Listen Now

Sharon continues visiting with Peggy about her journey to wholeness, in "Loss is Not Lost", Part Two. After working successfully for a technology company in Sacramento, handling their media production, the company went under financially. This was devastating to Peggy and the crews that she hired. Back in Dallas, broke busted and disgusted, she took a part time job as a cosmetics manager in a department store. Thankfully, she came to the revelation that failure is not a state of being. The environment she never imagined, and the job she never would have chosen, became a place of healing for her. Peggy's steps were indeed being divinely ordered. The women she worked with, along with the clients she served, created the backdrop for her journey to personal freedom. With her husband's support and his collaboration, they published, 'Makeup Lessons: A Story of Healing and Redemption at the Makeup Counter'. Listen to her message. It is simple and yet profound. If you will just sit in the presence of God, and give Him permission, He will give you beauty for ashes. He is the Master Artist. He does the transformation. Your life will never be the same again. God truly does work in mysterious ways. As they develop this inspirational content, they discover how He is transforming the lives of people...Everywhere..This particular episode will reveal that in-spite of mistakes or the challenges life may present, God's love and grace is constantly being extended. No person is a lost cause to God. Regardless of what may have occurred, with His help, they can choose to begin again. He will turn the mess into a message, the test into a testimony, and cause the victim to become victorious. That's His Promise!

Peggy is a wife, mother, author, producer, casting director, film actress, entrepreneur, entertainer and christian vocal artist. While she is versatile and highly accomplished in a career that spans several decades, she is no stranger to the personal losses of life. Peggy was greatly affected by the terminal illnesses of her mother, father and grandmother. The heartbreaking mental illness and death of her adopted Aunt, whom she cared for, was agonizing to watch. She survived the drowning of her sister, a divorce after twenty years of marriage and subsequent financial devastation. In a candid interview, as the Executive producer and Creator of Makeup Lessons for Life, she openly speaks with her best friend and co-host Sharon Braxton; about the beautiful, victorious, but somewhat tumultuous journey of her life. She is grateful for the understanding, that nobody is beyond the grace of God and His ability to heal their broken heart or broken life. No matter the loss, WE are never lost to God. All things are not good, but He promises to make ALL things work together for our good if we let Him.

We are so thrilled to have Dickson & Shirley Rial with us today in a segment we call “How to Win When the Roof Caves In”, which is also the title of a book co-authored by Bill Glass and Dickson Rial. The title of this book hit home for both Dickson & Shirley when their roof “caved in” while facing the challenges of parenting a son addicted to drugs and alcohol. Dickson Rial is a highly esteemed pastor, minister. and published author. They share their journey with honesty and vulnerability, in effort to encourage and enlighten people that addiction is a disease that can afflict the best of families. It can happen to anyone’s son or daughter. Their son, Randy, shared his remarkable story of second chances in last week’s episode called “Prodigals Can Go Home.” Randy battled drug addiction to cocaine and alcohol for over thirty years. He was arrested nine times, four felonies, was suicidal, and went to ten different rehab centers for treatment. All of this was to no avail. Randy lost everything…his family, marriage, son and career. His parents, Dickson & Shirley never gave up on the power of God to break the addiction. They remained on their knees for 30 years until one day, God miraculously delivered Randy and answered their prayers. Randy has now been clean and sober for six years. He is currently married to the beautiful Holly Rial. His finances, career and relationships have been restored. Together, they share the love of Jesus and His ability to save, heal and transform lives through their ministry, THE ROAD TO REDEMPTION. Pastor Dickson has often quoted Winston Churchill, “Never give up! Never, never, never give up!” He and Shirley demonstrate the power of unconditional love, forgiveness, mercy and grace that can only originate from the Throne of God.

