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Tensions remain high in eastern Ukraine.  In certain areas, like the Dontesk/Donbass region and the city of Donetsk itself, it’s particularly tense.  The new Ukrainian president has initiated an “anti-terrorist” military campaign intended to oust the pro-Russian insurgents in various locations.  The result has been much fighting and the disruption of daily life.  The city of Donetsk waits for these efforts to be brought there. Dema Grischuk is a preacher, teacher, and ministry director who has taken a leading role in trying to minister to the suffering and hurting citizens of Ukraine.  His efforts extend beyond the local congregation. The Let’s Love ministry which he directs has long been reaching out to orphans, children at risk, and the poor and needy throughout the Donetsk region.  With many of their efforts suspended due to the unrest, much attention has now been directed to refugees; those leaving eastern Ukraine to escape the violence and danger. In this “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Faith” interview, Dema shares his thoughts and experiences of trying to share the peace and comfort of God with his countrymen in a nation torn by aggression, violence, and turmoil.  Not only is Dema involved in addressing physical needs, but also the often-overlooked spiritual dimension of these troubled times through an active, public prayer grouped that has assembled every day since the first difficulties arose, over 100 days ago.   Photos: Dema’s family Dema leading Donetsk prayer group                         Prayer group meeting daily for prayer in Donetsk for over 100 days. Former prisoner of insurgents being given aid                 Burned out public transportation, Kramatorsk Work with refugee children                       Bible Passages: These are the Scriptures that Dema shared that he has found most helpful, not only for himself but those to whom he ministers, all coming from Isaiah. Isaiah 40 Isaiah 41:14 Isaiah 43:1-7 Isaiah 54:15-17 Prayer requests: • For peace in Ukraine • For the Vacation Bible School program to be conduced for refugees’ children (end of June) • For the week of Bible camp for refugees’ children (end of July) Sign Up! Be sure to sign up for the Enjoy True Living email update list.  The sign up form is at the upper right hand section of this website homepage.  Just give us your name and email address to  received updates on released podcasts, blog posts, and other important information.   Submit a Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com   Click below to subscribe to this podcast via: iTunes Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!

Undoubtedly one of the most remarkable world events of the past three decades was the fall of the “Iron Curtain” and dismantling of the former Soviet Union.  Though considered by many a great event in the progress of freedom and democracy, the fallout from these world altering events is far from over.  Several nations broke away from the USSR including Ukraine in 1991. The church in the west saw this as a great opportunity to evangelize this atheistic.  Many Christians, myself included, were completely unaware of the long and rich history of the Russian Orthodox Church.  Still, massive efforts were made, hundreds and thousands were converted and numerous congregations were planted. The move to a free market system and democratic political process has not been easy or smooth.  Right now Ukraine is in the throws of political upheaval.  Mass rallies ousted the sitting president with a new presidential election scheduled for the near future.  In the meantime, pro-Russian separatists have taken action in eastern Ukraine (the area most heavily populated with native Russians) going so far as to holding a referendum election to separate the eastern part of the nation from the rest of Ukraine.  Blood has been shed, ordinary daily life has been greatly affected, and the churches find themselves in very difficult times. This episode’s interview is with two of the preachers from Kramatorsk, Ukraine—Vladimir Paziy and Vitaly Rodichev—as well as some of the Christians in that community.  In it they speak to the uncertainty of their situation, their efforts to maintain peace in the church amidst a variety of political viewpoints, and the assurance and comfort they draw from their faith.   Photos: Vladimir Paziy Vitaly Rodichev     Christians in Kramatorsk, Ukraine during Skype call–Eugene Tebel (in blue shirt)                 Favorite Bible Passages: These are passages mentioned by Vladimir and Vitaly as well as several of the other Christians that they find most helpful in the middle of their uncertainty and turmoil.      Psalm 37:3-9      Psalm 71      Psalm 89      Psalm 23      2 Kings 4      Romans 8:28      James 1      1 Peter 1      Revelation 2:10 Appeal Do you know someone think would be a good subject for an upcoming Ordinary People, Extraordinary Faith interview?  Send me their name and a little information to feedback@enjoytrueliving.com   Submit a Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com   Subscribe in iTunes If you’d like to subscribe to this podcast in iTunes, click HERE   Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living podcast.  Come back and visit again soon!   God bless!  

