Jan 12, 2023

As she navigated a season of loss in her twenties, author and podcaster Anne Snyder discovered the foundations that hold up our lives—our families, our workplaces, our churches and neighborhoods—can also hold us when we suffer and help us find meaning when we’re ready to move forward.

Quotes

“The crucial questions in life are not what questions: ‘What do I do?’ They’re who questions: ‘Who do I follow? Who do I serve? Who do I love?’” - Anne Snyder

“[Growing up] my family dinner table often revolved around this observation that all people are products of their culture. It felt like from as early as I can remember, it was a way of expressing curiosity and attunement to questions of how one's environmental conditions shape your way of seeing the world, shape your habits and your character. And I think that, no doubt, had a deep impact on the way in which I approach people today.” - Anne Snyder

“I was interested in the pathways that form the will and the mind and the heart and soul of an individual, such that he or she will be equipped to navigate life in all of its complexity and sort of ups and downs with courage and hope.” - Anne Snyder

“I have this deep hope I can't quite explain, that somehow God is always working in our suffering, that as reality seems to fracture and relationships break and countries shudder, and the earth on which we live is begging us to take better care of it—in all of this, somehow Christ is still present and still healing and walking with us and walking into the fray.” - Anne Snyder

Guest’s LinksAnne Snyder’s website

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeComment Magazine

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

70. Being Salt and Light Outside Our Comfort Zone: Jodi Benson Jan 05, 2023

Just when we’re getting comfortable, God shows up (in his impeccable timing!) to ask us to step toward something new and scary. That’s certainly been the case for Jodi Benson, the original voice of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Jodi shares how her career soared to unexpected heights, and how she strives to be salt and light wherever she goes, even if it’s in the pages of a book she never expected to write.

Quotes

“God doesn't call us to be comfortable." - Jodi Benson

I'm like, ‘God, this is just this is not me.’ And He's like, ‘You know what? I can do extraordinary things through ordinary people who obey me. And if you can walk in obedience in something that's terribly uncomfortable, then let me take it from there.’” - Jodi Benson

“It's been incredible, the fact that I have total freedom to be able to just be myself, that I can love other people well, and be light and salt, and use every opportunity that God gives me and every platform opportunity that He gives me to the best of my ability.” - Jodi Benson

“The tough things we go through, we can use to comfort others with the same comfort that he gave us. That's when beauty comes from the ashes.” - Jodi Benson

“God called me to do something out of my comfort zone, and it's very frightening and very scary. But there is a sense of indescribable peace, knowing that I did what he asked me to do, even though I didn't want to. Then I get to step back and let God do what he's going to do.” - Jodi Benson

Guest’s Links

Jodi Benson’s Facebook

Jodi Benson’s Instagram

Jodi Benson’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Part of My World by Jodi Benson

The Little Mermaid

The Walt Disney Company

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

69. Afraid? God Will Help You Do It Scared: Christy Wright Dec 29, 2022

What do you do when God calls you from one story into another? For author and speaker Christy Wright, that meant walking into the workplace she’d poured herself into for 12 years and resigning to begin a new chapter. A chapter that, to Christy, looked like a terrifying blank page. But as she put one timid foot in front of the other, Christy began to see the path God was laying for her all along—one she never could’ve dreamed of on her own.

Quotes

“I felt God telling me that He was asking me to trust Him, that He was calling me into the unknown, similar to Abraham. And so He just kept taking me back to Scripture and showing me He's done this before.” - Christy Wright

“We tend to think as Christians is that if you're scared, you don't trust God. But one of the things that I have learned is you can be trusting God with your actions and still feel fear in your emotions.” - Christy Wright

“We're all adult children. We're all walking around looking for something. And so much of how we can find intimacy with the Lord is through this story of His Bible.” - Christy Wright

“He is with us in the valleys, in the tunnels, when we're walking away from everything we've ever known, when we're overwhelmed with our kids, when we're just having to make a hard decision, He's with us. And while the decision is probably still hard and you might still feel that fear when you're doing that scary thing, the knowledge that God is with you can give you an inner peace and comfort that will follow it through anyway.” - Christy Wright

Guest’s LinksChristy’s Website

Christy’s Instagram

Christy’s Facebook

Christy’s Twitter

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

68. The Gift of Christmas: Storytime with Sally Lloyd-Jones Dec 22, 2022

To celebrate the merriest week of the year, author Sally Lloyd-Jones is reading three special Christmas stories from The Jesus Storybook Bible, perfect to listen to with your family. Wherever you are this season, let your heart be filled with childlike wonder and as you remember the miracle of Love that came down as a tiny baby boy. Merry Christmas!

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Jesus Storybook Bible

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

67. A Love That Leads Us to Help Neighbors Heal: Duke Kwon Dec 15, 2022

While living in one of Washington, DC’s most ethnically and economically diverse neighborhoods, pastor Duke Kwon began to see opportunities to make Jesus’ love incarnate. Using Jesus’ life as inspiration, Duke shares why he believes his mission is to bring restoration and healing to his community, and how Jesus’ love has the power not only to transform our neighbors, but especially to transform us.

Quotes

“It's a glorious and beautiful calling for us to actually embody and to become personal incarnations of the very love of Christ to this world.” - Duke Kwon

“Jesus moved into the neighborhood, as it were, by His own loving initiative, and that He laid it all down more than baking us cookies and just being kind to us. He loved us sacrificially. He died for our sins. He lived again by His resurrection to give us life. And the transforming power of that kind of love then should make us true neighbors ourselves when we encounter that Jesus.” - Duke Kwon

“Reconciliation is simply the healing of ruptured love. It's love being repaired interpersonally in our relationships.” - Duke Kwon

“Christians should be the first ones to jump in line to undo the harms of our injury in a wound-filled past. Christians should be the ones that are the first on our knees to humble ourselves and repent and to love our neighbor as ourselves.” - Duke Kwon

Duke Kwon’s LinksDuke Kwon’s Twitter

Duke Kwon’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeGrace Meridian Hill Church

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

66. A Faith That Seeks to Unite & Restore: Justin Giboney Dec 08, 2022

Justin Giboney knows that people do their best work when they do it together—and he created his own civics organization to prove it. Justin shares how neighborhoods and faith communities who seek common ground can heal and restore the world.

Quotes

“You may not get it perfect, but if you do your due diligence and you work with others and you're listening to others, you can have a profound impact on society and kind of work towards shalom.” - Justin Giboney

“It takes some courage and fortitude to do politics differently, to say, ‘Yeah, I may be a Republican, yeah, I may be a Democrat, but I'm a Christian first, and I'm committed to doing politics the right way.’” - Justin Giboney

“I was getting deeper into my faith, and I didn't want to be in politics in the same way that I saw a lot of people were. I wanted to take all my Christian convictions with me while having kind of a civic pluralism and respecting others’ beliefs.” - Justin Giboney

“Even as I do work to move forward with justice and advocate for justice, I'm not saving anybody. It’s God who's saving and rescuing us. And this is all under His plan. And we know the best part of His plan is when He comes back to rescue us.” - Justin Giboney

Justin Giboney’s LinksJustin Giboney’s Instagram

Justin Giboney’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeThe AND Campaign

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

65. Celebrating Advent with Sally Lloyd-Jones and “Song of the Stars” Dec 01, 2022

As we celebrate the arrival of the Christmas season, author Sally Lloyd-Jones reads her beloved picture book Song of the Stars and shares a special prayer: that we would not miss nor forget to celebrate the Rescuer who came into the world, who gives us light amid the cold, dark night.

*Want more ways to celebrate Advent with your family? Download the FREE Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Kit!

Quotes

“What a beautiful prayer to pray this Christmas: that we would not be looking the other way, that we wouldn't miss it, that we would see that God would be born into our lives again this Christmas, that we would not miss Him.” - Sally Lloyd-Jones

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

64. You Don’t Have to Impress to Connect: Kendra Adachi Nov 24, 2022

For many years, writer and self-proclaimed “Lazy Genius” Kendra Adachi struggled with the need to impress, even in the kitchen (after all, Kendra believed, the way we’re loved is through our achievements, right?). But over time, Kendra has learned a few things from her time at the table: you don’t have to impress to connect. Just bring what you have, because you are loved just as you are, no for what you do.

Quotes

“Eating together is just so deeply human, and it can be fun, it can be thoughtful. It's very disarming. And I just believe that the table is the most alive when it's welcoming.” - Kendra Adachi

“I want there to be a process that anybody can go through to love their kitchen, because it's such a beautiful room to experience, and there's so much good that comes out of it. And I want every person, whether they grow their own food or they only use their kitchen to make coffee, to enjoy being there.” - Kendra Adachi

“I could sense from my own experiences as someone around the table being fed, like, it makes people smile giving someone food that tastes good, that makes them feel welcome, it makes people feel seen and happy. And that is what the connective tissue was for me, where I was like, I want to help people feel this way.” - Kendra Adachi

“Jesus invites us to just share what we have. ‘Just be who you are. Bring Me what you have. And I'm going to make it enough.’” - Kendra Adachi

Kendra Adachi’s LinksKendra’s website

Kendra’s Facebook

Kendra’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Lazy Genius Kitchen

Rachael Ray

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

63. Giving Kids a Hope and a Future: Gabrielle Beam Nov 17, 2022

Gabrielle Beam has made it her life’s mission to give children a hope and a future, and she does it through literacy. Gabrielle shares how helping children learn to read (using the Jesus Storybook Bible, no less!) helps them grow into adults who can flourish physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Quotes

“If a child is introduced to the love of God and the fact that they have been created in His image and that He has a plan for their lives, a plan to give them a future and a hope, I just love it.” - Gabrielle Beam

“By using the Bible for us as a primary primer, we get to actually tell them how loved they are in God and who they are and what they can hope for.” - Gabrielle Beam

“We use the Jesus Storybook Bible to teach [children], because, one, the illustrations are absolutely amazing. I mean, every child can find their image represented within the narratives of the story. And they feel included. And then the way that it is written, I mean, you can't even miss the love of God.” - Gabrielle Beam

Gabrielle Beam’s LinksGabrielle Beam’s Facebook

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeRise to Read

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

62. Want Relationships to Flourish? Try Forgiveness: Tim Keller Nov 10, 2022

“Forgiveness is when someone owes you a debt and, instead of making them pay the debt back, you absorb the debt,” says our guest, pastor and theologian Tim Keller. Tim shares why forgiveness is crucial to building and keeping relationships, and how daring to forgive brings the humility and empathy we need to restore the world.

Quotes

“The more I sense that I am a sinner forgiven by God, the easier it is to forgive other people. Why? Because I don't feel superior to them. It's very difficult to forgive somebody that you feel vastly superior to. And it's much easier to forgive somebody that you say, ‘Well, you know, I'm a lot like that myself.’” - Tim Keller
“If you don't know how to forgive, you stay bitter, frankly, and it can just poison your life.” - Tim Keller
“If you don't forgive in your heart, you actually won't be pursuing justice, you'll be pursuing vengeance. And they are not the same thing.” - Tim Keller
“Forgiveness is when someone owes you a debt and, instead of making them pay the debt back, you absorb the debt. No one deserves that, yet we cannot live without it. If you are a Christian, you know that your relationship with God is impossible unless God forgives you.” - Tim Keller

Tim Keller’s LinksTim Keller’s website

Tim Keller’s Facebook

Tim Keller’s Instagram

Tim Keller’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeRedeemer Presbyterian Church

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

61. Even When It All Feels Uncertain, God Will Never Forget You: Emily Ley Nov 03, 2022

When the winds of change begin to blow, and everything in our lives seems to be slipping through our fingers, entrepreneur and author Emily Ley reminds us to look at the sunrise. Because every morning, without fail, God will always bring up the sun—and He’ll always love you, too.

