Shows
Bold MerciesWhat To Do When Prayer Feels Like It Doesn't WorkA few weeks ago I posted an honest caption about my personal prayer journey through disillusionment. I had a friend comment and then send me a thoughtful DM. After a short conversation, I invited her to come talk with me about prayer. What follows is our honest, vulnerable, and hopeful conversation about prayer and it's place in our lives.We are glad you are here! Join us.Resources:Subscribe to Heather's Monthly Bible Study Newsletter, Show Us Your Glory. Click HERE2024-05-1737 min
Bold MerciesHow One Social Worker is Being the Light in the Darkest of PlacesAs a night time ER Social Worker, Amee is able to bring hope and comfort and peace to families when they hit rock bottom. Believe me, Satan is trying to wreak havoc, but then Amee appears, and pierces the darkness with light. We chat about her work, both the good and the ugly, how she maintains soul care that sticks, some of her favorite Bible verses, and finally she wraps up with a great word for parents. We are so glad you are here. Join us!Resources:Sign up to receive Heather's free monthly Bible...2024-02-1645 min
Bold MerciesFinding Freedom from the False Power of Appearance: A Former Model’s StoryFor those of us struggling with our body image, or aging, or a mother to girls, or if you are a teenager...hello, all women in American...I have a very special podcast episode just for you! Amanda says something at the end of the podcast that really stood out to me! She said, "We don't need a crutch, we need a cornerstone." We don't need a new diet, or botox, or a better filter, or lotion, or surgery. You are completely complete in who God created you to be. So go on out and...2024-02-0238 min
Bold MerciesTrusting God Through A Premature BirthAt 21 weeks of pregnancy, Kathleen's life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes and her water broke. After 5 weeks on bedrest in the Hospital she gave birth. As you can imagine, Kathleen's baby girl spent months in the NICU as Kathleen and her husband fervently prayed over their baby and loved her as best as they could. Kathleen's story is not a simple story, and honestly, it is still developing. But it is a story of honest faith, raw vulnerability and deepening trust in God. To read more...2024-01-2642 min
Bold MerciesWhen Communism Fell in AlbaniaTammy Doci is my guest today on the podcast. As a college student, Tammy was among one of the first groups of Christians entering Albania after Communism collapsed. She went with CRU on a summer project and saw many people come to know Jesus. Later, she returned as an international missionary with CRU, where she ministered to college students, took the Jesus Film into Albanian villages, and fell in love with her husband, Bani, who became a Christian through a different CRU group much like Tammy's. Join us!2023-03-1746 minBold MerciesA Heart for the WorldFabiola Jara has worked with college students for over 20 years. Her heart full of love and faith shine so brightly in today's episode. You will be emboldened and encouraged to join God in His mission to share the good news of Jesus' salvation. Join us!2023-03-0344 minBold MerciesParenting the Chronically Ill ChildCarly has 3 children, all with different chronic illnesses. Parenting for her can be lonely and isolating, yet also overflowing with rewards. Today we chat about what she has learned about God, her favorite scriptures, and the tools she uses to maintain strength and perseverance. We are glad you are here! Join us!2023-02-1741 minBold MerciesRestoring a Shattered LifeGod brings beauty from ashes and redeems the shattered parts of our lives. Rachel is living testament to this. She shares her story of betrayal and abandonment, and the pillars of healing God has used to redeem the brokenness. Join us!2022-12-0239 minBold MerciesFollowing the Call to Care for RefugeesWhen we feel the Holy Spirit's nudge, we have a choice. We can either say no, perhaps out of fear, intimidation, or a risk of the unknown, or, we can choose to say yes. And what if our yes leads to a rich harvest of grace and goodness? 