Shows
SPARK the Podcast81. The Importance of Small Groups and Building a Community with Jana KlosowskyOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Jana Klosowsky shares more about God’s plan for community and connection in our lives. God uses other people to encourage us, speak to us and refresh each other! The importance of intentionally seeking community with other Christians is HUGE. The people we choose to do life with, that inner circle, those people you can be vulnerable with, pray with and for, encourage each other - those people are who we go to when things get hard and we can trust with our stuff.
When we live in communities, life is...
2023-05-0435 min
SPARK the Podcast80. Resurrection Hope with Amy + JennaToday on SPARK the Podcast we are going to be talking all about the hope the resurrection gives us! We just finished celebrating Easter and the good news that death could not hold our Lord. After being put to death on the cross, Jesus rose on the third day, defeating death and sacrificing himself for our sins so that we can have relationship with Him! Let's dive into the hope the resurrection brings to our lives, and how this truly changes everything.
Foodwashing Series- Salt and Gold Collection
Connect with the Hosts:
Jenna Shot...
2023-04-1229 min
SPARK the Podcast79. Who Influences Us with Jenna + MekinaWe’re back for another Coffee Talk on SPARK the Podcast with Jenna + Mekina. This time we’ll be discussing who influences us, Jonah + the whale, and God working in us verses through us. We’re also excited to share some quiet time techniques and a little Christian music that has really moved us over the years. We hope you enjoy this episode!
Connect with the Hosts:
Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots
Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor
Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography
Learn more about NJ SPARK at ...
2023-03-2933 min
SPARK the Podcast78. Worship and Praise with Annie HerrmannToday on SPARK the Podcast, we are talking all about worship and praise with our wonderful guest, Annie Herrmann! The Bible calls us to praise God! Psalm 150:6 says “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” Psalm 100:2 says “Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” Psalm 95:1 calls us to “come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” Annie shares more about why worship is important, what t...
2023-03-1532 min
SPARK the Podcast77. Following God's Direction with Rebecca HaymesToday on SPARK the Podcast, we are talking about big life intersections and following God's direction with Rebecca Haymes! Becca shares, "Recognizing these big intersections- whether in the moment or in hindsight - gives me such an appreciation for how great and vast and good God is. If we pay attention it also shows how intimately He cares for us and pursues us. Matthew 10 tells us God knows how many hairs we have on our head. Psalm 139 says God knows when we sit and when we rise, and that it’s God who created our innermost being. Psalm 44 says God...
2023-03-0135 min
SPARK the Podcast76. Creating a Vision Board with Stephanie HerreraOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, we are so excited to welcome Stephanie Herrera back to share her thoughts about developing a vision board for the year! Stephanie shares, "A vision board isn’t about just quantity or checking things off a list. It's about developing a deeper relationship with God so you can get to know him and hear his voice and know the plans he has for you.
“John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Hear his voice, see him, seek him. Get to know him better so you c...
2023-02-1538 min
SPARK the Podcast75. Abide in Christ with Jenna, Mekina, and AmyWelcome to our first SPARK the Podcast of the New Year! We have spent the first few weeks of 2023 praying for God’s will, asking for Him to give us a vision, and we have started setting goals for the year. Today, we are excited to share more about what is in store for the podcast and what we feel God is calling us to share more about this year.
This year we are going to be focusing on deeply rooting ourselves in our relationship with God. The word we are focusing on this year is Abide. It co...
2023-02-0225 min
SPARK the Podcast74. Our True Longing at ChristmasAt Christmas we find ourselves longing for home, nostalgia, the traditions and people that make it feel like Christmas.
While those things can be good—our true longing is not for a place but for a person at Christmas.
We hear it in the songs we sing…
The joy of every longing heart
Let every heart prepare Him room.
So today on SPARK the Podcast, that is what we want to do, prepare room in our longing hearts to the One who brings us true JOY at Christmas, Jesus.
Someth...
2022-12-1521 min
SPARK the Podcast73. These Are a Few of Our Favorite Books with Jenna & AmyWe are so excited to be back for another episode of Coffee Talk on SPARK the Podcast - this time to discuss our favorite BOOKS that would make great Christmas gifts! Whether you are looking for books for yourself as you snuggle up this winter or you are looking for gifts for people, we wanted to sit back and help you out. Listen in to the podcast to find out our favorites, or see all of our recommended books on Jenna's Storefront here.
Connect with the Hosts:
Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots
2022-11-3052 min
SPARK the Podcast72. Centering Your Heart with GratitudeOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, we sit down with hosts Mekina and Jenna for another episode of Coffee Talk. On this special Thanksgiving episode we dive into what thankfulness means to them, memories of Thanksgivings past, and a recent miracle story. Grab a cup of coffee and listen in!
Connect with the Hosts:
Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots
Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor
Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography
Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.ins...
2022-11-1626 min
SPARK the Podcast71. Seasons of Change with Cassi ClaireOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Cassi Claire shares about seasons of change. Cassi takes us through the recent launch of her online clothing boutique, Love, Odette, and how it grew from the dream stage into a reality! She talks through the pressures of trying to run the business on her own strength, and shares the rest and peace that came from inviting God into her business, letting Him lead the way. Thank you again for being so open and honest Cassi. We are so grateful!
