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Everyone has a unique story of how the Lord has touched their hearts and shaped their journeys. The ”Women Behind the Words” podcast highlights women who have bravely navigated life’s challenges, harnessing the strength and courage to answer God’s calling. Listen to inspiring accounts of overcoming fears and achieving more than they ever imagined possible. These personal narratives will inspire, uplift, and offer hope, changing the course of history, which will affect the outcome of eternity, one heart at a time.
Episodes
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Date: April 23, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Cindy Saab
Story Highlight: Cindy Saab joins us today in this episode of The Women Behind the Words as she shares a poignant narrative of navigating through three significant life storms. She generously offers practical steps for embracing grief and adapting to a new reality. Drawing upon a quote by John Piper, Cindy found solace in allowing herself to fully experience and process her grief before moving forward. She underscored the transformative power of surrendering to Jesus, advocating for confronting pain rather than evading it, ultimately ushering her into a liberating sense of freedom. Now, Cindy has dedicated her life to supporting others grappling with life-altering challenges. Her advice resonates with authenticity, urging individuals to grant themselves the necessary time and space for grieving, acknowledging its intricate nature. Through her journey, she discovered profound growth by entrusting her pain to Jesus, firmly believing in His ability to navigate through life's storms. With unwavering faith in Jesus's provision, inspired by 2 Peter 1:1-5, Cindy embodies resilience and serves as a beacon of hope for those traversing their turbulent seas.
About the Guest (Bio): Cindy is an intentional CEO—a Connector and Encourager of Others. She loves to inspire, empower, equip, and coach those traveling through unexpected storms and motivate them toward new seasons of life or when they feel stuck and want to move on to their next step.
Cindy is an award-winning Bible study author, a passionate communicator, and a strong biblical teacher. She is a speech coach and presenter at Christian writing/speaking/leadership conferences. She is the mother of two adult children and can often be found at the local coffee shop or the inspirational beach near her New Hampshire home.
Book Spotlight: "Beyond: Finding Strength and Hope Through Unexpected Storms" by Cindy Saab offers a guiding light through the adversities of life. This inspirational book merges Cindy's deep biblical knowledge and personal experiences into a practical and spiritual guide to weathering life's toughest challenges. Featuring engaging Bible teachings, reflective questions, and powerful personal stories, "Beyond" serves as both a compass and a confidant for those navigating their darkest hours. This book has received high praise from readers who find it an empowering tool for both individual and group study. Cindy Saab, an award-winning author, and a dedicated encourager, extends an invitation to all who seek strength and hope amid life's storms.
Connect with Cindy:
Facebook: facebook.com/CindySaab
Instragram: instragram/com/CindySaab
Website: cindysaab.com
Email: CindySpeaksWrites@gmail.com
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
Date: April 2, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Bob and Deb Dufek
Story Highlight: We welcome you to today’s episode of The Women Behind the Words as Bob and Deb Dufek celebrate their life together with their listeners on Deb’s birthday and their 48th anniversary.
Together they share an unscripted peek into their early years and how they experienced, firsthand, the faithfulness of the Lord over and over as He led them forward with His love and great joy.
Their testimony stands strong today because it isn’t about their abilities or their lack, but rather the love and kindness, the grace and mercy, and the powerful forgiveness of a God who called them to be together against all worldly odds.
Seeing God’s repeated hand moving repeatedly in all situations they faced, paved the way for deep commitment to Jesus and one another, even in the face of various difficult times over 48 years.
If their life is marked with anything, it’s marked with the handprint of a faithful God who loves His people and continues the work He has begun in them and will continue until the day Jesus calls them home! They believe that the best is still ahead and it starts today!
About the Guest (Bio): Bob and Deb live together in upstate New York, surrounded by their 7 children (and spouses), and 22 grandchildren, with their 10th great-grandchild due in August.
Deb is an author, podcaster, inspirational conference and retreat speaker and storyteller, a certified writing and speaking coach, and the founder, along with her husband, Bob, of the Annual Mom’s Luncheon, a favorite day of many for 35 years.
Bob is a retired NYS Corrections Officer of 28 years who now spends his days in the garden creating storybook surroundings with the help of whatever grandchildren are there to spend an unforgettable day with him. He continues to be the best storyteller ever and at the insistence of his family and others, needs to capture all his heart-warming stories and ensure they’re in print soon.
Together, they share a deeper love than ever because of God’s faithfulness to continue the work He has begun in their life, as husband and wife, patriarch and matriarch of a small army! 51 immediate family at last count!
