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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 Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Date: January 9, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Kathy Collard Miller
Story Highlight: Kathy Collard Miller believed God had led her and her high-school sweetheart, Larry, into marriage. After all, he was already a Christian and God had used him to draw Kathy into becoming a born-again Christian. But her plan to get him to the altar so that she could alter him didn’t work. And then after having two children, their relationship crumbled into anger, conflict, and misunderstandings. Kathy longed for a perfect marriage, but they realized after seven years of marriage, there was little hope of reaching that goal. Kathy hated her life, marriage, and being a mother. She could no longer deny she had become a child abuser with her two-year-old toddler. She prayed the plane Larry was flying as a hobby would crash. Since God didn’t answer her plea for an instantaneous deliverance of her marriage and anger, she decided He had given up on her and there was no hope. She almost took her life. But God was faithful and over time, worked in Larry and Kathy’s lives to teach them how to be patient and loving with themselves and their children. God’s empowerment made it possible for Kathy to share her story and her ministry of writing and speaking began.
Now Larry and Kathy write and speak together and individually. They have been married for 53 years. They love to teach others about God’s ability to work miraculously in hopeless situations. Kathy is the author of over 60 books and is an international speaker. Larry has authored 13 books (some co-authored with Kathy),
About the Guest (Bio): Kathy is a best-selling, award-winning author of women’s Bible studies, biblical commentaries, and Christian living topics.
Kathy is an animated communicator who passionately wants God to receive the glory He deserves. Her favorite topics are about trusting God more and sharing how the Bible applies to every challenge in life. Her writing and speaking offer encouragement, biblical principles, and hope. She loves her husband, two children, and two grandchildren. She is amazed at how God has used her story of restored hope to bring fresh encouragement, biblical insights, and joy to so many.
Book Spotlight:
No More Anger: Hope for An Out-of-Control Mom is Kathy’s inspiring memoir about the healing within her family and marriage.
Endorsements:
People are talking...
“Learn to control your anger and respond differently to the stresses of marriage and parenting.”
Carol Kent
~ Founder & Executive Director of Speak Up Ministries
~ Speaker and Author, Becoming a Woman of Influence
"No More Anger is an intensely candid, unsanitized account of God’s help in one woman’s struggle against anger through faith and diligence, learning how to surrender to and work with God."
Pamela Christian
~ Media Host
~ International Minister
~ Best-selling Author
Newest Book:
God’s Heart for Your Marriage: Daughters of the King Bible Study Series
Connect with Kathy:
Twitter: @KathyCMiller
Pinterest/Kathyspeak
YouTube.com/@kathycollardmiller13
Instagram: @kathycollardmiller
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
Date: December 26, 2023
Podcast Show Notes: A few minutes with Debbie Dufek
Introduction: Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Women Behind the Words. Join us this week as we delve into the personal reflections of Debbie Dufek on the Christmas season and living intentionally for Jesus.
Segment 1: Christmas Reflections:
- Debbie shares her personal thoughts and anecdotes on the Christmas season.
- Exploring the idea of living deliberately for Jesus amid the holiday rush.
- Moving away from overwhelm and focusing on what matters to Him.
Segment 2: The Power of a Word:
- Debbie reveals her annual tradition of receiving a specific word for the New Year from the Lord.
- How this word becomes a guiding force framing her year ahead.
- Stories of the transformative impact of past words like focus, capable, and perseverance on her life.
Segment 3: Holy Spirit Guidance:
- Insights into the encounters Debbie has had with the Lord that accompany the yearly given words.
- The profound influence of these words on daily life, weaving into the fabric of each day.
- Giving credit to the Lord for the transformative work in and through her.
Segment 4: Encouragement for Others:
- Debbie encourages listeners to embrace the practice of receiving a word for the year from the Lord.
- Inspiring others to trust in the Lord’s guidance for a purposeful and impactful year ahead.
- Acknowledging the Lord's role in the outcomes achieved through each chosen word.
Segment 5: Living with Eternity in Mind:
- In closing, Debbie urges everyone to live with eternity in mind.
- How this perspective brings hope and peace in the midst of daily challenges.