Connect with Cassi Claire
Love Odette:
Websi...
2022-11-0232 min
SPARK the Podcast70. Grace Space Christian Coaching with Alexandra KavalToday we are so excited to have Alexandra Kaval of Grace Space Christian Coaching on SPARK the Podcast! Alexandra is a professional certified master life coach for purpose driven women who are feeling scattered & overwhelmed and want to live a more prioritized, intentional, and Christ centered life. She personally knows what it feels like for life to look great on the outside and to have all the boxes checked, but still not feel fulfilled and like something is missing on the inside. After lots of deep transformation and courageously leaving her corporate job to pursue her side hustle full t...
2022-10-1931 min
SPARK the Podcast69. A Mother's Heart with Darlene ShotmeyerThe main question I get asked is "HOW?" How did your mother get through it? How was she able to wake up each day and go to doctors? On this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Darlene Shotmeyer shares how her faith in God and trust in Him helped her live with hope in a season where two of her children returned home from college, one battling cancer, and the other with an unexpected brain injury. Listen in on this heartfelt wisdom and advice from a mother's heart today.
Darlene is a graduate of Hope College in Holland, MI w...
2022-10-0554 min
SPARK the Podcast68. Coffee Talk on Obedience with Jenna and AmyWelcome to our first "Coffee Talk" on SPARK the Podcast! On this episode, Amy and Jenna chat about recent events in their lives where they have seen God answer prayers. Amy shares a story about obedience and God's faithfulness in watching over her and her family during a difficult situation when overseas, and Jenna shares what God is teaching her now through Nehemiah. Grab a cup of coffee and listen in.
Connect with the Hosts:
Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots
Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography
Learn more abo...
2022-09-2124 min
SPARK the Podcast67. Follow Your Fernweh with Kindle SmythToday we are so excited to have Kindle Smyth on SPARK the Podcast! Kindle is a lifelong learner and educator. A few years ago she was months from a milestone birthday and feeling like she hadn’t experienced all God has designed her for. This led to a year of trust, risk and adventure traveling the world.
She's taken the lessons she learned on that journey and put them into her first book, Follow Your Fernweh, in the hopes the rest of us can find some inspiration and practical steps to pursue our dreams too.
Con...
2022-09-0748 min
SPARK the Podcast66. Mary Cayten Brakefield TestimonyMary Cayten Brakefield is the cofounder of Brakefields, a universally designed clothing label that focuses on fashion and function. She, along with her cofounder/mom, work to design vibrant pieces that solve the problems created by traditional fashion. Whether due to disability, motherhood, a demanding job, or an on the go lifestyle, we all need clothing that is more functional and comfortable without sacrificing style. Mary Cayten’s work at Brakefields aims to provide exactly that! Mary Cayten was a student athlete at the University of Tennessee and is now pursing a masters in Marketing at Vanderbilt University. Between ge...
2022-08-1929 min
SPARK the Podcast65. Jesus Eyes with Holly SilvaHolly Silva is a singer and song writer of pop country and contemporary Christian music. She loves expressing herself in her writing by pulling from life experiences. Her most recent song, Jesus Eyes, was written about the passing of her beloved mother, Marianne Silva, who entered Heaven August 7th, 2021. Through her hardships, specifically the loss of her mom, her faith took on a whole new meaning to her. Now her goal is to write music that people can relate to, find comfort in, and ultimately bring glory and point people to Christ. We are so grateful to have Holly share h...
2022-07-2746 min
SPARK the Podcast64. Deanna Steinle TestimonyToday on SPARK the Podcast, Deanna shares her testimony! Deanna is the founder of ‘Resilience is Beautiful’. A platform dedicated to sharing her journey with a rare neuromuscular disease and the importance of Medical Service Dogs. Her speaking events include motivation speaking, relationship building and communication in the wake of trials, awareness of rare diseases, service dogs and patient advocacy. Recently, Deanna was a guest panelist at the World EPA Congress, Europe's largest congress in market access, pricing and evidence; where she spoke on patient and provider Emotional Intelligence. Deanna has done several local commercials, speaking events and award prese...
2022-07-1331 min
SPARK the Podcast63. His Paintbrush with Michele StrussWatercolorist Michele E. Struss was born with a form of dwarfism, causing short stature and orthopedic complications. Despite the challenges and setbacks, her physical disability is what God has used to shape her faith and perspective on life. Michele is confident in who God is and who He has made her to be. Despite the many challenges and limitations she lives with, God has enabled Michele to go on the heights in her faith, life and art all to unveil His glory and power. Her story and paintings motivate others, from young to old, to look beyond what the...
2022-06-2940 min
SPARK the Podcast62. Megan Faulkner TestimonyOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Megan Faulkner shares her testimony! Originally from Delaware, Megan Faulkner is a motivated relational change agent with proven expertise in leadership and programmatic development. She is a passionate communicator committed to processes and ideas that result in transformation for ministries, organizations, and future leaders.
She is currently serving as the Pastoral Director of Anchored Student Ministries in Ocean Grove, NJ where she has been for fourteen years. Her enthusiasm for ministry to teenagers and their families, the marginalized and orphans, have collided into a singular passion for seeing people encounter the...