Book Spotlight: Holy Interruptions: When God Taps You on the Shoulder
Your Story Matters
We can change the course of history, one heart at a time. With our stories.
God chooses and uses the unlikely. He proves it again and again through the stories in His Word. The life messages of women in the Bible whose lives were gloriously interrupted still powerfully change lives today.
He uses their stories to change us. He uses our stories to change others. Are you willing to hear and heed His call? To answer His tap on your shoulder? Will you welcome Him into your story?
Are you willing to share even the sometimes-raw places of that story so someone else can find the beauty of the with-God life?
Learn how to fully give Him your story from the biblical women who lived and from poignant, personal stories from the author let the learning prepare you to be keenly ready when God taps.
He has miraculously changed lives before. He can miraculously do it again. With your story.
Connect with Debbie:
Website: www.debbiedufek.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/debbie.c.dufek
Instagram: @deb.dufek
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Date: March 19, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Lori Roeleveld
Story Highlight: Lori is delightful! Our podcast today is a wonderful treat for us all. Lori's prayer is that she can always be where Jesus is, seeing Him working. She hopes she can be a part of "Bring Your Daughter to Work Day" with Jesus every day.
In our time together Lori shares about her new book Graceful Influence and her personal how's and why's it was written the way she chose to write it. She pairs groups of two women of Scripture whose lives appear to be opposite from each other-–––good choices/wrong choices. Lori openly admits even as a child and into her adulthood she never really felt like she fit in with women. In her book, she looks at the lives of many biblical women who did and those who didn't fit the role the church and others in our society thought they should. But what Lori brings out is the amazing faithfulness of God in the lives of even the women who made wrong choices. How He tarried with them all and stayed close to them and let them know He sees them. He does the same thing today with us. He is a faithful God who sees. And despite our struggles, He lets us know He sees us.
You'll be riveted by every word she speaks and walk away with fresh insight into how loved you are by a patient God who never walks away from us.
What sprinkled this podcast with wonder is Lori’s description of hobbits, admitting she’s very much like them. You and I may be like a hobbit, too––not wanting to be moved out of our comfort zone, not being late for meals, or going on big adventures with the Lord.
Lori brings us face to face with the truth, by using the stories of biblical women, that the Lord is all about changing that in us. His call is to disturb us out of our comfort zone so we can follow Him into the adventures He has for us, instead of remaining in our safe places where we can hide and rest undisturbed.
This is a podcast that will be repeated and listened to again and again. I am sure of that. So, join me today on The Women Behind the Words. You won’t be sorry you did!
About the Guest (Bio): Lori Stanley Roeleveld is a professional coach, author, speaker, and distributor of hobbits. She harnesses the power of God’s Word to revive the hearts of weary believers. Lori loves Jesus, her family, and small churches. Degree in psychology and biblical studies, she learned the most from studying her Bible in life’s trenches. Find the heart to press on at Graceful Influence.
Book Spotlight: Grace Influence
Yes, You Make a Difference! New from Lori Stanley Roeleveld Graceful Influence
“If you’re looking for a refreshing, stimulating, uplifting, and challenging read, Graceful Influence is the book for you. Lori Roeleveld has given us a treasure. You can read this book as a devotional for a month, or you can study it with friends and discuss the “bottom line” impact statements following each chapter. This unique resource on how to be a godly influencer is a book that will transform your life.”
—Carol Kent. Founder and Executive Director of Speak Up Ministries, Speaker and Author of Becoming a Woman of Influence (NavPress)
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.— In a world where the word influencer is thrown around lightly, we lose track of who the true ones are. In her new book, Graceful Influence: Making a Lasting Impact through Lessons from Women of the Bible, beloved author, speaker, and professional coach Lori Stanley Roeleveld invites readers to meet the biblical women who influenced their worlds. When plates are so very full, women wonder if they are really making a difference, examples of these women in Scripture show that they indeed are. Graceful Influence has a unique twist as Roeleveld takes readers into the life of not just one woman of influence, but 28 pairs.
"We owe Martha an apology." The opening sentence of Graceful Influence hints at why I'm excited for OUR DAILY BREAD to release this book. We can change the conversation about women away from bad girls or good girls to a more productive and grace-filled focus on the many choices each of us makes and the influence those choices have to lead us (and others) either towards God or away,” says Roeleveld.