Quotes

“Even when the rest of the world is changing really quickly, or we're really anxious or worried about other things, we don't have to be anxious or worried about that. Because God never forgets to bring the sun up, and He's not going to forget about us.” - Emily Ley

“There have been times in my life where God has taught me there's some things you can't do anything about and you just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other. You just have to keep waking up every morning remembering what's true and what's not true and keep going.” - Emily Ley

“He's truly showing us who He is. And it doesn't always mean that He's going to fix our problems right away. Sometimes He needs us to walk through them with Him. And then at the end, we can kind of see what He's been working in us.” - Emily Ley

Emily Ley’s LinksEmily Ley’s website

Emily Ley’s Facebook

Emily Ley’s Instagram

Emily Ley’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Simplified Podcast

Sure as the Sunrise by Emily Ley

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

60. God Will Get You Through Your Darkest Hour: Michelle Hord Oct 27, 2022

When TV executive Michelle Hord lost her seven-year-old daughter to an unspeakable tragedy, she didn’t know how she’d ever recover. In her darkest hour, Michelle was reminded of the story of Job, and that God was able to bring hope to a man who had once lost everything—and that, perhaps, she could find a shred of the same hope for herself, too.

Quotes

“We all deal with different types of loss and grief. And so I want to say, as my trauma therapist has often said to me, to borrow my confidence that the God that I have trusted and that has helped me on my faith walk is strong and sovereign and can do the same for you in whatever you're facing.” - Michelle Hord

“I went and found literally a little closet space and got on my knees on the floor and said, ‘God, I don't know what I'm about to walk into, but please just give me the strength to handle whatever it is.’” - Michelle Hord

“I never will believe God did this to my daughter. I believe there are evil forces in the universe. But what I know is that God can take what was made for evil and meant for evil and use it for good.” - Michelle Hord

“I saw early on that God was somehow creating these little miracles of light that I couldn't quite see at the time, but that were showing up for other people. And so I tried to stay focused on that.” - Michelle Hord

Michelle Hord’s LinksMichelle Hord’s website

Michelle Hord’s Facebook

Michelle Hord’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeGabrielle’s Wings

The Other Side of Yet by Michelle Hord

Job 13:15 NIV

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

Celebrating God's Always & Forever Love for You Oct 25, 2022

The Jesus Storybook Bible is turning 15 years old! To celebrate this special birthday, Sally steps back in time and leads us through the book’s creation—why she was inspired to write it, how Jago created the beautiful illustrations, the way Sir David Suchet brought the book to life on audio. We also hear from Rachel George, who shares the moving story that compelled her to launch her Room 423 Bibles ministry, which uses The Jesus Storybook Bible to bring God’s Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love to countless families when they need it most.

59. Every Player Has a Role on God’s Team: Tony & Lauren Dungy Oct 20, 2022

NFL broadcaster and Super Bowl champion coach Tony Dungy and his wife Lauren know that God designed every person to influence the world for good—no matter the size of their circle. Tony and Lauren share how, when they’ve found themselves in a role they didn’t feel ready for, God’s always helped them along the way.

Quotes

“God has roles for all of us. Some of them don't seem real important to us, but they really are in God's plan, and to use the talents and abilities God has given you. And if we all do that, we're going to have a better world.” - Tony Dungy

“We all have an influence in this world. We all have people that we help. And we may not think we do, but we do. So how can we use our position, use the places that God has put us, to point people to Christ and encourage people?” - Tony Dungy

“I knew that if I gave my best answer to this calling, that He would be honored.” - Lauren Dungy

“I think God gives everybody opportunities to use their platform, big or small, to influence others. It can be in your neighborhood, in your home, with your children, it can be in the community. But we all have gifts and talents. And what good would it be to keep those gifts to ourselves and not use them with other people?” - Lauren Dungy

“There are opportunities on all different levels. And it involves sacrifice and it involves stepping out of your comfort zone. But if you're willing, God will make it able for you to do that.” - Lauren Dungy

“We have to be willing to take any role that God wants to give us. We're on the team and everyone wants to be the quarterback or everyone wants to be the wide receiver who's going to catch the winning touchdown pass. But there's more to being on the team than that. Jonah didn't want to do the job that God gave him, but it was an important job. And so he learned a lesson that, If we're going to have a great team, I've got to do the job that God asked me to do.” - Tony Dungy

Tony & Lauren’s LinksTony Dungy’s Facebook

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Tony Dungy’s Twitter

Lauren Dungy’s Facebook

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Lauren Dungy’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeNBC Football Night in America

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

58. There’s Purpose in Your Pain: Rebekah Lyons Oct 13, 2022

Time and again, author and speaker Rebekah Lyons has seen that unexpected, painful situations can throw us into a tailspin—but they don’t have to. In fact, they can even lead us to our true purpose: helping others shoulder the same struggles we carry, too.

Quotes

“My job is to help people uncover what's already there, versus thinking that calling is this abstract thing that floats down from the sky and lands on your head.” —Rebekah Lyons

“That nearness of God in that season brought the Holy Spirit to bear in my life in exponential ways I'd never really encountered in church, just the nearness of lament, honestly, and the nearness of dependency and surrender.” —Rebekah Lyons

“If a crisis in your life gives you meaning beyond yourself, all of a sudden, there's a joy.” —Rebekah Lyons

“It's the remaining in His love that helps us keep knowing His love.” —Rebekah Lyons

Rebekah’s LinksRebekah Lyons’ Website

Rebekah Lyons’ Facebook

Rebekah Lyons’ Twitter

Rebekah Lyons’ Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeMan’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl

Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

57. Finding Comfort in Stories (and Who God Says We Are): Sarah Clarkson Oct 06, 2022

When she was diagnosed with OCD as a teen, writer Sarah Clarkson found comfort as she immersed herself in stories, realizing that God’s goodness could pierce through her mental darkness with small acts of ordinary beauty.

Quotes

“I think stories of imagination help us to, in a sense, follow the path in the world that God has created and set up for us.” —Sarah Clarkson

“I really believe that God created us for beauty and for goodness, and that He is breaking in again and again into our darkness in these moments of beauty, in the beauty of His world, calling us back to a vision for who we were meant to be and what He is redeeming us to.” —Sarah Clarkson

“I’m blown away by the power of reading to shape our view of the world, to understand ourselves, to see us ourselves as agents or heroes, in the sense of having power to affect the narratives in which we are placed in our own lives.” —Sarah Clarkson

Sarah Clarkson’s LinksSarah Clarkson’s website

Sarah Clarkson’s Facebook

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Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeObsessive-Compulsive Disorder

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

[ANNOUNCING] “Known” by Sally Lloyd-Jones Oct 04, 2022

Psalm 139 reminds us that God will always love us, no matter what. To celebrate that truth, Sally’s reading from her brand-new children’s book Known (illustrated by Jago!), which reminds little ones that God sees them, knows them, and loves them with a Never-stopping, Never-Giving-Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever love.

Available right now at your favorite book retailer! https://www.sallylloyd-jones.com/books/known/

56. God’s Light Shines Brighter Than Our Problems: Amy Kavelaris Sep 29, 2022

Artist Amy Kavelaris spends her days sharing beauty and light, and over the years, she’s noticed that God’s light has a beautiful effect on our lives, too. He promises to carry us and show us the way through hard times with His light. And it’s always available to us—all we need to do is seek it to find it.

Quotes

“How awesome to know that no matter how sad or dark our days might be, God's light shines brighter because He's always bigger than our problems.” —Amy Kavelaris

“Not only does God carry us, but we can also find God's promises and His affirmations in creation all around us every day.” —Amy Kavelaris

“Absolutely nothing on earth affirms me in the way that the breath of God in His Word does.” —Amy Kavelaris

“When we fall on hard times, we are able to stand firm on God's promises and we won't have to waver because we'll be so firm in our faith.” —Amy Kavelaris

Amy Kavelaris’ LinksAmy Kavelaris’ website

Amy Kavelaris’ Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeIsaiah 46:4

2 Timothy 1:7

Zephaniah 3

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

55. When You Struggle, God Provides Streams in the Desert: Andrew Osenga Sep 22, 2022

When the framework of your world disintegrates, remaining joyful feels nearly impossible. Musician and songwriter Andrew Osenga had a “streams in the desert” moment when he lost his job and struggled to provide for his wife and three kids. But through that season, Andrew discovered God provides “headwaters” in unlikely places, and can restore joy to even the parched parts of our lives.

Quotes

“The gospel is about keeping us in relationship with God, in a life that is full of flourishing and that is adventurous and that is just freely giving to one another in a way that the world looks at and goes, ‘What are they doing?’” —Andrew Osenga

“I think that's one of the greatest challenges of being a Christian, is this desire to control the things that we're afraid of. Because we are afraid of being alone, we're afraid of being sad. We carry a lot of fear, and we attach fear to our faith in ways that we don't always understand.” —Andrew Osenga

“I had a lot of people just kind of carry me, and it helped me sort of rediscover who God had made me to be. And it just ended up being a really beautiful season.” —Andrew Osenga

Andrew Osenga’s LinksAndrew Osenga’s website

Andrew Osenga’s Facebook

Andrew Osenga’s Twitter

Andrew Osenga’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Painted Desert record

Integrity Podcast

Psalm 23 NIV

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

54. Prayer Is a Lifeline to His Love: Tish Harrison Warren Sep 15, 2022

Writer and Anglican priest Tish Harrison Warren says prayer matters—even when it seems like God isn’t listening. Tish shares the hard season that pushed her into a new perspective on prayer: that we don’t pray to change our circumstances. We pray because it brings us into a closer relationship with God. We pray because it changes us.

Quotes

“Christianity is not a performance. It's union with God.” —Tish Harrison Warren

“Oftentimes, God feels so wild and mysterious and big, and I feel so small that I kind of don't know where to start with prayer—which I didn't really feel when I was younger. So I think God has gotten maybe bigger and more mysterious to me. But I think that might be part of Christian maturity.” —Tish Harrison Warren

“I didn't know how to trust God. I didn't know how to talk to God, and I didn't know where to start. And so in the midst of that, the prayers of the church became sort of a lifeline for me.” —Tish Harrison Warren

“We are asked by God to pray for the things we feel we need and the things we want. And even in the person of God himself, in Christ, we see that God allows deep suffering in our life. And so holding that together is difficult.” —Tish Harrison Warren

“I think prayer is about entering into the presence of God.” —Tish Harrison Warren

Tish Harrison Warren’s LinksTish Harrison Warren’s website

Tish Harrison Warren’s Facebook

Tish Harrison Warren’s Twitter

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Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeLiturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren

Prayer in the Night by Tish Harrison Warren

The New York Times

Christianity Today

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

53. God Can Meet You in the Ordinary: Jen Pollock Michel Sep 08, 2022

Usually, faith doesn’t feel like fireworks or a mountaintop moment. Most of the time, faith is—as our guest, writer Jen Pollock Michel says—as ordinary as lacing up your running shoes. Jen shares why thinking of your spiritual walk as a daily habit instead of a to-do list removes so much pressure, and why cultivating relationships brings more reward than a checkmark ever could.