7 years ago the Lord nudged Melissa Mitchell to begin ministering to refugees. She said yes, and a beautiful harvest followed. What began as a nudge has opened doors to care for many men, women and children through Walk With Me ministries. We are glad you are here. Join us!2022-11-1141 minBold MerciesJesus' Promise to a Muslim GirlRachel grew up in a Muslim family in Indonesia. But one evening after dinner a business partner told Rachel about Jesus' love. Rachel heard Jesus' promise to always take care of her, and she followed Him. You will love this power-packed testimony. Join us!2022-10-2137 minBold MerciesLoving the Foster Child and Their FamilyBehind every foster child is a hurting, and often traumatized family. Stacy Mcdowell has had 13 foster kids in 4 years, and with each one her heart is focused on caring for the family and the child. Her sacrificial love is an inspiration.2022-10-1443 minBold MerciesWelcome to Season 4!I pray that the stories shared on the podcast this episode will serve to embolden your faith! Welcome to Season 4.2022-10-0707 minBold MerciesRemembering God's FaithfulnessWe are almost to the end of Season 3! Today we take a pause and look back on the faithfulness of God. We take the moment to look at a few of our favorite clips and words of hope. Then, if you have a few moments, look back on your own year and remember all of God's faithful goodness in your own life. We are glad you are here! Join us!2022-05-0627 min
Bold MerciesSexual Identity and Learning To Be Your Children's Safe PersonWhen Melinda's daughter came to her and told her she was having same sex attraction, Melinda said she wishes there was a manual. Well I think this conversation with Melinda is as close to manual as you will get. We talk about the importance of listening, how to deal with Mom guilt, and entrusting our children to God. You will love every word she says. Join us!2022-04-2938 min
Bold MerciesThe Face of HopeToday I have a Mom and daughter duo on the podcast! Beth, and her daughter Jessi, are with us to tell the story of loosing their son and brother to childhood cancer. This story is so full of honest conversation and unbridled hope! I know that you will be encouraged by listening. Join us!2022-04-2237 min
Bold MerciesCourageous Journey to Find a Birth MomI have the honor to share this tender story from Suzanne Arrison! Suzanne described her younger years as a "lifetime of wondering." So, as a young woman, Suzanne set out on a journey to find her Birth Mom. She had no idea where this journey would take her, but she prayed often and swung the doors of her heart open to the possibilities of all that might be found in the unknown. I was so blessed by this conversation. I know you will be also. Join us!2022-04-1536 min
Bold MerciesMiracles Beside A Son's DeathbedThree years ago Ms Nettie lost her precious son. He had battled alcohol addiction, and finally succumbed to a liver that did not function properly any longer. As Nettie and her husband kept watch as their son slipped into eternity, they stood as witnesses to miracle after miracle beside their son's deathbed. Nettie and I chat about surrender, how to wade through of the fog of grief, and advice for other moms walking the same path. We are glad you are here! Join us!2022-04-0837 minBold MerciesBeloved Are YouIt's good to be back after a 3 week Spring Break. I hope this writing encourages you to live in your Belovedness. You are seen and known and oh, so loved!2022-04-0109 minBold Mercies{Spring Break Re-Release} When God Turns Hurt into HealingI believe stories have power. Stories help us traverse a mountain path to richer pastures, and free our hearts to see grander beauty. While the goal of my podcast is to interview faith-filled women who will never hold a "platform," sometimes the women I interview go on to put their stories in writing. I'm proud of Carmen and the life work she and her husband Trent have done in their personal lives, but also in their marriage. And I'm particularly proud of their new book, Undone. In this book, God's redemptive work is on full d...2022-03-1140 min
Bold MerciesHearts Turned Towards UkraineToday I am welcoming Karen Springs back on the podcast. Karen lived for 15 years in Ukraine, returning home almost 3 years ago. Since then she has visited every year, including this past summer. In our conversation we talk about how the Ukrainian church helped build her faith, the flourishing of believers under significant trials, and how best to pray for the persecuted and war torn countries of the world.Karen also shared three Ukrainian organizations she knows and trusts. If you would like to support the work of the church in Ukraine, please refer to these websites:2022-03-0432 min
