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Tuesday Dec 10, 2019
Tuesday Dec 10, 2019
Top Ten from 2018: #4 Reflecting Jesus in Our Relationships with Blogger and Speaker, Rach Kincaid
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Rachael Kincaid is married to Chris and the mother to six children in her blended family. Additionally, she serves at church, coaches clients, and works as a hospice nurse, blogger, and speaker. She uses the internet to share her faith and encourage women.
Connect with Rach on all the social media platforms: @rachkincaid
Thank You to Our Sponsor: Chick-fil-A East Peoria
Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website
Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!
Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)
Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”
Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession- to the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“
Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“
Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Monday Dec 09, 2019
Monday Dec 09, 2019
*DISCLAIMER* This episode is intended for adults.
Top Ten from 2018: #5 Easy Changes to Enhance Your Sexual Intimacy in Marriage with Christian Sex Therapists, Dr. Clifford and Joyce Penner.
Philippians 2:1-11 “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
Dr. Clifford and Joyce Penner are best known for their pioneer work in encouraging people of all faiths to connect their sexuality with their belief system ─ helping them embrace sex as good and of God. Dr. Clifford is a licensed clinical psychologist and Joyce is a registered nurse and clinical nurse specialist. They are highly respected authors and speakers, in addition to being parents and grandparents.
Dr. Clifford and Joyce Penner’s Website
Books by Dr. Clifford and Joyce Penner:
Enjoy! The Gift of Sexual Pleasure for Women
The Married Guy's Guide to Great Sex
The Gift of Sex: A Guide to Sexual Fulfillment
Sex FAQ We Didn’t Have Time to Cover Today
Thank You to Our Sponsor: Chick-fil-A East Peoria
Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website
Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!
Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)
Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”
Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession- to the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“
Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“
Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Friday Dec 06, 2019
Friday Dec 06, 2019
Top Ten from 2018: #6 Finding Your Purpose as a Mom with Courtney DeFeo, Founder of Lil Light O’ Mine and Author of In This House We Will Giggle
2 Peter 1:5 (ESV)“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,"
Courtney DeFeo left her corporate career to work as a mom, homemaker, and business owner. She published a book In This House, We Will Giggle, among many other initiatives, such as speaking, podcasting, and running her business called “Lil Light O’ Mine”. Courtney is now living in Dallas, TX with her husband Ron and their two wildly creative and sweet girls.
At The Savvy Sauce, we will only recommend resources we believe in! We want you to be aware: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Leading Girls Podcast (Now called Treasured)
Jeannie Cunnion Mom Set Free Book
Jeannie Cunnion Mom Set Free Bible Study
Thank You to Our Sponsor: Chick-fil-A East Peoria
Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website
Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!
Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”
Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession- to the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“
Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“
Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Thursday Dec 05, 2019
Thursday Dec 05, 2019
*DISCLAIMER* This episode is intended for adults
Top Ten from 2018: # 7 Ways To Deepen Your Intimacy In Marriage With Certified Sex Therapist and Author, Dr. Douglas Rosenau
1 Corinthians 13:4-8(a) NIV “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
Dr. Douglas Rosenau has truly been a pioneer in Christian sex therapy. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified sex therapist, author, speaker, adjunct professor, and co-founder of Sexual Wholeness. His training in both theology and counseling helps couples enrich and reclaim God’s wonderful gift of sexual intimacy.
At The Savvy Sauce, we will only recommend resources we believe in! We also want you to be aware: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Books by Dr. Doug with various co-authors:
Celebration of Sex for Newlyweds
Secrets of Eve by Dr. Archibald Hart, Catherine Hart Weber, and Debra Taylor
Thank You to Our Sponsor: Chick-fil-A East Peoria
Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website
Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!
Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)
Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”
Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession- to the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“
Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“
Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Wednesday Dec 04, 2019
Wednesday Dec 04, 2019
*DISCLAIMER* This episode contains thematic material
Top Ten from 2018: #8 Joy in the Lord Through Tremendous Loss…Twice With Rachel Faulkner Brown
Genesis 50:20 + 21 NIV “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them."
