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Hang with your hosts Hollis and Lori in this special mini-episode. We discuss what is happening in this season in our lives, the closeness we feel with the Lord and how our obedience to God is impacting the podcast. As we explore the theme of obedience toward God, we discover that God can call us to rest and He can also force us to rest.  Hear how we are following God’s call to rest through this 2021 holiday season and our hope that we can lead by example to rest in Him. Check out our NEW Oh My God Pod store at: https://www.redbubble.com/people/TheOhMyGodPod For more information about the Oh My God Is Awesome monthly membership go to: https://ohmygodpod.com/the-oh-my-god-is-awesome-monthly-membership/ Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

When his original desire to be a meteorologist turned to campus ministry, and then those doors started closing, Nick continued to follow God’s prompting with enthusiasm. He found God calling Him into ministry in the wild of America’s National Parks. From Death Valley, to the Grand Canyon during Covid, Nick experienced a personal spiritual darkness as the world was navigating the pandemic. But just as God can reveal the majesty of the Smokey Mountains by blowing the clouds aside, He can reveal things that He is doing inside us too. After Nick felt healed through his time in the Smokies, he followed the Lord’s lead to Glacier National Park in Montana for the summer and now back to Death Valley for the winter. Hear how Nick not only obeyed God when He spoke to him about his career, but about all of his relationships too; and how he plans to continue his adventure with the Lord even if he doesn't know what’s ahead. For more information about the Oh My God Is Awesome monthly membership go to: https://ohmygodpod.com/the-oh-my-god-is-awesome-monthly-membership/ Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

Faith can be tested in many ways; and if we are not secure or mature in our faith we can lose it. Fortunately for Barrett Miller, having cancer at age 32 did not shake her faith. However, years later when she lost her son in a tragic accident, she was confronted with the reality that she did not have the relationship with God that she thought. As God orchestrated the circumstances surrounding her son’s death that brought her heart peace, He was also drawing her and her family closer to Him. As Barrett explains, each person in her family grew in their relationship with God as a result of her son’s death. Additionally, as their family decided to host Bible study for their community, they realized that their son’s passing was actually a planting of the seeds of belief for many who would come to be believers. Hear the amazing journey of a grieving family who found meaning and mission through the loss of a very special young man whose impact on the world is still felt after his passing. Commercial Spot: For more information about Checkmate Moving & Storage, go to: http://www.checkmatemoving.com/ For more information about the Oh My God Is Awesome monthly membership go to: https://ohmygodpod.com/the-oh-my-god-is-awesome-monthly-membership/ Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

On August 24, Hollis interviewed Missionary Pastor Paul Traver for the Oh My God Is Awesome Membership. In a rare moment in history, Paul shares how his church and community are supporting Afghanistan evacuees on America’s largest foreign military base in Kaiserslautern Germany. From stories of Afghan babies being born inside the airplanes as they flee, to the sentiments of foreign missionaries who are facing martyrdom, you’ve got to hear this interview. In a situation filled with chaos & confusion, we still have hope in a God of order and love who works through his people.  For more information about the Oh My God Is Awesome monthly membership go to: https://ohmygodpod.com/the-oh-my-god-is-awesome-monthly-membership/ Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

The metaphor of planting and harvesting is one many are familiar with - seeds are sown, tended to and eventually a harvest is produced. But when God is the planter with a grand design, it can be hard as the reluctant farmer to know just what is growing and when to actually take action and harvest! Such was the case in Jill's career path with all it's twists and turns which eventually led her to follow the example of the disciples and follow God’s calling upon her life. She also shares about two very significant experiences in her life that took her from a surface-level Christian into a deep and intimate relationship with Christ. Hear how Jill finally made the decision to leave the safety and comfort of her long time job and move into a career companioning senior citizens and working to improve the lives of young adults with autism.  Commercial Spot: For more information about the Living and Learning Enrichment Center or if you feel led to make a donation, go to: http://livingandlearningcenter.org/ For more information about the Oh My God Is Awesome monthly membership go to: https://ohmygodpod.com/the-oh-my-god-is-awesome-monthly-membership/ Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

Alcohol was always around Rob from a young age, even at youth group and church functions. So when his insecurity as a teen increased, so did his consumption, which eventually led to a drug and alcohol addiction, as well as gambling. For over a decade Rob lived a life away from God, until he could no longer ignore God’s clear messages that it was time to come back to Him. After success in recovery programs, Rob was sober but still had not dealt with his mental health struggles or gambling addiction, which almost took away his wife and young children and landed him in jail for arson. In the midst of his incarceration, Rob was able to begin to understand his identity in Christ and was miraculously released back to his family after only serving a fraction of his sentence. Hear the amazing journey of how God is making beauty from ashes in Rob's life; and how he uses the worst experience of his life to serve as a Christian Interventionist, Addition & Recovery Coach, Author & Podcaster. Commercial Spot: For more information about Rob, his podcast and the intervention services he provides, go to: https://liftedfromtherut.com/. If you or a family member are in a crisis and in need of immediate support, contact Rob at: 970-331-4469. Commercial Spot: For more information about the Oh My God Is Awesome monthly membership go to: https://ohmygodpod.com/the-oh-my-god-is-awesome-monthly-membership/ Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