- Navigating through life with a focus on the eternal impact of our choices.
Conclusion:
- A heartfelt conclusion, expressing gratitude for the Lord’s insights and encouragement in our lives with eternity in mind.
About the Guest (Bio): Debbie Dufek is an author, a conference and retreat speaker, an inspirational storyteller, a podcaster, a Bible study writer and teacher, and the founder and coordinator of The Mom’s Luncheon, a yearly all-day event that has remained a favorite day for 150+ women for 35 years.
Deb’s first book, Holy Interruptions: When God Taps You on the Shoulder, published by Bold Vision Books, Friendswood, Texas, released in 2022, is available on Amazon, Bold Vision Books, and @debbiedufek.com.
Her passion is encouraging others to live deliberately, living our days for what matters to Jesus. She believes every person’s story is significant and inspires others to share their stories with whoever the Lord brings their way. We are all part of a larger picture. Embracing God’s plans and purposes for our lives, Jesus will use our stories to change the course of history, which will affect the outcome of eternity one heart at a time.
Debbie resides in upstate New York with her husband, Bob, 2 pups, Benny, and Elsie, and 1 chubby kitten, Miloh, whole rules the pups and the house.
Their 7 children and spouses, 22 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren all are live nearby except 2 families–––one family in Chicago, and the other in Switzerland. When they’re all together it’s quite the party!
Book Spotlight: Holy Interruptions: When God Taps You on the Shoulder published by Bold Vision Books, October 2022
Connect with Debbie Dufek:
Social Media Caption: Facebook:debbieconedufek
Instagram:deb.dufek
Website: @debbiedufek.com
Email: deb@debbiedufek.com
Podcast: The Women Behind the Words
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Date: December 19, 2023
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Tracy Glass
Story Highlight: Welcome back to The Women Behind the Words! In this episode, we're joined by Tracy Glass, a multifaceted woman—author, certified life coach, mentor, inspirational speaker, and Bible teacher. Tracy shares her transformative journey after 24 years of marriage, a journey she never expected to embark on—navigating the challenging path of divorce.
Tracy's story delves into the depths of pain, rejection, and abandonment that often accompany such life-altering decisions. Plunged into a pit of despair and depression, Tracy found a glimmer of hope in a note from her daughter, pleading for her survival. This marked the beginning of Tracy's healing journey—breaking free from the shackles of despair and uncovering God's intricate plans and purposes for her life.
In this compelling episode, Tracy emerges as a dynamic communicator, radiating love and wisdom. Join us as she opens her heart and generously shares the insights gained through her healing journey which brings hope to so many. Tracy acknowledges the silent struggles many Christian women face who find themselves hurting but unsure how to break free from the pain that binds them.
So don't miss out on the empowering conversation as Tracy imparts her wisdom, expressing a deep desire to ensure that no one walks such a challenging journey alone. Central to Tracy's philosophy is the belief that during hard times, we must stay connected to a supportive community. She emphasizes the importance of resisting the urge to isolate, recognizing that true healing and purpose blossom within the context of a supportive community.
Tune in to this episode and be inspired by Tracy Glass's love for Jesus, her resilience, faith, and commitment to fostering connections that lead to healing and purpose. Subscribe, share, and join us in this meaningful conversation.
About the Guest (Bio): Award-winning author Tracy Hester-Glass wears many hats that fuel her heart and feed her soul. Next to her children and new grandson, she is passionate about teaching the Word of God. In addition, she is an inspirational speaker, Bible instructor, and ministry lead for her church's mentoring program in the San Francisco Bay area.
Tracy is committed to serving women who find themselves starting over again due to life's circumstances. Her message focuses on God's redemptive plan for their lives. Tracy values living out her faith daily and knows the importance of freely embracing and moving in your God-created purpose.
Tracy is the founder of Break Free. Live Free., a ministry focusing on personal restoration and healing, and the Get Up, Girl, Let's Gocoaching and mentoring course.
In August 2022, Tracy's 2nd book, Get, Up Girl, Let's Go— Getting Unstuck and Living Free, won the AWSA Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year. It reached number 6 in Amazon Women's Issues and remained in the Amazon top 100 bestsellers in Women's Issues.