In Graceful Influence, Roeleveld writes a book that is authentic and approachable, using Scripture all along the way to show readers the lives of women like Mary and Martha, Eve and Mary, Deborah, and Jezebel, and many more, letting us see that these women aren’t really so different than women today. Perfect for individual study or small groups, Roeleveld ends each chapter with extra features like BIBLE, BIBLE EXTRA, BATTLE, and BOTTOM LINE, making it easy for women to dig even further into the scriptural power behind these pairs of women. Women from all stages of life will love Graceful Influence and will see that they do make a difference in their world, just like these biblical women did — no matter what.
Connect with Lori:
https://www.facebook.com/lori.roeleveld/
https://www.facebook.com/lorisroeleveld
https://www.instagram.com/loriroeleveld/
https://twitter.com/lorisroeleveld
https://www.pinterest.com/lorisroel/
Media Contact:
Jeane Burgess
918-630-9695
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Date: March 12, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Nicki Corinne White
Story Highlight: In this 'The Women Behind the Words' episode, we welcome Nicki Corinne White to the table. Nicki and her sister were adopted, happy little girls, growing up on a farm. But after their father passed away when Nicki was just 15, the family began living with limited means, and their home rarely welcomed guests. Nicki vividly recalls the burden of tasks her mother couldn't manage alone and the solitude of an empty house with no one to help, fueling her determination to create a warm, inviting home when she became an adult. Rooted in her Christian faith, and her love for God and others, Nicki emphasizes the importance of hospitality, urging listeners to step out of their comfort zones to extend love and acceptance to others.
Drawing from personal experience, she offers practical tips on fostering a welcoming atmosphere, emphasizing that true hospitality transcends perfectionism and embraces the gift of genuine fellowship. Reflecting on her mother's transformation in later years, Nicki highlights the profound impact of simple acts of kindness, stressing the power of sharing stories and wisdom with others. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to cultivate a spirit of hospitality, recognizing its transformative potential in building meaningful relationships and sharing God’s love in today's world. Nicki’s story serves as a heartfelt reminder of the beauty found in everyday warmth and love.
About the Guest (Bio): Nicki Corinne White is an author, speaker, and founder of Live Boldly Ministries. Nicki is passionate about studying and teaching God’s Word, using her story and personal experiences to encourage others. She is involved in her local church, teaches Bible studies, leads women’s discipleship groups, and has taught the Bible for over 30 years. Her desire in ministry is to share the Gospel with as many people as possible and encourage women to grow in their faith so they can also share with others. Nicki loves hospitality, sharing her home with others, enjoys gardening, cooking, and art. She lives with her husband in Meridian, Idaho, and has 4 children and 8 grandchildren.
Book Spotlight: It's Not About the Pie: A Fresh Look at Hospitality
Are you ever concerned about your role in reaching out to others, hospitality, and sharing what you have? I believe hospitality is not a gift but something everyone should do. It does not matter where you live, you can share what you have. There are many ways to reach out to others without having a fancy home or lots of money.
I am so excited about this book. The layout is lovely, in color, with many photos. There is a section with favorite family recipes and home decor ideas. Also included, is a section on our responsibility to help those in need and how to be generous with what we are given. I think that this book will make a great gift for any woman wishing to share with others.
Connect with Nicki:
Email: nickicorinnewhite@gmail.com
Website: liveboldlyministries.com
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Date: March 5, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Laurie Devernoe
Story Highlight: Welcome to this episode of The Women Behind the Words, where we delve into the profound story of my courageous friend, Laurie Devernoe. Join us as she shares her narrative of unwavering faith tested by unforeseen adversity. Despite the challenges she faced, Laurie's resilience and faith, though tried, shine through her story.
Through the loss of her vision in one eye and the absence of expected miracles, Laurie faces the depths of her faith with authenticity and raw emotion. Her willingness to confront doubt and disappointment with vulnerability is truly inspiring. She shares her struggles openly, providing us with a roadmap to navigate our own relationships with God when faced with days of unexpected difficulty.
Despite the darkness surrounding her, Laurie emerges from her struggles with newfound clarity. Her insights offer reassurance that even in the depths of despair, God's light shines brightest. Laurie’s story is a testament to the enduring presence of God in life's darkest moments. Her account serves as a beacon of light, reminding us of God's faithfulness and the transformative power of hope. Laurie Devernoe's life message is a powerful testament to the resilience of faith in the face of adversity. Through her poignant narrative, Laurie offers readers a profound opportunity to explore their own relationships with God and find hope in the midst of life's trials. Join us on this journey of faith as we uncover the light that shines through even the darkest of times.