Quotes

“Faith is as ordinary as just lacing up your shoes. And there can be years that you lace up your shoes and you're not even sure what race you're running. But some days you do put your feet down and you're like, ‘Nope, I know what this is all about.’” —Jen Pollock Michel

“I think it's encouraging for the believer to think about faith as a habit.” —Jen Pollock Michel

“It's so often confused that faith is always a mountaintop experience, that somehow you must be doing it wrong if you don't feel it. Faith itself is a habit. It has to be nurtured by regular, consistent, daily efforts and practices. And it’s okay if you don't always feel like doing it. It's okay if you don't always see its immediate benefit or reward.” —Jen Pollock Michel

“God asks us to be faithful to our work, and work means deadlines and responsibilities. But I think we can do those in a spirit of trust, not a spirit of hurry, and certainly not a spirit of worry.” —Jen Pollock Michel

Jen Pollock Michel’s LinksJen Pollock Michel’s website

Jen Pollock Michel’s Facebook

Jen Pollock Michel’s Twitter

Jen Pollock Michel’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeIn Good Time by Jen Pollock Michel

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

52. God Does Beautiful Work in Every Tribe, Tongue, & Nation: Dr. Esau McCaulley Sep 01, 2022

When so much divides us, Dr. Esau McCaulley has found there’s one thing that remains true: God can do His best work in any place, in any time, in any culture. Dr. McCaulley has traveled across the world with his wife Mandy, a pediatrician and Navy reservist. And no matter where he’s gone, Dr. McCaulley has seen God show up with His Never-Stopping, Never-Giving-Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love in every single corner of the globe.

Quotes

“God made us each different and unique on purpose. And He is glorified through a bunch of different people who are together in the worship of Him as Lord and Savior.” —Dr. Esau McCaulley

“One of the things that has been a tremendous encouragement to me is that across all regions of the country and even different parts of the world, there's something about followers of Jesus: we recognize one another. In other words, the Jesus who I worship is not different from the Jesus who is worshiped in Japan or in Scotland. I've been encouraged by the universal fellowship that exists across cultures.” —Dr. Esau McCaulley

“I'm appreciative of the global church and the ways in which we worship the same Jesus across time and across culture. Everywhere you go, you see the work of Christ in individual lives and it's beautiful.” —Dr. Esau McCaulley

“I see how in each one of those places, God was using that location to teach me something about Himself and about His people.” —Dr. Esau McCaulley, on his global travels

Dr. Esau McCaulley’s LinksDr. Esau McCaulley’s website

Dr. Esau McCaulley’s Facebook

Dr. Esau McCaulley’s Twitter

Dr. Esau McCaulley’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeWheaton College

Sharing in the Son’s Inheritance by Esau McCaulley

Reading While Black by Esau McCaulley

Josey Johnson's Hair and the Holy Spirit by Esau McCaulley

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

51. God Uses Broken Stories for His Healing Work: Holly Hayes Aug 25, 2022

God can find you anywhere—even on the bathroom floor. That’s what Holly Hayes discovered in her lowest moment. Holly’s the founder of Sanctuary Project, a social enterprise where survivors of human trafficking earn meaningful employment by make beautiful jewelry. As a survivor herself, Holly uses her story to tell others that God isn’t interested in “perfect.” He uses the sick, the lonely, and the broken to do good work in the world.

Quotes

“What I see in scripture is a Jesus who empowered women.” —Holly Hayes

“The religious men were the ones that Jesus was saying, ‘Nope, you have it all wrong.’ The widow, the poor, the lost, the broken, the lonely, those were the ones that God seemed to use the most. Not only am I loved by God, rescued by God, saved by God, but also, He wants to use me.” —Holly Hayes

“Community is where we can reflect God's love and mercy to each other, to help each other to feel safe, to just say, ‘Help’ or ‘I'm hurting’ or ‘I'm joyful.’ We can honest about about how we are and where we are.” —Holly Hayes

Holly Hayes’ LinksHolly Hayes’ website

Holly Hayes’ Facebook

Holly Hayes’ Twitter

Holly Hayes’ Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeSanctuary Project

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50. God’s Kind of Funny (And He Can Take Your Messy Moments): Susan Isaacs Aug 18, 2022

We don’t give God enough credit, comedian Susan Isaacs says. He can take the moments when we’re confused or upset—even at him—because he loves us even when we’re “unlovable.” Susan shares when she discovered that her “God with a posh British accent” wasn’t out to get her. In fact, He was her soft place to land (and could even share a joke or two).

Quotes

“God made us fully human. I think of the ways that God surprises me, that kind of plays jokes on me, and surprises me and makes me laugh. If it's part of us, it's also part of God because we're made in His image.” —Susan Isaacs

“I was done keeping my spiritual life from the rest of my life, I'm like, ‘This is what's happening, and I'm done trying to please two sides of the fence. I'm just going to be honest.’ And that's when things really started to move in my life personally, professionally, spiritually. And it's funny, I really felt like God's like, ‘There she is. That's my girl.’” —Susan Isaacs

“I think we don't give God enough credit, and we don't trust Him enough to be completely honest, that ‘If I go to the depths, You are there. There's no place that's too dark for You.’” —Susan Isaacs

Susan Isaacs’ LinksSusan Isaacs’ website

Susan Isaacs’ Facebook

Susan Isaacs’ Twitter

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Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeStephen Colbert

Tony Hale

Jim Gaffigan

Todd Wilkerson

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

49. When You Lose Everything, God’s Still There: Mattie Jackson Selecman Aug 11, 2022

Married for eleven months, writer Mattie Jackson Selecman lost her 28-year-old husband Ben to a tragic accident in 2018. As she grieved her husband and their future together, Mattie began to feel God’s presence far more than she ever had—in the moments of desperation and in the small, quiet moments too.

Quotes

“I've learned, now more than ever, we all experienced loss in every way, you know? And so to go through all of this and see it already impact people is pretty powerful.” —Mattie Jackson Selecman

“Prayer became less about the words I said to God and more about taking time to sit in His presence and let Him make me feel safe.” —Mattie Jackson Selecman

“When we grieve someone or something that is a special and intimate part of our life, I think at least for me, I wanted that process of grief to be as fast as possible because I wanted to feel better.” —Mattie Jackson Selecman

“When I lost Ben and I was so broken and so desperate, I got to know Jesus as the “sit beside me” best friend—not just as the One who died for me, who's waiting for me in heaven, but the one who can enter into every moment of my pain and bring peace that transcends understanding.” —Mattie Jackson Selecman

Mattie Jackson Selecman’s LinksMattie Jackson Selecman’s website

Mattie Jackson Selecman’s Facebook

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Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeUniversity of Tennessee

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

48. To Diffuse Anger & Hate, Try Gentleness: Scott Sauls Aug 04, 2022

To diffuse the anger simmering in our world, pastor Scott Sauls reminds us there’s another solution: gentleness. Scott shares why giving a kind and gentle answer in the face of hurt and hostility, even when it’s hard, leads to greater compassion.

Quotes

“When we're able to see people rightly, when we're able to discern that there is hurt beneath sinful behavior or there is hurt beneath suffering, that tends to lead toward a greater compassion. And with greater compassion comes greater gentleness.” —Scott Sauls

“I am drawn toward gentleness in people, in communities, and in society, wherever it can be found.” —Scott Sauls

“[God’s] love can't change. It can't change because it's been fixed and it's been secured by what Christ has done in His death and His burial and His resurrection.” —Scott Sauls

Scott Sauls’ LinksScott Sauls’ website

Scott Sauls’ Facebook

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Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeChrist Presbyterian Church

A Gentle Answer by Scott Sauls

Proverbs 15:1 NIV

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47. Jesus Made Pain a Portal Back to Him: KJ Ramsey Jul 28, 2022

Does God hear us when we hurt? As she’s walked through pain from an autoimmune disease and an abusive church experience, author and trauma therapist KJ Ramsey has discovered she meets Jesus in her story not in spite of her suffering, but because of it.

Quotes

“The suffering in our stories becomes a place where we get to encounter God—God Himself. Jesus made pain into a portal, and when I can sit down trying to find the purpose in my pain, I get to step through that portal again and again.” —KJ Ramsey

“My faith has ebbed and flowed and grown and changed so much over the years and will continue to.” —KJ Ramsey

“I've actually experienced Jesus come near to me and show me His own broken heart and broken body and it's been a process of getting to see Jesus again and again. It's not that my faith was small and then grew seeing Jesus once, but that every time that my heart is broken again, Jesus shows me His again, too.” —KJ Ramsey

KJ Ramsey’s LinksKJ Ramsey’s website

KJ Ramsey’s Facebook

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Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Lord is My Courage: Stepping Through the Shadows of Fear Toward the Voice of Love by KJ Ramsey

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46. Practicing Peace Right Where You Are: Morgan Harper Nichols Jul 21, 2022

We all want more peace, but is it possible to find peace right where we are? Digital artist and bestselling author Morgan Harper Nichols thinks so. Morgan shares how, in the midst of a world filled with overwhelm, peace is available to us no matter where the day leads us—all we have to do is take the time to practice it.

Quotes

“Community and connection was always something I was craving and desiring and praying for. And at the same time, it often felt far away. One of the few things I have truly felt like God gave me as a gift was art and creativity, because throughout my life, there has been an opportunity to [use it to] connect with other people.” —Morgan Harper Nichols

“It's possible to encounter peace right here where we are, amid everything that's going on. And it's something that we can practice.” —Morgan Harper Nichols

“A peaceful place doesn't have to be a perfect place out in our most ideal location, our ideal scenario. It's that peaceful presence in grace that is available to us everywhere.” —Morgan Harper Nichols

Morgan Harper Nichols’ LinksMorgan Harper Nichols’ Website

Morgan Harper Nichols’ Facebook

Morgan Harper Nichols’ Twitter

Morgan Harper Nichols’ Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodePeace is a Practice by Morgan Harper Nichols

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

45. Bring God into Focus with a New Lens: Katie Haseltine Jul 14, 2022

Sometimes our relationship with God feels like looking through a foggy window. We can just make out a figure in the distance, but it feels just that: distant. Sometimes it takes a different lens to see a bit more clearly. As a spiritual director, Katie Haseltine offers that new lens to her clients. She shares how her own perspective of God was transformed when she began to notice her feelings and how they affected her view of God—and how much more connected to Him she felt when she realized He could hold all of those feelings for her.

Quotes

“It's so interesting for me to unpack with people their different interpretations of Jesus and religion, and what I've found is Jesus is so much more inviting and welcoming to them than they ever knew.” —Katie Haseltine

“A relationship with God is made up of your thoughts and feelings. And so if you're not exploring those, if you're not offering those to God, if you're not giving those to God, then you might not really be knowing God or having a relationship in that way.” —Katie Haseltine

“I really had nowhere to go because my theology at the time didn't allow for mess or mistake or gray or uncertainty or not knowing what was coming. And so for me, there really was this desperation to experience something more than words on a page and ideas and thoughts.” —Katie Haseltine

“As I grew in self-awareness, what I realized is how I have to know who I am in order to know God. . . . That self-awareness is so important to be able to go to Jesus with your anger, with your fear, with your shame, with your guilt, with your joy, with your hope, with your desires, and be with Him.” —Katie Haseltine

Katie Haseltine’s LinksKatie Haseltine’s Website

Katie Haseltine’s Facebook

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Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeSt. Ignatius

Prayer of Examen

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

44. Be a Lighthouse Who Shows Others the Way: Steve Pemberton Jul 07, 2022

When author Steve Pemberton was growing up, he suddenly found himself in the foster care system after his mother, who struggled with alcoholism, was unable to care for him. When all seemed dark, different adults shone a light for Steve along his journey to adulthood, and today he endeavors to be that same “lighthouse” by helping others with what he has to give.

