Shows
Livin' What You're GivenSteppin out of the BoatAs I end my podcast for the foreseeable future, I reflect with great gratitude upon what I have learned, the people I have met, the support I have enjoyed and the incredible opportunity to tell and share stories from people all over this world. I want to end this season, episode and podcast as I started it, by stepping out of the boat of sameness and into the sea of adventure. Although I would have liked to thank each guest by name, I did not want my whole episode to sound like a segment from the acceptance...
2024-12-3126 min
Livin' What You're GivenGift to the Soul I can not imagine a better guest to end this fourth season of Livin' What You're Given Podcast, than Robin Freed. Robin is also my last interview as I end the podcast for the foreseeable future. The reason Robin is such a great fit for this role is because she embodies all the values and encouraging messages I've tried to highlight in this show for four seasons.Ms. Freed is a musician, playing several instruments, including piano, harp, and hammered dulcimer. She is a teacher of all of these as well. She feels that no matter what a...
2024-12-1827 min
Livin' What You're GivenWhy Our Sharing MattersMy guest today holds a special place in my heart. Her name is Suzanne Chimera and she is Co-Founder of Hair We Share, an organization that takes hair donations and make wigs for people who are losing their hair due to a variety of reasons.I met Suzanne in January of 2024 when I contacted her to take a donation of my sister, Mary's, hair after she passed away from cancer. Mary had long brown hair but because she had gray throughout her locks, I had to find a place that would take hair that had gray in it...
2024-12-1129 min
Livin' What You're GivenGratitude in All ThingsMy guest today, Beatrice Bruno, the Drill Sergeant of Life, joins me as we explore the idea of gratitude in all things. She talks about being thankful for each day and the opportunities she has been given by God, including her very life. As the author of books on various topics, including grief, Beatrice shares helpful hints on how to navigate life's ups and downs through being grateful at all times. For example, she reflects on how a person came to just sit with her after the passing of her husband, John, several years ago. In the encounter, she...
2024-11-2640 min
Livin' What You're GivenGratitude Stories MatterThis month, November, I am bringing on two guests who remind us of the power of gratitude even in these difficult, divided and tumultuous times. The gentleman who is my first guest in November, Stephen Ray Watts, shares with me and my audience today about how his life, ministry and music have been influenced by having a grateful heart. If you recognize the name, that is because this is one of the musicians who has lent his music to me for the purpose of enriching this podcast for the last four seasons.Sharing from his personal...
2024-11-1349 min
Break The Silence With KathLivin’ What You’re Given: Finding Self-Worth and Healing with Laura PadgettToday on Break the Silence with Kath, we have the incredible Laura Padgett. Laura is a multi-published, award-winning author, dancer, and storyteller, who has spent over seven decades finding her place and purpose in the world. As an adult child of alcoholics, Laura's early years were marked by challenges in understanding relationships and discovering self-worth. Yet, through years of faith, resilience, and personal work, she has transformed from victim to victor and moved from tears to triumph.Laura’s journey is not only inspiring but also deeply rooted in her fait...
2024-11-0951 min
Livin' What You're GivenWhen Relationships Suffer Estrangement My guest today is Michelle Rohlf, and she is granting me another interview to follow up her interview in May of 2023. In our last session, Michelle and I discussed the pain of having a child estrange themselves from us. She described her journey through her healing process and writing a book that chronicled that process.Today, Michelle describes how her work has helped her and others. She says that while writing the book, "Losing Her, Finding Me" (info below) she learned not only about herself, but about her child's journey too. She describes finding understanding about her o...
2024-10-2336 min
Livin' What You're GivenCourageously Sharing TruthKaren DeArmond Gardner is a survivor of thirty years in a marriage where she was verbally, emotionally and at times physically abused. She talks about how her own work of writing a book, speaking to others and helping to educate communities around the issue of domestic abuse, has been helpful for her own growth and healing. She points out that churches are not always equipped to deal with this issue. She states it is better to go to shelters, support groups, therapy and advocates who will listen and point victims to the resources needed to begin living l...
2024-10-0950 min
Livin' What You're GivenWe're Not Alone in our StoriesToday, my guest, author and speaker Lori Ann Wood, discusses where her story of a divine detour has taken her and how sharing her story has helped other people. After discovering she had end-stage heart failure, she began to ask the questions of God that we are trained not to ask. This is a follow up to our original interview that took place on March 8, 2023 called, "Involuntary Tide Turning." Please feel free to go back and listen to that for more of her backstory. Her journey began nine years ago and she says it has been up...
2024-09-2535 min
Livin' What You're GivenEmbracing ReasonPlease note: This is a rebroadcast of an episode that I ran in 2023. Because we are still in the political chaos, or perhaps worse, I feel it is important for us to remember that we can have a voice, we can turn this tide and we can bring unity to our beautiful U.S.A. by turning from the chaos to the reasonable and unifying voices. I was excited to sit down with former senator and house representative, Don Coram, from the Western Slope of Colorado today. Our conversation focused on a frank and honest discussion about how...
2024-08-2838 min
Livin' What You're GivenDismanteling Toxic Politics Note: This is a rebroadcast of the episode with Kevin Kuns in July of 2023. Because we seem to be in the same or worse political situation than when this was first recorded, I felt it worth a revisit of the wisdom, strength and hope in the words of people like Kevin Kuns. Drawing from personal experiences of living in different countries, having a diverse employment background, running successful companies and being involved in the Colorado Democratic Party, my guest today, Kevin Kuns and I explore how we can turn the tide on the toxic political landscape we...
2024-08-1438 min
Livin' What You're GivenHelping Others Deal with BullyingIn March in 2015, Maya Haynes' daughter Caitlyn completed suicide because of bullying. After her death, Cait's peers came forward and told Maya and her husband that they had witnessed the bullying and did not know what to do. Many had reported the bullying incidents, but there was no action taken.Instead of becoming angry, bitter, and vengeful, Maya turned grief, pain, and loss into a direction of helping other kids who are being bullied, those witnessing the situations, as well as those who are doing the bullying. She created P.E.E.R. Kindness, an organization...