Tracy continues a 12-week live guided virtual coaching program to help women activate principles from the book in their daily lives.
Tracy has a BS in Health Science. In 2020, she graduated from Northern California Bible College (NCBC) with a BA in Biblical Studies and recently received her CPLC (professional life coach certification). Enrolling and graduating from Bible college is on Tracy's list of "the best decisions I've ever made." Her 5-year Bible college journey helped her heal and pushed her to her purpose.
MEET TRACY HESTER GLASS: During our lifetime, an intrinsic need develops to discover why we were created and if our life has a deeper meaning and purpose. To answer these questions, we must go on a journey to discover our higher purpose, which I call our God-created purpose. —COACH TRACY FEB 2023
Book Spotlight: Christian women are hurting but do not know how to shake the pain. They may even feel guilty for their pain. After all, shouldn’t Christians be able to overcome their problems?
Some emotional problems go so deep that uprooting them is more than a notion. And as much as one wants to be released from its grip, the pain cannot be soothed until the source is discovered and discarded. Get Up, Girl, Let’s Go: Getting Unstuck and Living Free takes women on an interactive journey to identify:
•destructive family patterns,
•the source of bad decisions,
•God’s healing and restorative plan,
•The purpose for which they were born, and more.
After twenty-four years of marriage, Tracy began a journey she’d never imagined—walking through a divorce. Overwhelmed by pain, rejection, and abandonment, she fell into a pit of despair and depression. A note from her daughter, pleading for her to survive, started Tracy on her healing journey, getting unstuck, and discovering her purpose.
Connect with Tracy Glass:
Website: tracyhester.com
Facebook: Tracy Hester-Glass
Instagram: Iamtracyglass
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Date: December 12, 2023
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Story Highlight: Join us today on The Women Behind the Words in this compelling conversation with Dr. Michelle Bengtson as she shares her unique life story, emphasizing the importance of faith, resilience, and the willingness to walk in the Lord’s plans and purposes for her life.
Dr. Michelle, a clinical neuropsychologist, was born prematurely, weighing less than 3 pounds, defying the odds of survival during a time when premature births faced significant challenges.
At the age of 3, Dr. Michelle faced a life-threatening illness with a staggering 107°F temperature. Doctors struggled to lower her temperature, telling her parents they had to lower this raging fever, or it was likely she wouldn’t survive the night.
Despite the grim prognosis, she defied the odds and lived.
Although, because of her childhood illness, Dr. Michelle's success as a physician continues to be accompanied by a daily struggle with excruciating pain, which she has lived out every day of her life since the age of 3.
Dr. Michelle’s story goes way deeper than the childhood illness, which she shares with transparency knowing her journey will continue to be life-changing for others who are acquainted with adversity.
The tapestry of her life is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of overcoming adversity through the mercy, grace, and faithfulness of a Living God, who has been with her every step of the way.
Dr. Michelle's deep faith in Jesus is the driving force in her life.
Despite ongoing pain, her focus remains on serving Jesus and following His plans, prioritizing His purposes over personal comfort. To quote her, “I want to be obedient more than I want to be comfortable.”
Her commitment to faith and relationship with Jesus, living out His purposes for her life highlights the transformative power of resilience and a strong spiritual foundation she has seen Him birth in her heart––even in her darkest days.
Don't miss the opportunity to be inspired by a woman who has walked through challenges, dedicating her life to serving Jesus and embracing His plans. Her story is life-changing.
About the Guest (Bio): Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a hope concierge! Whether as a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, host of the award-winning podcast Your Hope Filled Perspective, or the author of several award-winning books including Hope Prevails and Breaking Anxiety’s Grip, her passion is to share hope and encouragement with others. Her newest release is The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms. She loves all things teal, spending time with friends and family, taking long walks, or sitting by quiet shores, and it’s a bonus when any of those are accompanied by sea salt caramel chocolate! You can find her and her hope-filled resources at DrMichelleB.com
Book Spotlight: The Hem of His Garment
Hope for When the Pain Won't Quit
Everyone experiences pain at times. It can manifest physically, emotionally, relationally, or spiritually. It can follow tragic accidents, great loss, sudden betrayal, or unexpected and unwanted change. Often it is temporary. But what do you do when it isn't? When the pain just won't go away, when healing does not come, when the grief and hurt settle in?