About the Guest (Bio): Laurie Devernoe is a long-time Jesus lover and coffee enthusiast. To her, they go hand in hand. An author, dynamic speaker, ordained minister, and board-certified mental health coach, Laurie is dedicated to serving families and individuals of all backgrounds. She is passionate about helping people access their faith, strengthen their relationships, and be equipped to live impactful lives.
Laurie discovered how sharing her favorite seasonal coffee drink and her faith in Jesus with others fueled her to keep up with her children—eighteen-month-old triplet daughters and infant son. Eight years later, her second son was born. Married to Ron for over 25 years and living in Upstate New York, Laurie draws from her decades of parenting experience and education to pour into the lives of others in her community as she hosts prayer initiatives, home groups, and individual prayer and counseling ministry. Laurie founded Coffee House Parenting, LLC, and wrote her first book, Coffee House Parenting, where she shares from the heart practical means to pour your faith back into your families while making time to connect with God.
Her second book, Seeing Through the Darkness, will be released in early 2024. In it, Laurie shares candidly about her journey of losing her vision in one eye and how the broken pieces of her faith lay before her—pieces she would find in the darkness that now enabled her to see.
Connect with Laurie:
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Date: February 27, 2023
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Linda Shepherd
Story Highlight: In this episode of The Women Behind the Words, we are joined by Linda Shepherd, a remarkable woman whose enthusiasm for prayer defines her journey. As an international speaker and the author of 38 books, Linda's life is a testament to the transformative power of prayer. With infectious joy and a profound love for Jesus and His people, Linda recounts her numerous encounters with prayer that have left indelible marks on her audiences worldwide. Having weathered personal trauma and heartbreak, Linda intimately understands the profound changes when hearts pray to God. Throughout the episode, listeners are treated to a rollercoaster of emotions as Linda seamlessly weaves together moments of laughter and tears, inviting us all to experience the wonder, the beauty, and the potency of a life committed to prayer. Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Linda Shepherd, where you'll find inspiration, encouragement, and a deeper understanding of the profound impact of prayer in our lives.
About the Guest (Bio): Linda Evans Shepherd author of 38 books, returns with her latest bestseller, Praying Through Hard Times from Baker Revell. A former TV host, Linda's profound insights, love for her audiences, as well as her humor, and compelling stories, make her a great interviewee. Her YouTube show, "The Prayer Investigator," shows the world how to talk to God as she investigates the prayer stories of her guests. As the publisher of Leading Hearts magazine, Linda earned Evangelical Press Awards for her articles and prayer column and took home the 2023 Award of Excellence for Christian Digital Ministry Magazine. Founder of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, she leads and mentors 1000 Christian authors and speakers in a vibrant community.
Book Spotlight: Praying Through Hard Times: How to Give Your Worries to God and Rediscover Hope
Where is God when life comes crashing down? In Praying Through Hard Times, Linda Evans Shepherd shows you how to see God in times of trouble. With compassion born from her own experiences with tragedy, Shepherd offers you practical strategies for surviving difficult times, giving your worries and sadness to God, praying through the pain, and finding peace, hope, and joy once more. Praying Through Hard Times shows you how tough experiences can draw you closer to God than ever before. No matter what the hurt, there is always, always hope. God's answers to prayer may not come packaged in the ways we would expect, but they do come in ways that will transform our lives.
Connect With Linda:
Arise Esther Evening: AriseEstherEvening.com
Books: GotToPray.com
Speaking: LindaEvansShepherd.com
Magazine: LeadingHearts.com
Devo: AriseDaily.com
YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@gottopray
Author/Speaker's Association: AWSA.com
Nonprofit: RightToTheHeart.com
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Date: February 20, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Janet McHenry
Story Highlight: In today's episode of The Women Behind the Words, we are joined by Janet McHenry, a dedicated prayer walker who has been fostering hope in others through her passion for prayer since 1998. Today, Janet brings her wealth of experience and insights to the table as she delves into two particularly helpful topics for women.
Firstly, she discusses the importance of discovering one's natural prayer style. Understanding how we individually connect with the Lord can greatly enhance our prayer lives, leading to a deeper sense of fulfillment and connection. Janet offers guidance on how to identify and embrace our unique approaches to prayer, allowing for a more authentic and meaningful spiritual experience.
Additionally, Janet explores the concept of making peace with one's prayer life. Many women struggle with feelings of inadequacy or guilt regarding their prayer practices, often comparing themselves to perceived standards or struggling with consistency. Janet offers compassionate advice on releasing these burdens and finding contentment in our personal prayer journeys, emphasizing self-acceptance and grace. Through her wisdom and empathy, Janet McHenry provides valuable insights that empower women to cultivate richer, more fulfilling prayer lives, ultimately fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus.