2024-07-2441 min
Livin' What You're GivenHelping Others HealIn 1989, Jerry Schemmel survived the airplane crash of United Airlines Flight 232 that landed in a field in Sioux City, Iowa. In 1996, he wrote a book called "Chosen to Live" detailing not only the disastrous incident itself, but also his journey of healing afterward. Jerry does not allow this incident to define him, but he thinks about it as a way to share his personal testimony of finding help, strength, and hope through a personal relationship with Jesus.In my first interview with Jerry, he said during the excruciating minutes prior to the plane's touchdown, he tried...
2024-07-1037 min
Livin' What You're GivenFeeling our Feelings Gwendolyn Burton is an author, teacher, speaker, and certified grief educator. But mostly she is an authentic voice for those who are experiencing grief and loss, as she has suffered one of the toughest losses known to humans - the loss of a child. Through her work and in this interview, she discusses how she began to heal and move forward from her loss. She speaks about finding help by hearing the stories of others which helped her to see she was not alone. By encouraging herself and others to express what is...
2024-06-2637 min
Livin' What You're GivenWhy Stories MatterWe are starting our fourth season of "Livin' What You're Given". The rest of 2024, I want to explore the effects of storytelling. In this episode I talk about why our stories matter. They have been given to us so we can share them to encourage other as they walk their stories as well as help others along the way in their own journeys.I open this season by explaining why this podcast has not been offered for the past several months. In telling the reason for my absence, I have told a story of loss a...
2024-06-1218 min
Livin' What You're GivenLetting Go of 2023 Today in this solo podcast episode, the last one of 2023 and the last one for a few months, I want to talk about letting go of idolizing the past. We cannot move forward, if we insist on focusing on the past. The tendency to retro reach (trying to recapture and relive the past at the expense of the now and the future) is a prescription for unhappiness. Through a personal, and humorous story, I share how we can get the wrong idea of who God is and proceed with that idea until we fi...
2023-12-2719 min
Livin' What You're GivenTurning from Retro-reachToday, I am joined by Ashley Pyles, a Christian Transformational Faith Coach who has spent decades helping women not only strengthen their faith, but also put it into action. There are many reasons why we can stunt our spiritual growth, and one of those is hanging onto the past. In our conversation on Livin' What You're Given, Ashley offers some tools to help us resist this retro-reach posture. She shares from her own experiences how she has learned to release the past and receive the blessings of the future.Through a three-step process based in scripture...
2023-12-1336 min
Livin' What You're GivenTurning from Burdens to Blessings In this week's episode, which is a solo, I want to share the word "burdens" as an acronym. I think this is particularly important as the holidays are here and we can feel overwhelmed by the expectations we place on ourselves and the expectations we try to meet that are placed upon us by others. The point of this is to demonstrate that it is our choice to allow our own (sometimes unreasonable) expectations and those of others to weigh us down or not. Drawing from seven decades of I want to share how we can be:
2023-11-2918 min
Livin' What You're GivenTurning From Holiday StressWhoa, the holidays are here already and the pressures can be real. In today's episode, my guest Sue Moore Donaldson, and I explore how to drop some of the baggage around what we expect of ourselves and others when it comes to holiday festivities.As an author, podcaster and public speaker, Sue uses her own experiences to help us relax around our imperfections. That can be, and often is, the first step in moving through the holidays with less stress and more joy. Through her faith base as a follower of Christ, she encourages us to surrender...
2023-11-0836 min
Livin' What You're GivenTurning From Domestic Abuse Part 2Please note: This is a re-broadcast of an earlier episode that was taped and aired in 2021. The subject is domestic abuse, and because it is October (National Domestic Violence Awareness Month), I wanted to air this again. The topic follows my September episodes on bullying. Domestic abuse is in fact one of the most commonly seen areas of bullying because it relies upon the unequal power structure. The dates and times mentioned in this episode are from September of 2021. But the message is one we need to hear often as it is not going away, a...
2023-10-2543 min
Livin' What You're GivenTurning From Domestic Abuse Part 1Please note: This is a re-broadcast of an earlier episode that was taped and aired in 2021. The subject is domestic abuse, and because it is October (National Domestic Violence Awareness Month), I wanted to air this again. The topic follows my September episodes on bullying. Domestic abuse is in fact one of the most commonly seen areas of bullying because it relies upon the unequal power structure. The dates and times mentioned in this episode are from September of 2021. But the message is one we need to hear often as it is not going away, and in s...
2023-10-1139 min
Sherry Speaks Life PodcastThe Blessings of Aging with Laura PadgettDid you know by 2030 all Baby Boomers will be over 65 years old? As our population gets older, society continues to diminish their value and perpetuate stereotypes based on age. How can we dispel the myths about aging and be grateful for every moment God has blessed us with?
Our guest, Laura Padgett, is passionate about helping us embrace aging and understand God's purpose for it. Laura is a multi-published, multi-awarded author and dancer. She also hosts a podcast called “Livin’ What You’re Given,” which she launched on her 70th birthday to encourage listeners to live their best lif...
2023-10-1150 minLivin' What You're GivenTurning From Bullying Part 2"Before you hate, think of Cait." This is the statement that began P.E.E.R. Kindness, an organization started by our guest, Maya Haynes, after her teenage daughter Cait completed suicide in 2015.In the second part of this two-part series on turning the tide on bullying, my guest Maya Haynes and I discuss some of the tools her organization PEER Kindness utilizes to help identify this behavior and take steps to change it. She and her team go into schools and out into communities to share what can be done to identify, intervene and report such...
2023-09-2739 minLivin' What You're GivenTurning From Bullying Part 1"Before you hate, think of Cait." This is the statement that began P.E.E.R. Kindness, an organization started by our guest, Maya Haynes, after her teenage daughter Cait completed suicide in 2015.I am joined today by Maya Haynes, the mother of a young woman who in her teens completed suicide as a result of being bullied. Sharing from her own experiences during and since that time, she tells us that many of the kids who observed this behavior toward her daughter had reported it, with no results. Therefore, even though they witnessed it, they did...
2023-09-1332 min
Livin' What You're GivenTurning to Lead TogetherToday, I’m joined by Annie Perdue-Olson, a certified coach with a Masters of Arts in Human Resources and Change Leadership. Annie has fifteen years in her current coaching work of helping leaders and teams be healthier in their relationships and workplace processes. In this episode Annie stresses the impact of three particular issues in leadership roles. Those are feeling overwhelmed, dealing with people problems and facing testing of confidence.Overwhelmed feelings can impact personal and spiritual health in a negative way when leaders and/or team members do not balance the tension between the product and peo...