Quotes

“I often get asked, ‘Well, who was the person who helped transform your life?’ And it's hard for me to point to that individual and say that there was that one person because it really wasn't. It was more the love of language and words and all that accompanied it.” —Steve Pemberton

“I think there's something instructive for all of us in recognizing that each day any of us can be a lighthouse to someone and we can also find one for ourselves.” —Steve Pemberton

“We can almost certainly touch and impact somebody else's life. I'm a really good example of what happens when you do.” —Steve Pemberton

Steve Pemberton’s LinksSteve Pemberton’s Website

Steve Pemberton’s Facebook

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Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeA Chance in the World by Steve Pemberton

The Lighthouse Effect by Steve Pemberton

Work Human

Encyclopedia Brown

Alfred Hitchcock

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

43. Removing the Sting of Shame from Our Brokenness: Dr. Judy Cha Jun 30, 2022

Therapist Dr. Judy Cha knows that God’s love can transform lives. As the director of Redeemer Counseling Services in New York City, she’s seen that when people can be present with their pain without judgment for what they’re feeling, they can put aside the shackles of shame to become a vessel for God’s goodness in ways they could’ve never imagined.

Quotes

“My relationship with God has definitely changed how I see people. No, they're not just objects of my curiosity. People are His most prized possession, His lost treasure He came to reclaim. So people are precious, highly regarded across all races, gender, socioeconomic status.” —Dr. Judy Cha

“Sin didn't just affect the human heart. It affected everything in creation. So we live in a broken world with broken people.” —Dr. Judy Cha

“By being attentive, by being present without judgment over and over again, this becomes a corrective experience for our clients. And it shifts the way that they see themselves, that they are valued, accepted, and loved, and they see us as loving, kind, and accepting people.” —Dr. Judy Cha“How we experience other people is highly correlated to how we experience God. So in order to change the way that they relate to God, people need these relational experiences that are different from their history that reflect and represent who God is.” —Dr. Judy Cha

“We can find rest because we know that He is with us and He loves us and we can reach a place of peace.” —Dr. Judy Cha

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeRedeemer Counseling Services

Westminster Theological Seminary

1 Corinthians 13:1–2 NIV

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

42. The Adventure of Showing Up and Saying “Yes” – Shane & Shane Jun 23, 2022

When musical duo Shane & Shane first met in college, they never anticipated playing music professionally. But God works in mysterious ways, and as they’ve built a career and a ministry, they’ve learned that by showing up and saying “yes,” God has taken them on more adventures and touched more lives than they could’ve dreamed of.

Quotes

“I feel like the Lord is always talking and speaking through us, through His spirit, His people, His creation.” —Shane Barnard

“There's a lot of faith in just walking into a space, picking up a pen, picking up an instrument, and just going, ‘Lord, I'm just going to come and show up, and I'm just going to hope that the things and the thoughts that are about as high as the heavens are above the Earth, that they're going to be there waiting for me. So I'm just going to show up.’” —Shane Barnard

“There's no greater joy that we could ever have than to share this gospel story of redemption that's woven through scripture with the world in song.” —Shane Barnard

Shane & Shane’s LinksShane & Shane’s Website

Shane & Shane’s Facebook

Shane & Shane’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeTexas A&M University

Psalms NIV

Colossians 3:16 NIV

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

41. Justice Looks Like Love: Cece Jones-Davis Jun 16, 2022

When Cece Jones-Davis watched a documentary about a Black man and fellow Oklahoman who had been imprisoned for a crime he likely didn’t commit, she decided to act on faith and her love of justice to do something about it. A Yale-educated minister and justice advocate, Cece shares her convoluted journey through the US justice system, and how God can use what you love—and also what breaks your heart—to do His good in the world.

Quotes

“Justice, for me, is about making things right. It's important for people to remember or realize that this is a requirement for people of faith.” —Cece Jones-Davis

“Justice work shows you very quickly how injust the world is around us, how many people are suffering, how inhumane we can be to one another, how broken. A lot of our systems are. But because I have a faith center, I always have something to draw from.” —Cece Jones-Davis

“I honestly give God the glory and the honor and the praise for showing up so incredibly strong in the hearts and the minds of people.” —Cece Jones-Davis

“God is incredibly real, and people are stronger than systems when we come together, when we believe in a thing. When we commit ourselves to doing what is right, there is very little that can stop us.” —Cece Jones-Davis

Cece’s LinksCece’s website

Cece’s Facebook

Cece’s Instagram

Cece’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeJulius Jones

The Last Defense documentary

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

40. God Can Use Every Person for Good: Rachael Prescott Jun 09, 2022

Nearly five years ago Rachael Prescott, already expecting a surprise set of twins, learned more news about the babies she was carrying: they’d be born with Down Syndrome. Rachael, the mom behind the popular @doublingdownmom Instagram account, shares how her girls have taught her how beautiful the world can be when we create space for everyone to thrive, and how God can use every single person for His good.

Quotes“It just gives me that warm feeling to think that God is going to use my daughters and other people with Down Syndrome in this world in ways that are going to be pivotal to sharing His goodness, His glory.” —Rachael Prescott

“We tend to be afraid of things that we don't know or understand. And pair that ignorance and fear joining up together that are really just stripping us of a huge community of joy, ultimately, that I think brings light to our world in a way that it would be a dimmer place without these people.” —Rachael Prescott

“We need to purposefully set into spaces and make them inclusive, and sit in the discomfort of what we don't understand long enough to build relationships with people who are different than us.” —Rachael Prescott

Rachael’s LinksRachael’s website

Rachael’s Facebook

Rachael’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeDown Syndrome

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

39. Taking the Leap, Trusting God Will Catch You: Andres Quintero Jun 02, 2022

It takes courage to take a big leap and trust that God’s got you. Andres Quintero’s spent his whole life trusting God to catch him: after he moved from Colombia to the US, when he switched his career from architect to handbag designer, to switching the way his whole business ran during the pandemic. And amid the fear, Andres has seen God work every single thing out for good.

Quotes

“We always dreamt of these shiny and beautiful goods, manufacturing them in Colombia and also being able to show them to the rest of the world. Faith played a big role in that decision [to move forward] and we prayed about it, knowing that God is in control, He's sovereign.” —Andres Quintero

“The beautiful thing is that suffering and pain, we tend to avoid them at any chance. But God uses pain as a way to reconnect with Jesus. It’s an opportunity to say, ‘God, Your will be done. We trust in You.’ And man, that is an opportunity for growth and to know Him at a different level.” —Andres Quintero

“We believe that God uses aesthetic to show part of His nature, that He's a beautiful God and He's awesome, and He cares for all colors and proportions.” —Andres Quintero

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeAndres' company, Min And Mon

University of Washington

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

38. Looking for Your Purpose? Try Helping Others: Lt. Col. Dan Rooney May 26, 2022

If you’re looking for fulfillment, look no further than serving someone else. Air Force fighter pilot Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney has seen that time and again in his life. Lt Colonel Rooney shares the inspiration behind his nonprofit organization Folds of Honor, which provides for the families of fallen and disabled soldiers, and reminds us why service helps us just as much as it helps someone else.

Quotes

“I felt the Holy Spirit on my shoulder in that moment, and He gave me a calling that night that I certainly wasn't prepared for. But one of my anthems for my whole life has been go before you're ready.” —Lt. Col Dan Rooney

“Every day my first prayer [when] my feet hit the ground in the morning is to ignore myself and listen to what Jesus wants me to do on this given day and to fill me with the passion and energy to do it.” —Lt. Col Dan Rooney

“For me, it boils down to this beautiful irony that when you are helping someone else, you're actually the one being helped. I know in my heart that's why God created us.” —Lt. Col Dan Rooney

“If you're looking for fulfillment, if you don't feel like your life is where it should be, look to helping other people. It's extraordinary.” —Lt. Col Dan Rooney

Lt. Col Dan Rooney’s LinksWebsite

Lt. Col Dan Rooney’s Facebook

Lt. Col Dan Rooney’s Instagram

Lt. Col Dan Rooney’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeFolds of Honor

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

37. There’s Always Beauty, Even in the Dark Places: Ruth Naomi Floyd May 19, 2022

Every human being is a creator, whether they’re creating a beautiful work of art or cultivating kindness in someone’s life. That’s what jazz vocalist and composer Ruth Naomi Floyd has found to be true. Ruth shares all the ways she sees God creating beauty in our lives, even in the darkest of places, and how we can find it when we just allow ourselves to look.

Quotes

“God is the first and greatest artist. He created out of nothing. And every single human being is made in His image. We are a reflection of His beauty. We are made in His image.’” —Ruth Naomi Floyd

“Every human being is worthy of dignity as image bearers of God.” —Ruth Naomi Floyd

“Every human being is a creative. Acts of kindness are creative. Inviting a stranger to your table to feast upon food you have made with your own hands is a powerful and creative act. It's in that artistic giving and receiving that is important.” —Ruth Naomi Floyd

“The Jesus Storybook Bible says that every story whispers His name. All of the beauty of the world whispers His name too.” —Ruth Naomi Floyd

Ruth’s LinksRuth’s website

Ruth’s Facebook

Ruth’s Instagram

Ruth’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Frederick Douglass

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

36. God’s Blueprint for His Church Has Many Colors & Cultures: Dr. Derwin Gray May 12, 2022

We live in a deeply divided world—but that’s not the blueprint God handed to us. Pastor, author, and former NFL player Dr. Derwin Gray shares how long ago, as far back as Abraham, God has been showing us the kind of community he wants for us: one filled with all ages, races, and cultures because we are more beautiful and stronger together.

Quotes

“Jesus of Nazareth created this community where Jews and Gentiles of all sorts were all of a sudden we're saying, ‘Jesus is Lord. And you're no longer my enemy. You're my brother, you're my sister, you're my family. And we have oneness in Christ.’” —Derwin Gray

“It takes a lot of security in Christ to have meaningful conversations with Jesus to bring us together, to not tear us apart.” —Derwin Gray

“We learn to listen. We learn to love and we learn to leverage our lives for each other. There is no greater love than this, then those who are willing to lay down their lives for their brothers and sisters. To heal the racial divide, it's going to require people who are serious about the gospel and who are serious about love.” —Derwin Gray

Derwin’s LinksDr. Derwin’s website

Dr. Derwin’s Facebook

Dr. Derwin’s Instagram

Dr. Derwin’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeTransformation Church

How to Heal Our Racial Divide by Derwin Gray

Steve Grant

Indianapolis Colts

NFL

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

35. Helping Kids Discover God in Nature & Adventures: Jenny Stifter May 05, 2022

One of God’s best gifts for us has to be the beauty of the natural world He created. The diversity we find in nature—and in humanity—widens the lens we use to look at the world, as well as our hearts. That’s the message Jenny Stifter shares with the thousands who follow her @microadventures on Instagram. Jenny is a physician assistant-turned-stay at home mom, and she’s passionate about finding adventures near and far for her family to explore, while sprinkling some biblical truths into the lives of her kids along the way.