Bold MerciesWalking Alongside The SufferingIn a time and slice of history dependent upon virtual connections more than real friendships, we need more stories like this! Faye is a faithful servant of Jesus who spends her time and energy investing in relationships. In particular, women whose suffering is longterm. They are not having a bad day, they are having a hard month, or, a few hard years. As you will hear today, Faye encourages these women in beautiful ways. We are glad you are here!Join us!2022-02-2529 min
Bold MerciesTeaching During CovidI want to take a moment to honor Carli Streifel who has spent the last 20 years teaching in public schools, and the last (almost) 3 years teaching through Covid. She is a servant-hearted hero! As Carli began to see the distress of teachers around her, she established a support group in her home. We chat about what led her to start this group, the importance of a Kingdom mindset, and even what to tell our grumpy kiddos when they say, "why do I need to know this? I'll never use it!!" We are glad you are here! Join us!2022-02-1838 min
Bold MerciesFrom the Heart of a Pastor's WifeDebbie Schmidt is here to talk with us about the ups and downs, twists and turns of being in ministry alongside her husband. Not to mention, she shares some very tender encouragement with us! It feels like taking a refreshing breath! We are glad that you are here! Join us!2022-02-1134 min
Bold MerciesFlourishing After Everything Falls ApartIn today's episode Lauren Burleigh shared that "I am convinced of God's faithfulness to us and His goodness." How could this be since a few years ago everything fell apart? Join us today as we listen to a followup from Lauren's first appearance here on Bold Mercies. We are glad that you are here! Join us!2022-02-0422 min
Bold MerciesDiscovering the Deep Love of God in a Difficult DiagnosisI'm happy to welcome LaCinda Halls to the podcast today! LaCinda shares her story of a discovering God's deep love after a difficult diagnosis. We chat about unconditional love, image-bearing, and meditating on God's Word. We are glad you are here! Join us!2022-01-2833 min
Bold Mercies{Re-Release} Childhood Cancer and Suffering with JesusTali is with us today to talk about her son's journey with cancer, and we dig deep! We chat about the theology of suffering, faith when circumstances overwhelm, and grace for our most painful moments. This conversation will definitely encourage and embolden your faith!2022-01-1446 min
Bold Mercies{Re-Release} Blooming From BrokennessI'm so thankful to have Dr. Karen Bradford on the podcast today. In her story, Karen is going to share about a tragedy and a betrayal. Both happened within 2 months of each other, and both were crushing. Living with co-grief became the new normal. But God's unrelenting purposes of restoration brought her down the path of healing and new life. Join us!2021-12-2438 min
Bold Mercies{Re-Release} The Difference Advent MakesBack by popular demand is The Difference Advent Makes. This episode released last year with Beth Runkle, and it is full of thoughts about how to make our hearts and homes prepared for Jesus' coming. Join us!2021-12-2238 min
Bold MerciesRhythms of Grace: Advent Reading Day 5Join us for our mini-episodes series, Rhythms of Grace, where we take a moment to pause the hustle so we can savor the wonder.2021-12-2107 min
Bold MerciesRhythms of Grace with Nanette SmithJoin us as we chat with Nanette about her Advent rhythms of grace.2021-12-2009 min
Bold MerciesRhythms of Grace: Advent Reading Day 4Join us for our 4th day of Advent Reading:Isaiah 9:1-7 / Isaiah 11:1-10 / Jeremiah 23:1-62021-12-1815 min
Bold MerciesRhythms of Grace with Karen Hilton BradfordToday I chat with Karen about her rhythms of grace in this season of hustle. Join us2021-12-1709 min
Bold MerciesRhythms of Grace: Advent Reading Day 3Thank you for joining us for this season of daily mini-episodes where we explore rhythms of grace for the season.2021-12-1604 min
Bold MerciesRhythms of Grace with Annie Marek-BarekJoin us as Annie shares her rhythms of grace for Advent.2021-12-1509 minBold MerciesRhythms of Grace: Advent Reading Day 2Join us this Christmas as we Still the Hustle, to Savor the Wonder. Merry Christmas from Bold Mercies Podcast!2021-12-1408 min