2023-08-2342 min
Livin' What You're GivenTurning from the RutDo you ever feel you are in a rut? Today, my friend and fellow Christian podcaster, Jerry Dugan, joins me as we discuss the definition of being in a rut. As host of the podcast, "Beyond the Rut" Jerry helps us identify when we are in a rut and how to get out, and beyond it. He explains that being in a rut is doing the same activities day-after-day, week-after-week, and feeling unproductive. There's no passion or excitement in the rut. We are just sort of on autopilot. It usually starts with a gut feeling of just being s...
2023-08-0952 min
Livin' What You're GivenTurning Toward UnityI was excited to sit down with former senator and house representative, Don Coram, from the Western Slope of Colorado today. Our conversation focused on a frank and honest discussion about how we can begin to turn from toxic political division in America, and toward unity and healthy discourse with civility. When asked how we, in the USA, have gotten to this point of malignant polarization, Senator Coram offered his opinion based on his experience as a lawmaker and a citizen. He tells us that we now have elected officials who are being rewarded for bad behavior. W...
2023-07-2640 min
Livin' What You're GivenTurning from Toxic PoliticsDrawing from personal experiences of living in different countries, having a diverse employment background, running successful companies and being involved in the Colorado Democratic Party, my guest today, Kevin Kuns and I explore how we can turn the tide on the toxic political landscape we are now living in. We also discuss what the word "patriot means" and how that word is being used against our groups of citizens today.Kevin helps us identify some ways we have become polarized politically, what is dividing us and how we can begin to walk into unification beyond our differences...
2023-07-1139 min
Livin' What You're GivenTurning GracefullyMary Hess is the host of the Back Forty Podcast, where she shares stories of people who are navigating the second half of life. She gives examples of topics she is sharing to offer truths and hope as well as the message that we are not alone in some of the changes, struggles and joys of living life in the back forty.Mary says that her generation, which is generation X, was the one that began talking about the things her boomer parents just did not discuss. Mary wants us to know we do not need to...
2023-06-2847 minLivin' What You're GivenSecond Anniversary EditionIt is hard to believe that two years ago, I launched my first podcast episode. Here we are now two years down the line and going strong. In this solo episode I want to share my gratitude for people who have helped me along the way including my friends and family, as well as all the great guests who have agreed to be interviewed.I have learned a lot about many subjects. And I have been inspired by the stories of folks just livin' what they’ve been given by being creative, even in the toughest of ci...
2023-06-1417 min
Livin' What You're GivenTurning from Self-SabotageToday we welcome The Drill Sergeant of Life, Beatrice Bruno, to help us understand how we sometimes get in our own way by practicing self-sabotage. Speaking from her own experience and from parts of her books based on letting go, letting God and getting what we want out of life, Beatrice is a refreshingly authentic voice that speaks truth into the idea that turning the tide begins with each of us. Being in the U.S Army helped Beatrice in the area of discipline that was needed and still is needed to move into sticking to the...
2023-05-2451 min
Livin' What You're GivenTurning Within EstrangementToday, my guest Michelle Rohlf, and I talk about the pain suffered when children estrange themselves from their parents. She wants us to know that this is not a unique situation, and we are not alone if we are in this place. Talking from her own experience that is chronicled in her book, "Losing Her, Finding me: A Mother's Story of Estrangement and Self-Discovery," she shares a story that is all too familiar to many parents. Her journey includes the ups and downs of trying to reconcile with her daughter, counseling for the two of them, recognizing...
2023-05-1055 min
Livin' What You're GivenTurning to the Light Part 2In part two of this two-part series about turning to the light, my friend James Early and I explore how we can embrace the mindset of Jesus Christ. In part one we unpacked some myths around who we sometimes think Jesus is in order to support our agendas. But if we really want to know what Jesus was/is all about, we need to try to think in the mindset of Christ, which is as a selfless servant. In order to do this, we need to study what Jesus said, what He did, how He treated others...
2023-04-2642 min
Livin' What You're GivenTurning to the Light Part 1My friend James Early, from The Bible Speaks to You Podcast, and I explore who Jesus is from a spiritual lens. James says that we tend to assign human attributes to Jesus to support our own agendas. We project onto Jesus, as well as other people, our own characteristics. Our mind is the lens through which we see Jesus. But if we really do want to follow Jesus, we need to follow His example and not what we "want" to believe about Him.Through stories of different aspects and truths of the Bible, James challenges us to...
2023-04-1250 min
Livin' What You're GivenTurning from HatredDid you know that antisemitism is not only back in the U.S. and the rest of the world, it is on the rise? Don't believe it? Listen in as my friend, and former broadcast journalist, Dave Segal and I explore this topic on a national and local level.Born and raised with the idea of religious inclusion, Dave shares stories of growing up in a family where there were Jewish, Christian and even Buddhist faiths practiced. Dave has practiced various faith paths in his life, including a great many years in Judaism. He shares stories...
2023-03-2245 min
Livin' What You're GivenInvoluntary Tide TurningIt's so easy to be praising, peaceful and happy when all things are going well. But how do we react when things are not going well? What about the path we thought was going to be the one we chose to live our life on but ends up being riddled with detours? What happens when questions are asked but the answers are nowhere close to what we desire? What do we do when those questions seem to go unanswered altogether? During this interview my guest, Lori Ann Wood, talks openly and honestly about questioning God at the t...
2023-03-0846 min
Livin' What You're GivenTurning From LiesLies. A word we have become all too familiar with in the past few years. But what are they? Who tells them? Who believes them? Interesting questions, but perhaps more interesting are these questions. Who doesn't tell lives? Who doesn't believe them?These and other questions are what my guest, award-winning author, Patricia Raybon and I discuss in this episode of "Livin' What You're Given" in an attempt to try to turn from lies. Through her latest fiction novel, "Double the Lies," Patricia calls us to challenge where the lies we believe, and perhaps tell, come...