Life doesn’t come with a script.  It’s full of unexpected detours, some can be catastrophic!  What do you do when the bottom falls out or life throws you a curve ball, or you get distracted and make poor choices that end up costing you everything you have!  The answer is “You can begin again.”  In today’s segment, “Prodigals Can Go Home”, our special guest, Randy Rial, a recovered drug addict and minister will share his remarkable story of second chances. Randy’s addiction spanned decades and left him wondering if he would ever find freedom and peace. He is genuine, transparent and humble. His love for Christ is evident. His message is clear and simple. It doesn’t matter how far you have wandered or how long you have journeyed, God sees you. He is reaching for you. He is still in the miracle working business. When you have finally come to the end of yourself, you can head for home. You will find your heavenly Father running toward you! Randy founded Road to Redemption Ministries, a non-profit organization that connects those coming out of addiction with the resources and tools they need to live a healthy, Christ-centered life.

Katie Phipps is a beautiful, courageous young woman whose moving story of victory in the face of extreme trauma and loss tugged on our hearts so much, that we decided that we had to bring Katie into the studio to sit down in our “makeup chair” and share her personal journey to healing and wholeness.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your life right now by challenges and what seem to be “insurmountable obstacles”…then stay tuned, because Katie’s story will give you just what the “doctor ordered”…an injection of “hope” and the “fight” that you need not to “give up…give in or give out!”  Her story is also a reminder that God can and will “redeem a life”, turn our ashes into beauty, transform our mourning into gladness and turn our despair into praise.

Judy Fox, a former NCAA Division 1 Volleyball Coach with 30 plus years of experience which includes induction into four halls of fame. Judy is also the President and Founder of “Ignite International” which she started back in 2003.  With more than 90% of the global population engaging in sports at some level, Judy and her team use this “common foundation” to share universal principles to empower and equip influencers of tomorrow’s leaders.  As a personal mentor of hundreds of athletes, coaches, and youth, Judy’s fingerprint extends across generations, cultures, beliefs and nationalities.  She has trained leaders of national teams and federations, Olympic committees, educators, and youth and community leaders to utilize sport as the tool through which to teach life principles.  With Judy at the helm, her team has left a mark of hope in more than a dozen nations through outreach trips to Nicaragua, Cuba, Liberia, the Holy Land, Jamaica, Moscow, St Petersburg, and the USA just to name a few.  Today’s segment is called “Ignite U1” which is also the name of the new initiative that her company launched in 2019.  Her goal is to inspire, empower, and equip teens and adults caught in cycles of trauma with the necessary practical tools they need to break the cycle so that they can experience the power of hope and pass it on to future generations.  Judy believes that whether it’s across the street or across the globe, you can ignite your world…but it starts with U1…You First!

Our special guest today is Texas Senator Angela Paxton.  She has represented District 8 in the Texas Senate since January 2019, and she is the wife of Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton.  Senator Paxton is a former secondary math teacher and school guidance counselor for more than 20 years, thus, making her the first educator elected to the Texas Senate in over two decades.  The mother of four is a stalwart leader and an unwavering voice on pro-life issues, including adoption, foster care, and preventing human trafficking.  Her dedication to these issues stems from her own personal experiences growing up from humble beginnings as an adopted child herself.  In today’s segment called “The Gift of Life,” you will hear her inspiring story of how God’s love, graciousness and favor covered her from birth, through her adolescent years and continues to cover her today. Her journey has been filled with unique and meaningful personal experiences that equip her to make a difference today, and her story is a true testament to God’s power to restore those “precious things” that seem lost to us.

Debbie Buffone is originally from northeastern Brazil where she spent her formative years. As a young woman, she moved from Brazil to Connecticut where she attended college and became a US citizen residing in this country for about 19 years. From Connecticut, Debbie moved to Dallas, where she currently works as a Governess for a family in Plano, Texas. She is a writer and speaker and is active in her Messianic Synagogue. She is also a faithful volunteer for the ministry, known as ROARING LAMBS. In this segment today called, “Abandoned by Man but Chosen by God,” you will hear how Debbie was triumphant and maintained hope and courage in spite of being rejected by her family before and after birth and subjected to two very “dark” and “perverted” problems on the rise in the world today…Human & Sex Trafficking and Sexual Abuse. Her countenance reflects the inward radiance of a joy that can only be found in the arms of a loving Savior, who has never, and will never, let her go….EVER. Debbie’s story is in Vol. 3 of “Stories of Roaring Faith” found at https://www.roaringlambs.org/store