2022-06-1536 min
SPARK the Podcast61. The Power of Testimony with Jenna, Mekina + AmyWelcome to a brand new season of SPARK the Podcast! We are so excited to introduce Jenna Shotmeyer as a host, and to tell you about what we are going to be sharing in the upcoming episodes. This season on SPARK the Podcast, we will be centering our conversations around sharing testimonies. In Revelation 12:11 it says, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony". We believe testimonies are a powerful way to see God's work through the Holy Spirit on earth now. We are grateful for a space to share these...
2022-06-0126 min
SPARK the Podcast60. Are You Drowning? with Jenna ShotmeyerOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, we chat with Jenna Shotmeyer about the launch of her new book Are You Drowning?. A personal account of injury, depression, growth, life, and healing, Are You Drowning? chronicles Jenna Shotmeyer’s uphill battle of recovering from a traumatic brain injury that took place at the start of her college career. Jenna had her entire life planned out, her career goals defined, and a spot on her college tennis team when it all got pulled out from under her. The tides of her life rose after her injury left her unable to...
2021-10-2046 min
SPARK the Podcast59. Balancing Motherhood and Business with Lauren KearnsHave you ever stopped to think that maybe you’re not on the path God wants you to be on? We’re driven people. Driven by passions, interests and purpose. Too often our purpose can be confused with career goals. Your Soul Purpose is about finding balance in work, play and meaningful relationships by intentional planning. Today on SPARK the Podcast, Lauren shares her story about getting lost in her career and the steps she’s taking to go from focusing on her sole purpose to finding meaning in her Soul’s purpose. Listen in!
2021-08-2525 min
SPARK the Podcast58. Motherhood with Entrice RoweWe are so excited to welcome Entrice Rowe back to the podcast to share about her journey into motherhood! Entrice has four beautiful children, one entering high school, one in middle school and twins in elementary school. Entrice shares how can we, as mothers, can rely on God for guidance and wisdom in bringing up our kids to follow Him and to trust in the unique plans that He has for each of their lives. Thank you you again for joining us Entrice. We are so grateful!
“My frame was not hidden from you when I was ma...
2021-08-1123 min
SPARK the Podcast57. A Marriage Battle Plan with Natasha DrisdelleWe are so excited to welcome Natasha Drisdelle of the Wise Wife Blueprint back to SPARK the Podcast! Natasha had so many wonderful things to share about marriage that we decided to make this conversation a two part series. Today you will hear part two of our conversation on marriage with Natasha. If you haven't gotten a chance to listen to part one on Natasha’s story on biblical submission, be sure to check it out!
In this episode, Natasha talks through the battle plan that completely changed her marriage. She explains the wise wife knows how to...
2021-07-2840 min
SPARK the Podcast56. Biblical Submission From a Wise Wife with Natasha DrisdelleWe are so excited to welcome Natasha Drisdelle of the Wise Wife Blueprint to SPARK the Podcast! Natasha had so many wonderful things to share about marriage that we decided to make this conversation a two part series. Today we are going to be hearing part one as Natasha shares her marriage story and talks about the importance of biblical submission and how God calls us as wives to submit to our husbands, in all things!
Natasha shared, “Much like you can’t have two people drive a car at the same time, having two people in c...
2021-07-1436 min
SPARK the Podcast55. Marriage with Christopher and Nadine HolewskiThis month on SPARK the Podcast we are going to be talking all about marriage! We are honored to have Christopher and Nadine Holewski on first to share about theirs. Christopher and Nadine have been married for 13 years and have been together for 17 years. On this episode, they share their story of how the met and got engaged, along with what have been some of the biggest challenges and most rewarding parts of their marriage over the years. Christopher and Nadine also dive into what God says about marriage and the different roles in marriage...
2021-06-3032 min
SPARK the Podcast54. Our Baptism Stories with the Women of SPARKThis week on SPARK the Podcast, we are going to be talking all about baptism. Baptism is an outward sign of our inward decision to follow Christ. We are accepting Jesus’ sacrifice to have our sins washed away, putting to death and burying our old life of sin and separation from God, and being raised to a new life of following Him. Peter said in Acts 2:38 “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
We are go...
2021-06-1630 min
SPARK the Podcast53. Sharing Our Testimony with Laura K EldredgeOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Laura K Eldredge shares the importance of knowing and sharing our testimony. Laura used to be a full-time musician. She traveled and played, living her dream, building her kingdom. At the height of her career, she sensed God asking her to lay it down as she heard, "It's going to be difficult for your to glorify me in a career that is self-glorifying." Laura listened to God, and has found freedom, forgiveness, and a life that centered around a full, fun, thriving relationship with God.
Laura encourages...
2021-06-0242 min
SPARK the Podcast52. Forgiving Ourselves with Caroline SheaOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Caroline Shea shares her testimony and about forgiveness. When Jesus died on the cross for us, He forgave our debt of sin and took our place, giving us life through Him. One thing God calls us to do is to forgive others as He forgave us. Forgiving ourselves can often be even harder than forgiving others. Caroline walks us through what forgiving others and forgiving herself has looked like since she became a Christian, and explains how she met God the comforter in a season of pain. Listen in...