2023-02-2245 min
Livin' What You're GivenTurning to Speak Life As we start the third season of "Livin' What You're Given" and focusing on the theme of "Turning the Tide," I interview Sherry Jones. She is a Certified Christian Life Coach, author, speaker and podcast host of the "Sherry Speaks Life Podcast." Today she shares her passion for "speaking life." As we emerge from so much death, fear and loss during the pandemic, Sherry encourages us to look at ways to now turn that tide by speaking the truth of positivity in the face of massive negativity and being grateful for what we do still ha...
2023-02-0851 min
Livin' What You're GivenLittle Drummer GirlEpisode #22 of season two of Livin' What You're Given rounds out the year of 2022 that primarily addressed choices. It also ends my two-part series on finding, sharing and being grateful for our gifts from God, as well as encouraging others to find and share their gifts too.In this solo episode I share the road I traveled from trained secular dancer to praise dancer in the world of sacred movement. I reveal the resistance, the discouragement, and self doubt around using dance in the worship setting as praise, prayer, gratitude and even healing. All gifts given to...
2022-12-2822 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoose to Embrace Your GiftsYes, you are gifted, talented and creative. You are created in the image of the great Creator. Believe that. The gifts you've been given are for the glory of God, the fulfillment of your soul and the benefit to others. Today, in one of my rare solo episodes, I explore some of the reasons why we do not see ourselves as creative, or gifted. I talk about why, in my life, I have given real estate in my brain to the reasons that I (for decades) believed I could not offer my gifts because they were not a...
2022-12-1425 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoosing Joy and Gratitude Part 2In the second installment of this two-part interview, Annette (AJ) Spurr shares more gems from her book, "The Simple Joy of Seeing God." Those include some of the following high spots. The anecdote for fear is focus on God and not our circumstances, according to AJ. She calling on the story of Peter stepping out of the boat and being able to walk on water until he switched his focus from Jesus to the fact that he was standing on nothing but water. She makes the point that people often refer to Peter as the guy who a...
2022-11-2338 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoosing Joy and Gratitude Part 1Right in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday here in America, we have lessons on gratitude and joy from across a few different ponds. Annette (AJ) Spurr, from Australia, is an author, freelance writer, wife, mom and on a mission to help us recover our joy and gratitude.Based on many research sources to support her book, she shares some insights about how we may have lost our joy and ways we can recapture it. "The Simple Joy of Seeing God," her first book, starts by telling us some of the elements that may keep us...
2022-11-0937 min
WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy LifeEp 158 A Legacy of Living Our Best Life at Any Age with Laura PadgettToday, the darling and wise, Laura Padgett, an award-winning author, dancer, and fairly new podcaster—she began her podcast, Livin' What You're Givin' on her 70th birthday—speaks of the gifts of age, the necessity of inclusion, and enduring-through-dance her life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Laura looks out for those who may be new to the church, inviting those to the choir who may not know they were "allowed to sing." Her mission is to show and tell the world that aging isn't a disease; rather, we look for more and maybe different ways to serve our Saviour with the...
2022-10-3134 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoosing Space and GraceGwendolyn Burton is an authentic voice for those grieving and those trying to come along side of those grieving. By sharing her story of losing her 26-year-old son, five years ago, she talks about the many lessons she has learned and is still learning about the process of healing from loss.Taking time to grieve fully and freely in our own time and giving the grace and space for others to walk that road freely and fully is her message as she speaks and writes about unpacking the misunderstandings around the grieving process. She shares that we...
2022-10-2635 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoosing TruthThis week, I am joined by my friend and fellow Christian author Patricia Raybon, as she celebrates the one-year anniversary of the release of her debut novel "All That is Secret". She shares what she has learned on this journey including how hungry people are to learn the history of the great centennial state of Colorado. Patricia talks about how the truths in this book, especially about the hold the Ku Klux Klan once had on every county, town and city in Colorado in the early 1900's, have been met with gratitude for her ability and courage t...
2022-10-1236 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoosing to KickWhat does it mean to kick against darkness? For that matter, how do we define darkness? That is what my guest Rodney Olsen and I explore today. Rodney discusses his own podcast, Bleeding Daylight and what he means by kicking the darkness until it bleeds daylight. He says that as followers of Jesus, there are times when He calls us to identify the darkness and kick against it in order to bring the light into our world, communities and churches. In this episode we examine the idea that social justice issues are intricately related to the Gospel o...
2022-09-2834 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoosing to Receive or ReleaseDo you often find yourself rejecting or downplaying compliments given, but receiving and retaining negative comments? Well, you are not alone if the answer is "yes." We all do it, so why?My guest today is author and speaker Dawna Hetzler, who joins me to answer that question and more on this topic. Drawing on personal experiences and observations, she explains some of the factors contributing to our unwillingness to see ourselves as valued, valuable and worthy of the good life has to offer. We discussed her latest book, releasing in September 2022, "Free to Receive: B...
2022-09-1437 minLivin' What You're GivenChoosing MentorshipPerhaps the best summary of the interview with my guest today is summed up in Jeremiah 1:4-84 The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” 6 “Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”7 But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I com...
2022-08-2429 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoose Different ShoesWhat are the advantages of stepping into the shoes of another? Today I am joined by Neil Matthews, host of "Other People's Shoes" Podcast, and we explore the moments of pause when we choose to intentionally listen to others. Can we perhaps put ourselves aside and put another first in order to just bring more understanding to a confused and sometimes self-absorbed world? Can we listen with respect even if we are not ever going to totally understand? Crediting his church upbringing for his posture of "others first", Neil gives some examples of how we can set o...
2022-08-1031 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoosing Our True IdentityWife, mother, author, speaker, podcaster and successful business woman, Casey Alexis, joins me as we talk about our identities that have been dependent upon and now are moving away from what we do or accomplish. She says that many of us are now, especially after the effects of the COVID, redefining ourselves as being the reflection of the creator and not playing to the approval of the creation.She emphasizes that women do not need to compete because we are not competitors as the world teaches, but Sisters in Christ with unique gifts, talents and...
2022-07-2739 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoosing to Intentionally EncourageMy guest today is host of the Intentional Encourager Podcast. But that is only one of his many titles. He is also a successful business leader and author of "People Buy From People." He shares with us some strategies for cultivating "people first" attitudes but being intentionally encouraging. He talks about his dad being the original intentional encourager and the impact that had on his life and others.But what does encouragement mean? What does the word intention mean? We need to learn how to give more than we receive. That is true intentional encouragement. Why...
