The Love Offering

No one gets to write the first chapter of their lives. But everyone gets to write their second chapter.From birth, chapter one is written for us by those that have control. For some, that chapter is good, right, and positive. Thus, those people have a good foundation for writing their second chapter.Over the last ten years of counseling, the word Vera Holloway hears from clients, more than any other, is “stuck.”Do you know anyone that's stuck? Or maybe you're the stuck one. And no matter the source or severity of the "stuck," whether it's from past trauma, failed relationships, or unsuccessful attempts at personal growth, this book will help.In today’s episode, Vera:· outlines what stuck looks like· helps you identify what holds you captive· gives you the tools needed to get unstuck· guides you in writing your second chapter with clarityIt takes courage and determination to get unstuck and out of the cycle of destruction to live the linear life God has for each of us. Your Second Chapter is an opportunity to write that new life chapter.“We can be a love offering by not thinking we have to have it all figured out. It’s free to be kind, to encourage, and pray for someone else.”Connect with Vera:https://veraholloway.comSupport the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you want to live a meaningful life—with very few regrets—and make a positive difference in the world? But is culture distracting you from doing so? Perhaps moments, days, and years go by without you stopping to ask yourself, Am I living out my true purpose? Even if that question whispers to you, are you brushing it aside because you don’t know what to change in life’s busyness? Joshua Becker is on the show helping us identify the obstacles—such as fear, technology, money, possessions, and the opinions of others—that keep us from living with intention, and then he provides practical ideas for letting go of those distractions today so we can focus on what matters most. He uses practical exercises and questions, insights from a nationwide survey, and success stories to give us the motivation we need to: • identify the pursuits that matter most • align our dreams with our daily priorities • recognize how money and possessions keep us from happiness • become aware of how others’ opinions of us influence our choices • embrace what we’re truly passionate about instead of planning that next escape • figure out what to do with all those emails, notifications, and pings • let go of past mistakes and debilitating habits Today’s episode is about living well. It’s about overcoming the chatter of a world focused on all the wrong things. It’s about rethinking the common assumptions of today to find satisfaction and fulfillment tomorrow. How do we get to the end of our lives with minimal regrets? We set aside lesser pursuits to seek lasting meaning. And we discover the joy of doing it every day.“We become our best love offering by not being sidetracked from what we can offer the kingdom of God by what the world is offering.”Connect with Joshua: https://www.becomingminimalist.comhttps://www.hopeeffect.comSupport the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you ever wonder, What would God want me to do in this situation? Whether you're seeking God's will in the big decisions or the small, the Bible is FULL of wisdom, direction, and encouragement to help us find and follow God's Will. Join us today as Brittany Ann teaches us how to confidently hear God’s voice, understand His Word, and determine His will for ourselves. Connect with Brittany:https://equippinggodlywomen.com/September 13-15Called to Act Conference https://rachaelkeckadams--equippinggodlywomen.thrivecart.com/2022-called-to-act-conference/Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This life is real and complicated, messy, colorful, good, exhausting, and exhilarating—often simultaneously. It’s easy to feel overburdened by life’s demands. Looking out into the world as well as under the roof of our home may cause us to question, “How did we get here? And how will we get through?”Jillana Goble has been there. She’s on the show today sharing what she's continually learning on the suspension bridge between reality and hope. A mom via foster care, birth, and adoption—in that order—for nearly two decades, Jillana has experienced life’s curveballs. Her come-as-you-are posture amidst a daily reality far different than she ever imagined reassures you that you’re not alone if your life isn’t tidily wrapped in a bow.Today’s stories will stay with you as you strive to love and to love well, even when—and especially when—it’s hard. Whether you are widening your family circle or just trying to get through the day, we welcome you to the table and offer you an anchor of hope to hang on to as you navigate your own love-stretched life.Connect with Jillana:https://jillana-goble.comhttps://everychildoregon.orgSupport the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When a friend or family member is struggling spiritually, do you ever feel uncertain about what to say?You may sense your loved ones need to hear biblical encouragement or advice but, feeling inadequate for the task, you might simply commiserate or say nothing. In today’s episode, Cheryl Marshall and Caroline Newheiser help you discern spiritual needs and give biblical, heartfelt guidance. We talk about their book When Words Matter Most as they speak about what to say to those who are worried, weary, wayward, or weeping. You’ll learn how to speak truth to others in your sphere of influence and strengthen the body of Christ as a whole.