Image credit: refocus / 123RF Stock Photo At 9:02 a.m. on April 19, 1995 a massive bomb destroyed the Alfred E. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.  At the time it was by far the most destructive terrorist act in American history.  It was, of course, surpassed by the events of September 11, 2001. In that April blast—19 years ago on this podcast release date—168 persons lost their lives and nearly 700 were injured. In this episode, we return to our “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Faith” interviews for a conversation with Betty Robins who was in the Murrah Building that fateful morning. Had she not been detained mid-errand by a co-worker she would, in all likelihood, have been the 169th victim—she was headed to an office at the front of the building, which took the brunt of the impact. Betty shares her experience, not only on that fateful day, but of her recovery process.  Primary she shares with us the emotional and spiritual impact and the journey of recovery.  Betty provides excellent insights for anyone trying to cope with traumatic events of any kind in their lives. Photos:                                                                                       The bomb’s devastation            Betty Robins   Betty’s Favorite Bible Passages: These are passages Betty shared that played an important role for her in the difficult days of her recovery and healing. Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Jeremiah 29:11—“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”   Links: Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial website: http://www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/ Mandi Cofer’s blog: http://fiveminusone.wordpress.com/2014/04/16/waiting-for-wings/   Submit a Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com   Click below to subscribe to this podcast via: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-enjoy-true-living-podcast/id609352632     Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!

Image credit: sorsillo / 123RF Stock Photo Psalm 119 is well known, but for an oddity rather than for what it should be known.  This Psalm is commonly recognized as not only the longest of the 150 Psalms, but also the longest chapter in the Bible.  It is 176 verses long.  But there is a reason a very specific reason for its length.  The structure of this Psalm makes it a literary marvel. But not only is the structure of the Psalm an incredible fete, its message is delivered in a remarkable fashion as well.  Employing both repetition and variation, this Psalm essentially says the same thing 176 times and in 176 different ways.  Beginning with, “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!” this lengthy Psalm goes on to extoll the virtues of God’s word; it’s beauty, value, importance, and desirability.  Seven primary synonymous terms are used to refer to Scripture. These are law, testimonies, ways, precepts, statutes, commandments, and rules.  Two others are also used, but much more sparsely: promises and faithfulness.   Some of the best known and beloved statements from Psalm 119: “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (11). “Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors” (24). “The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces” (72). “Forever, O Lord, you world is firmly fixed in the heavens” (89). “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (103). “Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way” (104). “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (105). “Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold.  Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way”  (127-128). Links and email addresses for this show: Jenkins Institute Podcast http://thejenkinsinstitute.com/tji-podcast/ Contact us with comments, observations, or whatever you might like to say: feedback@ireadtheword.com   Sign Up! Be sure to sign up for the Enjoy True Living email update list.  The sign up form is at the upper right hand section of this website homepage.  Just give us your name and email address to  received updates on released podcasts, blog posts, and other important information.   Submit a Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com Click below to subscribe to this podcast via: iTunes Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!