2022-07-1338 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoosing ShalomMy guest today, Pastor Marcus Watson, joins me to talk about ways we can begin to see unification in our relationships, our country, our world and especially in the church. We discuss the need to resist "thingification." What is thingification? In the church it is when we see those around us in the pews and even those who do not attend as things, numbers, people who represent a good image for the church. It is when we lose sight of what the true meaning of mission really is.So how do we avoid doing this? We...
2022-06-2238 min
R.S.V.P. ShowHeart Behind The Worship - How To Keep Our Movement In Step With God - Laura PadgettJoin your host, April D. Metzler, as she visits with Laura Padgett - A Praise Dance Instructor and long-time dancer, podcast host, blogger, and author are just a few roles of gifting/talent that Laura operates and flows in.
The main scripture for this visit is Psalm 119:105. Speaking of "flowing", Laura and April will be visiting about the heart behind something God is showing her, even more, in this season! How to Keep our Movement in Step with God! Are you a dancer? Do you enjoy growing in the ways we can praise the Lord? Did you...
2022-06-1751 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoosing TruceThe host of Truce - History of the Christian Church Podcast, Chris Staron, joins me to talk about what we need to know of the good stuff and bad stuff of Christianity. We haven't been acting very Christ-like in the past few years, Chris tells us. We sometimes do things and make choices but we may not know why. We're going to try and unpack some of that for you today.We need to know our past in order to understand where we are now, according to Chris. He helps us examine terms like evangelical and...
2022-06-0856 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoosing Forgiveness Part TwoReverend Mark Sowersby talks openly about his choice to forgive and his choice to write a book so others can also walk into the freedom of forgiveness. He says that when he started on this journey he was overwhelmed by the mountain of pain and sorrow. As he learned to lean more on God, he saw that God's mountain of grace, mercy and love were bigger than the mountain of the elements of his abusive past.He shares how his pain, anger and hurt were all-consuming for part of his life. But he chose to trust one...
2022-05-2536 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoosing Forgiveness Part OneIn part one of a two-part interview, Reverend Mark Sowersby shares his story of a childhood riddled with abuse of all sorts. He shares about his powerlessness and confusion associated with that abuse. He talks about his struggle with facing the truth of what had happened to him and how his identity was shaped as a victim with a chip on his shoulder. He speaks honestly about his struggle with pride, anger and unwillingness to trust.In this session Mark shares some information about the myths around forgiveness. And he openly shares why he saw the need...
2022-05-1140 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoosing SurrenderMy guest today, Michelle Lazurek, shares her personal walk with anxiety that led her into understanding her need for total surrender to God. The idea that we are to surrender is indeed a struggle for many people, as is anxiety. Through authentic testimony, she helps us understand that it is okay not to be okay. She offers encouragement through her new book, "I Surrender All (Sort of)" for living an honest walk that, although difficult, is the best way to heal and then be an authentic voice for others struggling with healing too.She speaks a...
2022-04-2752 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoose ResurrectionAs Easter is just around the corner, we pause to reflect on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this episode Pastor of the Montrose United Methodist Church, Lisa Petty, and I discuss the word resurrection.According the dictionary the word resurrection means to find something that has been forgotten or lost, or to give new life into something that has died. Is it possible this concept can be used in our daily lives as we choose to resurrect our minds, our attitudes, our souls? Is it possible that we even need to look more...
2022-04-1338 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoice around Jesus Part 2This week James Early and I ask the question, "Who is this guy, Jesus?" from a modern day perspective. The answers we share are based on our own observations and opinions, only. But in this friendly and interactive conversation we still want to discuss this from the perspectives of:Religious leaders of the day.Politicians Business leadersFollowers of JesusWe are not going to answer the question for the listener. More importantly, we challenge the listener to answer for themselves, "Who is this guy, Jesus?"To learn more about Ja...
2022-03-2338 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoices around Jesus Part 1In this episode my friend James Early and I explore the age old question of "Who is this guy, Jesus?" Different times, different cultures, different people and different religions all have different answers to this question.This week we pretend we are at the very first Palm Sunday. We walk into the streets of Jerusalem and find a man riding on a donkey, people shouting and waving palm branches. We start asking people what is going on and who this guy on the donkey is. We want to know why everyone is here and what all the...
2022-03-0934 min
Deliberate Freelancer#130: Find Support and Accountability with Mastermind Groups, with Laura PooleToday's guest is a freelance editor from Durham, N.C. Laura is the owner of Archer Editorial Services. She exclusively provides editing to university presses. She also develops and conducts training for editors and publishers. As defined by the Success Alliance, mastermind groups offer a combination of brainstorming, education, peer accountability and support to sharpen your business and personal skills. A mastermind group helps you and your group members achieve success. Members challenge each other to set strong goals and, more importantly, to accomplish them. A mastermind group is not a cl...
2022-02-2436 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoose to touch soulsIn our everyday lives, it is hard to imagine what we do or say can and probably does touch souls. On this episode I share the legacy of a pioneer in sacred dance, a woman who was my teacher and mentor. In many ways she deeply touched my soul. And she taught me that the dance can be used as expression to touch the souls of others.She not only taught me how to do the most soul satisfying dance I've ever done, she showed me how to take no for an answer gracefully and to continue...
2022-02-2320 min
Livin' What You're GivenChoosing to chooseWe live in a world where we are called upon to make choices on a daily and maybe even an hourly basis. During the last two years, we have all felt restrictions for our ability to make decisions. But even in the face of restrictions, there are still many decisions we can, should and will be making.But sometimes our decisions are made on the basis of patterns established from various input sources. These may include childhood memories or teachings. Join me as I open season two of Livin' What You're Given with a p...
2022-02-0923 min
Livin' What You're GivenThe Life of an ElfI spent ten years as Captain of the Elves on the team called Rebels Without a Claus. During that time, I was privileged to be with some of the most selfless, generous, loving women I've ever known. We were volunteers in making merry, bringing cheer and joy to each Christmas Season in and around the Denver Metro Area. There are hundreds of stories of our adventures that we could share. And in this episode, we have chosen to share a few of those in an effort to help others see that, although we are entertainers to a point, our...