Quotes

“By traveling and seeing different areas and meeting different people who might not be like us, we hope our family can look through a lens that shows all humans are image bearers of God.” —Jenny Stifter

“By taking our kids outside into God's creation, we pray the awe they feel as they look at God's creation would cause their gaze to go up, so they can see God and be completely in awe of Him and who He is.” —Jenny Stifter

“Faith is not our doing. It's a gift of God. It's so beautiful that Jesus takes the fear of the disciples and He gives them faith instead.” —Jenny Stifter

“I think it's really important that we pray for our little ones, that they would have faith where fear and doubt take up residence in their hearts. And we can pray the same thing for our hearts.” —Jenny Stifter

Jenny’s Links

Jenny’s Facebook

Jenny’s Instagram

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

34. After Loss, Finding Hidden Gifts of a New Season: Jonathan Pitts Apr 28, 2022

Pastor Jonathan Pitts suffered a tremendous tragedy when his wife and mother to his four girls, Wynter Evans Pitts, died unexpectedly. Faced with the task of raising their four daughters alone and shouldering Wynter’s ministry, Jonathan turned to God as he navigated a new season he never asked for. In the months ahead, Jonathan found himself straddling two worlds: his life “before” Wynter, and the new one God was guiding him through—and as frightening and difficult as it was, God was leading Jonathan to streams in the desert, with life-giving gifts along the way.

Quotes

“In the hardest of circumstances, there always is joy, there always is hope. There always is a through line of purpose and optimism that we can find because God is always working in everything. He's always working the good, the bad, the ugly. So there is this through line and it's our job just to find it.” —Jonathan Pitts

“in Genesis, it says that Jacob buried Rachel, he set a stone to remember her, and then he moved forward because he’s got these 12 sons to get to the Promised Land. There’s this reality, I knew that God was calling me. They [my daughters] were still on this Earth. I was still on this earth, and I was called to lead them and help them honor and memorialize their mom.” —Jonathan Pitts

“I've just really learned to trust God's timing. I've learned to trust God's voice. But I've also learned to just trust that Jesus is walking me every bit of the way.” —Jonathan Pitts

“I'm just trying to remind myself that life is less about having to nail everything and more about growing in wisdom, growing in understanding, growing in a relationship with Jesus, as I move forward.” —Jonathan Pitts

Jonathan’s LinksJonathan’s website

Jonathan’s Facebook

Jonathan’s Instagram

Jonathan’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeFor Girls Like You

Dr. Tony Evans

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

33. Trusting God’s Timing Is Best: Lathan Warlick Trusting God’s Timing Is Best: Lathan Warlick Apr 21, 2022

A dream put on hold. A prayer without an (obvious) answer. Sometimes, we wish we had more control of our lives because we don’t like waiting, or we wish we could go back and change a moment in our past. But if God has brought you to it, He’ll bring you through it—that’s what positive artist Lathan Warlick reminds us. Lathan shares how he found himself staring down the barrel of a .45-caliber pistol—a moment that recalibrated his faith forever—and why he’s using his second chance to spread a message of “God, love, and unity” to the world.

Quotes

“God was like, ‘You know what Lathan? I want to use you to impact the world, not just your city and not just your state and not just your town. But I want to use you to impact the world.’” —Lathan Warlick

“I like to bring positivity, encouraging and uplifting music to people. I know that God is teaching me and showing me through music to help people take care of them in life.” —Lathan Warlick

“God, He showed up, even in my mess. He showed up even in my junk. He showed up even when I didn't even have it together.” —Lathan Warlick

“God's timing is the best timing.” —Lathan Warlick

Lathan’s LinksLathan’s website

Lathan’s Facebook

Lathan’s Instagram

Lathan’s Twitter

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

32. Celebrating Easter with Sally Lloyd-Jones, part 2 Apr 14, 2022

To celebrate the Easter season and the hope it brings, Sally’s reading stories from The Jesus Storybook Bible of how Jesus rescued every single one of us. Hallelujah, He is Risen!

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

31. Celebrating Easter with Sally Lloyd-Jones, part 1 Apr 07, 2022

To prepare our hearts for Easter, Sally invites you to listen as she reads two stories from The Jesus Storybook Bible that remind us of this truth: in spite of anything we could ever do, Jesus — our servant king — loves us so very much.

Quotes

“It's easy to despair, but the hope of Easter tells us that no matter how dark it looks, whatever is going on in your life right now, however desperate, look up. Spring is on its way.” —Sally Lloyd-Jones

“Whether you're all grown up or a child, remember: we're all of us loved by God, our Father, and He speaks to us in the lyrical language of a father to a child. So let the wonderful story of Easter fill your hearts with hope.” —Sally Lloyd-Jones

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeBunny’s First Spring by Sally Lloyd-Jones

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

30. Grace to Live a Selfless Life, Imperfectly: Richard Lui Mar 31, 2022

While caring for his father living with Alzheimer’s for the past seven years, NBC News and MSNBC anchor Richard Lui has come to realize there’s a key element missing in our world: serving others. Richard shares how giving ourselves the grace to practice selflessness imperfectly allows us to hone our skills and pave the road for even greater acts of service down the road.

Quotes

“We don't often talk about our faith in the journalism space. But I certainly will approach my job, and I think, What would Jesus do? And I think that drives me a lot in the decision making that I do, in the stories I select, the words that I use, the way I talk.” —Richard Lui

“The acceptance of some imperfect decisions that are still selfless—that is, thinking of another person—that's a small way of getting that muscle tone, just like when we go to the gym and we do an exercise everyday.” —Richard Lui

“I never thought that our family and myself have found our faith renewed, re-strengthened, redefined. And that what it means to say the word “God” and what God means to us has also been renewed and redefined.” —Richard Lui, on walking with his father through Alzheimer’s

Richard Lui’s LinksRichard’s website

Richard’s Facebook

Richard’s Instagram

Richard’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeEnough About Me, The Unexpected Power of Selflessness by Richard Lui

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast is produced by Four Eyes Media.

29. God Doesn’t Make Mistakes: Katherine Wolf Mar 24, 2022

At 26 years old, Katherine Wolf was enjoying a season as a wife and new mom when she unexpectedly suffered a massive stroke that left her with serious impairments to her body. Katherine spent some dark days asking God, ”Why did this happen to me? What good can come of this?” Eventually she found the answers: God doesn’t make mistakes. And He can use any story to point others back to Him.

Quotes

“In my very lowest moments after the stroke, I had learned to eat or speak or walk again. I did feel very much at a crossroads of wondering if God made a mistake in my story.” —Katherine Wolf

“I knew the ultimate truth that nothing is wasted and God knows way beyond what my little mind can see and understand. He's writing a story with my life.” —Katherine Wolf

“The reality is that we all have different afflictions. You know, none of us are fully free from constraints on our stories, problems, pain, and limitations.” —Katherine Wolf

“Throughout the 13 years I've been living post-stroke in this disabled body, the purpose and the calling of my life has been clarified so much that what remains is how important it is to utilize what God has left in the story He's writing.” —Katherine Wolf

Katherine Wolf’s LinksKatherine’s website

Katherine’s Facebook

Katherine’s Instagram

Katherine’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeHope Heals Camp

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast is produced by Four Eyes Media*

28. Finding God in Science, Faith, and Relationships: Curt Thompson Mar 17, 2022

Some think science and faith exist in separate worlds, but Curt Thompson sees things a different way. As a successful psychiatrist who’s also a person of deep faith, Curt shows that having a deep understanding of science can give us a greater understanding of the world God made for us, while leading us into a deeper relationship with Him.

Quotes

“Every generation of people has to have its own conversion experience. And our conversion experiences are largely ones that require our imaginations to be surprised. When Jesus came,

He caught people by surprise. And every generation since requires being surprised, being caught off guard.” —Curt Thompson

“There was always a longing within me to have some better sense of how we operate as human beings, to integrate with what I had experienced in my spiritual life as a follower of Jesus.” —Curt Thompson

“We have this desire to create beauty and goodness in the world as a feature of connecting us to other human relationships as we are known by them. The beauty that we create only serves to reinforce this sense of connection, which then only serves to reinforce our longing to go further and create even more beauty and goodness in the world.” —Curt Thompson

Curt Thompson’s LinksCurt’s website

Curt’s Facebook

Curt’s Instagram

Curt’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Soul of Desire by Curt Thompson

The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast is produced by Four Eyes Media*

[ANNOUNCING] “Little One, We Knew You’d Come” by Sally Lloyd-Jones Mar 14, 2022

Spring brings light and hope to the world, just like the arrival of a baby. To celebrate the miracle of new life all around us, Sally’s reading from her brand-new picture book Little One, We Knew You’d Come, available right now at your favorite book retailer!

***Want a free gift?***

Sign up for Sally’s newsletter, and get FREE printables from “Little One, We Knew You'd Come” and “The Jesus Storybook Bible” Lent Guide! https://bit.ly/SallysNewsletter

27. Be Open to the “New” God Has for You: Jonathan Evans Mar 10, 2022

It’s scary to leave your comfort zone. But Jonathan Evans has found that God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called. The son of Lois and Dr. Tony Evans, Jonathan reminds us of the story of Joshua: that our lives are so much greater when we don’t rely on ourselves for understanding and instead trust a God who has greater plans for us than we could ever imagine.

Quotes

“God doesn't need you to feel up for it. He just needs your feet to start treading in obedience. And when we're able to be obedient and not allow our feelings to be our God, but to allow God to be our God in spite of our feelings, then we're able to experience through our function of obedience all that God has for us.” —Jonathan Evans

“I don't know exactly what I want to do. I don't know exactly how it's going to happen, but I do know that I'm going to have faith. I do know that every single day I'm going to get up and put one foot in front of the other, and I'm going to pray about my day, get clarity about my day, and execute my day that I've been given today.” —Jonathan Evans

“Let me tell you something about how God works. God goes to the back of the line to pull people from the back to the front. God is not looking for someone who's qualified. He's going to qualify the someone he's looking for. And so when people understand that God qualifies the called, that God is not calling the qualified, then you understand who you're really dealing with.” —Jonathan Evans

Jonathan’s LinksJonathan’s website

Jonathan’s Facebook

Jonathan’s Twitter

Jonathan’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeDr. Tony Evans

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

26. Stories Shape Who We Are: Cole Arthur Riley Mar 03, 2022

Writer Cole Arthur Riley’s path to God was long and winding. She explored many religious traditions, but God eventually used the written word—a medium near and dear to her heart—to draw her to Him. Founder of the creative community Black Liturgies, Cole shares why stories touch us like nothing else, and why God has always used them to shape our understanding of Him.

Quotes

“I think our humanity demands the creative, and I think good spirituality asks a kind of artistry in each of us.” —Cole Arthur Riley

“The Christians that I had encountered up to that point were all very intense, and frankly, made me believe that God was a white man with blue eyes, which created some dissonance in me as a Black woman.” —Cole Arthur Riley

“I like to think that God knew that I, whose identity was so situated within books and reading, that that God used the one thing that I felt safe in to draw me into the divine.” —Cole Arthur Riley

“I know a God who sees me in the fullness of who I am, who sees me in my Blackness and sees beauty amplified in my Blackness and doesn't ask me to diminish it in order to find belonging.” —Cole Arthur Riley

“It all began with the Word. You know, Christ Himself likened to a word. So it's no surprise to me that our faith leads us to revere them and to revere stories.” —Cole Arthur Riley

Cole’s LinksCole’s website

Cole’s Facebook

Cole’s Twitter

Cole’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeCornell University

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

25. Forgiveness Liberates Your Heart: Jeanne Celestine Lakin Feb 24, 2022

In 1994 Jeanne Celestine Lakin lost everything—her home, her parents and family and friends—in the Rwandan genocide. This week, Jeanne shares two incredible journeys she’s undertaken: her unlikely path to the United States, and how God helped her walk toward radical forgiveness for the people who changed her life forever.