Rachel Faulkner Brown is passionate about many things but one drives her more than any other…..to inspire a generation to live beyond their current circumstance and bring heaven to earth through healing and freedom. With two husbands in heaven and one here, Rachel has walked a road most will never wander and she inspires joy and hope everywhere she teaches and shares her story. Rachel is a teacher and storyteller marked by vulnerability, passion, and humor. One minute you are crying and the next minute laughing at the crazy things she has experienced in her years as a twice widowed woman trying to meet her third Mr. Right. She is committed to women encountering the person of Jesus everywhere she goes and knows that the Holy Spirit goes before her and behind her in every situation. On Rachel’s healing journey, she and several friends birthed a ministry called Be Still which Rachel still stewards from Atlanta today. It is a ministry where women gather to experience rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ through worship, testimony, and the power of prayer. Rachel also travels as a national speaker for Folds of Honor Foundation representing Gold Star families. Rachel and her husband, Rod, love opening their home and entertaining together when he is not on the road with his job as a Strategic Consultant for Northpoint Community Church
At The Savvy Sauce, we will only recommend resources we believe in! We want you to be aware: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Connect with Rachel on Instagram @rachelfaulknerbrown or @bestillministries
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scarzzero
Sissy Goff and David Thomas at Daystar Counseling
“Give Me Jesus” by Fernando Ortega
“You Make Beautiful Things” by Gungor
Thank You to Our Sponsor: Chick-fil-A East Peoria
Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website
Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!
Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)
Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”
Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession- to the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“
Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“
Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Tuesday Dec 03, 2019
Tuesday Dec 03, 2019
*DISCLAIMER* This episode is intended for adults
Top Ten from 2018: #9 10 Common Questions About Sex, Shared Through a Biblical Worldview with Certified Sex Therapist and Pastor, Dr. Michael Sytsma
Hebrews 13:4(a) NIV “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure,”
Dr. Michael Sytsma is a certified sex therapist, ordained minister, and co-founder of sexual wholeness. Dr. Mike has been working with couples in a variety of capacities since 1987. He currently works with Building Intimate Marriages in Atlanta, GA as he meets with clients, teaches, and speaks at various conferences. He and Karen have been married since 1985 and have two sons, Josiah and Caleb.
Recommended author on positive sentiment override: John Gottman
Thank You to Our Sponsor: Chick-fil-A East Peoria
Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website
Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!
Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)
Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”
Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession- to the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“
Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“
Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Monday Dec 02, 2019
Monday Dec 02, 2019
Top Ten from 2018: 10. Being intentional with our health, finances, and relationships with business leader, writer, and speaker, Elizabeth Dixon
Proverbs 11:25 NIV “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
*Update Since Initial Release* Elizabeth Dixon is currently the Principal Leader of Service & Hospitality Strategy at Corporate Chick-fil-A Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia. Elizabeth previously started the Chick-fil-A Wellness Program, has started several small businesses and travels across the world as a gifted writer and speaker. She is a devoted wife to John and mother of two young children. She is savvy in countless ways, she is intentional, and she desires to help others excel in their life’s purpose!
At The Savvy Sauce, we will only recommend resources we believe in! We also want you to be aware: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.comand affiliated sites.
Connect with Elizabeth on Social Media Here!
Zack Williams Old Church Choir
Thank You to Our Sponsor: Chick-fil-A East Peoria
Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website
Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!
Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)
Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”
Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession- to the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“
Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“
Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Monday Nov 25, 2019
Monday Nov 25, 2019
Ideas for Spreading Generosity with Courtney DeFeo
Deuteronomy 5:32-33 (NIV) “So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.”
Courtney DeFeo left her corporate career to work as a mom, homemaker, and business owner. She published a book “In This House, We Will Giggle” among many other initiatives, such as speaking, podcasting, and running her business called “Lil Light O’ Mine.” Courtney is now living in Dallas, TX with her husband Ron and their two wildly creative and sweet girls.
At The Savvy Sauce, we will only recommend resources we believe in! We also want you to be aware: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Courtney’s Blog Post about Questions About Heritage of Faith
Courtney’s ABC Scripture Cards
Courtney’s Virtue Memory Cards
Thank You to Our Sponsor: Chick-fil-A East Peoria
Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website
Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!
Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)
Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”
Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession- to the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“
Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“
Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Monday Nov 18, 2019
Monday Nov 18, 2019
83. Miracles of God with Founder of Midwest Food Bank, David Kieser
**Transcription Below**
Proverbs 19:17 (ESV) “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.”
David Kieser was raised in central Illinois and has been the President of Bloomingdale Farms for 30 years. He is active in his church, having served as trustee, junior high and high school Bible class teacher. David founded Midwest Food Bank in 2003, distributing donated food from the family farm with his brothers. He is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of MFT. Married to Wilma for 42 years, David has six married children and 24 grandchildren.
Thank You to Our Sponsor: Sam Leman Eureka
For more information on volunteer needs or ways to get involved, please visit Midwest Food Bank
Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website
Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!
Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)
Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”
Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession- to the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“
Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“
Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
**Transcription**
[00:00:00] <music>
Laura Dugger: Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.
[00:00:17] <music>
Laura Dugger: The principles of honesty and integrity that Sam Leman founded his business on continue today over 55 years later at Sam Leman Chevrolet Buick in Eureka. Owned and operated by the Bertschi Family, Sam Leman in Eureka appreciates the support they've received from their customers all over Central Illinois and beyond. Visit them today at Lemangm.com.
David Kieser is my guest today, and he is the founder and president of Midwest Food Bank, which is a faith-based organization. Their mission is to share the love of Christ by alleviating hunger and malnutrition locally and throughout the world, and providing disaster relief, all without discrimination.
David's going to share story after story today of God's leading faithfulness and miracles, and I pray that it stretches our faith through listening and inspires all of us to action. [00:01:21]
Here's our chat.
Welcome to the Savvy Sauce, David.
David Kieser: Thank you for having me, Laura. Appreciate being here.
Laura Dugger: So glad to have you join us. Will you just start us off by telling us a little bit about yourself?
David Kieser: Yeah. Married to my wife, Wilma, for 43 years. We have six children together and 24 grandchildren. Basically, my career growing up was farming, so I have a background in farming, but God changed that in 2005 when I got more involved with the Food Bank. That's basically where we've been.
Laura Dugger: Well, there's so many incredible parts to that story. 24 grandkids, that's pretty impressive.
David Kieser: It is.
Laura Dugger: But for a long time, you've had a heart to feed the hungry. So, where did that heart to feed the hungry come from?
David Kieser: I have to give my parents credit, I guess, for the start of that. My mom and dad were generous people. I can remember a time back when I was about seven years old, we moved from Mackinac, Illinois to Bloomington, Illinois in 1961. And I can remember a year or two after we moved over there, my mother was bringing too many groceries home. She would put the groceries away that she had bought for our family, and then she would load some extra groceries in this little red wagon and she'd ask me to take it down the road and up this dirt lane and share them with the neighbor there. [00:02:44]
What it was, mom wasn't buying too many groceries, but we had a neighbor that had eight children. It was nine of us and eight of them. And mom and dad seeing that they had a need, and so they just simply filled that need. Maybe more by their actions and by their telling us was probably what I learned early on in life.
Then as time went on, the Food Bank original start in 2003, which is 16 years ago, we've seen a little article in a Pantograph, which is our local paper, and they were asking for help. There was 10 non-profit agencies asking for help to keep their pantry shelves with food so they could feed families that were in need.
So we responded to that article, never intended for it to go any more than that, and here we are 16 years later with a God that's bigger than the whole universe doing things through people that are pretty small. But He has blessed that effort very much.
Laura Dugger: I can't wait to unpack it more and hear all of these incredible stories. But just to catch listeners up, you and my dad go way back. Listeners may remember my dad from Episode 27, which aired about a year ago. [00:03:51] But my dad is on the board of directors for Midwest Food Bank. I heard from him, you started on your farm and that your first expansion came about because of Hurricane Katrina. So can you tell us more about that?
David Kieser: Yes. That was an interesting endeavor, I guess I'll say. We were doing well at the farm, serving our local agencies. 2005 is when Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. And by now we had probably 60 or 70 agencies coming to the farm to pick up locally.