Bold MerciesRhythms of Grace with Beth SchmidtIf you feel frazzled by Christmas preparations and festivities, then you are in the right place because I feel this also! And so I am giving you a gift. It is a gift of a reflective moment where we look at rhythms of grace so we can still the hustle and savor the wonder.Like breathing, rhythms are "strong, regular repeated patterns" which open the passageway for me to breathe the air of grace. These mini-episodes were created with this in mind. I will talk with women about their personal Christmas rhythms of grace that o...2021-12-1308 min
Bold MerciesRhythms of Grace: Advent Reading Day 1Join us this Christmas as we Still the Hustle, to Savor the Wonder. Merry Christmas from Bold Mercies Podcast!2021-12-1107 min
Bold MerciesStill the Hustle to Savor the Wonder with Beth RunkleIf you feel frazzled by Christmas preparations and festivities, then you are in the right place because I feel this also! And so I am giving you a gift. It is a gift of a reflective moment where we look at rhythms of grace so we can still the hustle and savor the wonder. Like breathing, rhythms are "strong, regular repeated patterns" which open the passageway for me to breathe the air of grace. These mini-episodes were created with this in mind. I will talk with women about their personal Christmas rhythms of grace that o...2021-12-1012 min
Bold MerciesThe Unexpected Hope of SurrenderI'm excited to share Melinda Patrick's story with you! After 20 years of marriage her husband left her and her two teenage children. She did all she could to restore her marriage, but eventually God simply asked her to surrender. 3 long years of divorce court brought sweet intimacy with Jesus, and taught Melinda just how deeply she could trust God. Her story has a twist at the end, which I'm not going to give away, but join us to hear how God blessed the end of this story. We are glad you are here. Join us!Resourses:M...2021-12-0339 min
Bold MerciesFreedom From My Food AddictionI'm honored to share Eileen Lass' story with you about her journey to freedom from food addiction. In this episode we chat about when she hit rock bottom, what brought her freedom, and God's merciful goodness through it all! We are glad you are here! Join us!2021-11-1933 min
Bold MerciesUnderstanding Loss by Knowing LoveAmy Loflin tragically lost her mother when she was 21. Thus began a journey to discover the goodness of God in the midst of loss, and the lens through which to view our hard circumstances. In this episode we chat about our views of God, Jesus' profound love for us, and give help to interpret hard passages of scripture. We are glad you are here. Join us!2021-11-1235 min
Bold MerciesHope to Thrive in Mental IllnessI am so thankful for Abigail Alleman's brave vulnerability to share with us her journey with mental illness. She and I chat about seeing God's light in deep darkness, meditating on the Word, and combatting the lies of Satan. We are glad you are here! Join us. 2021-11-0535 min
Bold MerciesSteadfast Faith In Chronic IllnessFor most of her adult like, Kelly has lived with chronic pain from Fibromyalgia. In this episode we chat about how God has shown Himself perfectly faithful and how very real his presence has been through the worst of suffering. Kelly also shares some helpful tips on how to care for friends and family living with chronic illness. We are glad you are here. Join us!Resources:Divine Romance by Phil WickhamInto the Sea (It's Going to be OK) by Tasha Layton2021-10-2937 min
Bold MerciesRecasting our Broken PiecesChristy Freeland is my guest today. Christy is here to tell us her story of recasting her broken pieces into God's promises. This story sings of the faithfulness and tenderness of God, and the power of His word. We are glad you are here! Join us.2021-10-2241 min
Bold MerciesWhat To Do With Church HurtWe are diving into the hard topic today of what to do with church hurt. Hypocrisy is found everywhere in the world, but it is especially discouraging when it is church leadership. Susanna brings so much grace to this conversation, where we talk about the power of prayer, forgiveness, and delight in Jesus. Stories lend strength! I pray that Susanna's story strengthens you to live boldly in light of God's rich mercies.Resources:Citizens. Album by We are Radiant Worship2021-10-1536 min