Parenting is one of the most difficult jobs in the world! So what do you do as a parent, when you are faced with one of your worst nightmares: finding out that your precious son or daughter has a drinking problem? In our segment called “Trusting God…One Step At A Time”. Our special guest is our dear friend, Mary Dawson. She is the mother of four adult children and has nine grandchildren. She will share with us how she walked through the nightmare of her son’s addiction to alcohol which started as a teenager and lasted for 25 years. In an astonishing turn of events, this story culminated in a miracle. As a professional songwriter and music publisher, her songs have been recorded by artists such as LeAnn Rimes, Babbie Mason, Cynthia Clawson and Perry Hayes. She is the founder and president of Songsmith, a Texas-based non-profit organization whose mission is to discover and encourage the vast pool of talented musicians and songwriters in the state. Please visit www.songsmithonline.com, or the Facebook page at Songsmith Texas. Mary is also a 33-year member of a 12-Step Program for families and friends of alcoholics and addicts. Her recording, The Serenity Songs Project: Twelve Steps to Freedom, has received national and international acclaim from many of the over 200 programs which use the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous to address various obsessive-compulsive disorders. The songs on the recording are based on the principles of the 12-Step Program and have been called “a meeting in music” by many who work the Steps for their own recovery. Mary’s landmark book, How to Get Somewhere in the Music Business: From Nowhere with Nothing, is also the subject of one of the courses she teaches at the university level. Over her 30 years in the Music Industry, she has developed many resources for songwriters who are seeking to advance to the next step in their careers. For a list of these resources, please visit her website.

We hope that your new year is getting off to a positive start. We continue to pray Psalm 91 over you and we trust that God’s protection and His peace will cover you and your family every day. It’s hard to believe but Peggy and I have now completed 52 new segments for the Makeup Lessons for Life Podcast…that’s a year’s worth of new shows…and we feel blessed to have had the opportunity to share so many great stories of faith, healing and transformation with you. We’ve also been blessed and learned so many lessons from all the different people who have sat down in our makeup chair to openly share their stories. We have featured people from all walks of life…pastors, authors, a senator, attorneys, former drug addicts, a former member of the mob, people who’ve suffered sexual abuse, former prison inmates, businessmen and women, actors, actresses, musicians & singers, parents, single mothers and even a retired Colonel in the United States Air Force who was a Prisoner of War in Vietnam. Their stories and challenges may have been very different, but the power of God to work all things together for their good was the same! In celebration of our first year of shows, Peggy and I decided to select 7 of our guests and recap their testimonies while sharing the lessons we learned from the people who sat down in our makeup chair.

Happy New Year from all of us to all of you! We pray that you had a blessed Christmas with your family and that you’re enjoying some special time with your loved ones during this holiday season. The year 2020 was very challenging and difficult for so many of us. The effects of COVID-19 wreaked havoc on our nation and the world…causing death, illness, job losses, business closings, school closings, lock downs, isolation, and an overall drain on our mental and emotional health…so much so, that many people were ready to put 2020 behind them with hopes for a better 2021. But in spite of the struggles we faced last year, God is faithful and He has remained a constant source of hope and strength even during our darkest hours. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul writes: “in every situation, no matter what the circumstances, be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” This scripture is the foundation of today’s segment called “In All Things Give Thanks”…and I’m so excited to bring together our entire team…my co-host Peggy, Thomas & Pastor Scott to reflect on the lessons we learned from 2020 and the things we’re thankful for as well as discuss our mindset and approach for this new year. As an added bonus, we’re going to feature the music from our favorite hymns that have anchored us throughout our lives and we pray that they will bless you also.