Drawing on her own experience of chronic pain and her years as a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, Dr. Michelle Bengtson provides a countercultural perspective on pain. Offering hope without any false promises or empty platitudes, Dr. Bengtson unwraps the complex emotional aspects of dealing with pain. She gives you permission to question God, helps you identify the lies you've believed about your pain, and reorients your perception based on the truth of God's Word. Each chapter ends with a recommended playlist, reflection questions, and a prayer.
Your pain may not change, but your experience of it can.
Connect with Dr. Michelle Bengtson:
Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com
Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/
Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson
Podcast: https://apple.co/2madPRo or https://bit.ly/3ef2fvs
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hem-His-Garment-Reaching-Overwhelms/dp/0800742354/
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Date: December 5, 2023
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Carol Stratton
Story Highlights: Welcome to another episode of The Women Behind the Words. Today, we have a special treat for our listeners as we delve into the enchanting world of children's literature with an inspiring Christmas story that goes beyond the holiday and into everyday life. Join us as we explore "The Little Bell Ringer," written by the gifted fiction author, Carol Stratton. This heartwarming tale not only captures the significance of the season but also addresses the important themes of bullying, friendship, and finding joy in unexpected places.
The Little Bell Ringer is a poignant children's Christmas story that invites readers to reflect on the challenges of bullying in school, the significance of friendship, and the beauty of finding golden moments in life. Carol Stratton skillfully weaves a narrative that goes beyond the surface of holiday cheer, touching on valuable life lessons that resonate with both kids and parents alike.
Key Themes:
Takeaways for Kids and Parents:
Conclusion: The Little Bell Ringer, by Carol Stratton is more than just a Christmas tale; it's a beautifully crafted narrative that tackles important issues while spreading the spirit of hope and joy. Join us as we explore this real-to-life story and discover the golden moments that await both young and adult hearts alike. Stay tuned for our insightful conversation with the author herself, Carol Stratton, as she shares her inspiration and the profound messages, she hopes readers will take away from this delightful Christmas story.
Bio: A novelist, reporter, speaker, and an AWSA Certified Writing and Speaking Coach, Carol has penned 500 articles, and four books:
(Inspired by her work with autistic students)
• The Littlest Bell Ringer
• Deep End of the Lake, the sequel to Lake Surrender
She is currently finishing up the final book in the Lake Surrender Series. If you love stories of single moms with special needs children, and second chance novels set in a lake setting, you’ll love this series.
An avid gardener and baker she also speaks to women’s groups such as MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers).
Married to her literary muse, John, they have four children and nine grandchildren and reside in Clemmons, North Carolina.
Carol loves to encourage new writers who are discouraged as writing is a challenging, albeit exciting vocation. Life is to be celebrated with stories that reflect God’s goodness.
Book Spotlight:
Cassie Sanders has a lot to adjust to: a father who is in rehab across the country after his legs were blown off in Afghanistan and a new move with her mother to New Netherlands, Michigan from North Carolina. And being a stutterer doesn’t help as a new kid in school. Luckily, she finds a special friend who helps her navigate 5th grade. And when she decides to be a Red Kettle Bell Ringer, that decision makes life more difficult but also opens a door that will change her life.
Connect with Carol:
Carolgstratton.com. (website)
Twitter: @carolgstratton
FaceBook: Carol Grace Stratton
Instagram: Carol.Stratton.73
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Date: November 27, 2023
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Grace Fox
Story Highlights: God plants a desire in our hearts and then fulfills that desire when we seek and trust Him. Grace Fox knows that God gives us assignments that are too big for us to accomplish on our own. This stretches our faith, showcases the Lord’s faithfulness, and gives Him the glory. God allows us to experience challenges so that we learn to keep our focus on Him.