About the Guest: Janet McHenry is a national speaker and the author of 27 books, including the bestselling PrayerWalk (WaterBrook) and The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus (Bethany House). She directs the prayer ministries at The Bridge Church in Reno and serves on the California leadership team for the National Day of Prayer. The leader of the hundreds-strong Bible Girls and a long-time prayer walker, Janet has helped others foster a hope-filled, purposeful lifestyle built on prayer and God's Word.
Book Spotlight: Prayer Personalities - Finding Your Natural Prayer Style
Some say you should have a prayer closet and go there every day for an hour to pray. Some say you should write all your prayers out in a journal. Some say you should keep an organized notebook for all prayer requests others give you. But none of this feels like you.
Perhaps it's time to step away from “the shoulds” and discover a praying lifestyle that syncs with your God-given personality.
In Praying Personalities, Janet McHenry explores biblical praying styles, numerous personality assessments, learning styles, the spiritual differences of the generations, and spiritual gifts to help you find a praying lifestyle that makes sense for you and the life you lead.
Connect with Janet:
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Date: February 13, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Karen Whiting
Story Highlight:
In this episode of "The Women Behind the Words," we are privileged to have Karen Whiting as our guest. Karen's life journey is marked by resilience and a deep sense of joy despite facing numerous challenges. As a Coast Guard family, Karen and her loved ones have weathered literal storms such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires, yet they have maintained smiles throughout their journey. Twelve years ago, Karen tragically lost her husband to cancer. Still, amidst the sorrow, she found solace in the precious moments they shared, thanks to an unexpected extension of time granted by the grace of Jesus. Her husband's selflessness during his illness, leaving behind hidden notes and gifts for their family, left an indelible mark on Karen, inspiring her to choose joy and laughter even in the face of adversity. Karen's latest book, co-authored with Pam Farrel, focuses on cultivating a life of joy, drawing from their own experiences of overcoming struggles. Through her conversation, Karen shares invaluable insights on encountering the Lord and embracing the joy-filled life He intends for us. She emphasizes the importance of joyfully navigating each day and becoming vessels of love and compassion to those around us. As listeners, we are encouraged to find hope in living a life that radiates joy and peace, knowing that by extending kindness to others, we too can experience the abundant joy from a heart filled with love.
About our Guest (Bio):
Karen Whiting is an international speaker, former television host, and award-winning author of thirty-four books for women, children, families, and the military. She has the heart to help families thrive and build strong, wholesome bonds.
As a Coast Guard wife, Karen lived in many states, almost always near the water. She experienced the trauma of natural disasters in various homes including category four hurricanes, lightning strikes, an earthquake, derechos, and spontaneous combustible fires. She is a widow, a mother of five, including two rocket scientists (yes, for real), and a grandmother.
She enjoys adventure and has ridden a camel in the Canary Islands; white-water rafted in Australia; ridden horseback in the ocean in Jamaica; and enjoyed scuba diving off the coast of Bermuda. She’s spoken in such faraway places as Russia and Malaysia. She loves Zumba, baking, and creating new crafts. And she loves seeing what God does when she chooses joy!
Book Spotlight: In a tumultuous world we can Rejoice!
You CAN choose joy and have a heart filled with joy!
Joy is a gift from God, a fruit of the Holy Spirit. We choose joy as we focus on what God has done and will do, rather than our circumstances.
We start the process of being joyful by developing our sense of inner joy. Then we can bring joy into our relationships to have more meaningful connections with the people in our lives.
We choose to respond with joy in all circumstances, even amid our grief and pain, through trusting that God is working in our lives with a plan and purpose. Once joy overflows in our hearts, we share that abundance and become joy givers.
Karen and her co-author, Pam Farrel, have faced many stresses and challenges in their lives but made the decision to choose joy and that’s made all the difference in their lives.
Media Experience:
Karen Whiting is a former television host of Puppets on Parade (Miami Educational Television) and has been a guest on more than one hundred radio shows including Moody Radio in South Florida.
Whiting is a guest on several TV stations where she has new books and one hundred radio shows including Moody Radio in South Florida.
Whiting is a guest on several TV stations when she has new books, including Club 36, TCT Network’s Julie and Friends, Atlanta Live, Nightline, and Babbie’s House.
Connect with Karen:
Links to articles/interviews with Karen:
https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/how-to-make-your-home-more-peaceful.html
https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/lessons-from-9-great-peacemakers-to-teach-children.html