2021-05-1933 min
SPARK the Podcast51. Forgiveness with Jenna ShotmeyerThis week on SPARK the Podcast, Jenna Shotmeyer shares all about forgiveness. Jenna was only 18 and in her first semester of college when someone dropped a cooler from a balcony and onto her head, giving her a traumatic brain injury and completely changing her life. Over the years, God radically healed Jenna physically. Through His grace and forgiveness of us, God showed Jenna that forgiving others that owe a debt to us is something we can do, because through His love and mercy, He sent His only son to forgive the even greater debt we owe...
2021-05-0530 min
SPARK the Podcast50. Financial Peace with Stephanie HerreraThis week on SPARK the Podcast, Stephanie Herrera shares about her and her husband’s journey to financial peace, and about how she found true contentment in God and growth in her relationships through the process. Stephanie explains how they practically managed their money on a weekly and monthly basis, the importance of creating a budget, and what it felt like to make the final payment on their debut and to be debut free. Finally, Stephanie shares how going through the financial peace journey changed her, the way she views money, and her thoughts about what brings true contentment....
2021-04-2123 min
SPARK the Podcast49. Contentment with Amy + MekinaThis month on SPARK the Podcast, Amy and Mekina chat all about finding true contentment in God, not in things. Amy shares about the contentment challenge she has been on (through Nancy Ray) a challenge where she committed to give up all unnecessary shopping for three months from January - April. Amy explains what God has been showing her through this challenge, and how true contentment can be found in the simple everyday experiences, and in relationship with Him.
When we have God in our lives, we have been given such a gift, such a blessing! We...
2021-04-0729 min
SPARK the Podcast48. Freedom from Judging Ourselves with Mackenzie GraceThis week on SPARK the Podcast, Mackenzie Grace shares all about what it looks like to have her heart radically changed by the grace of God. Mackenzie shares her thoughts on how we as Christians can run our business without falling into the traps of being prideful or boasting in our successes, and how can we focus on the path God has laid before us without judging others and judging ourselves.
"I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear...
2021-03-2420 min
SPARK the Podcast47. Finding Freedom in Self Forgetfulness with Mekina and AmyThis month on SPARK the Podcast we are going to be talking about the Freedom of Self Forgetfulness! This short book by Tim Keller (it is only aa 45 minute read) had a big impact on us, and we highly recommend it! In a world that is constantly telling us to focus on ourselves, forge our own paths, and not worry about what anyone else thinks, the concepts in this book make so much sense, but really seem to go against the cultural norms. Amy and Mekina share an open and honest conversation about about pride, self...
2021-03-1024 min
SPARK the Podcast46. How Do We Know What the Bible Says is True with Debbie RyanOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Debbie Ryan shares her experience with reading through the Bible! Debbie has read through the entire Bible seven times, and is reading through now for an eight! Debbie explains how she approaches reaching the Bible, what she does when she comes across challenging passages, and how she knows what the Bible says is true. Thank you Debbie for sharing your wisdom and your heart! We are so grateful for you!
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for...
2021-02-2421 min
SPARK the Podcast45. How to Read the Bible with Amy and MekinaAmy and Mekina share all about reading the bible; the challenges and triumphs that come from studying God's word, and practical resources if you want to cultivate a daily habit of reading the bible too! It is an honest and open conversation, and we hope you enjoy it!
Resources:
She Reads Truth Bible- https://shereadstruthbible.com
Dwell Bible App- https://dwellapp.io
Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.
2021-02-1028 min
SPARK the Podcast44. The Most Important Decision You Can Make with Mekina + AmyThe new year is right around the corner and we are chatting about goal setting and resolutions! While goals can be important, today we want to talk about one decision you can make that will not only change 2021 for you, it has the power to change your entire life. If you haven’t made the decision to invite Jesus into your heart, and it is something that you have been curious about or have been considering, we want to invite you to do that with us today.
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord...
2020-12-3008 min
SPARK the Podcast43. The Christmas Story with Amy + MekinaChristmas is almost here, and what a wonderful time of year this is! On this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Amy and Mekina share all about their final preparations, chat through the exciting news of Mekina's engagement, and focus in on the true meaning of Christmas. They read three beautiful passages about the birth of Jesus from the Bible, and talk about the sign this must have been for the shepherds that visited Him that night, and share what this sign means for us. Join us in celebrating the birth of our savior, the Lamb of...
2020-12-2316 min
SPARK the Podcast42. Pointing to Christ at Christmas with the Women of SPARKThis week we have asked our SPARK girls to share what Christmas means to them, what the true meaning of Christmas is, how to keep Christ at the center of Christmas and what brings true light and joy to this season. John 1:4-5 says “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This Christmas season, let’s turn our eyes towards the true light of the world. We pray your days are filled with the hope, peace, joy and love t...
2020-12-1637 min
SPARK the Podcast41. Celebrating the Advent Season with Jessica OliveroOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, we celebrate advent, the beautiful season of waiting for our savior. Jessica Olivero shares more about the heart behind advent, her thoughts on Jesus coming into the world as a baby instead of a conquering king, and how the coming of our savior brings hope. Come celebrate this beautiful season on advent with us on SPARK the Podcast today!