Grace Fox and her husband, Gene, served the Lord in missions for over three decades. Their first assignment was in Nepal, residing together in a mud hut with their little boy who was born there. Shortly after, at the birth of their second child, they had to return to the States immediately when their daughter was born with a life-threatening health issue.
Amid that storm and every trial, they’ve encountered on their journey, Grace and Gene have experienced the faithfulness of God first-hand to meet their every need. Their walk of faith was strengthened repeatedly, despite facing serious trials and storms. Their enduring commitment in the face of many challenges adds depth to their characters, their lives a living picture, not only of their successes and triumphs but also their resilience and unwavering trust in Jesus and His goodness and mercy at every turn.
For the last 5 1/2 years, at God’s prompting to lighten their load of belongings, Grace and Gene have lived on a sailboat in Vancouver, British Columbia, which they now consider an additional mission field. Upon following the Lord’s leading, the couple prayed and asked the Lord to make them available to their neighbors when they had problems, giving Grace and her husband creative ways to help them solve those problems. They’ve become friends with at least a dozen “neighbors” they call “on-boarders.” Through friendship, a ministry was birthed and has become their passion and now they invite their neighbors into their small space on various Saturdays each month. With their little gathering they call “Come and Go Coffee” from 9 a.m.-11:00 a.m.", neighbors pop in for fresh baked goods, coffee, and great conversation. The coffee ministry on their houseboat demonstrates a caring and community-oriented aspect of Grace's character. It's a beautiful touch that adds warmth and relatability to her story.
In closing, we get a peek into Grace’s everyday personal life with Jesus and her writing ministry as she opens her heart and gives us wisdom she has gleaned from the Lord. She has learned first-hand that God uses our experiences to shape our message. He directs our steps and opens doors as He desires. As writers, we don’t need to manipulate or push doors open.
A key point for Grace was realizing the value of allowing the Lord to lead, relying on Jesus to open the doors meant for her to walk through. As a result, Grace has written 13 books, with 4 more in contract, releasing one each year for the next 4 years. The last three are devotions in the name of God.
Join us today and soak in Grace’s faith-building life message. You’ll be so glad you did!
.
About the Guest (Bio): Grace Fox is the award-winning author of 13 books and a popular Bible teacher at international women’s events. She’s also a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), a member of the “First 5” Bible study writing team (Proverbs 31 Ministries), and a co-
host of the “Your Daily Bible Verse” podcast.
Grace has been a career missionary for 30 years. She and her husband have served in Nepal, at a year-round Christian camp on an island off Canada’s west coast. They are now co-directors of International Messengers Canada, a missionary sending agency with 300 staff in 30 countries.
They currently live full-time aboard a sailboat in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Married in 1982, they celebrate three grown kids and 13 grandchildren.
Connect with Grace Fox:
grace@gracefox.com
https://www.gracefox.com
https://www.fb.com/gracefox.author
https://www.instagram.com/graceloewenfox/
https://www.pinterest.ca/gracefoxauthor/
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Date: November 21, 2023
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Sharon Engram and Lori Rohlinger~Mother and Daughter both widowed
Story Highlight: In the tapestry of life, grief and loss are inevitable threads that weave through our stories. For Lori and her mother, Sharon, the journey through widowhood became an unexpected and challenging chapter. Lori lost her husband at the tender age of 40, and Sharon, after 60 years of marriage, shares their poignant narrative of pain, loneliness, and grief. Yet, within the shedding of their tears, they discovered the beauty of brokenness and the comforting presence of God.
The unraveling journey begins with the shattering news of Lori's husband's disease. After losing him, the ache in her heart mirrors the emptiness her mother feels after losing her life partner of six decades. Together, they explore the depths of their grief, grappling with the void left behind and navigating the unfamiliar terrain of loneliness.
Shared tears, mother and daughter find solace in sharing their grief. Through the mutual pain, an unbreakable bond was birthed, realizing that their grief, though unique, profoundly united them. Amid their sorrow, they discovered the strength that comes from vulnerability and the healing power of shared stories. Together, they realized they needed to write a devotional which was just like the one they, themselves needed, but couldn’t find anywhere.