Although she grew up with a speech impediment, Monica was never aware of it or felt different from other children. She did, however, realize at a young age that she saw the world differently, which enabled her to challenge the status quo. This manifested in the desire to have her own business at age 12, after coming from a long line of blue-collar workers; and also in her writing, which she developed out of her desire to communicate and be understood. From childhood to now running her own speaking & coaching business, God has been using Monica’s voice to inspire, equip and empower other women to speak up. Hear how God speaks to Monica in many different ways and how she is using her relationship with Him to guide others in sharing their stories to fulfill their God-given purpose. Commercial Spot: For more information about Monica Writes or to contact Monica, go to: https://www.monicawrites.com/ Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

As a young woman from the midwest, Emily had everything she ever dreamed a Christian could have - a pastor for a husband, beautiful children, a ministry of her own, a tight community in her home church, living in sunny southern California, amazing friends, wonderful church leaders as mentors... and then everything changed. After being betrayed by their church leaders and asked to lie to their friends in the congregation, Emily and her family were moved to a literal desert where her faith was tested. In this metaphoric “desert period” she was angry at God and cried out to him in her loneliness and desperation. Hear how God answered her and showed Emily that in stripping away everything, He became the only thing she would ever need. Now, Emily knows that God was taking her shallow, picture-perfect faith to a deeper level that would equip her to minister to other women.  Commercial Spot: If you feel led to help support the podcast you can donate via Venmo at: @ohmygodpod. Use 6006 when asked for the last 4 digits of the phone number. Commercial Spot: You can find Emily on Facebook or Instagram (at @em.copeland). She also writes for She Works His Way (SWHW) which can be found at: https://sheworkshisway.com/. Grab a copy of 100 SWHW Devotionals for the Working Woman: Volume Three for some devotions written by Emily - found on Amazon. Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

Although Pete grew up in a very conservative Baptist church akin to that in the movie “Footloose” and didn’t care for its strict nature, he kept feeling called to ministry. He fought against it for a while, but God was closing all other doors and ministry was the only thing that kept working for him. He finally started a church his senior year in college and began his life as a pastor, but wasn’t always as strong in his faith as he thought he should be as a church leader. Hear how God “winked” at Pete through several key events in his life to increase & deepen his faith. Pete reminds us that when we live wide awake, we can see that God still orchestrates things in our lives that will renew our faith, just as He has through the centuries and recorded in the Bible.  Commercial Spot: You can find Pete and Jordyn's podcast, Good Talk on YouTube or Apple Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxT-MQ4hA5H1gMi7NN9z57Q https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-talk/id1538499571 Commercial Spot: For more information about the Oh My God Is Awesome monthly membership go to: https://ohmygodpod.com/the-oh-my-god-is-awesome-monthly-membership/ Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/  

In his career as a police officer & corrections officer, Rich Alvarez has had many near death experiences including escaping gunfire and being choked to near death by an assailant. As a victim of attempted murder, his own suicide attempts, surviving detox from drinking, weaning off mental health medications and being imprisoned himself, it's clear that Rich was kept alive because God has a mission for him. He now serves first responders who put their lives in harms way every day serving their communities, many dealing with PTSD in their own lives as a result. God has given him a heart for prison ministries, ex-con work readiness programs and nonprofit administration. Rich has founded the Peacekeeper Initiative, which helps first responders deal with PTSD outside of the workplace by partnering with peer mentors and doing wellness & adventure activities in the outdoors. Hear the amazing story of how God used Rich's suffering and brokenness, even when he pushed God away, to heal and equip him to help others in the work he does today. Commercial Spot: For more information about the Peacekeeper Initiative or to support with a donation, go to: www.peacekeeperusa.org or contact Rich Alvarez at: rich@peacekeeperusa.org Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

PART 2 - Rebellion. Drug addiction. Alcoholism. Sexual assault. Dating a drug dealer. Dating a hit-man. Relapse. Jail. DUI. Stealing pills. Exotic dancing. Self-harm. Mental health issues. Multiple overdoses. Divorce. Manipulation. Intervention. Child Protective Services. Suicidal ideation. Compulsive thinking. Double-life. Detox. Rehab. Deception. 12 Step Programs. While many of these topics have come out in our stories on the Oh My God Pod, we actually encounter all of them in Bethany’s story. Be prepared for a wild ride that ultimately reveals that God’s redemption can cover all of our sins, even when we do them over and over again! Hear how God has restored Bethany's life and is using her experiences to now work with teens and young adults at risk. We are never too far gone from God's amazing grace. Commercial Spot: If you feel led to help support the podcast you can donate via Venmo at: @ohmygodpod. Use 6006 when asked for the last 4 digits of the phone number. Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