2021-12-2249 min
Livin' What You're GivenPerfectionism vs. CreativityAuthor, speaker and coach of creatives, Allen Arnold joins me today as we talk about the price our creativity pays when we are unable to dismantle the three pillars - comparison, competition and control of Queen Perfectionism. Allen has a fresh way of recognizing perfectionism in ourselves when we honestly look at our hold on being happy only when things go as we want them to go.When we think we are valued for what we do and not who we are, as children of God first, we can miss the blessings of being in creative...
2021-12-1554 min
Livin' What You're GivenEmbracing the MessySpeaker, award-winning author and a licensed parent and family educator and parent coach. Lori Wildenberg, joins me today as we unpack the myths around perfectionism. Through the authentic voice of a mom of four, plus three (in-love kids), she offers suggestions for alleviating stresses brought on by perfectionistic expectations during our holidays.With suggestions and insight, she helps us see that embracing the reality, "We are All imperfect" can enrich and, in some cases, save our relationships while creating treasured memories and more solid relationships for a lifetime. Through her gentle, truthful way, Lori walks with us as...
2021-12-0842 min
Livin' What You're GivenPeace vs. PerfectionAuthor, podcaster and blogger Sarah Geringer shares some practical tips around how to simplify the holiday season and put perfectionism at bay this year. She tells authentic stories around lessons she has learned on her parental journey about what can serve as avenues to author meaningful and memorable holidays.By dismissing the three handmaidens of perfectionism - comparison, competition and control, we can relax into peace this season. Yes, we can do this. We discussed Sarah's book, "Christmas Peace for Busy Moms". In her book as well as this interview Sarah and I discuss ways to make...
2021-12-0149 min
Livin' What You're GivenNo Perfect CaregiversWith the Holiday Season upon us, we usually see an increase in stress. That stress can be magnified for the people giving care to a loved one. Sharing her experiences as a caregiver and a consultant for caregivers my guest, Nadine Roberts-Cornish, shares her wisdom to help release some of that stress. Nadine offers resources for and suggestions of some ways we can support the caregivers in our world and ways for the caregivers to feel good about asking and receiving that support. Speaking about the truths, myths and blessings of the journey from the lens o...
2021-11-2441 min
The Mom Next Door: Stories of Faith75 - Livin' What You're Given - Laura PadgettLaura Padgett is a delight to visit with! Today she encourages us to walk in obedience to God, letting go of the outcome and finding peace in His plan for our lives. Make sure you find her podcast Livin' What You're Given and go to her website Laura L Padgett
As always, you can join me in my virtual living room Tending Fields Mom's Group (formerly "Less Than Perfect Christian Women") on Facebook
And check out my blog at Tending Fields
#livinwhatyourgivin #livelife #fulllife #dancer #worshipper #titus2 #encourager #peacegodsplan #letgoandletgod
2021-11-2043 min
Livin' What You're GivenDoes Jesus Expect Perfection?In the Bible Jesus said, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" Matt 5:48 NIV. But did He really mean He expects us to be perfect? James Early, Bible Study teacher, blogger and host of "The Bible Speaks to You" podcast, joins me today to help us unpack the language in this verse so we can examine what Jesus really meant.In this series of "Livin' What You're Given," we are seeking to help dismiss the myths and pressures around the idea that we can and should attain perfection. James reminds us that as we see...
2021-11-1755 min
Livin' What You're GivenPobody's NerfectTis the season to be jolly, generous, family-oriented and oh yes...Perfect, right? Wrong.Please tune into this episode where I describe why I think this is such an important time of year to dismiss the Queen Perfectionism, supported by her three handmaidens or court assistants - comparison, competition and control. When we focus on being better than, doing more than and holding onto controlling all outcomes, we risk not only loss of joyful parts of the season, but damaging relationships and authoring deterioration of our serenity and mental health.Drawing from lessons I l...
2021-11-1011 min
Livin' What You're GivenPerfectionism Hinders HospitalityJoin my guest, Sue Donaldson, and me for a fun-filled romp through the castle of the evil queen Perfectionism as we dismiss her three handmaidens - Competition, Comparison and Control. As Sue shares her stories with wit, humor, and authenticity about what she sees hospitality is, you will feel like you have known her forever. One of those reasons is because she is open, warm and has a great message and tips about helping us connect with others regardless of how inadequate we feel.She helps us to understand that entertainment is always about the host...
2021-11-0353 min
Livin' What You're GivenPivoting In/Out of the PewsWorship services, fellowship gatherings, Bible Studies, men and women's groups, outreach to church members and the marginalized communities in need of food, clothing and visitation. These are just a few things that have typically defined churches in the U.S. Then COVID hit, and it hit hard. This was a harsh blow to churches who were told to close their doors immediately for an undetermined amount of time. My guest today is Pastor Lisa Petty of the United Methodist Church in Montrose, CO. The story of how the leadership and church members in this rural church pivoted i...
2021-10-2746 min
Livin' What You're GivenPivoting Forward From AgonyThe unspeakable pain of losing a child, at any age, is our topic today as my guest shares her journey and her pivot forward from that agony. Gwendolyn Burton lost her adult son to a seizure from his epilepsy. In the hours, days, weeks, months and years since his passing she has walked a path of deep dark days, tears that spoke to God for her pain as she could not, and seeing truths about how we are taught to grieve loss and how we often "try" to help those who are grieving.In this episode, Gwen...
2021-10-2053 min
Livin' What You're GivenPivoting in PerilCould you save your life if you had to? Could you pivot from a mindset of panic and into one of self-preservation? That is exactly what Realtor Dawna Hetzler had to do while showing a house to a man who was threatening her life and demanding she comply with his instructions. She tells of the slow motion, tunnel vision of reality when she knew she was in a dangerous and maybe even deadly situation. Because she carries a firearm and is trained in its use, Dawna was able to escape harm and maybe death. She not only r...
2021-10-1345 min
Livin' What You're GivenPivoting GenresAfter decades of writing award winning nonfiction books as well as articles for such publications as In Touch Magazine, Our Daily Bread, Guideposts and many more, Patricia Raybon decided to finish a novel she had stared years before the 2020 COVID lock down. This novel is a Christian fiction mystery about a clever, black, female theologian who takes on the daring challenge of solving crime in the 1920s KKK era in Denver, CO.In this interview, Patricia tells us why she chose to pivot genres, what she is hoping will come from this book, which is based on...