Our segment today is called “Pickle Packin’ Grandma” . Our special guest is Betty Rae Worley.  This homemaker, mother, grandmother and businesswoman is 80 years old and still going strong. She is vibran, beautiful as ever, and affectionately known by her husband as “the Pickle Babe”.  Betty Rae has earned that title because for 30 years now, she has been the owner, creator, and face of the company “Betty Rae’s Bread and Butter Pickles”. When it comes to pickles, Betty Rae rules the roost.  Since 1987, Betty Rae has been sharing her family recipe with the world, selling over 18,000 jars. She’s also been featured in Dallas’s own “D Magazine.”  Life, however, has not always been for Betty Rae as “sweet as her pickles.”  Over the years, she has faced family challenges, financial setbacks, and health issues that have put her faith in God’s power to heal and restore to the test.  With each test, Betty Rae’s faith and passion for the Lord grew, and today her relationship with the Lord is more “intimate” than ever.  Her greatest desire is that God’s light shine through her and her company far and wide.

For many people in the U.S. and around the world, the year 2020 has been very challenging and difficult at times. But in spite of the obstacles we’ve had to overcome, Christmas time is here and you can just feel its magic in the air! We all know the holiday song “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year made famous by the pop singer, Andy Williams. Well, this is definitely my favorite time of the year. I love decorating the Christmas tree, looking at the beautiful ornaments and lights, drinking hot cider and cocoa, baking tasty treats, exchanging gifts with family and friends, and caroling in the neighborhood. But most of all, I love reading the Christmas story and celebrating the birth of Christ…who is the savior and “light of the world.” I also enjoy the music of Christmas…especially the “carols” that transport me to the first Christmas back in Bethlehem…the day that changed the world forever. Well, today we’re going to share with you the stories behind the writing of some of your favorite carols and play some beautiful arrangements of these songs performed by our very own jazz musician, Tom Braxton, and featured on his Christmas CD, “Comfort & Joy.”

Life can be very difficult and challenging at times…as many of you know since we’ve been battling the negative effects of COVID-19 this year. Sometimes life can throw you a real “curve ball” that knocks you off your feet and leaves you saying, “Now What?”… which is the title of today’s segment. How do you handle life’s “suddenlies” when they leave you devastated and discouraged? Our guest today is Kevin Choate, Associate Pastor of the Children & Youth Ministry at Sojourn Church in Carrollton, Texas. Kevin experienced his own “suddenlies” and found himself saying, “Now what?”…after walking through the trauma of losing his wife unexpectedly, finding himself raising three kids on his own, and enduring the pain and heartache of a subsequent divorce which left him broken and depressed. Today Kevin will share his message of hope and encouragement and the lessons he learned from a “faithful God” who not only transformed and restored his life, but also blessed and elevated him to heights he never imagined were possible!

Peggy welcomes co host Sara Davis to Makeup Lessons for Life, featuring the gifted and compassionate Dr. Francis Murphy. More than a successful doctor who treats patients, he is a man acquainted with the struggles of dealing with his own physical challenges. Despite a potential death sentence, his life was spared. He is an overcomer and has used his wealth of personal experiences, his education and God given gifts to create solutions for health and well being.

LeTesha Wheeler, author of the book, “Half Breed”, joins Peggy and guest host Sara Davis to discuss the timely, necessary, and profoundly emotional topic of racial healing and reconciliation. It appears that the entire world is sitting on a powder keg. The hurts run deep, and the confusion is great. Is there a bridge to cross the great divide? LeTesha believes there is an answer, and His name is Jesus. God has poured His love through her at a time when our country is fractured and hurting.  Enlightened by her individual DNA and family background, LeTesha has a word to help us understand the challenges our nation faces today. LeTesha is a passionate influencer, author and speaker whose greatest desire is to motivate others to walk in the fullness of their purpose, overcome fear, and stand strong in their faith despite life’s biggest obstacles. LeTesha’s life experiences and family heritage have fueled her voice for reconciliation within her local community and the nation. Alongside her husband, James and LeTesha have served in various roles in their north Dallas church since they were married in 2003. They have two smart, handsome and athletic teenage boys. LeTesha enjoys spending quality time cheering on their sons in their various sports, coaching track, and leading life changing events.