The reason we responded to the Katrina need was on TV we've seen 1-800 Red Cross, 1-800 cell arm, please help. And it was enough times on the TV that you could tell this was something unusual. At that point, I didn't know and most of us didn't know that that was the biggest natural disaster the United States had ever had. Over 1,800 people were killed and thousands and thousands were displaced. [00:04:51]
So we decided as a board that we could take a semi-load of food down. And so we loaded up a semi-load. We had a reefer trailer, refrigerated trailer. My wife and I headed down to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. But prior to getting to Hattiesburg, I pulled off at a gas station just to try to get a landline call made because the cell towers were down.
When I pulled into this gas station, I told my wife, something didn't seem right. I said, it just seems like there's cars sitting all over the gas station, but there's nobody at the pump. So, when I got out of the truck to go into the gas station, people started getting out of their cars and walking towards our semi.
What I didn't realize was these were people that had actually evacuated and they had driven this far. We were probably at least four hours away from the coast yet. But they were sitting in a parking lot with their cars out of gas and the gas station out of gas so they could go nowhere. The only transportation they had was their legs. [00:05:50]
Two ladies walked over to me at first and they sighed when they put their arms around me. And I could tell it was a sigh of distress. And they said, "Are you here to help us?" And I said, "I'm here to help whatever I can. This was not my final destination, but what do you need?" And they just explained to me that they had gotten stranded there without gas.
So I opened the back of the semi. It was a reefer trailer. And many of the people in the cars, in fact, all of the people in the vehicle started coming over behind the truck. And they were just trying to cool themselves with the air that was coming out of the back of the truck and then getting water and some food that we had.
I just realized at that moment that there was something bigger ahead of us because what happened at that moment was what reminded me of my dad driving a tractor with a hay rack on a snowy day in a pasture and I'd be kicking off hay to the cows. They'd come to the hay because that was the only source of food they had or drink. It made me realize that these people were in desperate need.
So, after giving them everything they needed at the time, we closed up our doors, we made our call, and headed into Hattiesburg, only to be more persuaded by God's Spirit that there was more work to do. [00:07:00] There was more people hurting much worse than the ones we'd already seen.
And so, we unloaded that first load. It was late at night. Planned on going back and starting to farm. I had no idea what was ahead of us. But when I was there unloading that load at the Salvation Army in Hattiesburg, I'd seen people getting out of 15-passenger vans crying, holding a pillow or some item that they brought with them. That's all they had. That's all they had saved or got to keep from the storm.
When we got done with the load, the Salvation Army brothers that were standing around this generator, it was a generator with a light there about 12 chairs and the majors and the captains were talking about the next day and this was pitch dark at night. So I stayed there with them for a little bit with my wife and then I told them I needed to get to the truck so I could go home and start farming. They said, "Well, let's pray together." So we prayed together.
And as I left that circle, one of the men followed me and he said, "David, we want you to bring back 10 more similar loads of food." And I said, "I will," without even hesitating, with the knowledge that we didn't even have 10 loads of food in our warehouse. [00:08:07]
That was an experience that I think was the beginning of an exit for myself as far as our farming operation, our family operation, and the future of Midwest Food Bank. I look back now and I see how God started to take me away from the farming and really to start to build on that.
But I want to just share a couple more stories or at least one more story on the third semi-load that we took to Biloxi. So we went home with that first one, reloaded, went back. Third one, they asked us to go into Biloxi. So that was right where all the damage had been done.
And I was about two or three miles maybe from getting there and I didn't know exactly because I'd road signs were down and you have much to go by. But there was a state trooper there. And I stopped to ask him, I said, "How much further do we have to go?" And he said, "Your nose will tell you." Again, impacting memory that I've got.
And he was right. When we got to Biloxi, it was a very sad state of affairs. If you would have videoed what we were seeing, you couldn't have got the smell. The stench was horrible. [00:09:10] I pulled up to the first brick building that had actually survived the storm, and there was some reefer trailers backed up to this building, refrigerated trailers.