Image credit: wavebreakmediamicro / 123RF Stock Photo Pat Peters began years ago as a youth minister attempting to encourage and train the young people he worked with to reach out to people in places of pain; at that time to people in a local hospital.  Before long, this led to his being invited to serve as a chaplain in the oncology ward of that hospital, which he did for several years. Since then Pat has devoted a great part of his ministry as a preacher to serving people who are in places of pain.  In more recent years he has also devoted himself to training and encouraging individual Christians and congregations to do the same through workshops, individual speaking opportunities and even special training sessions with preachers in Christian universities and preacher training schools.   You will want to hear Pat discuss: Recommendations for Christians to enter the world of the hurting —a place we’d rather avoid —how to have the right mindset going in How to be be most effective in this situation —letting them speak instead of worrying about saying the right right thing or making sure you get a chance to talk —avoiding common mistakes (being afraid of saying the wrong thing, assuming you know the persons feelings or thoughts, telling “war stories” about similar (or not) situations —practical things to do (listen honestly, make them the center of attention, ask them if they’s like to talk about it—the let them do it or not, Thoughts on getting others involved in ministering to the hurting (and everyone is hurting in some way!)   Scriptures for Ministering to the Hurting Matthew 22:34-40 and 25:40 loving our neighbor is so closely related to loving God Psalms 22 and 23 “Psalms 23 always follows Psalm 22” Psalms 22 expresses distress over God’s apparent absence and the hurting one feels, bhen Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd…”. The book of Philippians is very encouraging All the situations were people are in dilemmas and God helps them and passages of the constancy of through all kinds of situations.   Email Pat Pat invites you to contacts to with questions or further communication about any of these matters plpeters20@hotmail.com   Sign Up! Be sure to sign up for the Enjoy True Living email update list.  The sign up form is at the upper right hand section of this website homepage.  Just give us your name and email address to  received updates on released podcasts, blog posts, and other important information.   Submit a Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com   Click to subscribe to this podcast via: iTunes Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!

Image credit: balazschristina / 123RF Stock Photo In our “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Faith” interviews the truth has been borne out that Scripture has played a vital role in handling not only the hardships and constant struggles of life, but the bombshells sometimes dropped on us.  That fact, coupled with a class that I recently began teaching brought my attention to a particular book of the Bible, the Old Testament book of Psalms. The book is unique in the Bible in that its made up entirely of poetic material, the words of songs (roughly speaking), that were collected over long period of time in Israel’s history.  The fact that the content of this book are of this nature (as opposed to history or laws or doctrine) have led some to have an attitude that views the Psalms as somehow less valuable or less important.  What a mistake!   The Incomparable Value of Psalms We most of think of things like poetry and praise and songs when we think about the book of Psalms; and that’s with good reason.  But there are some things about Psalms we may not know. For instance that the book of Psalms is actually a collection of five smaller books.  Notice in your Bible before the title for Psalms 1, 42, 73, 90, and 107.  You’ll probably see the words Book 1, Book 2, and so on.  What is more each of these books ends with a “doxology” ( a word of praise). Notice Psalms 41:13 and 72:18-19 as examples.  We also discuss some other “collections” within the book as well. Another feature of the book you may not know—I failed to cover this in the podcast, so this is bonus material in the show notes!—is that though the book is attributed to David, there are many other authors covering a very long time span.  The earliest Psalm was apparently written by Moses (see the heading for Psalm 90).  The latest that can be identified is Psalm 137 which obviously comes from the time of Babylonian captivity.   Historically valuable • In the Bible itself—it’s the most quoted Old Testament book in the New Testament • In the history of Christianity it has been cherished and valued • Today as evidenced in it’s influence in our hymns (look at the Scripture index of a hymn book.   Teach us how to praise God • Modern worshipers sometimes make a false distinction between worship and praise. They designate a certain worship assembly as a “praise service.”  All worship is praise, all praise is worship. • We learn the language of praise from the Psalms. The very vocabulary and expressions we use to praise God ought to be heavily influenced by the Psalms. • A common failing of modern praise songs is the lack reasons why God is to be praised.  The Psalms not only praise, but tell why God is to be praised.   Expressions of faith and praise from all perspectives of life Perhaps one of the greatest reasons we love the Psalms is that they are expressions of faith and praise from all perspectives of life; even when things are difficult and we may be struggling.  In this way the Psalms can speak not only to us but for us as we go through all the highs and lows of life.   Sign Up! Be sure to sign up for the Enjoy True Living email update list.  The sign up form is at the upper right hand section of this website homepage.  Just give us your name and email address to  received updates on released podcasts, blog posts, and other important information.   Submit a Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com   Click here to subscribe to this podcast via: iTunes Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!