Quotes

“After I survived the genocide, I really prayed and I asked God to lead me to loving His people.” —Jeanne Lakin

“In three months, over one million people were killed in the genocide, and having to navigate that as a child was something that I felt like I needed God’s guidance, because as a nine year old, there's nothing I could have done to save myself.” —Jeanne Lakin

“After the genocide, I was filled with so much hatred and so much bitterness because of what happened to me. And I said, ‘God, I don't think You created me to live in this darkness, in this place of pain.’” —Jeanne Lakin

“I was able to forgive. And I would just feel this joy inside of me that I couldn't feel when I was just feeling bitter and angry, until really God has given me the power to forgive. He asked us to forgive because that's how we are liberated.” —Jeanne Lakin

Jeanne’s LinksJeanne’s website

Jeanne’s Facebook

Jeanne’s Twitter

Jeanne’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeOne Million Orphans nonprofit

Rwandan genocide

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

24. You Need Somebody to Rescue You: Kathy Keller Feb 17, 2022

Kathy Keller joins The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast to share how she became a penpal of C.S. Lewis, the story of founding Redeemer Presbyterian Church with her husband Tim, and how her friendship with Sally and the Jesus Storybook Bible moves her deeply. Kathy says, “The Bible is about Jesus, and therefore, if you understand the whole narrative arc of redemption, every page does whisper His name.”

Quotes

“You need somebody to come and save you. The Bible is about Jesus, and therefore, if you understand the whole narrative arc of redemption, every page does whisper His name. Every story is about Jesus.” —Kathy Keller

“The things that lift me towards joy are really transcendent music and really transcendent truth. And when we get to the truth about Jesus coming to save us, it kicks my joy meter…actually having joy stabbing to the point of tears.” —Kathy Keller

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeRedeemer Presbyterian Church

Redeemer City to City

C.S. Lewis

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Allegheny College

C.S. Lewis’ Letters to Children

John F. Kennedy

Wake Forest University

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

23. The Pressure to Perform—and the Freedom of Letting It Go: Ashley Cleveland Feb 10, 2022

By the time she became a GRAMMY winner, singer/songwriter Ashley Cleveland had found the success she learned to prize as a child. But it wasn’t until she hit rock-bottom in her alcohol addiction that Ashley realized performing still left her with longing—and that God could give her the love and affirmation she’d craved all along.

Quotes

“I'm a person who really understands bondage. I've lived in it for so much of my life, so that kind of freedom is so beautiful to me, even if I just taste it and then ping right off of it. That's what I'm looking for.” —Ashley Cleveland

“I kind of came up thinking of God as a performance-loving God. And the God, of course, that I met was anything but. And then as I grew closer to Jesus, everything started to make sense, and I realized that it was His life in me that I was offering.” —Ashley Cleveland

“Even in the profound disappointments and losses, what I know is that He doesn't give me everything that I longed for, but what He does give me every time is Himself and more and more of it.” —Ashley Cleveland

Ashley’s LinksAshley’s website

Ashley’s Facebook

Ashley’s Twitter

Ashley’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeChurch of the Redeemer: Nashville, TN

Ignatian spiritual exercises

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

22. God’s Always Led Us Through the Storm: US Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black Feb 03, 2022

Our world’s living through a challenging time. But US Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black reminds us that God has led us through challenging times in the past—and He’s guiding our way right now. Chaplain Black also shares the surprising road he took to Senate chaplaincy, and how he believes that God is always working for our good, even when we don’t realize it at the moment. Quotes “God is always in the shadows. And so we have nothing to fear for the future when we remember how God has led us in the past.” —Chaplain Barry Black “Democracy is very precarious and it's fragile, and we must understand that eternal vigilance is the price we must pay.” —Chaplain Barry Black

Chaplain Black’s Links

Chaplain Barry Black’s Facebook

Chaplain Barry Black’s Twitter

Chaplain Barry Black’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

U.S. Senate: Office of the Senate Chaplain Website

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

21. A License to Radically Love Our Neighbor: Sara Groves Jan 27, 2022

A resident of St. Paul, Minnesota, singer/songwriter Sara Groves has spent the last few years examining the lenses through which she’s always looked at the world, and looking at the stories she’s told herself about her life. And through her music, Sara is exploring the invitation Jesus extends to each of us—to hand over our assumptions about the world and the lenses we use to look at the world, and, instead, to grab hold of a life-giving license to radically love one another. Quotes

“What do you see when you look at your fellow neighbor? What voices and ideas leap out first? And how can I be more Christlike in that seeing of my neighbor?” —Sara Groves

“I think Jesus invites us into seeing into the soul of things. I think every single person He calls out, from the woman at the well to the disciples, He reorients them. They're not just who they are, they're not just their jobs or these titles or labels that they've had. He reorients them to the soul of things, to who they are and what's happening, what's really happening, past maybe behaviors or labels and identities.” —Sara Groves

Sara’s LinksSara’s Website

Sara’s Facebook

Sara’s Twitter

Sara’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeArt House North

What Makes It Through album

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

20. Stories – A Bridge to Compassion & Empathy: Sarah Mackenzie Jan 20, 2022

Stories are powerful. We can probably all point to the story that made us a reader and/or a writer. Stories shape the way we see the world, they give us empathy as we get to walk in someone else’s shoes. Podcast host Sarah Mackenzie believes passionately in the gift of story. This week she joins the Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast and shares such wonderful insights, including this: “Every time we share stories with our kids, it’s an opportunity to love God and love people better by walking a mile in their shoes, by being emboldened by the courage and grit and overcoming what they see again and again in the stories that they read.” Quotes

“I want my kids to love God and love people better, right? And that feels like what we do every time we share stories with our kids." —Sarah Mackenzie

“I really feel like as a parent, discussion and conversation is one of our best tools to be able to connect with our kids and raise our kids, and read-alouds and sharing stories have also opened up this whole other world for us to discuss.” —Sarah Mackenzie

“What I've noticed is on those days that we have a hard time seeing eye to eye, when we sit down to read a story, it's like we're sitting down on the same bench. It's like we remember that we're on the same side of the fence and we're on the same team again. Because when you're sharing a story, you're rooting for the same character.” —Sarah Mackenzie

Sarah’s LinksRead Aloud Revival Website

Read Aloud Revival Facebook

Read Aloud Revival Instagram

Read Aloud Revival Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeTeaching From Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakable Peace

The Read-Aloud Family

Read Aloud Revival Podcast

Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease

Andrew Pudewa

Institute for Excellence in Writing

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

19. Finding Fun Everywhere You Look: Annie F. Downs Jan 13, 2022

What sounds fun to you? It’s a question author and That Sounds Fun podcaster Annie F. Downs finds herself asking pretty often. Annie has a knack for finding fun and joy in places you might not think to look: in our spiritual lives, in our harder moments. Annie shares how seeking joy is kind of like riding a roller coaster: when you keep yourself open to experiencing fun, even if you don’t know what’s next, you’re in for a real treat—and that includes enjoying a richer connection with God. Quotes

“When we're having fun, it's really easy to put on the back burner, not make disappear, but put on the backburner the things that are hard and the things that are painful and laugh together and celebrate together and have an opportunity to thank God even on the hard days.” —Annie F. Downs

“It's an opportunity and a real gift to really practice the presence of fun in your life.” —Annie F. Downs

“I think the better we get to know God, the more we see a lot of sides of His personality, and if we were really made in His image than the people that we love and love, being around that are funny and that are fun and that are full of joy reflect a part of God's personality. So everyone that we meet and every experience we have emotionally is reflected as we are made in the image of God.” —Annie F. Downs

Annie’s LinksAnnie’s website

Annie’s Facebook

Annie’s Twitter

Annie’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeThat Sounds Fun Podcast

Psalm 23 NIV

1 Timothy 2 NIV

What Sounds Fun To You?

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

18. Restoring Lives Through God’s Love & Justice Work: Haejin Shim Fujimura Jan 06, 2022

The Japanese art of Kintsugi has been around for centuries. As earthquakes frequently rocked Japan, tea masters found that lining the cracks with gold not only mended the pieces, it made them more beautiful and more valuable than the originals. Lawyer Haejin Shim Fujimura reminds us that God’s love mends His children the same way. Haejin shares her work as an advocate for the oppressed, particularly with women and children living in poverty in India, and shows that fighting for the wellbeing of the oppressed aligns with God’s vision for our lives. Quotes “We really wanted to intervene on behalf of these children because without an intervention, they really don't have any hope for the future. So our goal is to ultimately protect these children so that human trafficking can be prevented, the exploitation of intergenerational violence can be stopped.” —Haejin Shim Fujimura

“We wanted to bring the breath of life into the lives of these little embers who are dying flames. And we can share that breath that we receive from the Holy Spirit, from Jesus, with these children so that they can also become a flame.” —Haejin Shim Fujimura

“If you can imagine a pottery that has been fractured, but now it's mended and it's beautifully colored and decorated with gold, now you can see the fracture, but you don't see it as something ugly or something terrible. But you see it as something that has become beautiful because this pottery has so much value and now has a new life and it looks different from the original.” —Haejin Shim Fujimura

“We ask God to help us love our neighbors as ourselves. And that includes all of these people that God brings to our life together. So I think that is the undergirding, the very basic principle that informs all the decisions that I make about my work and all the things that I do.” —Haejin Shim Fujimura

Haejin Shim’s LinksEmbers International Website

Embers International Instagram

Embers International Twitter

Embers International Facebook

Haejin Shim’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeEmbers International

Kintsugi

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

17. Creativity & Imagination Can Make a Difference: Makoto Fujimura Dec 30, 2021

Internationally acclaimed visual artist and writer Makoto Fujimura shares how watching his art come to life on the canvas helps him understand God’s invitation to us to be co-creators with Him, how making art is a way of loving God’s broken world, and of loving others. Makoto says, “God of the Bible is the Creator, and therefore it's impossible to understand this God without having some sort of understanding of making and creating into the world.” Quotes

“Creativity and imagination, I would say, is a critical center of our understanding of God. God of the Bible is the Creator, and therefore it's impossible to understand this God without having some sort of understanding of making and creating into the world.” —Makoto Fujimura

“I consider my studio to be the most sacred place that I know. It's felt that way since when I was a child. I didn't know where this flow came from, but I knew it wasn't mine and I knew it was a gift. And so I felt that sense of tapping into something greater, something more transcendent has always been there for me, and art has always been connected to, therefore, my spiritual life. And it was a way of seeking God for me.” —Makoto Fujimura

Makoto’s LinksMakoto’s website

Makoto’s Facebook

Makoto’s Twitter

Makoto’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeArt + Faith, the Theology of Making by Makoto Fujimura

David Brooks

Kainos

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

16. Christmas Storytime with Sally Lloyd-Jones Dec 23, 2021

To celebrate the merriest week of the year, author Sally Lloyd-Jones reads aloud three special Christmas stories from The Jesus Storybook Bible, perfect to listen to together as a family. Wherever you are this season, let your heart be filled with childlike wonder and be transported into the great stories of incredible acts that God did to show His love for each and every one of us. Merry Christmas! Quotes