*Presentor:  Jan Tennyson, Founder – 1987  Mission: Dare to Dream impacts the lives of hurting youth in group homes, shelters, detention centers and orphanages and helps them discover their star quality through life-skills education and ministry.  Website:  www.daretodream-dallas.org  Fun Fact:  Jan herself was an abandoned child placed in foster care who got to play piano in Carnegie Hall at the age of seven. As an adult, she received the prestigious Lone Star Achievement Award from former Texas Governor Rick Perry and has led this ministry for over 30 years.  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Volunteer Opportunities *Experience in Office Administration *Media Relations/Marketing *Fundraising/Special Events *Volunteer Leadership/Coordination *Board Members *Ultimately become Executive Director to lead and expand Dare to Dream to a whole new level.

Our segment today is called “Anointed and Appointed” …and these words perfectly describe our featured guest, Pastor Kathy Hayes, who along with her husband, Dr. Mike Hayes, co-founded Covenant Church in Carrollton, TX and served as Senior Pastors for 40 years. They established the church in 1976 with 30 to 50 people. Over the years, the congregation has grown into an interracial/multi-cultural “mega-church” with four different campuses across the Dallas metroplex, and their ministry impacts people not only in their community, but also across the nation and around the world. But ministry is nothing new for Pastor Kathy…who developed a personal relationship with the Lord at a very early age. Not even the break-up of her parents’ marriage could thwart the plan God had for her life. Her anointing was evident beginning in her teen years, as she toured and ministered with her brother and sister in a trio called “The Singing Parker’s, garnering rave reviews in churches across the country…and even recording albums with the group. In the book of Matthew 22:14, Jesus said, “…many are called, but few are chosen.” Pastor Kathy was clearly “chosen” and “appointed” for kingdom purpose…whether working behind the scenes interceding for her husband and leaders, or standing on the front lines as the “Bride of Christ” with combat boots on pushing back the powers of darkness…she’s both feminine and fearless…a true prayer warrior and a “force to be reckoned with.” Listen as she shares the joys, rewards and breakthroughs as well as the challenges, heartache, and losses experienced both in ministry and in her personal life…while always trusting in God’s sovereignty and standing on Romans 8:31… “If God is for me, who can be against me?”

Our segment today is called “Anointed and Appointed” …and these words perfectly describe our featured guest, Pastor Kathy Hayes, who along with her husband, Dr. Mike Hayes, co-founded Covenant Church in Carrollton, TX and served as Senior Pastors for 40 years. They established the church in 1976 with 30 to 50 people. Over the years, the congregation has grown into an interracial/multi-cultural “mega-church” with four different campuses across the Dallas metroplex, and their ministry impacts people not only in their community, but also across the nation and around the world. But ministry is nothing new for Pastor Kathy…who developed a personal relationship with the Lord at a very early age. Not even the break-up of her parents’ marriage could thwart the plan God had for her life. Her anointing was evident beginning in her teen years, as she toured and ministered with her brother and sister in a trio called “The Singing Parker’s, garnering rave reviews in churches across the country…and even recording albums with the group. In the book of Matthew 22:14, Jesus said, “…many are called, but few are chosen.” Pastor Kathy was clearly “chosen” and “appointed” for kingdom purpose…whether working behind the scenes interceding for her husband and leaders, or standing on the front lines as the “Bride of Christ” with combat boots on pushing back the powers of darkness…she’s both feminine and fearless…a true prayer warrior and a “force to be reckoned with.” Listen as she shares the joys, rewards and breakthroughs as well as the challenges, heartache, and losses experienced both in ministry and in her personal life…while always trusting in God’s sovereignty and standing on Romans 8:31… “If God is for me, who can be against me?”

Chef Otto Borsich, grew up in the Midwest…in the “heartland of America…with a strong sense of “community” and strong family values to match. He was destined to be a chef and acknowledged “his calling” when he was only in kindergarten! Since then, Otto’s warm food, warm heart, and smile as wide as Texas have blessed so many. He is a humble servant who shares his “gift of food” with all who cross his path on life’s journey. His accolades are many. He competed on Top Chef, taught at the Culinary Institute of America, ran the kitchens of 4 & 5 star restaurants, and even served and cooked aboard a nuclear submarine in the US Navy! But Otto is much more than a chef! He is a motivator, teacher, philanthropist, humanitarian and author whose infectious laugh and charming wit light up a room.