Connect with Jessica OH
Website: http://jessicaohphotography.com
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/jessicaohphotography
Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow...
2020-12-0910 min
SPARK the Podcast40. Our Need for a Savior with Amy + MekinaThe Christmas season is here! The season of Advent, the anticipation of the coming Savior. This is such an exciting time, and one we look forward to every year. It is a time to pause and orient our hearts, homes, and minds to the true meaning of Christmas. The birth of Jesus is such a beautiful gift from God, the gift of hope in a dark world. In this first week of December, we want to talk about why Jesus coming into the world is so important and how the birth of this baby, God’s only so...
2020-12-0200 min
SPARK the Podcast39. Give Thanks to the LordOn this special Thanksgiving episode of SPARK the Podcast, the women (and even a few children) of SPARK give thanks to God and sing His praises! We have a good father, He is the one who brings joy! This year especially, let’s all come together and give thanks to God in all circumstances, for He alone is worthy of our praise. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Connect with the following guests (listed in order of appearance in this episode):
Mekina Saylor- 0:35
https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor
Jenna Shotmeyer- 2:35
ht...
2020-11-2500 min
SPARK the PodcastLoss and Miscarriage with Suzanne KraaiOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Suzanne Kraai shares her story of loss and miscarriage. Suzanne has two beautiful babies here on earth and two in heaven. She shares about her journey into motherhood, where God was through her loss and the pain, and what she has come to realize about God and His desires through it all. Suzanne also beautifully explains how sorrow and joy can exist together. Thank you so much for sharing your story Suzanne! We are so grateful for you.
Connect with Suzanne Kraai:
Instagram...
2020-11-1800 min
SPARK the Podcast37. Loss of a Parent with Jessica OhOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Jessica OH shares about losing her mom 10 years ago. Jess explains, "Grief doesn’t end, it doesn’t truly abate, it is impossible to forget. But Jesus, His comfort and His goodness never ends either." Jess talks through the beautiful moments God gave her with her mom before she passed, where God was in her pain, and encouragement for others who might be experiencing a similar loss. Thank you so much for sharing your story Jess. We are so grateful for you!
For I consider that the...
2020-11-1100 min
SPARK the Podcast36. When Family Dynamics Change with Mekina SaylorIt is November and the holidays are just around the corner! While this can be a wonderful time of anticipation and joy, it can also be a really tough time for many. The holidays naturally bring about memories from our past and our childhood, and that can be difficult if we have lost loved ones, or if our family dynamics have changed.
This week on SPARK the Podcast, Mekina Saylor shares about a big change in her family when she was 16 years old. Mekina talks through her feelings of loss when her...
2020-11-0400 min
SPARK the Podcast35. Kathryn Rei TestimonyOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Kathryn Rei shares her testimony! Kathryn accepted God into her heart when she was a young girl, and even through challenging circumstances, Kathryn always held firm to the fact that God is good and God is faithful. He is the one thing that never changes, He is our good and loving Father. Through everything, Kathryn’s faith in God and His goodness remains and her joy through loss is truly incredible. Kathryn shares where her hope comes from and encouragement for those who may be on the fence about th...
2020-10-2800 min
SPARK the Podcast34. Purpose in your Career with Cassi ClaireIn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Cassi Claire talks through finding purpose in your business, no matter what career you are in. Before Cassi started her wedding photography business, she actually worked in ministry! She shares how God used her to glorify Him there, and how she sees God using her to spread the good news of His love and joy to others now. Cassi talks about the first time she realized God could use her to do his kingdom work as a wedding photographer, and the role faith plays in her business now...
2020-10-2100 min
SPARK the Podcast33. Including Faith in Your Business with Cinnamon WolfeOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Cinnamon Wolfe shares her thoughts about including faith in your business! She explains the steps she took to make faith a focus in her own business, along with practical ways to begin talking and sharing about your faith in your business too! Cinnamon explains how her relationship with God affects the way she does business. She also dives into what God calls us to as small business owners. Finally, Cinnamon answers the age old question, do faith and business really mix? Hear our chat together, on SPARK the Podcast today.
2020-10-1400 min
SPARK the Podcast32. Faith + Business with Mekina and AmyThis month on SPARK the Podcast, Mekina and Amy dive into faith and business! They talk through their thoughts on including faith in business and chat openly about what it looks like for them. Mekina and Amy also take a look at what God calls us to as business owners.
We have talked about it before, but we know we are not meant to put God in a box. When we become Christians, God calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him. Galatians 2:20 says "I have been crucified with Christ. It...
2020-10-0700 min
SPARK the Podcast31. Jenny Selementi TestimonyIn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Jenny Selementi shares her testimony! Jenny grew up in the Dominican Republic when she can’t remember a time where her family and those around her didn’t talk about God. It was a part of their culture! When she moved to the United States when she was 9 year old, Jenny felt a personal relationship with God grow for the first time. Jenny felt like he was always by her side during the hard times, and she asked God into her heart and got baptized when she was 14 years old. Now that Jenny is 26 and...