Let me set the stage for just a moment: a previous interview (actually a two-part interview) focused on the story of Chuck Shaffer, a former minister arrested in an internet sting operation and who served time in a federal penitentiary .  He lost his career, his reputation, his standing in the community and the church.  He also nearly lost his faith and his family.  Incredibly, he was able to rebuild that shattered life—see episodes 11 and 13 (click here for episode 11 and here for 13). There’s an equally incredible story behind that story—it’s the one of the betrayed and forsaken wife.  In this interview Linda Shaffer shares her story of forgiveness; wanting to model a Christ-like spirit to her own children she knew she must forgive. Facing challenges and negative responses from surprising sources she struggled to forgive.  The process (and she emphasizes it’s been a long process) has brought great blessing and joy to her life.  In many ways so much more so than was previously true. We all must learn to forgive and Linda has great insights to share as one who come to forgive when forgiving was so very hard.   Pics: Linda and daughter, Makayla   Linda’s favorite Scriptures: Philippians 2:5-11 “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Proverbs 16:3-4 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.  The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Romans 10:11 “For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.’”   To get Reassembled with Linda’s chapter “Why I Chose to Forgive” Send an email requesting the book to: cbs@rlcbusiness.com The only expense to you will be for shipping.   David’s Interview To listen to David’s interview on The Jenkins Institute Podcast with Dale and Jeff Jenkins CLICK HERE   Sign Up! Be sure to sign up for the Enjoy True Living email update list.  The sign up form is at the upper right hand section of this website homepage.  Just give us your name and email address to  received updates on released podcasts, blog posts, and other important information.   Submit a Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com   Click below to subscribe to this podcast via: iTunes   Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!

Image credit: woodoo007 / 123RF Stock Photo Who could know that one routine evening of getting the kids ready for bed with a seemingly innocuous complaint of a hurting head would lead to screams in the night, followed by an ER visit, and finally the shocking news of a tumor located at the base of 5-year-old Blake’s brain?  A tumor that just six months previous had not been there! Michael and Connie Rader’s world was turned upside down, to say the least.  The determination that the tumor was malignant was followed by a very lengthy surgery to remove it, which in turn was followed by treatments to attempt to eradicate or at the least slow the cancer.  Those treatments themselves have left lasting consequences for Blake which continued therapies are attempting to correct. The courage and faith of these young parents is remarkable. They serve as a great example of taking the worst life has to throw at you and emerging stronger and better.  You’ll be greatly blessed to hear the Rader’s moving story.   Pics: Blake (the Jedi!) Left MRI image: the tumor at the base of Blake’s brain.   Right image: post op with tumor removed               The Rader Family: Michael, Connie, Blake and Juliet Michael and Connie’s favorite Scriptures: Romans 8:28–And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Proverbs 3:5–Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Philippians 4:6-7–Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Michael and Connie highly recommend The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation as a tremendous resource for anyone needing help, information, and resources for a family with a child with a brain tumor. Telephone: 1-800-253-6530 Website: www.curethekids.org Sign Up! Be sure to sign up for the Enjoy True Living email update list.  The sign up form is at the upper right hand section of this website homepage.  Just give us your name and email address to  received updates on released podcasts, blog posts, and other important information.   Submit a Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com   Click below to subscribe to this podcast via:  iTunes   Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!

How does a nineteen year old react to a life changing injury?  One that leaves you a triplegic (with the use of only one arm)?  How does one keep a positive, enthusiastic attitude while living life with so many physical limitations? Gilbert Howe shares his fascinating story of how so much more of his mind and personality were able to emerge following his accident, how carrying Christians lovingly shared Jesus with him and how that changed everything for him. Just listening to Gilbert with his enthusiasm for life and for the Lord is infectious!   Pics: Gilbert Gilbert at home                   Beautiful Turner Falls (Davis, OK); the area where Gilbert’s accident happened.   Gilbert’s Favorite Scriptures: Gilbert’s “Trio of 8’s” from Romans 8 v. 18—For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. v. 28—For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. vv. 38-39—For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.   Sign Up! Be sure to sign up for the Enjoy True Living email update list.  The sign up form is at the upper right hand section of this web page.  Just give us your name and email address to receive updates on released podcasts, blog posts, and other important information.   Submit a Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com   To Subscribe to the podcast via iTunes CLICK HERE   Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon!   God bless!