2021-10-0646 min
Livin' What You're GivenPivoting Home AgainCalling all creatives. If you have ever been in an audience for one of Allen Arnold's presentations, you will know that his words, his work and his honest accounting of his own life is a blessing of inspiration and encouragement. He invites us to offer our storytelling as a way to "nudge people toward a welcome awakening." If you have never been in one of his presentation audiences, here is your chance to listen to a man whose life is spent helping others bring their creative gifts forth not only for God, but with Him. Allen welcomes u...
2021-09-2956 min
Livin' What You're GivenPivoting Our AttitudesIt would not be uncommon for a person blessed with multiple gifts and talents to use those for their own fame, calling attention to their accomplishments. But that is simply not the case or intentions of my guest today, Deonte Bolden.This actor, author, play write, producer and podcaster has a completely different take on how his gifts should be used. And he shows that in his many productions and two books. In discussing his latest book with me today on my podcast he explains that the real fulfillment for him comes when he hears or sees...
2021-09-2238 min
Livin' What You're GivenPivoting Into the Perfect GiftStephen Watts and his wife owned a successful jazz club in Downtown Denver. He also was a successful musician, touring with a band he helped create. He and his wife hosted multiple international events in their club. Then COVID hit. Suddenly his opportunities to tour, play music and run his business went away. He and his wife struggled to keep their business viable. But like so many others, they had to close.With few options for work, he had to find a way to pay bills. He accepted a job or "side hustle" as he calls it. He beg...
2021-09-1539 min
Livin' What You're GivenPivoting in Mid-AirJerry Schemmel told himself, "If you are dead, you are not going to be able to do anything. But if you are not, if you happen to survive and are not hurt seriously, don't panic. Don't flee the plane but try to help other people and stay calm." Those were his thoughts the last two minutes before the plane crashed. He did survive, and he did help others out. But he also witnessed the death of many around him.In this episode Jerry relates what it was like to spend forty-five minutes knowing that the p...
2021-09-0832 min
Livin' What You're GivenPivoting in the caveWhat is the cave? According to Pastor Scott Distler, the cave is that place in your life where you retreat when you have been hurt. In his book, The Cave: When Ministry Becomes Misery, Scott shares the story of being betrayed heading into the four signs that can signal we are heading into the cave. The four signs he talks about are fear, isolation, self pity, hopelessness. He introduces us to those well-intentioned dragons who believe they are on a mission of good but can do great harm.But he also wants us to know what...
2021-09-0147 min
Livin' What You're GivenPivoting from Domestic Abuse Into New LifeIn part two of our two-part interview, Karen DeArmond Gardner talks about life after she left her abusive marriage of thirty years. She tells us that leaving is just the beginning and not the end on the road to healing from domestic abuse. As she discusses various aspects of seeking help from God and her family, she tells us about writing and publishing her book, Hope for Healing from Domestic Abuse: Reaching for God's Promise of Real Freedom.Karen says this is not a self help book but a book to help women who have escaped domestic...
2021-08-2543 min
Livin' What You're GivenPivoting from Domestic Abuse Into New LifeKaren DeArmond Gardner is an authentic voice in the area of domestic abuse, having lived thirty years in a marriage where her husband was verbally, emotionally and physically abusive. In this first of a two part interview, she shares what she learned, when she decided to leave but mostly how she, with the love of her family and relearning about the love of God, began her healing journey. Today she is living a life of freedom in a new marriage of eleven years, and is helping educate and advocate for those still living in intimate terrorism.
2021-08-1839 min
Livin' What You're GivenPivoting in InfertilityIn my next installment in the series about pivoting, author Deb Hall talks about the various pivot points of not being able to conceive or give birth to a biological child. Infertility is a subject few people are brave enough to talk about outside of close family circles and support groups. But Deb has written a book that openly deals with the pain, frustration and feelings of hopelessness that can be part of this journey. It is her hope that this work will help others to no longer feel alone on this path.In her book Barren...
2021-08-1136 min
Livin' What You're GivenPivoting out of the PulpitYears invested in education and experience can author the message that we are stuck in a profession or relationship because of our investment. But sometimes we have to make the decision to pivot out and into something that feeds our soul, encourages our true mission and ministry and feeds that creative soul God gifted us with.Join Dr. Don Owsley as we explore the paths of pivoting when necessary and what that may look like as we yield to the God who paves our way and determines what we are to do with our lives and for o...
2021-08-0447 min
Livin' What You're GivenPivoting into WidowhoodWhat happens when you kiss your spouse goodbye and go to work, then get a call telling you that was your last kiss with your beloved? What happens in the hours, days, weeks and years as the healing journey progresses?Beatrice Bruno is a woman who has been pivoting her whole life in beauty, strength and grace. Please join us as she candidly shares the lessons she learned during the stages of her grief as she pivoted into widowhood and a ministry God gave her to help others pivot in their own grief and pain a...
2021-07-2846 min
Livin' What You're GivenPivoting out of CorporateEric Nevins is my first guest on the section called pivoting on my podcast. In this episode Eric tells us how he discovered he was not doing what he was called to do and decided to pivot out of the financial world and use his experience in podcasting to help other people launch and improve their podcasts.Eric encourages listeners to weigh the cost of staying where they are not fulfilled against the cost of stepping out into a world where their hearts are longing to be. His experience as a podcaster and his story of his o...
2021-07-2140 min
Livin' What You're GivenPivoting into PivotingWe start a new series this week, lasting at least two months, where we talk about pivoting in circumstances as a result of our own choices or choices made by others that affect us but are out of our control. Join my guests and me as we explore what it is like to pivot out of jobs, life altering results of violence or catastrophe. We will talk about the difficulties faced when suddenly finding ourselves grieving the loss of a loved one or understanding the issues of infertility or cancer. It is a great line up fr...
2021-07-1408 min
Livin' What You're GivenFired Because of Her Age At the age of 75, after decades of loyalty to her employer and multiple awards for excellence as an employee, Rebecca Danigelis was called into a management office and told this would be her last day. No notice, no warning. The reason? According to her son, Sian-Pierre Regis, "She was fired for being too old." Even though Sian-Pierre could not get her another job, he could tell her story. And tell her story he did. It turned out to be a story that was universal with thousands of people responding and saying this was their story too.Through the...