As they began to write their manuscript, wrestling with questions, choosing specific words like desperate, fear, brokenness, loneliness, why, and many more, they grappled with the why and how of their losses. Working through their pain, and their birthed desire to help others navigate these tumultuous waters, Lori and Sharon engaged in a dialogue with each other and God. Through prayers, doubts, and moments of questioning, they found a deeper understanding of God, their faith strengthened and came into a profound source of strength in their relationship with Jesus. They unearthed a deeper kind of beauty. They discovered that healing doesn't mean erasing the scars but embracing the transformation from walking through the fire. Each cracked piece becomes a testament to resilience and the refining power of grief. Through prayer, meditation, and reflection on Scripture, they found a profound intimacy with their faith that transcends the pain. Their encounters with Jesus became a guiding light, leading them through the darkest corridors of grief.
As they navigate the years post-loss, Sharon and Lori reflect on the lessons learned and share those lessons with others. They discovered a deeper definition of love—one that transcends the physical presence of a spouse. Their journey becomes a testament to the enduring power of love, even in the face of mortality.
The two now share with others a tapestry woven with threads of hope. They recount the moments of grace, unexpected joys, and the beauty that emerged from the broken pieces of their lives. Their story becomes a beacon for others navigating the labyrinth of grief, reminding them that there is hope beyond the pain.
"Beautifully Broken" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the transformative power of the Holy Spirit through faith, and the enduring gift of God’s love. In sharing their journey through widowhood, Sharon and Lori invite others to find beauty in their brokenness and experience the closeness of Jesus as they navigate the complex terrain of grief of widowhood. They say God has led them every step of the way.
About the Guest (Bio): Sharon Engram~Mother of Lori Rohlinger
Sharon was in ministry with her husband, Don Engram, for sixty years, including Youth for Christ and pastoring three churches. She has led women’s ministries, taught bible studies, and led and speaks at women’s retreats and conferences in the United States and Internationally. Sharon and Don were active in overseas ministries while pastoring and she has traveled to fifty-five countries. Don entered his eternal home in 2019. Sharon lives in Goodyear, Arizona, where she enjoys serving in her church, reading, and spending time with her adult children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
About the Guest (Bio): Lori Rohlinger~daughter of Sharon Engram. Lori was in ministry with her husband, Greg Rohlinger, for twenty-three years. They started in ministry right after marriage, planted a church together, and were blessed to see God grow it rapidly. In March 2011, Greg was diagnosed with a terminal neurological disease. Their children were ages 13, 11, 8 and 5. He died just short of five years after his diagnosis. Since his death, Lori has been raising their four children, spoke at the Flourish women’s conference in New Mexico, has a blog on widowhood, and does a podcast called Beautifully Broken. Lori works for Church by the Glades in Coral Springs, Florida, as their online host and breeds Bernedoodles.
Book Spotlight: Surviving Widowhood: 40 Devotions of Hope
You may have lost your husband suddenly, had only a few months to say goodbye, or were a caregiver for several years. Most widows don't have the capacity for a book about moving through the trenches of grief or grappling with day-to-day life. That's why this mother-daughter author team chose to write short bite-sized devotions of hope from their journeys through grief.
Daughter Lori's husband of twenty-one years died of a neurological disorder, and mother Sharon's husband of sixty years passed away from an unexpected aggressive cancer. Both women understand grief, and they extend warm, comforting words of love from Jesus to other widows in their times of deep loss. With each tender devotion and enough space for journaling your thoughts, their messages will help you:
- Lean into Jesus and His love
- Seek personal self-care
- Accept comfort from others
- Guide children through the grief process
- Make important life and daily decisions
- Celebrate the holidays and special events
- In Surviving Widowhood: 40 Devotions of Hope, your grieving heart will be comforted, your tears will be seen, and your soul will be nourished.