Image credit: dskdesign / 123RF Stock Photo A recent major transition in my life brought me to think about the challenges of transition and change. Transitions can be very difficult and throw our lives into a state of confusion and become a wholly negative experience.  Or, we can actually thrive during times of transition. Here are five principles I have gleaned that will help us to thrive during the times of transition, and not just be subject to the upheaval that change can sometimes bring. 1. Embrace the reality of change 2. Growth and development demand change 3. Look for opportunities during times of change 4. Focus on the important things 5. Hold on to the unchanging   Sign Up! Be sure to sign up for the Enjoy True Living email update list.  The sign up form is at the upper right hand section of this website homepage.  Just give us your name and email address to  received updates on released podcasts, blog posts, and other important information.   Submit a Bible question    These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com   Subscribe to this podcast via:    iTunes Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!

Image credit: solarseven / 123RF Stock Photo The weather events of May 20, 2013 in America’s heartland captured not only the nation’s, but the world’s attention.  The EF5 rated tornado touched down in Newcastle, OK, a southwest suburb of Oklahoma City and moved west into Moore.  Along the way the storm grew to it’s enormous size, staying on the ground for some 45 minutes wreaking devastation and death all along the way. In the hours that followed the storm a video appeared on YouTube from Jason Leger who watched from his yard as the storm first formed and bore down on the family home in Newcastle.  Finally taking refuge in their storm cellar at the pleas of his wife and children, Jason emerged a few minutes later video recording what he saw.  And what he saw was his home completely destroyed.  He says the only reason he posted the video was so family and friends could know they were all OK.  As he filmed, though, he observed, “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.”  By the next day, Jason was being interviewed on Good Morning America and his video aired on Fox News, the BBC and other national and international news outlets. Jason’s was not an expected response.  His assessment of what had just happened was not based on meteorology or profit/loss, his was first and foremost a faith response. Our “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Faith” interview with Jason Leger  brings us face to face with faith at its finest.  A faith that is more than a worship-attending, Bible-spouting, contemporary-Christian-music-listening, variety; rather one that bears up under the nitty-gritty, hard scrabble, tough breaks of life.   Jason’s videos: The tornado first forming over Newcastle, OK (listen for his wife and kids begging him to get into the shelter)   The tornado bears down on the Leger home.  Jason is filming from the storm cellar door.   Jason emerges from the storm cellar (the video that went viral) Photos: The Leger Family The Leger’s home                 Jason on Good Morning America Some of the volunteers at the Leger’s             Jason’s Favorite Bible Passages: Listen for Jason’s thoughts on, not a particular passage, but how this whole experience has effected his thinking on the biblical concept of mercy.   Submit a Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com   Click below to subscribe to this podcast via: iTunes   Sign Up! Be sure to sign up for the Enjoy True Living Email Update at the top of this page (on the right sidebar) and get the latest notifications of new episodes posted, new blog posts and other information. Don’t miss out!   Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!

Image credit: kzenon / 123RF Stock Photo We’ve all heard of diabetes and we’ve all heard of eating disorders.  But did you know that the two together can present devastating, even deadly results?  The guest for this episode’s “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Faith” interview is Amy Marcle. Amy tells the incredible story of a young teen being diagnosed with diabetes, driven by a sense of needing to be perfect, marrying, getting pregnant, and having a baby.  All the while she has learned to use her diabetic condition to first control her weight, then to become obsessed with weight loss—one area of her life she felt she could control and be successful at.  Her purposefully manipulated high blood sugar levels—as well as other weight loss “tricks”—were ravaging her body, her mind, her relationships; and in the process, her soul. Amy leads us into her world of grossly skewed reality where patently destructive behaviors became “good,” those who loved her and wanted to help her were her “enemies,” and lying and deliberate deception became a way of life.  This Christian woman, wife, and mother became a walking, living (barely), breathing example of just how “darkened in their understanding” (Eph. 4:18) a person can become.  It all was taking its toll; mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.  On one of almost countless emergency room visits a physician told Amy she had come within 30 minutes of death. Learn how Amy’s innocent, toddler daughter provided the turning point that has brought her back.  Though recovery is an ongoing, lifelong process she has been restored to her Lord, her family, and her health. Photos: Amy–not yet at her thinnest; she’d lose another 20 lbs Amy today             The Marcle family:Jason, Amy, & Haley Contact Amy via Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/amy.marcle?fref=ts   Amy’s book: Slow Suicide: Living with Diabetes and an Eating Disorder   Available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble or contact Amy directly through Facebook (see contact information above)   For more information on: Diabetes: www.diabetes.org Eating Disorders: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org   Amy’s Favorite Bible Passages: Matthew 16:26 Romans 3:23 Submit a Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com Click below to subscribe to this podcast via: iTunes Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!