PART 1 - Rebellion. Drug addiction. Alcoholism. Sexual assault. Dating a drug dealer. Dating a hit-man. Relapse. Jail. DUI. Stealing pills. Exotic dancing. Self-harm. Mental health issues. Multiple overdoses. Divorce. Manipulation. Intervention. Child Protective Services. Suicidal ideation. Compulsive thinking. Double-life. Detox. Rehab. Deception. 12 Step Programs. While many of these topics have come out in our stories on the Oh My God Pod, we actually encounter all of them in Bethany’s story. Be prepared for a wild ride that ultimately reveals that God’s redemption can cover all of our sins, even when we do them over and over again! Hear how God has restored Bethany's life and is using her experiences to now work with teens and young adults at risk. We are never too far gone from God's amazing grace. Commercial Spot: If you feel led to help support the podcast you can donate via Venmo at: @ohmygodpod. Use 6006 when asked for the last 4 digits of the phone number. Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

In this Bonus episode, we are celebrating the first birthday of the Oh My God Pod! In this episode you'll hear the following: 1. Personal reflections on the past year from the co-hosts Hollis and Lori. 2. Two past guests share what has happened in their lives since their episodes aired and how sharing their God stories has impacted their lives. 3. A listener shares how hearing people's God stories has impacted her life and the lives of others in her sphere of influence. 4. Teaching on the topic of Resilience from the Book of Job. 5. A live mini-God story from a guest about a recent situation in her life. 6. Hollis and Lori share what's next this year for the Oh My God Pod. Commercial Spot: If you feel led to help support the podcast you can donate via Venmo at: @ohmygodpod. Use 6006 when asked for the last 4 digits of the phone number. Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

Many kids who grow up in faith simply go through the motions, so when they reach adolescence the ways of the world can create their identity versus them finding their identity in Christ. Megan fell into this trap and sought validation through her popularity and the attention she got from boys. As a young woman, she was seduced by a man who abused her and they had three children together. Like many victims of domestic violence, Megan kept hoping things would change - that he would get a job, that he would care for their kids while she worked, that the money would stop disappearing, that he would treat her with respect. Although Megan herself could not find the courage to leave on her own, she credits the power of the Holy Spirit acting through her 5 year old son to tell the truth about what was happening while Megan was away at work. From the precision and clarity from her son about neglect and sexual abuse that her husband was inflicting on their children, to child protective services, to the support from her family, to the court system & sentencing, God’s hand was in it all. Hear how Megan’s relationship with God was restored and how she and her children are being healed from a parent's and spouse’s worst nightmare. Commercial Spot: If you feel led to help support the podcast you can donate via Venmo at: @ohmygodpod. Use 6006 when asked for the last 4 digits of the phone number. Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

Growing up in a culture that was different from her Lebanese immigrant parents, Nayla struggled to balance the worlds of her family, their church and as an American teen. The bond between her and her family was both a blessing and a burden and she struggled as a young woman to make decisions about her medical treatments that ultimately led to a total career and lifestyle change that her family did not approve of. Little did Nayla know that her experiences with medical trauma and her 3rd culture family of origin would provide the exact experience God would use to support other 3rd culture families as a licensed professional counselor. Through it all she learned to let go of control and pay attention to God’s signs and provision. Now, not only does she lean on God as she counsels other families, but her relationship with her parents has been strengthened and it’s been a blessing to see them as grandparents to her children. Hear how Nayla continues the traditions of faith, family and loving others well with the gifts God has given her. Commercial Spot: For more information on Nayla Festa and how to contact her, go to: https://el-consultorio.com/ or naylaf@perladuran.com or Nayla Festa Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

From a girl who was taught not to look homeless people in the eyes, to a young woman who has dedicated her life to serving those living on the streets, Lindsey’s story is one of complete transformation, obedience and increasing desire to share God’s love to those in society who are often ignored. It all started when she responded to an invitation to hang out with a small group one night and their journey into the city to do street outreach. Sitting next to a crackhead, Lindsey took a look at her own life and gave it to the Lord at age 19, telling Him he could use her however He wanted. Over the next decade, she passionately served the drug addicted, the homeless and eventually those entangled in street prostitution. As God opened doors, Lindsey was not always willing to walk through them, yet He increased her passion and the weightiness she felt in her heart to serve the marginalized in our society. Eventually, Lindsey founded All Worthy Of Love, a justice focused non-profit that reaches out to men and women enslaved by street prostitution. Hear how God is using the group to be the hands and feet of Jesus here on earth on the streets of our communities. Commercial Spot: For more information about All Worthy of Love and how you can get involved go to: All Worthy of Love Subscribe to our email list here: OMGP Email List Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