“I hope that, whether you're all grown up or you're a child, you'll be able to settle back and listen like a child because we are all loved by God, our Father.” —Sally Lloyd-Jones

“[God] speaks to us in the lyrical language of a father speaking to His child. So let the beautiful story of Christmas fill your hearts and remember this great conspiracy of love as we go through the season.” —Sally Lloyd-Jones

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeHamilton Wright Mabie

The Jesus Storybook Bible

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

15. Looking Past Labels to See as Jesus Does: Lisa Schultz Dec 16, 2021

As our world drifts further apart, it can feel hard to love the people who seem so different from us. But Lisa Schultz, Chief of Staff for the US Senate Chaplain’s Office, has found a common touchpoint for reaching across the aisle: uniting over God’s love. Lisa shares the joy she’s seen in removing the labels that we allow to divide us, and how scripture can be a touchpoint for people of all walks of life to come together in unity. Quotes

“If we remove the labels that we attach to people, which we do all of the time and not just in politics, we can see them as Christ sees them. And I think this is just a challenge every day, to not label people, but instead to look beyond.” —Lisa Schultz

“I think that God's a very creative God and I really believe our background, our upbringing, our environment, all of these different things really influence who we are. And when you look at scripture, you see Jesus met all sorts of different types of people, right? There was a tax collector. There was the Samaritan woman. There were the teachers of the law. So we see Him meeting with all sorts of people. And I think it's important for us to do the same, to really break down those barriers and see people beyond the title that we put on them.” —Lisa Schultz

“God can do more than we ask or imagine if we're willing to be used by Him, if we're willing to follow what He asks us to do, even if it means marching around the city and these walls seven times. He's honored and I think joyful about our obedience. It pleases God to see our obedience.” —Lisa Schultz

Lisa’s Links

Lisa’s Facebook

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeAnglican Church

Chaplain Barry Black

U.S. Senate: Office of the Senate Chaplain Website

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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14. Finding Freedom in God’s Version of “Good Enough” – Ruth Chou Simons Dec 09, 2021

Despite our preconceived notions, the Bible is not a book of rules. Rather, it outlines a great gift we were given: the gift of grace, despite what we might deserve or what we might’ve done, good or bad. Author and artist Ruth Chou Simons joins The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast to share how she learned that we cannot be the hero of our own lives—in fact, our lives are filled with richer connection and deeper joy when we deem God to be the savior of our lives, instead of ourselves. Quotes “Sometimes we act as if we can be a good enough Christian, that God will welcome us, will love us, will never leave us. But that's not actually the gospel according to the Bible. That's not the real good news of the Bible. The kind of change that we're really looking for is really brought to us through the grace of God, through Jesus.” —Ruth Chou Simons

“When I heard the message of Christ, it sounded so impossible, because the message of Jesus is that He's not looking at me being amazing. He's looking at me being surrendered.” —Ruth Chou Simons

“We have a choice here. We can either keep on spiraling out of control, trying to control our own lives and prove ourselves, or we can take God at His word.” —Ruth Chou Simons

Ruth’s LinksRuth’s Website

GraceLaced

Ruth’s Facebook

Ruth’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeGraceLaced

Beholding & Becoming

When Strivings Cease

Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

13. Imperfection: the Crack That Lets In God’s Light – Shauna Niequist Dec 02, 2021

Singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen said, “There’s a crack in everything—that’s how the light gets in.” Sometimes the way we approach Scripture is to think we have to have everything about it perfect—ourselves, our interpretations of it—to have a fulfilling spiritual life. But writer Shauna Niequist reminds us that couldn’t be further from the truth. Shauna shows us that allowing ourselves to be imperfect in our approach to spiritual lives—and in any creative endeavor—is the gateway to experiencing the beauty that God meant for us to have. Quotes

“Any piece of art or wisdom or culture or meaning, you can observe it at a distance or you can interact with it, let it shape you, let it interact with your own experiences and feelings and the experience of it will be so much richer if you do that. And I think the Bible's just exactly that same way.” —Shauna Niequist

“I want my kids to feel able to make the decisions that match their own values for their lives, to make their lives as busy or slow as they want them to be, to be as relational and social and adventurous or contemplative and quiet—whatever suits them.” —Shauna Niequist

“Any of us who are storytellers or songwriters or painters or dancers, people who make anything, who tell stories in any way, poets, preachers, all of it—we're writing down what we see in the world, what's beautiful, what's notable, what's profound, what's shaping and challenging so that God's children can read it. And then our job is to just wait with happy excitement and see what God is going to do with it.” —Shauna Niequist

Shauna’s LinksShauna’s Website

Shauna’s Facebook

Shauna’s Twitter

Shauna’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeAnne Lamott

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast is produced by Four Eyes Media

12. We’re All Incredibly Different, Designed by an Incredible God: Trillia Newbell Nov 25, 2021

Editor and author Trillia Newbell joins The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast to share a beautiful message of unity: God died for every tribe, every tongue, and every nation, and our differences glorify the incredible Creator He is. Trillia reminds us that until we mingle together again in heaven, it’s imperative that we treat every person—no matter how different they may be from us—with love and compassion. Quotes

“God has graciously given us a beautiful picture of what the family of God looks like in the Bible. We know that Jesus died for every tribe, tongue and nation. He does not discriminate based on the color of our skin and language. He is so gracious to give us a diverse family, and we see it all throughout the scriptures.” —Trillia Newbell

“I believe one of the reasons that He's created all of these different people is because it reflects Him, this God who is creative and who is complex and different and unique and, frankly, well set apart. He's holy. He created us with different languages, with different skin tones, with different abilities, with different interests. And it's to glorify Him in His creativity and His goodness.” —Trillia Newbell

“When we resist loving each other based on something like the color of our skin, we are all in need of the same mercy and of the same grace and of the same love. And so for us to draw away from each other or to hate each other based on something so minor, it just makes me very sad. So I think the reason we should press in is because we are going to be doing it for eternity. And so we pray, ‘Lord, as it is in heaven.’” —Trillia Newbell

Trillia’s LinksTrillia’s Website

Trillia’s Facebook

Trillia’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeCreative God, Colorful Us by Trillia Newbell

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast is produced by Four Eyes Media

11. Art & Faith Show God’s Truth & Beauty: Julian Leong Nov 18, 2021

Flip through streaming services on a Friday night, and chances are you might see actor Julian Leong bringing a story to the screen. But the comedic actor, who’s also pursuing a master’s degree in biblical studies, has dedicated some serious thought to his craft, and how he can use his experiences and passion not for his own gain, but to be God’s mouthpiece and help the world to flourish. Julian shares why pursuing any craft or career needs to marry passion with purpose, how his acting career has taught him to trust and move forward in faith despite uncertain circumstances, and how paying closer attention to the beauty around us brings us closer to God. Quotes

“Art is about making sense of experience and finding purpose and meaning in that experience and being able to shape it and craft something, some piece of art—whether it be a play, whether it be a song or a sculpture that actually helps others make sense of their own experiences as well.” —Julian Leong

“As soon as we talk about purpose—namely, one's life purpose, the reason someone's here in this world—then that's going to be based on your faith. It's going to be based on any number of faith assumptions about what this world is, what life is about.” —Julian Leong

“I think artists are cultivators of beauty, and I think we buy into the idea that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think we've sort of accepted that. But as Christians, we have to question that, right?” —Julian Leong

“I don't want selfish ambition to be the thing that drives me. I do want it to be God's purpose: God's purpose for making His presence known, for making His love known to us, making His forgiveness known to us, for awakening us to the reality that we are not just a random collection of atoms, but we've been made with love, we've been made with purpose, we've been designed, we were knit in our mother's womb. We are known, we are seen. These are all things that God wants us to know, and I want to be His mouthpiece.” —Julian Leong

Julian’s LinksJulian Leong’s Website

Julian Leong’s Twitter

Julian Leong’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeSir John Polkinghorne

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Reformed Theological Seminary

Dr. J. Ligon Duncan III

Dr. Michael J. Krueger

William B. Fullilove

Tim Keller

The Christians by Lucas Hnath

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

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10. Socially Faithful: Karen Swallow Prior on Navigating Online Conversations Nov 11, 2021

Writer and English professor Karen Swallow Prior has noticed a trend among her students: they’re not sure how to think biblically in a world grappling with social issues that change by the minute. People talk at length about these issues on social media, where the comments section can devolve into a name-calling free-for-all in a matter of seconds. Karen shares how to keep yourself open enough to reconsider your views without compromising your values, and how to have civil conversations seasoned with grace among people you may not see eye to eye with, both online and off. She also reminds us that believers bear an important responsibility: anytime we enter the public arena, we need to make sure to take the Spirit with us. Quotes

“I think the most important thing is to be filled by the Spirit. We know when we’re filled with the Holy Spirit, because we’ll exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. We’ll exhibit love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and—perhaps most importantly in this age—self-control.” —Karen Swallow Prior

“I've had to put it in the Lord's hands. I plan my way, I hone my craft, I try to do good work, but I really believe that it's all the Lord's doing. And so I call Him now the Lord of my schedule, because I just want every part of my day and all of my work to be guided by Him and the opportunities to be guided by Him. Everything that I end up doing, I want to glorify Him.” —Karen Swallow Prior, on her writing career

“As the world changes, we see more Christians who hold very different views on what to me are very fundamental issues. I see it as an opportunity to think about their view and ask myself why I think theirs is wrong and mine is right. Then I also ask, ‘Well, maybe there's something in between.’” —Karen Swallow Prior

Karen’s LinksKaren’s Website

Karen’s Facebook

Karen’s Twitter

Karen’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeCultural Engagement by Karen Swallow Prior

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Religion News Service

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9. We’re Meant to Mend a Broken World: Sho Baraka Nov 04, 2021

As a teen grappling with emotional growing pains that come with getting older, Sho Baraka saw his father and brother accept a faith that radically altered their lives with a peace he wished he could have for himself. Since then, Sho has traveled the world as a Christian hip-hop artist and activist, with a passion to restore the world with the love that makes us whole in body, mind, and soul. He shares how he carved a path as a creative in the faith world, and how practically serving the needs of others can bring us together like nothing else. Quotes

“I have this belief that the gospel is not just a message that is cognitive, but it's also corporeal, it is physical as well. With the mental transformation, Jesus heals people as well as saves souls because He recognizes I am here to not only give you a mental and heart change, I see that these conditions have kept you from living a flourishing life. I want to solve that, I want to heal you, and hopefully you will have a more abundant life.” – Sho Baraka

“I couldn't ask for a greater role and responsibility than to be one of God's children and to participate in the dedication of the world.” – Sho Baraka

“As individuals who love the Lord with all our heart, mind, body and soul, we couldn't just ignore the earthly hell that people lived in and just preach a heaven and say, ‘By and by you [will] see glory.’ But God has called us to bring all things to His glorious redemption. And so that kind of created this desire to not only just be artists, but to be activists as well.” – Sho Baraka

Sho’s LinksSho’s Website

Sho’s Facebook

Sho’s Twitter

Sho’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeOld Testament Ethics for the People of God by Christopher Wright

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast is produced by Four Eyes Media.