Image credit: thawats / 123RF Stock Photo So, why the butterfly in the picture with this episode’s show notes?  You’ll definitely want to listen to today’s “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Faith” interview to find out.  I promise, it will be worth your time. This interview is with Mandi Cofer.  How does a young couple, excitedly preparing for the arrival of their second child, go to the hospital the day before the due date only to have to return home a few days later preparing a funeral for that very baby?  What a crushing turn of events! Mandi leads us through these exceedingly dark days of her life and shares some exceedingly insightful and valuable thoughts on… how one can cope with us a loss what to do in order to actually be helpful to someone who is grieving what NOT to say that might actually inflict pain on the hurting while intending to help practical actions to take if you are in the midst of deep grief Photos: Shea & Mandi Cofer with daughters Cleo & Zoe Knox                     Knox’s Grave Marker                 For more information on: Vasa Previa — CLICK HERE Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy — CLICK HERE   Mandi’s Blog: fiveminusone.wordpress.com   Mandi’s Favorite Bible Passages: Philippians 1:3 Psalm 34:18 Psalm 46:10   Submit a Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com   Click below to subscribe to this podcast via: iTunes   Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!

Image credit: jirsak / 123RF Stock Photo This interview… is with Ronnie Crocker, founder and directer of Project Rescue, an addiction recover (primarily drug and alcohol) program that has turned around the lives of literally hundreds of individuals and provided help and hope to countless others through the resources they provide. Ronnie’s unique perspective and qualification for leading this program is not any particular educational or technique training he’s received.  Instead, it is  but his own personal experience of recovery following fifteen years of drug abuse; being in and out of jails and rehab programs, countless “this is the last time” experiences, and finally landing in prison for having kidnapped a police officer. Ronnie’s approach is an unabashed spiritual approach—you have to reclaim and fill the emptiness of your life (and this could apply to anyone, addict or not—with God.  Project Rescue’s success in hundreds and hundreds of lives argues strongly for its validity.   Two things MUST happen: 1) The only thing Ronnie says that will finally break the addiction, or the addiction—rehab—addiction—rehab—addiction cycle, is to hit rock bottom.  The pain of what has been destroyed has to finally be great enough to overcome the power of addiction.  Sadly, Ronnie says, most people die before this ever happens. 2) The emptiness that is left in one’s life—the emptiness that comes when the drug, or whatever, is removed having previously taken total control of one’s life and crowded out everything else out—must filled with God.  No therapy, no techniques, no program can ever fill the spiritual void in the addict’s life; only God.  This involves an ongoing five step process: pray read study do teach (help others) Ronnie’s poem, written from prison in Florida, 1986: Bricks and bars do not a prison make alone, A prison there is also stronger than steel and stone. Created is this bind, By the working of our own spirit and mind, And the way out no one can find, If they choose to remain blind. Ronnie’s arrest:                 Project Rescue has a success rate over double that of the national addiction recovery average (from Project Rescue website). Ronnie’s phone number, offered to anyone who is in need of help right now: 256-616-1522   Project Rescue website: www.projectrescue.org   Submit a Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com Click below to subscribe to this podcast via: iTunes Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!