As a kid, Matthew was interested in knowledge, contemplation and reflection; character traits that are still with him today as a 24 year old man. In 4th grade his tendency to dive deep into topics took him on a journey into studying Hitler, Stalin and the atrocities of World War II; which resulted in a complete disillusionment toward any good in humanity. As a self-described “misanthrope” (one who dislikes humanity and doesn't want to be around people) Matthew hit a low point in middle school when his self-loathing turned into depressive and suicidal contemplations. Until the music of Johnny Cash highlighted a real, not imaginary relationship with God and provided Matthew with the hope he needed to turn his spirit of inquiry to the Bible. After reading the Book of Revelation and the four Gospels in the New Testament, Matthew was brought to tears at the realization of his own sin, his need for a savior and just how gracious God is toward each of us. As he began walking in obedience with the Lord as a teenager, hear how Matthew was reluctant to follow his calling to be an evangelical pastor, yet is now in the home stretch of completing his requirements. Commercial Spot: For more information on the Monthly Membership go to: Oh My God Is Awesome or www.ohmygodisawesome.com Get your invite to the Oh My God Pod Birthday Party Celebration here: OMGP Birthday Party Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

As a ”Cradle Catholic”, Ana was born into a strong faith. It permeated her family of origin, her activities as a young person and the family she was growing when she herself got married. But just because she followed the catechism according to the plan of her denomination, laid out the plans in her marriage and for her family, doesn’t mean that it was in alignment with God’s plan. Through the grief of losing a baby in the womb, Ana has learned to surrender her plans, for what God is unfolding in her family. Hear how the process of letting go has actually brought her closer to God, her husband and their children.  Learn too, about her family’s ministry which provides closure to others who have lost babies before delivery; and reaffirm that all life is precious and sacred to the Father who calls them home. Commercial Spot: For more information about the Angel Bed Project, contact Pat Padia at: ppadia@aol.com If you feel led to help support the podcast you can donate via Venmo at @ohmygodpod Get your invite to the Oh My God Pod Birthday Party Celebration here: OMGP Birthday Party Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

When Conner looked at the blood red moon and listened to his dad respond to his inquiry about the book of Revelation, that was the moment when he felt the intersection of his faith with reality. From this childhood experience, Connor dove into understanding what people of other denominations believed and became obsessed with the bass as well. His tendency toward study in isolation, deep reflection and obsession to compose music stemmed from a sense of pride and led him to feel like even more of an outcast while in college. Throughout his young life he immersed himself in the theology of Southern Baptist - Presbyterian - Reformed - Pentacostal/Charismatic - Messianic Jewish - Eastern Orthodoxy all the while, desiring to learn truth through the scripture and obtain a closer relationship with God. In his decision to pursue a relationship with God versus a particular theology, Conner turned away from a career in music performance to one of music education which would take him on a journey to seminary, become a youth pastor, a worship leader and now a hospital chaplain. Hear how God was preparing Connor through his immersion in other denominations to companion people of diverse faiths as a chaplain and how Connor leverages the unique ability to speak in tongues to connect with God through prayer. Commercial Spot: Check out what Conner is doing outside of being a chaplain: http://connordefehr.com/ If you feel led to help support the podcast you can donate via Venmo at @ohmygodpod Get your invite to the Oh My God Pod Birthday Party Celebration here: OMGP Birthday Party Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

The theme of Jesus and family permeates Jody’s life. Growing up in a blended family as the youngest of 8 children whose ages spanned 20 years, Jody was blessed to have her sister share the gospel with her at age 5. As she grew up, she was known as a good church girl who resisted peer pressure and eventually brought her (now ex) husband to Christ. Although her ex-husband struggled with addictions while she struggled with pride over a “failing” marriage, she remains amiable with him as a way to exemplify the character of Jesus to their 4 children. Jody has been able to cultivate the love of Jesus within her children, as well as a culture of open communication - which has proven to be both rewarding and challenging during the American political climate and a pandemic which has created job instability for her. The central themes of family & faith remain constant for Jody as she now cares for her mother who has left a nursing home and is investigating her own health issues in the midst of the pandemic. In spite of the circumstances swirling around her, Jody’s grounded faith enables her to know who is in control and how the story ends, which is an inspiring and refreshing perspective for so many of us. Commercial Spot: Check out the side gigs that helped Jody in the gap of unemployment during the pandemic: Northern CO Home Listings and  Agellum If you feel led to help support the podcast you can donate via Venmo at @ohmygodpod Get your invite to the Oh My God Pod Birthday Party Celebration here: OMGP Birthday Party Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/