2020-09-3017 min
SPARK the Podcast30. Asking God Into Your Heart with Paige BillingOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Paige Billing and her sweet daughter Kate share their story of when Kate asked God to come into her heart when she was almost 6 years old. Kate looks back on her memories of this important step in her life, and shares with what is special about God and her relationship with Him.
Paige recalls her memories of this really special day from the view point of a mother, and explains a few practical ways she continues to point Kate to Christ. This mother daughter duo have such...
2020-09-2319 min
SPARK the Podcast29. Cultivating Childlike Faith with Courtney IsemannThis week on SPARK the Podcast, Courtney Isemann shares all about cultivating childlike faith with kids at church and at home. Courtney is the director of the children’s ministry at our church, Mendham Hills Community Church, and her father is our pastor! Courtney shares what it was like to grow up surrounded by other believers, who became like her family, following Jesus and living out their faith for her to see. Through life changing mission trips where Courtney got to go beyond the walls of the church to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to Christmas morning pr...
2020-09-1627 min
SPARK the Podcast28. Pointing Children to Christ with Nadine HolewskiThis week on SPARK the Podcast, Nadine shares all about pointing your children towards Christ. Nadine has three beautiful children who love the Lord, Sophia (7), Hunter (6) and Elliott (4). They also join us on the podcast to share all about what makes God so special, why we need Jesus, and what they are thankful to God for. Nadine shares that one of the ways she points her kids to Christ is by praying at night and inviting her children to pray along too. She encourages them to share God with others when they feel called, and it is such a...
2020-09-0926 min
SPARK the Podcast27. Childlike Faith with Amy + MekinaThis month on SPARK the Podcast, we are going to be diving into Childlike Faith. We are looking forward to sharing personal interviews with children growing in their faith, moms in the middle of raising kids, and women who have already raised children to love the Lord. I’m so excited for this topic and to get to hear helpful experiences that will encourage us to embrace our own childlike faith. God reminds us in His Word that WE are his children. I hope as we get older and get ready to return to God as His child, we ca...
2020-09-0218 min
SPARK the Podcast26. Rosemary Green TestimonyRosemary grew up knowing God and her parents always encouraged her to have honest conservations with Him! When she met her husband Nate and they began to talk about raising a family, Rosemary knew how important a deep relationship with God was to her and God moved from an authority figure and savior in times of trouble in Rosemary’s life, to more of a friend. Through the birth of her beautiful daughter, support of her husband, and the community of other christian friends and SPARK, Rosemary has found it life changing to have people around her she ca...
2020-08-2621 min
SPARK the Podcast25. Unity + Love with Entrice RoweOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Entrice Rowe talks about unity and love. Colossians 3:14 calls us to, above everything else, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. We got a chance to dive into division and truth, and Entrice explained, “Yes, truth is important, but we want to lead with loving people.” Entrice has been married for 14 years and has four beautiful children. She so wisely explained how we as women can submit to and love our husbands with joy, counting their successes as our own, as we are bound together as one in marriage thro...
2020-08-1929 min
SPARK the Podcast24. Unity + A Humble Heart with Cassi ClaireOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Cassi Claire talks about unity and humility. God calls us to be humble. Many times in scripture He says, “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (Matthew 19:30). Luke puts it this way in chapter 14:11 when he says “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Cassi talks through how we can practically turn away from our selfish ambition, humble ourselves before God, and count others as more significant than ourselves.
Do nothing from rivalry or conce...
2020-08-1235 min
SPARK the Podcast23. Unity with Amy & MekinaThis month on SPARK the Podcast, we will be taking a deeper look at God's heart for unity! Paul’s heart is that, “there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united with the same understanding and the same conviction” (1 Cor. 1:10). This is something we Christians are still struggling with today. Fighting, disagreements… they are a lot more frequent than we’d like to admit.
When we take off our old self and become united with Christ, we are made in His likeness. We are made to be loving. That’s why the outcry i...
2020-08-0519 min
SPARK the Podcast22. Rebecca Sanchez TestimonyWhile Rebecca Sanchez grew up loving and enjoying the beautiful Jewish traditions of her family, she began to notice she always seemed to be surrounded by Christians. In college, she decided to go to church with a few of her roommates and friends, and while she fell in love with the praise and worship music, she wasn’t sure about the whole Jesus thing. Through a challenging break-up (to her now husband Dan) Rebecca went for a run and ended up on a hill overlooking NYC. At this moment, she felt the peace of God come over her, and sh...
2020-07-2941 minSPARK the Podcast21. Endurance + Racism with Erica FreitasOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Erica Freitas shares her thoughts on endurance and racism. She prays a beautiful prayer when she says, "My prayer is that we can finally see change. I stand for the sanctity of life of every person. We are made in HIS image."
We know that change might be a long road, but we would love to take steps down this path! Erica gives her thoughts on how we can begin to move towards change, unity, and the sanctity of life for all. She says, “As Christians, we...
2020-07-2218 min
SPARK the Podcast20. Endurance Through Cancer with Angela CardenasOn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Angela Cardenas shares her story of her battle with leukemia. When she was in the hospital, Angela prayed “God, don’t let me loose sight of your love for me.” Through prayer, positivity, trusting in the process, and a little bit of faith, Angela battled cancer. She encourages others going through a difficult season to take it a day at a time, an hour at a time, and sometimes, even a minute at a time. Finally, Angela reminds us that God is always with us, no matter what.