Image credit: nasirkhan / 123RF Stock Photo Part one of this interview (ETL.011) covered Chuck’s fall that landed him in federal prison.  He had lost his faith, family, relationship with his church family, standing in the community and career.  How does one even begin to rebuild and restore all that has been lost?  Chuck has been able to do so. His insights are forged from the fires of bitter experience. Important insights identified by Chuck for rebuilding and restoration: 1) The way home is through God and His word 2) Enlist the help of a trusted third party (especially in regard to rebuilding trust) 3) Build on previous foundation Salvage what you have left from previous relationships and build from there 4) Journal As Chuck said, it’s more difficult to lie to yourself when you write it down. 5) Re-prioritize A major contributing factor in his fall was wrong priorities.  Immediately realign your priorities and go from there. 6) Do not neglect your church’s fellowship (be in the worship assembly). Despite the shame and embarrassment you need to be there Yes, some will be critical and judgmental, but also the ones who will support and encourage and forgive are there too.   Immediate steps to be taken by someone at rock bottom right now: stop feeling sorry for yourself know that God is there make yourself available for spiritual help (seek out a preacher, elder, or other helper) be in the church’s assembly know that you are not done—this is not it for you!   Scriptures mentions by Chuck: Hebrews 12:7-13 Psalm 51 Psalm 1 James 1:5 Genesis 37-50 (the story of Joseph and his brother and eventual forgiveness)   Chuck’s book: Reassembled “The Journey of a Minister, Manager, Husband and Father as He Leaves God to wander into the Fantasy World of On-Line Chat and his Painful Journey Back to God, to Family and to Himself as he is Reassembled” [from the front cover] Contact Chuck by email and he will make sure you receive a copy for the cost of shipping only. cbs@rlcbusiness.com   Submit a Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com Click below to subscribe to this podcast via: iTunes Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!

Image credit: luckyraccoon / 123RF Stock Photo In this episode we will focus on how to make the best out of bad situations. So much of life is made up of circumstances and events that are other than what we might have chosen or prefer.  What should we do?   Three Steps: 1. Focus Your Attention on Others In bad situations we tend to become inward focused (“poor me”) Matthew 22:34-40 Philippians 2:3 1 Corinthians 10:24 Keep your focus where it should be, especially in bad situations   2. Look for Opportunities for Growth and Service Growth and development mean change and change makes us uncomfortable Discomfort is necessary to spiritual growth James 1:2-4 Romans 5:3-4     3. Look for God at Work Bad situations in our lives do not mean God is not there God often works through them to accomplish His will Romans 8:28 Acts 8:1-4 Philippians 1:12-18 God does work and He uses bad situations; in our bad situations we can anticipate the working of God Next Episode, #13: Another “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Faith” Interview.  This one will be Part 2 of the interview with Chuck Shaffer.  Part 1 (episode #11) focused on his fall that landed him in federal prison having lost everything, in Part 2 Chuck will talk about the long process of rebuilding his life, including faith and family.   Submit a Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com Click below to subscribe to this podcast via: iTunes Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!

Image credit: bortn66 / 123RF Stock Photo In this episode we continue with our new feature: “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Faith” Interviews. This episode is our third interview. Ordinary People, Extraordinary Faith Interview: In this interview (part 1) Chuck Shaffer speaks very candidly about his mistakes of allowing the pressures of his professional, family, and ministry life to lead him down a destructive path that landed him in federal prison.  How these same pressures are very common to us all and that ignoring them or inappropriately responding to them can cost you what is most precious to you, including your career, family, and faith.  Chuck speaks to issues many Christians and churches are unwilling to address but that permeate, to some degree, virtually every congregation and how local churches can easily, though unintentionally, contribute to the problem and ways to change that. The chilling part of all of this is that where Chuck was (the pressures he faced and feeling powerless to address them) is where many, many Christians are today.  Is hitting rock bottom the only way to finally begin to turn things around?  Surely not! Listen to hear as Chuck… Gives advice to Christians who are feeling the very same kinds of pressures he faced and failed to address What fellow Christians can do to perhaps intervene and avert a horrible tragedy in someone’s life Recommendations for local church families to stop inadvertently contributing to the problem (and YES the problem is there) and start helping In Part 2  of the interview (podcast episode 12) we will hear how Chuck began to rebuild from nothing.  His journey of rebuilding his faith, his family, and his entire life. Scriptures referenced (though the specific texts were not mentioned) 2 Corinthians 6:14 James 5:16   Submit your own Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com Click below to subscribe to this podcast via: iTunes Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!