8. God’s Light Shines Through His Creation: Andrew Peterson Oct 28, 2021

Joining us this week is Andrew Peterson, an award winning singer/songwriter and author, who created a ministry called The Rabbit Room. He desires to lift up the works of art and the artists that nourish others by giving back to these creators with encouragement, inspiration, and support. Andrew also has a beautiful appreciation for old trees, because they tell the story of how God has shown His presence throughout creation. If we pay attention to the world around us, it’s another way of paying attention to God Himself, and we can find guidance on the way we should live our lives. Like trees, we are charged with planting deep roots, and bearing good fruit for the world. Trees are the living witnesses to what God is doing in us. Quotes

“The idea is that by creating good life, giving edifying, Christ-honoring works of art, that those things are nourishing communities of like minded people, giving them courage and inspiration and solidarity, and with the hope that then they will go on and continue to make their own things. And all of this ends up being a way of loving this world that God so loved and drawing attention to Him and His goodness.” —Andrew Peterson

“The season of depression that I've been going through is a kind of pruning. God doesn't cut us back. It may feel violent and that may feel unfair. But if our end goal is to bear good fruit, then we entrust ourselves to the Lord of the Vineyard.” —Andrew Peterson

“God loves the world, His creation, this planet. Jesus came and conquered death and has begun this new creation with a new city, a new place for us to live. I just think that's thrilling. I don't have to wait for the new creation to begin living responsibly. Like if I really believe that the master of the house is returning, why would I not take good care of the place that He's given us to live?” —Andrew Peterson

Andrew’s Links

Andrew’s Website

Andrew’s Facebook

Andrew’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeThe God Of The Garden by Andrew Peterson

Behold The Lamb of God

Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

7. Even in the Dark, God’s Hope Shines Bright: Ginny Owens Oct 21, 2021

When she began to play piano at age 2, Ginny Owens’ family knew God had something special in store for her. A year later, she lost her sight. Despite the darkness, Ginny flourished, and her faith kept her anchored through moments of bullying in middle school and setbacks in college as she pursued her dream of being a singer. Now a successful singer/songwriter, Ginny shares how she uses tools like The Jesus Storybook Bible to provide hope in seasons of darkness, and why learning to trust the God who loves us as a lifeline, even when we can’t see the way forward. Quotes

“We're always singing some song in our heads, whether it has a tune or not. There's always something on repeat in our minds. And when the words on repeat in our minds become His words of truth and life and light, for me, it changes the way that I see everything.” —Ginny Owens

“Over the different seasons of my life, I have definitely clung to those truths that no matter how difficult life is or no matter how challenging it can be because of something that we're going through, Jesus is always there.” —Ginny Owens

“What gives me the most hope is knowing that I trust a God who is always here, always with me, who cares about the big and the small things, who has walked through darkness, who has walked through worse darkness than I will ever experience, and who did that for me and for you.” —Ginny Owens

Ginny’s Links

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Dove Awards

Sundance Film Festival

Singing in the Dark: Finding Hope in the Songs of Scripture

Sing Hope in the Darkness

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

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6. Sharing God’s Light with the World: Aarti Sequeira Oct 14, 2021

Food personality Aarti Sequeira opens up about her career path, the doubt and fear she experienced, and how relying on God got her through—and how it led to her passion for being open about her faith. Aarti opens up about sharing The Jesus Storybook Bible with her two girls, Eliyah and Moses, and how she’s used it as a tool to deepen her own faith so that she can answer the questions of her children and equip them in the Word. Quotes

“And I would wake up in the mornings and say, ‘Lord, why did you wake me up today? Like, why do you keep waking me up if you don't have anything for me to do, just take me home already if there isn't a purpose.’ But in retrospect, I think that time was about Him solidifying my identity in Christ.” - Aarti Sequeira

“My obsession with God, I suppose it just overflows. A lot of times I'm looking at the whole world, whether it's food or politics or my family or my husband, I'm looking at it all through the filter of Christ. What I always wanted was that my relationship with God would be so real that it would just leak out of me.” - Aarti Sequeira

“Time spent talking about God is never time wasted and time spent talking about God with your children is never wasted.” - Aarti Sequeira

Aarti Sequeira’s LinksAarti Sequeira’s website

Aarti Sequeira’s Facebook

Aarti Sequeira’s Twitter

Aarti Sequeira’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeFood Network

Food Network Star

Guy’s Grocery Games

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

5. God Can Bring Healing from Loss: Angie Smith Oct 07, 2021

Bible teacher Angie Smith shares about the power of God’s healing, including the lessons and the gifts He revealed to her through the loss of her daughter, Audrey, and other traumas she faced in her life. Angie opens up about her confusion when it came to the Bible, and how tools like The Jesus Storybook Bible helped her understand it as one cohesive book of love that she is a part of. Quotes

“In our lives, there are those moments where you think, This is me at my worst and you're going to leave me if you see it, you're not going to be able to handle it, and you're going to realize that I am a fraud or that I am not worth it. And I think that in the same way we can have those experiences with God where it's like, ‘Wow, if you can see this in me, you'll never leave me, and He never has.’” - Angie Smith

“I think over the years, as you develop a relationship with Christ, at least for me, I sort of start to get used to the fact that it's okay for there to be ebbs and flows and different seasons in your relationship with Jesus.” - Angie Smith

“It's okay if I'm angry with God. He can handle that. Like, all of heaven is not shaking because I have a moment where I'm angry that something is happening or that I can't stop crying about something or that I'm struggling. Part of me learned how to release emotion to Him without the fear that it would be too much for Him.” - Angie Smith

“The Lord is oftentimes performing miracles in places we can't see.” - Angie Smith

Angie Smith’s LinksAngie Smith’s Website

Angie Smith’s Facebook

Angie Smith’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeVanderbilt University

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

4. God Meets Us In The Broken Places with Ellie Holcomb Sep 30, 2021

Singer / songwriter Ellie Holcomb shares about the power reading and memorizing scripture has had in her life. From meeting Jesus as a child to now raising 3 kids of her own, Ellie’s journey through faith has never been linear. She’s combated the idea that we as people have to be perfect to receive God’s love, to knowing that it’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to look fear in the eyes and know God will guide us through the trauma and turmoil. She shares how she’s used tools like The Jesus Storybook Bible to further understand the grace and hope He provides while guiding her kids to learn and know they are all part of His story. Quotes

“I spent a lot of my life knowing God, knowing that He loved me, but I did not know that it was okay to not be okay.” - Ellie Holcomb

“As I've stood up in the truth of some of the brokenness of my story, I've seen the power of the gospel, the truth of the gospel, that He meets us in our most broken places and becomes even more powerful.” - Ellie Holcomb

“The Bible isn't a story that's mainly about us and what we should be doing. It's mainly a story about God and what he has done for us. And it's the greatest love story that's come true in real life.” - Ellie Holcomb

“There's this idea that our hope is not just this flimsy, ‘I hope things will be better one day.’ It's a hope that is grounded in the story of Jesus. And he’s already come and defeated death, but he's also coming back to defeat death and sadness once and for all. And I'm very, very grateful for that hope that we all have, and for that hope that we get to share with the little ones in our lives.” - Ellie Holcomb

Ellie’s Links

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

1. Amy Grant Part 1: A Loaves & Fishes Moment Sep 23, 2021

Iconic singer Amy Grant joins The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast for a two-part conversation sharing how she believes that we should approach life with a loaves and fishes mentality—giving God whatever we have. Amy began a music career at a young age—and wondered, much like the boy from the Bible story about the loaves and the fishes—what she could possibly have to give? She recalls that she just had to trust that God would take whatever she could give and bless it—and she’s come to see how God has multiplied that beyond whatever she could dare to dream or think or imagine in her life.

Quotes

“I love celebrating creativity and all kinds of ways. And I use music and hospitality to welcome people to the table.” - Amy Grant

“You know, we have a lot of choices with our hands, on our own steering wheels. We don't come into this world alone and we don't leave it alone. And in the middle, it really appears to be more our own choice, how much we want to lean into the love that brought us here.” - Amy Grant

“That's kind of my mindset when I walk into a situation and want to be a part of it, is just to go, ‘What do I already have?’ And I want to share it and I want to share it in a way of believing that a little bit can go a super long way in God's hands.” - Amy Grant

Amy Grant’s LinksAmy Grant’s website

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Amy Grant’s YouTube

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeDavid Whyte

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

2. Amy Grant Part 2: Compassion & Curiosity Sep 23, 2021

Part 2 of our interview with singer Amy Grant has Amy returning to share about the power of curiosity and compassion. In this second part of our conversation, she talks about how including Amy’s own experiences with the book and how she’s praying that God uses her as a channel.

Quotes

“So many times when I'm praying for myself or other people, I've prayed ‘God, draw me in by my curiosity.’ I think sometimes we think we can draw people towards something better by being judgmental or critical, and that doesn't tend to draw people at all. But curiosity, I mean, that's a fun trail.” - Amy Grant

“Sally Lloyd-Jones, I like how she positions the stories contextually. I love her narrative. I'm not exactly sure how she did it, but her retelling of these stories made me see a lot of things in a new light. As somebody who's read the Bible my whole life, I'll pick it up and go I'm falling into a pattern of believing this book is one thing and it actually is so much more. You know, the Bible is alive.” - Amy Grant

“I think my prayer many times is, ‘God just use me as a channel. Channel your love and light through me, through my eyes, through my speech, just anything.’ That would be a great way for us to all look at each other all the time, just a blend of compassion and curiosity.” - Amy Grant

Amy Grant’s LinksAmy Grant’s website

Amy Grant’s Facebook

Amy Grant’s Twitter

Amy Grant’s Instagram

Amy Grant’s YouTube

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

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Sally’s website

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

3. Leading With Love: Bishop Michael Curry Sep 23, 2021

Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church Michael Curry joins The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast to share ways we can lead with love in all areas of our lives, though it isn’t always easy. But Bishop Curry reminds us that leading with love is a commitment, that we must use Jesus as an example for the way we view and treat others, and that we are at our best when we live in love.

Quotes

“Living a life that is loving, that is characterized, defined by the way of love as we see it in Jesus of Nazareth is not easy. But it can be done. But it's important to remember that this way of love is not a sentiment, it is a commitment.” - Bishop Michael Curry

“This world and every one of us have been created by the hand of God, by the hand of love. We were made by love, if you will. We were made for love. We were made to love, and we were made to be loved. And we as human beings, individually, as a society and in all of our various collections, we are at our best when we live in love.” - Bishop Michael Curry

“Jesus goes to the cross for agape, not for Himself, but for the good and the wellbeing and the welfare of others. That kind of love has the power to bind us together as a human community, as a human family. It has the power to bind us together as societies through all of our differences. When unselfish, sacrificial love that seeks the good and the well-being of others is the way, then everybody finds their way.” - Bishop Michael Curry

“Love makes room and space for others to be.” - Bishop Michael Curry

Bishop Michael Curry’s LinksBishop Michael Curry’s Website

Bishop Michael Curry’s Facebook

Bishop Michael Curry’s Twitter

Bishop Michael Curry’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeEpiscopal Church

Martin Luther King, Jr.

1 John 4:7-12 NIV

Martin Luther

Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

[TRAILER] Coming Soon: The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast! Sep 15, 2021

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones—telling the story of God’s Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love—has captured millions of hearts all over the world. Now, you can experience the hope and joy of this beloved book in podcast form! Sally’s at the mic sharing what inspired her to write the book, and inviting people from of all walks of life to share personally about the life-transforming power of God’s love in their lives. Look forward to shows featuring Amy Grant, Bishop Michael Curry, Food Network’s Aarti Sequeira, Andrew Peterson, and more! The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast launches soon, so subscribe right now so you never miss an episode!

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