Bold MerciesLearning Hospitality By Looking At JesusPlease welcome Carrie Vaugn to the podcast today! Hospitality is often talked about in Christian circles, but in this episode Carrie shows us how to rethink hospitality. She challenges us to prepare our hearts to receive others in simple and practical ways that does not involve cooking a feast. We are glad you are here! Join us. 2021-10-0842 min
Bold MerciesWhen God Turns Hurt Into HealingI'm so happy to have Carmen Post on the podcast today! Carmen grew up in a horrifically abusive home, but God has turned her hurts into healing waters for others! Carmen lives in Ethiopia with her husband and family. They founded and lead Make Your Mark, a ministry to street children in Addis Ababa. May her story lend you strength! We are glad you are here.Resourses:Find out more about Carmen and Trent at Make Your Mark. Love. Build. Serve.2021-10-0140 minBold MerciesIncarnational Ministry: Walk out your front door.Welcome to Season Three!! After the Spring and Summer of 2021, I think it would be a good time to rerelease a portion of the conversation I had with Jackie Parks about Incarnational Ministry. I was good and challenged. You will be also! Join us. 2021-09-2418 minBold MerciesSeason Two FinaleI cannot believe we are at the end of Bold Mercy's Second Season! Wow! I need to say thank you to all the amazing woman who shared their stories! It is not easy being vulnerable in front of a microphone. My heart was always encouraged through these stories, and I hope yours was also! Join us today for the finale, where we will look back over some themes heard in Season Two. 2021-05-2118 min
Bold MerciesTrusting God's Best in SinglenessI am excited to welcome Nanette Smith on the podcast today! Nanette and I met about 25 years ago at a summer camp, and it is wonderful to reconnect. Nanette is currently on staff at Gwinnett Church, but has also served on college campuses, camps, and locations around the world. This is the first time I have had the honor to share a story of the blessings and pain of singleness. Single women have a vital, unique and dignified role in the Kingdom of God. I honor and applaud these bold women! We are glad you are here. Join us!2021-05-1439 min
Bold MerciesFaith Restoration After TraumaMelissa Mulvaney is my guest on Bold Mercies today. Melissa's voice and laughter rings with joy. It might surprise you to learn she lived through dark times of anxiety, depression and PTSD from a cancer diagnosis. But God is always at work even in our darkest days in order to produce in us fruitfulness. We are glad you are here. Join us.2021-04-3039 min
Bold MerciesDepression, Self-harm, and Jesus' Sweet DeliveranceI'm honored to share Christina Wilkins' story on the podcast today! Depression crept into Christina's life while she was young in High School. Keeping her depression a secret, she resorted to self-harm for release from the inner pain. But God had a beautiful story to write in her life. She fell in love with Jesus in the middle of her depression, and he helped walk her through a deep healing journey. The journey included more depression, but Christina maintains rhythms of connectedness with Jesus and her therapist. You will love this story!Resources:https://www...2021-04-2338 min
Bold MerciesLed by Jesus into SobrietyI think there are some stories that take a little more courage to share than others. And this is why I am so thankful for Bridget's willing voice! In this episode I chat with Bridget about her steps to sobriety, the nuts and bolts of re-thinking, and the realization that she is completely accepted in Jesus.We are glad you are here! Resources:Loving What Is, by Byron Katie2021-04-1637 min
Bold MerciesFaith Refined by SufferingI'm excited to have Charlotte Chaney on the podcast today! Charlotte radiates unshakeable faith and hope. But when I asked her what were the building blocks to her strong faith, she said suffering. Actually years of suffering in an emotionally abusive marriage and then a fight against Stage 3 Rectal Cancer.We all long for a life of ease, so I am just going to say what we all know to be true...Suffering, as much as we dislike it, truly refines us.Resources:https://charlottessoul.com/2021-04-0938 min