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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 May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Date: May 21, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Julie Sunne
Story Highlight: Welcome to today’s inspiring episode of "The Women Behind The Words." We're joined by Julie Sunne, whose personal journey beautifully illustrates the profound love and faithfulness that God offers, especially during times when we carry burdens that seem too heavy to bear alone.
Julie’s life was marked by trauma when she experienced the devastating loss of her first child through miscarriage, an event followed by others. This series of profound losses spiraled her into a deep battle with depression. It was during this dark period that she received a message from God through a dream, which sparked a significant transformation in her heart.
Her narrative provides hope and encouragement to those feeling weary or discouraged. Julie’s experiences showcase the extraordinary love of God and His constant presence in our lives, even amid immense challenges. Her faith was not only restored but also strengthened through the birth of her daughter, Rachel, who despite significant disabilities, reflects God’s love in her kindness and interactions with everyone she meets.
Today, Julie will share her compelling journey, exploring how her life has been transformed through her daughter’s example of unconditional love.
About Our Guest (Bio): Julie Sunne has a powerful story of finding real hope amidst life's significant challenges. Her struggles include enduring multiple miscarriages and raising her adult daughter with significant intellectual disabilities. Julie’s insights have been featured in various print and online platforms, including Proverbs 31 Ministries, Guideposts, and her blog at juliesunne.com. She lives in rural northeast Iowa with her husband, David, and is a mother to four children.
Book Spotlight: Sometimes I Forget: 60 Reminders of Hope for Your Hard Day
In this book, Julie Sunne offers 60 reflections that encourage readers to rest in the hope of God, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Drawing on her desperate moments, Julie intertwines prayers, stories, and reminders of God's attributes, providing comfort and reassurance that God is faithful to His promises. Through these pages, readers will gain a deeper understanding of who God is, how He loves us as His children, and why we can trust in His promises through all of life’s valleys. This book is a resource for anyone needing to remember the reasons we have hope in God, no matter the challenges we face.
Connect with Julie:
Website: https://juliesunne.com/
Instagram: Instagram.com/Julie Sunne
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesunne/
Amazon: www.amazon.com/stores/Julie-Sunne/
Blog: https://juliesunne.com/blog/
Stay Connected: Subscribe to Debbie Dufek’s newsletter for updates on new podcast episodes, monthly insights, and upcoming events. Stay engaged and informed with all of Debbie’s inspiring projects.
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Date: May 14, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Maureen Miller
Story Highlight: Join us on The Women Behind the Words for a refreshing life story of Maureen Miller. Maureen, a dedicated Christian, grew up in a home where Jesus was not only talked about but deeply loved. Prayer with her mother was a nightly practice she and her sister enjoyed so much. She considered Jesus her best friend from as far back as she could remember.
Despite her strong Christian upbringing, Maureen began to stray during her junior high years, making wrong choices with her boyfriend. She struggled with living a life of secret sin while trying to maintain the appearance of a pure Christian. This pattern continued through high school until they parted ways for her senior year. She later married her childhood sweetheart.
Maureen shares a recurring pivotal moment she calls her "window story," where she experiences a profound sense of isolation and hypocrisy. After many years, in 2005, God called her back to this window, despite its association with pain and barrenness. Here, she heard Jesus tell her to “turn around”. She turned around, shifting her focus from herself and others to Him. This marked the beginning of a deep work of healing and sanctification in her life.
Through a vision of herself chasing butterflies with a net, Maureen understood her calling to capture women's attention and share the words of Jesus with them. Her ministry now revolves around sharing words of hope and redemption with women who, like herself, may feel isolated and stuck in sin.
Maureen currently resides in the hills of North Carolina on what she lovingly calls Selah Farm, her “hobby farm”, alongside her husband, seeking God's guidance daily and allowing Him to direct her steps and her writing. She collaborates with various publications and is a regular writer for Guideposts' "All God's Creatures."
About our Guest (Bio): Maureen Miller has been wife to Bill for 35 years, is mother to three “born-in-her-heart” children, and is Mosie to two grand-girls (with a third on the way). A teacher by degree, Mo (as many call her) has been writing almost all her life—enjoying plays, poetry, and short stories as a child; essays and term papers in high school and college; and devotions, essays, and articles as an adult.
She doesn’t recall a time when she didn’t love Jesus, but she came to a new understanding of God’s boundless love when she was in her early twenties and newly married. Part of the healing work He did in her heart was to show her how He desired to use her—through the gift of words, both written and spoken—words that He would give that she might share with others. And the purpose? To transform lives through a relationship with Jesus and be set free.
Maureen is an award-winning author. She’s published in more than twenty collaborative books, including the annual Guideposts devotional All God’s Creatures. She has articles and devotions, both in print and online, and writes for her local newspaper.
She’s finishing her first novel, Gideon’s Book, and has written one children’s book, Daisy the Circus Dog. She also blogs regularly—telling of God’s extraordinary character discovered in the simple, ordinary things of life at www.penningpansies.com.
Though an introvert, Maureen’s a lover of people. She’s been called a “connector,” as she has a way of connecting people for God’s greater purposes. She loves to encourage and cheer others on in their pursuit of God and the gifts He’s given them.