Connect with Lori Rohlinger:
- lorirohlinger@outlook.com
- Surviving Widowhood: 40 Devotions of Hope
- Beautifully Broken (http://feeds.buzzsprout.com/853060)
Friday Nov 17, 2023
Friday Nov 17, 2023
Date: November 17, 2023
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Paul Robbins
Story Highlight: Our podcast today is a bit different from our usual Women Behind the Words. Considering the present war raging in the Mideast, and after reading a blog he wrote and posted on his website, Comfort My People, Deb Dufek felt compelled to interview her dear friend, Paul Robbins. Paul and his wife, have a first-hand view of the conflict going on in Israel and they have mutual friends whose daughters were called back by the IDF to fight in the war against Hamas, whose story Paul shares with us. Today’s podcast is an extra one this week and our regular weekly podcast will be aired again on Tuesday as it is each week.
Dive in with us as Paul Robbins shares his compelling and personal story, having grown up as a Jewish boy in a Gentile neighborhood, and his years facing challenges due to his ethnicity. He shares his journey of life as a hippy in the 1960s-70s until his belief in Yeshua, a significant part of his life message. Birthed in his heart from his conversion, Jesus filled Paul with His love for the Jewish people as well as Israel. Comfort My People, Paul’s ministry was birthed through that love.
Comfort My People is dedicated to providing support to both soldiers and civilians in Israel via 11 different ministries CMP supports, particularly hands-on now more than ever during this time of intense conflict.
At Deb’s request, feeling far away and helpless, not knowing what we can do from our shores, Paul shares with our listeners about the difference we can make from afar, emphasizing the importance of prayer, raising awareness of the needs in Israel, and potentially providing financial and/or material support to those in need. Despite the ocean between us, Paul shares practical steps for individuals who are moved to make a difference around the world and how we can contribute in various ways to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the conflict.
As Paul closes, a worshipful song and prayer, "The Blessing," adds a reflective dimension to the conversation, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among us as listeners. You’ll feel like you’re right amid the prayer offered for all those who are suffering loss and in harm’s way.
Our time together with Paul will inspire empathy, understanding, and a collective effort to bring comfort and support to those in need in the Middle East. God’s cry is Comfort, My People. We can do this, especially in prayer and providing basic needs that in many areas have run out. Thank you for joining us today and please share this podcast with whoever the Lord leads you to.
Prayer Points Sent: The prayers below are all from Israel. The upper -case are from Israeli unbelievers and the lower-case are from Believers.
PRAYER POINTS:
~Pray for a quick resolution to the war.
~Safety for our soldiers in fierce battles now.
~Safety for the innocent civilians in the nation. the rooting out of terrorists roaming throughout Israel.
~For Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and other militias to be eradicated from our borders.
~Wisdom for the Israeli government on how to move forward at every turn of this war.
~For the eradication of the spirit of antisemitism, worldwide. for the protection of the Jewish people from the hunters that have been released.
~For the retreat of jihad forces from the world!
This is sent from a Messianic church: a unified front in this wartime, both in the global body of Messiah and in our nations and governments.
~Thanking God for the first time, Messianic leaders have been able to join with Jewish and Christian leaders in prayer!
Here is some further direction for us in prayer:
1. Uncover the plans of our demonic enemies, Lord.
2. Reveal to us the Armies of Heaven that you have assigned for us today.
3. Blind our enemies so that they cannot accomplish their assignment against us.
4. Lead us to a supernatural victory, subdue our enemies, and cancel their threat against us.
Thank you for standing with us in prayer, especially in this spiritual battle!
_._,_._,_
From Paul:
~Pray for the entire group of hostages to be released or rescued without injury.
~Pray for the Messianic community to grow stronger and more effective in serving the most needy in Israel.
~Pray for the unity of Palestinian, Arab, and Jewish believers to act in one accord with a unified message and reflect the reality of the 'one new man.' (Eph.2 and 3).
~Pray that all our partners will stay healthy spiritually, emotionally, and physically along with their entire families.
~Pray for the freedom of the citizens of Gaza who despise evil to be protected and freed from their evil government leadership.
~Expose the lies and deception that tens of thousands of Americans have embraced to their detriment and the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people.
~Pray that the church in the Western world would awaken to the dangers of Islamic ideology and respond to God's appeal to comfort His people.
Connect with Paul:
Paul Robbins
Director, Comfort My People
sharing the love of Messiah in Israel and beyond
(540) 294-4906 cell