Want to find a...
2020-07-1539 min
SPARK the Podcast19. Endurance Round TableOn this special round table episode of SPARK the Podcast, Cinnamon Wolfe, Nichole Tippin, Cassi Claire, Sarah Kukan, and Mekina Saylor share their hearts and perspective on endurance in 2020 and how they have seen God working in their lives.
Each guest talks through her plans and goals for 2020, then shares what the year has actually looked like. Cinnamon, Nichole, Cassi, Sarah and Mekina explain how God has been refining them, changing them, and what He has been showing them. They encourage us not to try and take on everything on our own, but to lean into...
2020-07-0844 min
SPARK the Podcast18. Endurance with Amy + MekinaIn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Mekina and Amy talk through what the bible says about endurance. They dive into what it looks like to turn away from sin and run the race, with endurance, that God has set before us. If we as Christians are desiring to follow God’s will for our lives, seeking after His plans to make disciples of all nations and teach them in His ways, where does our hope come from when times get hard?
Simply put, It comes from hope in our Lord Jesus Christ! Th...
2020-07-0114 min
SPARK the Podcast17. Fabiana Skubic TestimonyWhile Fabiana learned about God from her mom when she was a little girl, she remained skeptical about religion and didn't fully understand what being a Christian and having a relationship with Jesus meant. Through a series of unique events, Fabiana moved from Brazil to the United States and ended up living with a Christian family. Their love and respect for one another grew her desire to know more about God, especially after she met her now husband Jonathan and saw the same qualities in him. Fabiana cried out to God, asking to understand all of...
2020-06-2425 min
SPARK the Podcast16. Prayer + Journaling with Jordan JonesIn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Jordan Jones dives into what her prayer life looks like and how journaling deepens her relationship with God. Jordan talks through what it looks like to pray with her husband, and how together, they created the Kairos journal to help others build the habit of meeting with God each day. This is such a beautiful conversation about how prayer changes our study of the knowledge of God, to the pursuit of God himself.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his...
2020-06-1725 min
SPARK the Podcast15. The Power of Prayer with Debbie RyanIn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Deborah Ryan shares about the incredible power and potential in prayer. She dives into what the Bible says about prayer, why we pray, how we enter into prayer, and how God does answer prayer, but not always in the way we ask. Why do we pray? Simple answer, because Jesus prayed. Following a life of Jesus and exemplifying HIS life is what we do as believers in Jesus! Through prayer, we invite the God of the Universe into a situation and into our lives. Prayer changes things, but even...
2020-06-1032 min
SPARK the Podcast14. Prayer with Amy + MekinaPrayer is a two way conversation, a beautiful way to have an intimate relationship with God. This week on SPARK the Podcast, Amy and Mekina dive into the power of prayer, and what prayer looks like in their daily lives. They share stories of healing, big and small moments of answered prayer in their lives, and what hearing God looks like for them. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your...
2020-06-0341 min
SPARK the Podcast13. Lauren Kearns TestimonyLauren Kearns grew up knowing who God was her whole life, but didn't fully understand that He was seeking a daily relationship until her husband explained the gospel to her right before they were married at 18 years old. Lauren shares about the exciting way God transformed her life and talks through the fear that having a true relationship with God would make her an outcast. Her story so beautifully points to the fact that following God is not always the wider path, but it is the more important path. Lauren shares, "I know way more now than...
2020-05-2718 min
SPARK the Podcast12. Identity + Purpose with Jenna ShotmeyerHow is our identity directly linked to our purpose? In this episode of SPARK the Podcast Jenna Shotmeyer shares how a traumatic brain injury at the age of 18 forced her to reexamine God’s purpose for her life. When Jenna lost pieces of her memory and her health, her plan for her life changed. Even when our purpose changes, our identity remains the same. Jenna explains that being a child of God is enough, and gives encouragement and hope for those searching for their identity and place in this world.
Yet to all wh...
2020-05-2052 min
SPARK the Podcast11. Our Roles + Identity with Caroline SheaIt can be easy to define ourselves by our careers or the roles we play in life. Wife, daughter, sister, mom, wedding photographer, student, believer. If we are sons and daughters of Christ, how do our roles differ from our identity? In this episode, Caroline Shea talks us through her life full of change! Over the last few years she has been a professional wedding photographer, gone to ministry school, become a mom, and is currently studying her childhood passion, theater. Caroline shares how she saw God leading her down each of these paths. Even...
2020-05-1325 min
SPARK the Podcast10. Identity with Amy + MekinaRight now we are in the middle of COVID 19. In the US alone millions of people have lost their jobs. We have lost loved ones, our health. It is easy in a time like this to feel lost. Knowing where our true identity lies brings hope. Our lives are not random or by accident. We were made by a creator with intention! In this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Mekina and Amy dive into how being a child of God changes everything. Even if we lose our earthly titles, (wife, mom, photographer, friend...
2020-05-0613 min
SPARK the Podcast9. Cinnamon Wolfe TestimonyCinnamon accepted Jesus into her heart when she was young, but her relationship with God really grew while walking the hills of Seattle in her early thirties! Cinnamon openly shares about seasons of feeling far from God and seasons of closeness. God’s goodness and timing in her life are encouraging and full of hope, and we can’t wait for you to hear her testimony!