A lover of dogs, books, and movies that make her cry, daisies, and other wildflowers, Maureen believes each day is preparation for all the beauty Heaven will hold, and she can’t wait to meet Jesus!
Connect with Maureen:
Email: adaisy4you@gmail.com
Website: https://penningpansies.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maureen.miller
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Date: May 7, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Lee Ann Mancini
Story Highlights: Lee Ann Mancini discusses her heartfelt mission to guide parents in nurturing their children's faith from an early age in "The Women Behind The Words." She emphasizes the crucial role of parents as primary faith educators, advocating for homeschooling to instill biblical values and prepare children to face modern societal challenges. Citing alarming statistics from George Barna's research, she highlights the widespread doctrinal confusion among Christian youth, underlining the need for robust Christian leadership across societal pillars such as government, media, academia, and the church.
Mancini shares personal insights and strategies from her book "Raising Kids To Follow Christ," including the importance of engaging with children on spiritual matters from a young age to foster critical thinking and a strong personal faith. She discusses the significance of role-playing with children to prepare them for challenging conversations they may encounter in public schools. Additionally, Mancini touches on the importance of unconditional love, truth-telling, and being a living example of faith to one's children. The podcast is a comprehensive guide for parents eager to lay a solid spiritual foundation for the next generation.
About Our Guest (Bio): Lee Ann Mancini hosts the award-winning podcast “Raising Christian Kids,” available on all major platforms and streaming on KHCB Radios uplifted station. She shares expert godly advice, biblical-based wisdom, and insightful tools for parenting children to bring them closer to Jesus. Lee Ann is also an award-winning Christian children’s author and an executive producer of the animated series “Sea Kids” which can be viewed on Answers.TV, PureFlex, Right Now Media, and See Kids TV. This series is based on her children’s books about cute colorful sea creatures who learn about God’s morals and values and how to live those daily. She is the author of the new book “Raising Kids To Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God.” Lee Ann and her husband, Guy, have two adult children and make their home in Southern Florida.
Book Spotlight: "Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God" by Lee Ann Mancini is an insightful guide that empowers parents, grandparents, teachers, and mentors to nurture a profound faith in children amidst modern cultural complexities. Drawing on decades of experience and Biblical principles, the book provides practical strategies for addressing children’s doubts, fears, and questions, and suggests methods for managing emotions and actions. Mancini combines insights from leading Christian thinkers with accessible apologetics and engaging activities that connect children with Christ, making this book a comprehensive toolkit for fostering a deep, unwavering faith and empowering parents to be spiritual champions in their children’s lives.
Connect with Lee Ann:
Website: https://leeannmancini.com
Sea Kids: https://seakidstv.com
Email: inquire@rckids.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-ann-mancini-901b84b4/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Kids-Follow-Christ-Instilling-ebook/dp/B0C8C6XV8H?ref_=ast_author_mpb
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Date: April 30, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Naomi Fata
Story Highlight: Today on "The Women Behind the Words," we welcome Naomi Fata as we dive in together on homeschooling while running a home business as a sewist. Naomi shares how God led her to begin a business that was once only a dream and combined it with a teenage longing to school her children at home under the same roof. She candidly shares her journey, the values she has set for her schooling and business, and how the Lord has abundantly blessed both. You'll walk away with lots of practical tips on homeschooling, scheduling, simplifying in many areas, what to keep and what to consider off-loading, balance, boundaries, mental wellness, the importance of taking the time to prioritize, running a business amid family, how to nurture your husbands and marriage, and making it all work together so smoothly. In closing, Naomi said, “What you believe is valuable will be integrated in.”
About the Guest (Bio): Bio: Naomi Fata is an author, professional sewist, and homeschool mom of three. Also, Naomi writes God’s Corner for her local newspaper and is passionate about inspiring others to use their God-given gifts in their circle of influence.
She is the author of Beyond Head Knowledge: Knowing Christ Who Satisfies Our Hearts and is the creator of two sewing-themed journals. Her next book Stitching Your Story Piece by Peace is a 13-week devotional about pursuing the peace of God, which will be released in October 2024.
Book Spotlight: Beyond Head Knowledge: Knowing Christ Who Satisfies Our Hearts
Do you desire close fellowship with God but don’t sense His presence?
Have you ever questioned the reality of the Christian faith, wondering why you don’t have the joy and peace promised in Scripture? As the daughter of a pastor and saved since age four, Naomi longs to follow God, but He seems distant and far away. Though she practices the disciplines of the Christian faith—Bible reading, prayer, and Scripture memory—these do not satisfy her thirst to know God.
Beyond Head Knowledge is the true story of a young woman grasping the promise of Jeremiah 29:13–14, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart,” and the discoveries of her heart she made along the way.
Connect with Naomi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomifata
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaomiFataSews/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@naomifatasews
Monthly Newsletter https://birdsend.page/forms/7446/2TZ7mP7EF through Christian Resource Ministry.
Bi-weekly Sewing Circle email http://eepurl.com/dyK9fz
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