I assumed that that's where the Salvation Army wanted me to go, and so I walked over to some state troopers that were standing there, asked them if that was the right place, and they were very sober. And they replied to me, "No sir, these trailers have bodies and I'm waiting for identification." So bodies had been picked up, marked where they were picked up at, and they were put in the refrigeration. So again, a very stark, impacting comment and reality.
They told me where the place was to unload the food. So we drove a few blocks to the south and a few blocks to the east, and there was a parking lot that had been cleared off. There was no warehouse. There was a man standing, a pastor on top of four pallets, so he was above the crowd that was waiting for help, told us where to pull into.
I observed the line of people waiting for help that morning. It was a Sunday morning, and the line of people waiting was seven city blocks long, four people wide. And it was in the morning, but it was still very, very humid and very hot. [00:10:15] And these people were just waiting for help.
So again, it's just... Anybody that would have been in our situation would have responded similar. And that is to try to help these folks that were hurting so bad.
Laura Dugger: Wow. Those stories are incredible. And even so backing it up, you said yes to 10 more loads of food knowing you didn't have that much food to bring. It sounds like God did provide. Is that right?
David Kieser: That's correct. You just make me think of another story. And that was on Labor Day weekend. So we were coming home, I'm thinking it was maybe the fourth or fifth load that we were coming back from, and my wife had three cell phones because the towers were so scarce that we tried to get different phones so we could get different communications at different parts of the trip down and back.
And I remember it was 11 o'clock at night and one of the phones rang and she answered it. On this trip back I was wondering where the next loads were going to come from. [00:11:13] But on that particular night, God chose to have somebody call me from Morton, Illinois. He was sharing with me that after church that Sunday, they had actually asked this congregation that was interested in helping Midwest Food Bank help those in Katrina they should stay after church and they would have a meeting.
So they met in a Sunday school room. He said there was over 100 people that stayed. They made out a plan that on Monday, Labor Day, they would try to gather up as much food as they could and take it to a warehouse here in Morton. They would shrink-wrap it, pelletize it, shrink-wrap it, and have it ready for the Food Bank over in Bloomington.
This was Sunday night, not Monday night, that he called me and he said they had already had over two semi-loads of food gathered up and they were taking it to the warehouse. And it just struck me when I hung up. I was so taken back. I was so humbled by that, that God would say to me, "David, your job is to drive the truck. I'll take care of the other things that you can't take care of." [00:12:14]
It had to be things like that to keep us involved and keep us tracking in the right direction. Because I couldn't at this point walk away from this situation and think about farming back in Illinois when so many things were happening and God was just opening doors and sharing His presence with us because He knew we needed it. He knew that we were too weak to know what the future held So it's stories like that that I just have to say that gave us the courage to keep moving forward.
Laura Dugger: Speaking of the farm, how did you make that decision to move from the farm into town?
David Kieser: Well, that's interesting. When we started in the first two-car garage, that was not a big decision. That was a decision, but our family could make that fairly easily. Then when we outgrew the first location or the first building, we moved into a second warehouse on our farm. And that wasn't too bad. We took our machinery out of the warehouse, parked it in God's warehouse outside, poured a concrete floor, put heat in the floor, and we put air conditioning in the building, so it was a temperature-controlled warehouse. [00:13:16]
And we thought that would work forever, but it didn't. In 2005, I think we were up to maybe 75 agencies, and now we're doing work disaster relief that we could tell by now that that was going to be significant. It was not going to just be a couple weeks.
So we've been praying about looking and about moving. Found a building in Bloomington, but it was $1.2 million. We had never raised funds like that before. We had never been exposed to that type of situation. So I felt like it was very needful to try to help the people that we were serving better.
So the people that were coming to our farm to pick up food to agencies, they were waiting four hours in line to get service. And I just felt like if we were a for-profit company, we would not make our customers wait that long. So we should try to address that. But still it was a struggle because of the funds that it took to move.
I remember one loadout day I went to every vehicle that came to pick up food and asked them if they'd pray for us that we could make the right decision. [00:14:21] I just knew that they were part of us and that God could work through them as well as us and together maybe we could find an answer of going for sure or not.