2021-07-0729 min
Livin' What You're GivenToo old for Love?"Loosening the reins and leaning into a creative life" is the philosophy of my guest this week, Jayme Mansfield. And she tells us how she does that in fine art and in her writing journey.In her latest book, "Seasoned," she chronicles a story through the lens of fiction that is based on real life experiences. While unpacking some of the issues and challenges that were faced by the main characters in her book, she shares common threads that reflect the challenges faced by many older couples when finding a second chance at love.Hop...
2021-06-3041 minLivin' What You're GivenLife Changing Lessons of a CaregiverMarla is most grateful for her role as daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves her deeply and knew how to restore broken areas of her life... and continues to do so. She had the awesome privilege — and challenging job — of taking care of her earthly father, Bob Lindstrom, when his wife of 60 years who was also her mom, Bev, passed away in 2016. When Marla became a caretaker for her father she tells us their relationship was not that of best friends. She and her father were not close. But God had some lessons planned for her as sh...
2021-06-2340 min
Livin' What You're GivenThe Caregiver's CaregiverWho Takes Care of Those Who Take Care? In the first several sessions of this podcast, we explore some of the myths, truths, beauties and challenges of the aging process. One aspect of aging that fits all of the above is caregiving. My guest today is Nadine Roberts Cornish is a lady who takes care of those who take care of others. She helps shed light on some of the challenges we may face and the resources that are available as we face those challenges as caregivers and as those who are receiving care. Nadine points out...
2021-06-1653 min
Livin' What You're GivenEvery Age and StageEvery age and stage offer us opportunity to enjoy beauty, growth, grace and purpose. Dismissing the messages that others put on us that attempt to define us, especially as we become older, is the first step into enjoying the life we have been given. We are loved, cherished and important to God in all our places and spaces on life's journey. The aging process is not to be devalued, avoided or dismissed as not worthy of honor.Join Laura on her first solo episode as she describes why she lives by the philosophy that when the going ge...
2021-06-0928 min
Livin' What You're GivenPilot Podcast EpisodeThe regular, weekly episodes of this podcast will begin on my 70th birthday of June 9, 2021. This is the pilot episode for my podcast. In it, I explain my process of overcoming fear of technology as well as dismantling and dismissing negative messages fueling doubt around completing this project. We can achieve new goals, find varied ways of creating and sharing our gifts no matter our stage or age. We can be defeated by lack of confidence that is based in misinformation or the wrong belief about our limitations. The only person who can lim...
2021-05-2408 min
The Wounds Of The FaithfulEpisode 28: The Healing Power Of Dance: Laura PadgettDance is a form of expression with the body. Dance can be used for entertainment, exercise, artistic expression, and worship. We have a real treat for you on today's podcast. Our guest is dancer, writer and storyteller Laura Padgett. We had an enjoyable time reminiscing about favorite dance performances, the challenges of dealing with our aging bodies, and healing from trauma. Laura's delightful stories will keep you mesmerized as she tells us how she won a gold medal at The Highland Games! She also candidly shares her upbringing with an alcoholic parent, her struggle with her mother's death, and forgiveness...
2021-05-0558 min
The Wounds Of The FaithfulThe Healing Power Of Dance: Laura PadgettLaura Padgett
Dance is a form of expression with the body. Dance can be used for entertainment, exercise, artistic expression, and worship. We have a real treat for you on today's podcast. Our guest is dancer, writer and storyteller Laura Padgett. We had an enjoyable time reminiscing about favorite dance performances, the challenges of dealing with our aging bodies, and healing from trauma. Laura's delightful stories will keep you mesmerized as she tells us how she won a gold medal at The Highland Games! She also candidly shares her upbringing with an alcoholic parent, her struggle with her mother's death...
2021-05-0558 minDeliberate FreelancerREPLAY #22: How to Create a Better Work-Life Balance, with Laura PooleThis is a rerelease of episode #22 from August 2019. I am rereleasing this as I catch up on all my work right now, which is ironic considering the name of this episode. Laura Poole offers great advice that we might all need right now about creating a work-life balance that is right for you. But beyond that, Laura is peppy and fun, so I think you'll enjoy hearing from her. Laura is a a freelance editor from Durham, N.C., who has been a freelancer for about 24 years, almost her entire career. She provides copyediting for s...
2021-04-2241 minDeliberate Freelancer#79: Six-Figure Freelancing: Consistently Sending LOIs and Using Upwork, with Laura Pennington BriggsToday's guest is Laura Pennington Briggs. Laura is a teacher turned entrepreneur, two-time TEDx speaker and freelance writer. She's the author of the award-winning "How to Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business" and the Amazon bestseller "Six-Figure Freelancer" and the founder of Operation Freelance. Laura started as a freelance writer and virtual assistant in 2012. Now, she continues to write but also does book marketing and book launch strategy for authors. She started out as a part-time freelancer. But after 18 months of freelancing—only six months of that as a full-time freelancer—she hit the six-figure mark. To g...
2020-11-1245 min
Halfway There158: Laura Padgett and Ambassadors of Joy
Laura Padgett is an author, dancer, and public speaker, and sometimes an elf. Today, Laura shares how she found the Lord after resisting him for years, the woman who invested deeply in her, and why she started to write stories. Laura is a passionate believer who reminds us of the power of solid mentor relationships and the joy that’s possible if you just trust the Lord. By the end of this episode, you’ll want to dance with the Lord and I wholeheartedly recommend you accept the invitation.
Listen to Laura’s story now!
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2019-09-2353 minDeliberate Freelancer#22: How to Create a Better Work-Life Balance, with Laura PooleToday's guest is Laura Poole, a freelance editor from Durham, N.C. Laura has been a freelancer for about 22 years, almost her entire career. She provides copyediting for scholarly nonfiction publishers and training for editors and freelancers. She is also a trained, certified life coach. In this episode, Laura talks about creating work-life balance while running a freelance business. Laura explains that work-life balance is about creating the life you want, which is a personal definition for everyone. It's not about time and task management. It's about having the things that you want in life. L...
2019-08-0841 min