2020-04-2931 min
SPARK the Podcast8. Hope for Healing with Nadine HolewskiIn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Mekina and Amy chat with Nadine about finding eternal hope in God through difficult diagnosis during and right after all three of her pregnancies. She shares how God has asked her to hold her children with an open hand and trust in Him. Nadine’s hope and love for God through challenging times is beautiful. We hope you will find this conservation as encouraging as we did!
"Do not fear for I am with you, do not be afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen yo...
2020-04-2224 min
SPARK the Podcast7. Having Hope Through Pain & AnxietyIt can be difficult to find hope in the midst of anxiety and physical pain. On this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Cassady Adams shares where her joy comes from and why she chooses to focus on hope over hurt. "Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." -Isaiah 40:31
2020-04-1531 min
SPARK the Podcast6. Finding Hope in Miscarriage with Stephanie HerreraIn this episode, Stephanie Herrera shares the story of her pregnancy journey and the loss of her baby boy. Stephanie explains how she saw God come alongside her, and dives into the "well" she has been digging and drawing from during this challenging time.
Stephanie shares, "We are told in this life you will have trouble, you will experience hard things, but it’s what you make of those really hard things that matters most. We pray this story will give you hope and bring awareness to miscarriage. To those walking through it right now an...
2020-04-0821 min
SPARK the Podcast5. Eternal Hope with Amy + MekinaHope can be hard to find when we look to the world. As nice as it sounds to “live your best life, believe in yourself, and achieve all you can achieve, these goals often leave us searching for something more. This month on SPARK the Podcast, Mekina and Amy will be talking about where we find true hope, eternal hope in our Savior. Deuteronomy 31:8 says “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” In this life we wil...
2020-04-0122 min
SPARK the Podcast4. Cassi Claire TestimonyOur first testimony on SPARK the Podcast! Amy and Mekina chat with Cassi Claire about how she came to know God when she was 19 years old. Cassi openly shares about how she went from being a self proclaimed atheist to being “on fire” for God and sharing about His love and radical life changing ability with everyone she knew.
2020-03-2434 min
SPARK the Podcast3. How to Find Community with Deborah RyanIn this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Amy and Mekina chat with Deborah Ryan about how to find community right where you are. They talk through where community is successfully modeled in the bible (dating back to the very beginning with Adam and Eve) and what God’s plan is for community in our lives.
2020-03-1815 min
SPARK the Podcast2. What God Says About Community with Jenna ShotmeyerThis week on SPARK the Podcast Mekina and Amy chat with Jenna Shotmeyer about what God says about community! “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Romans 12:4-6. In this episode we look at the importance of coming together and using the different gifts God has blessed us with to live...
2020-03-1832 min
SPARK the Podcast1. Living in Community with Amy & MekinaOn our first episode of SPARK the Podcast, Amy Rizzuto and Mekina Saylor chat openly about how the SPARK community got started and why community is important to God. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 Being in community together allows us to sharpen one another and carry each other’s burdens in the challenges we face as business owners, creatives, and sisters in Christ.
2020-03-1718 min
For Real: Life, Leadership, & Unlearning67: Opening a Wedding Venue 101, with Kinsey Roberts from the She Creates Business Podcast Kinsey Roberts is the owner Vista View Events on Open Heart Ranch in Colorado, but you probably know her best as the fabulous host of the She Creates Business Podcast! Today, Kinsey comes on the show to talk all about opening up a wedding venue! What are some tips and recommendations to help you through the process? And what are some potential landmines to avoid? Kinsey Roberts (image by Mekina Saylor Photography) On the show, Kinsey recommends hiring Lindsay Lucas if you're interested in guidance on how exactly to open up a venue and how to deal with some of the...
2019-06-261h 02
Tea With JainéHow to Navigate being SINGLE inside the Wedding Industry with Mekina Saylor Weddings - Ep. 13We chat with Mekina Saylor of Mekina Saylor Weddings about what it's like to be SINGLE and work inside the wedding industry where everything about love, forever, and finding your soul mate. She shares her tips for handling a breakup mid-wedding season and how to navigate dating and building her company at the same time. It's a great topic that no one ever discusses and I want to thank Mekina for being so open and honest about being a single women working in the industry of L O V E.
Visit Mekina Saylor Weddings - www.mekinasaylor...
2019-02-2631 minFor Real: Life, Leadership, & Unlearning38: 5 Tips for Submitting to Wedding Publications, with Brklyn View Photography's Jaine KershnerJaine Kershner, owner of Brklyn View Photography, has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Style Me Pretty, and many more, and she was even named by BRIDES Magazine as one of NYC's best wedding photographers. Today she comes on the show to give her 5 tips to get your wedding photography published! Jaine also has a podcast, Tea with Jaine, so go give that a listen! Brklyn View Photography owner Jaine Kershner (image by Mekina Saylor) Jaine Kershner has a podcast, Tea with Jaine (image by Bethany Michaela) Jaine's websites: http://www.brklynview.com/ http://www.brklynviewblog.com/ https://www...
2018-11-2141 min