And I'll never forget when I came upon this old rusty conversion van from Decatur, Illinois, and a single lady sitting inside in the driver's seat, and I started to ask her if she would pray for us so we'd know if we should go or if we shouldn't. And without hesitation, just like the snap of a finger she said to me, "David, he owns the cattle in a thousand hills. Go, trust Him."
That was so impacting to me. I'll never forget it. She could have took the door of her van and opened it and hit me in the stomach and it wouldn't have been as much of an impact as what she told me. There was a lady that had nothing, nothing, and she was coming to Midwest Food Bank with a vehicle that was barely roadworthy to pick up food for people that had nothing. And I just felt like God had such a tremendous, powerful way to say, "David, and the rest of you, go forward. I've just told you through this lady." And it did. It made the decision for us. [00:15:21]
That night, the board had a discussion. I recommended that we follow going forward, and God blessed that. It didn't take very long at all, and we had over $600,000 pledged to the warehouse if we would buy it. Again I'll never forget that verse Psalm 50:10, like I said, He owns a cattle... He owns everything. And if it's all His, then all we're doing is just trying to use it for His glory.
Laura Dugger: That is so incredible. And it just sounds like God was already working and moving in these ways and you were just able to join in to what He was already doing. And He provided the right people at the right time. So I'm just going to let you continue with these amazing stories that really only God could have orchestrated. Are there any others that come to mind?
David Kieser: Well, there's definitely others. I'll share a couple more. One significant one was later on, now this is around Thanksgiving time when we're still hauling back and forth. I should just mention maybe before we're too far along here, that the 10 loads that they requested were taken down and delivered. [00:16:29] But we didn't feel like that was the end of our commitment or our journey.
So as we continued to serve, it took about a year and a half, and they were still asking for food. But during that year and a half, we ended up taking down 160 plus semi-loads of food and supplies. So God is so much bigger, so much bigger. And out of a terrible disaster, He still showed Himself so amazingly through the things that He did to help us do that.
One of the drivers from one of the loads that went down was Todd Feller. He lived in Valparaiso, Indiana. Again, such an inspiration to me to see how people would just pitch in and help. He drove three and a half hours from Valparaiso or four to come over to Bloomington to get in the truck to take it down and bring it back and then go back home again. So a committed driver. He was in his late 60s, maybe early 70s.
I can remember it was on a Saturday, He had taken the load down to Biloxi and unloaded it to the warehouse, and he was asked if he could bring a load back. [00:17:29] Why would you bring a load back if you were hauling food down? The reason why was because some of these companies now were donating semi-loads of canned fruit, semi-loads of beans, or semi-loads of canned vegetables. They weren't ready in boxes of a variety of things. They were just full semi-loads of one product.
We needed those in Bloomington to build our boxes. So what the Salvation Army asked was, would you please take these back with you, backhaul them to Bloomington, use them in your supplies, and bring them back when they're in the right arrangements in the boxes for the families? And that would be something we definitely wanted to do. Had plenty of volunteers wanting to do it.
So Todd said yes. They loaded him up with the load. And Todd was a very experienced driver. He weighed himself at a CAT scale. It's a place where you can weigh your truck for a couple dollars, you can pay to get your scale weight. And he noticed that he was overweight. He was over 80,000 pounds. In fact, he was about 84,000 pounds. [00:18:25]
Well, at that time, this disaster was so bad that the federal government had lifted the 80,000-pound weight limit for disaster loads to 100,000. So they waived the 80,000 and you could legally take 100,000 if you were doing disaster relief. That was helpful because you didn't have to worry about being a little bit overweight and getting a ticket.
So when he was overweight, but he was coming back, he was concerned. So he called me to ask me if he should bring it back or not. And I told him, yes, because it's disaster relief, they'll recognize that the same as if we would be going the other way. That evening, I got a phone call, and he was sitting in Tennessee at a weigh station, and they would not let him go through. And I was surprised at that.