Image credit: timbrk / 123RF Stock Photo In this episode… we continue with our new feature: “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Faith” Interviews. This episode is our second interview. Incidentally, I mention in the podcast that last week’s episode (#9—the first interview episode) had over three times as many downloads already than the one in second place.  That’s not exactly right.  I misread my stats (I was looking at April’s instead of the grand totals).  But, it’s still over twice as many downloads, so that’s still a significant jump.   Ordinary People, Extraordinary Faith Interview: When Heather Cobb learned that her husband wanted a divorce it came out of the blue; she never saw it coming.  Her life was sent reeling into “dark days,” as she calls them.  She was forced to examine her life and her faith as never before.  She found support and help from many sources and through it all has come to a much deeper, meaningful relationship with God.  Spiritually mature beyond her years, Heather offers some wonderful insights, important advice (for both sufferers and supporters), and some valuable resources. Scriptures referenced during the interview; James 1:2-3 Romans 3:3-5 Philippians 4:10-13 (for the “I know how to be brought low” reference Heather made) 1 John 3:20 Scriptures meaningful to Heather through her ordeal: Psalms 46:1-3 Zephaniah 3:17 Isaiah 40:31 Here are some pics: Heather and her “spoiled” niece Percy the cat (with mustache)                   Resources suggested by Heather for those in a life crisis situation: • A Christian therapist Heather specifically mentioned Agape Counseling in Nashville, TN http://www.agapenashville.org/counseling • See a medical doctor if you think you’re depressed • Divorce Care program Find local services at www.divorcecare.org • Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Heather’s “Everybody’s Having Babies, But I’m Getting a Divorce” blog link: www.divorcenotbabies.wordpress.com   Submit your own Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com   Click below to subscribe to this podcast via:  iTunes Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!

Image credit: koya79 / 123RF Stock Photo In this episode… We introduce a new format for this episode: No usual three chapter layout Entire episode devoted to an interview No Bible questions answered, no Bible words segment Interview with ordinary people who face great trials and struggles and the impact on their faith Ordinary People, Extraordinary Faith Interview: Wista Waldroop’s experiences dealing with husband Rudy’s longterm liver failure, her struggle with taking on the role of caregiver, the effect this whole event had on her faith, and rebirth of love in their marriage. Meaningful Scriptures mentioned by Wista: Isaiah 40:30-31 Exodus 17:10-12 Jeremiah 12:5 Here are some pics: Wista Rudy                 Rudy’s headstone with “The eagle and I have seen the wind” inscription A sample of Rudy’s scrimshaw on antique ivory             Other Scriptures referenced in the podcast: 2 Corinthians 1:1-3   Submit your own Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com Click below to subscribe to this podcast via:     iTunes Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!

In this episode we’ll be talking about: Chapter 1: Bible Q & A This episode’s Bible question was actually posed by three different people who are involved in the Bible reading program we introduced in episode 4 (www.enjoytrueliving.com/004). It’s from 2 Samuel 24:1. Why was God angry with David for doing what He had told him to do?   Scripture References: 2 Samuel 24:1 1 Chronicles 21:1 Numbers 13:1 Deuteronomy 1:22 Chapter 2: Four Keys to Learning Christ This podcast’s tagline is Learn Christ and Live.   Here we’ll discuss four keys to learning Christ. Learn about Christ Learn the purpose of Christ Learn the meaning of Christ Learn how to live like Christ Scripture References: John 20:30-31 Acts 1:1 Luke 19:10 1 John 3:5, 8 Hebrews 9:26 Matthew 16:24 John 13:15 1 Peter 2:21 Philippians 2:5 1 John 2:6 Galatians 4;19; 2:20   Chapter 3: Bible Word “Faith” Faith is absolutely critical Faith is not “blind” Scripture References: Hebrews 11:6, 1 Ephesians 2:8 John 20:30-31 Romans 10:17 Items mentioned in the podcast:     http://www.ireadtheword.com Jesus As They Saw Him, William Barclay, 1962 Submit your own Bible question These questions will be answered in an upcoming podcast. Send an email to: feedback@enjoytrueliving.com Click below to subscribe to this podcast via: iTunes Thank you for checking out this episode of The Enjoy True Living Podcast. Come back again to listen soon! God bless!