“Our life is to glorify the Lord. Our words can be a love offering to the Lord and a benefit to others.”Connect with Cheryl:https://www.cherylmarshall.comConnect with Caroline:https://carolinenewheiser.comSupport the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Design a life intentionally. Grow faithfully. Create something beautiful that will last!Ashley and Dino Petrone are on the show sharing their adventures, mishaps, and joys of building a life together using an unexpected element: design. They are inviting us into their home and relationship and sharing the struggles and successes that come from intentionally staying committed to God and each other. Because when you build with faith, creativity, and love as the foundation . . . you build something designed to last!“God’s given us so much. We need to use what He’s given us for His glory.”Connect with Ashley and Dino:https://www.arrowsandbow.comSupport the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“Where were you, God? I can't see your hand in my story. Have you ever really shown up for me? Your heart might be good, but just not to me.” If you've thought these things, you aren't alone. Alexandra Hoover has been in that dark place too. On today’s show, she reveals that God offers a clear way out—by getting your eyes off your surroundings and raising them up to the Ebenezer stone moments in your life. Ebenezer stone by Ebenezer stone, God did this for Alexandra, helping her trace his grace. He lifted her eyes to see the places He had met her and helped her along, even in the darkest parts of the story, and on top of that, He casted vision for her mission and purpose as a member of His family. Join us to learn to:Chart your own Ebenezer-journey with God, stone by stoneLearn how to embrace God's sovereignty in every twist and turn of your lifeEnjoy the gift of confident faith, no matter what part of the story you face todayWalk away with your own clear testimony of God’s faithfulness in your life to share with others who need help and faith right nowUnderstand your place in God's family and His mission for your lifeAre you ready to finally see God's hand at work in countless moments that lay behind you—and more than that, trust His heart and see His vision for the moments ahead? Then look up to the Ebenezer stones that God has not only built in your story, but wants to use in mighty, missional ways.“We are called living stones. Because of Christ you are someone’s answer to prayer.”Connect with Alexandra:alexandravhoover.com@alexandravhooverSupport the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Is it possible to face the darkest days of life with hope and joy and purpose? The life of Colleen Chao was bright and beautiful—it was brimming with hope and possibility. She was a talented, confident, and accomplished young woman. So, Colleen never imagined that she’d swim through two decades of deep-water anxiety and depression. She didn’t guess that she’d marry late, suffer years of chronic pain and illness, and give birth to a child with health complications. And never in her life did she imagine hearing the words: “Cancer. Stage four. Terminal.” In the Hands of a Fiercely Tender God is born of the suffering that on its own could have crushed Colleen. Her pain, instead, opened her eyes to eternal realities and has wrought a soul of indestructible joy. How do we suffer long and well? What do we do when we feel cheated? How do we face pressing darkness? One thing Colleen has learned is that we cannot bear the suffering alone. We need lots of help. To that end, Colleen is on the show sharing wisdom, hope, and encouragement for those who are suffering. Join us to embrace one day at a time, to trust and love Jesus more, and put yourself In the Hands of a Fiercely Tender God.“To be a love offering, open yourself to risking love by the power of God's Spirit.”Connect with Colleen:http://www.colleenchao.comSupport the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you tired of the unrelenting pressure to be the best at everything? Scarlet Hiltibidal was too. For Scarlet, attempting to be the best at pretty much everything—whether that be the best wife or the best sub-sandwich maker or the best Christian—was her life story. But in the midst of all her striving and reaching to hit the mark, she somehow still couldn’t grab hold of the joy and freedom and life-change that’s supposed to come with the gospel’s good news. That is, until she realized something revolutionary—instead of the best, she might actually be…the worst. The “chief of sinners.” Poor in spirit and gone astray. In today’s episode, Scarlet tells plenty of stories of her own “worstness” to help you see your own and rejoice in the reality that our goodness and badness aren’t what make God smile at us. If you’re tired of hustling to be the best, take a load off with Scarlet and say the honest and laughable truth along with her: we’re the worst people in the world!“Obey and make it about Jesus.”Connect with Scarlet:https://www.scarlethiltibidal.comSupport the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Overwhelmed. Stressed out. Burnt out. Fried. However we name it, all of us know what it feels like to deal with circumstances and worries that drag us down and wear us out. Many of us experience persistent anxiety. Peace can be hard to find.But it is in the middle of our stress and fear that God extends his unshakable peace to us.In today’s episode, Ann Swindell shares how the biblical stories of eight women and men helped her realize that what she needed most in her own journey wasn't a stable job or healthy kids or good friends--it was God's peace. Join us to:· Experience God's peace in your daily life· Respond to challenges with faith rather than fear· Find hope in God's goodness and faithfulness toward youThe good news is that even if our situations don't change, we can still experience Christ's peace in our daily lives. The Path to Peace is for everyone who longs to experience a soul at rest.“You have to first find your sense of security and your belovedness through Christ. How can we be His presence to those who are desperate for His peace?”Connect with Ann:https://www.annswindell.comSupport the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.