I asked him while he was talking on his phone if he could let me talk to the scale master, and the scale master said, "I can't talk on that phone. I'm not allowed to do that." So I ended up having to call him back at the weigh station to talk to the scale master. [00:19:26]
And I tried to explain to him that we were hauling disaster relief both ways. And he said, "Well, that's fine, sir. I appreciate you doing that." But he said, "We just found out that they've lifted the waiver and we're back to 80,000 pounds." Well, at that point I knew we were wrong because if they had lifted the waiver and I didn't know it or we didn't know it, then it was our fault.
So now my next challenge was how are we going to get 4,000 pounds off a Todd Feller semi-sitting at a weigh station Saturday night. It seemed like a horrible situation. But a lot of times when those situations present themselves, you go to prayer and ask God to give you an answer or help us through it.
And it was interesting because I thought maybe I'd find a record service to come out there and just take the extra food. I could pay him to take it. But the Waymaster would not give me the name of a record service. He said, "We cannot do that because that's preferential treatment."
I was finally able to convince him to at least give me a number. [00:20:27] I called the first guy and he said, "I'm busy right now, I can't do it. Here's my buddy's phone number." So I called him, he said, "I'm kind of busy too." So he said, "Why don't you call the 8th Street Mission?" And I said, "Hey, I'd love to.” Got a number, and he said, Yeah.
So, he gave me a phone number to the 8th Street Mission. I called them. Again, this was Saturday evening. I told them the dilemma that we were in, and the guy seemed pretty surprised and pretty excited. He said, "Just wait a few minutes." He said," Our pastor will call you right back." He said, "We're just finishing up our service here tonight."
So, waited a few minutes, the pastor called me back. He said, "David, the night in our mission here, our whole evening was around encouraging each other to try to double our can drive before Thanksgiving." And he said, "We've got 3,000 pounds of canned food, and we were hoping to get up to 6,000. Well, we had 4,000, plus there are 3,000, we'll give him 7,000."
And he said he knew where the scale was, he would get some pickup trucks and he'd go out there with his men. [00:21:29] It turned out to be a very, very blessed night. And who knew that morning when we were loading and overloading the truck, coming to Tennessee and finding out we're overloaded, thinking that we had a dilemma, all of that was answered prayer. God had somebody in Tennessee that needed food and we were able to let the people at the mission see how God works through prayer, His faithfulness when we trust Him.
So it was just another one of those situations that you can't hardly I don't want to say believe that it happens, because you have to believe everything that God does. He can do anything. But it was amazing to see how God unraveled that whole situation. Todd Feller ended up getting pizza for all the guys that came out there. They had a little party after they got done. It turned out to be just a blessed story and a blessed situation.
Laura Dugger: That's just another miracle of God working. I just love hearing how he personally met all of these needs and these prayer requests. [00:22:30]
And now a brief message from our sponsor.
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Laura Dugger: Are there any other stories that you can think of?
David Kieser: Well, I guess I would say that there's been times when we were expanding the Food Bank so that we would find out that somebody wanted to have a food bank. Maybe I'll use Indianapolis as a reference. There was some businessmen that came over to Bloomington and they'd seen what we were doing and wanted to know if we could maybe have one in Indianapolis.
Again, looking back, the decisions look like they should have been easy to make. But when you're at the moment in time, when you make a decision and you're looking forward, I'm the kind of guy that really needs to have God tell me directly, yes, do it or not do it. [00:24:34] Kind of like the lady in the van, that kind of experience.
So, we had had a couple meetings with the Indianapolis team and even had someone from Indianapolis that was willing to donate a building, which was a huge part of expansion. Still, we weren't quite sure if we should move ahead and grow that much or if we shouldn't.
I remember the last meeting we had with this group was on a Wednesday and the following Saturday I was working at the food bank in Bloomington when the front door opened up and somebody walked in. It was Jim Gapinski, one of the men from Indianapolis with his wife. And I was like, "Why would you drive two and a half hours without calling? I'm not even usually here on a Saturday." And he said, "Well, I just wanted my wife Rose to see what I've been seeing and feel what I've been feeling about the food bank. So we just drove over mostly to look through the windows and just let her see the place from the outside."
I said, "Well, that's great." I said, "Well, if you're here, I'll be glad to give you a tour." So I gave him and his wife a tour. [00:25:35] Got back out to the front door about 40 minutes later. We knew we were still struggling with whether or not we're going to Indy. But they started leaving, they went through the double doors, and I started going back to my office and I noticed he turned and came back in. And he said, "David, we didn't pray." I said, "You know what, you're right, Jim. We always pray when we're together, making decisions like this."
So the three of us held hands. I asked Jim to pray. And during his prayer, he said, "God, you know this is something that we want to do, but we want to make sure that it's with your blessing." He said, "Help us to trust you. You own the cattle on a thousand hills." I immediately broke down. Broke down meaning I started bawling. I just was so touched that God would be so faithful that at that moment in time on a Saturday night when I wasn't supposed to be there, they came in and they left. They already went through the double doors, went and prayed. They came back in and God was still able to reveal Himself and say, "Move ahead. I'm blessing your efforts." [00:26:36] Because he quoted the same scripture, Psalm 50:10, and he had no idea that's what we moved to Bloomington on.
When I got done praying, he asked me what was wrong, and I said, "You can go back and tell your people we're coming to Indianapolis because this is a sign that I have to take seriously, we all have to take seriously, that God wants us to trust Him." So here we are, quite a few warehouses later, and Indianapolis is doing great. So thankfully that God is so faithful to us during those times.
Laura Dugger: Wow, praise God for that and that his scripture is living, it's alive, and that He used it two different times, that same passage to speak two different next steps to you. I'm vaguely remembering some more scripture that was really impactful that had to do with a story in Africa.
David Kieser: As we expanded, Africa became a target point. It pulled on us, it tugged on us enough that Denny Mott, Ralph Endress, and a few others of us went over there and we started an operation over there. [00:27:43] Sometime later, after we got started over there and we were operating over there, we had a flight that Denny Mott and Ralph was on that went from Chicago to London and London to Nairobi. And each of those legs are about nine hours. So if you're visiting with somebody, you have a chance to share some things back and forth.
Well, it turns out that Denny Mott was sitting next to Mildred, a lady that came from Africa, got her schooling here in the States, had a burden on her heart to go back and help her people. And Mildred was sharing with Denny that she was starting a crocodile farm in Malindi, which is not too far out in Nairobi. She was only going to use the skins of these crocodiles, in fact just the soft belly skin.
And so as they talked back and forth, she was using these soft belly skins of the crocodiles to make luxury handbags for ladies. When I say luxury, I mean this was real luxury. It was $25,000 to $75,000 per bag. But she did not have a need for the meat. [00:28:47]
Well one of the things we need the most, or very badly in those kind of places, Africa, Haiti, is protein. And crocodile meat would be a great protein. So when she was listening to Denny what we do, and she said, "I will donate the crocodile carcasses to Midwest Food Bank.
They ended up visiting enough that we had another meeting after that. It got to the point where we both felt comfortable moving ahead with this. So we ended up building a crocodile processing facility in Malindi on the crocodile farm. And what's so incredible is there's hundreds of thousands of children that are living in the slums in Nairobi and around in that area. And there's millions of crocodiles in the Nile and the tributaries of the Nile River. And to see that God would bring those two things together for the sake of those suffering kids, that they can have something that would help them learn because a child needs a protein from conception to about eight years is when the brain is developing. And if they don't get enough protein, their body starves the brain and they become mentally stunted and then physically stunted. [00:29:57] So this has just been an amazing, amazing possibility.
When I grew up, my mom and dad… we lived in a farm. We butchered cows and pigs and chickens and ducks, but never did I think we'd butcher crocodiles. It was interesting to see that that would come into play.
Laura Dugger: And it sounds like that's been such a blessing.
David Kieser: Yeah, it makes me think of the time when I was in Africa, too, that with all these different things happening, we meet a lot of people over there, faithful people, Christian people. I can remember the one time a lady told me she was so thankful that we were coming from another country to help her people, so grateful that we were there.
And she made a comment to me. She said, David, never underestimate the power of the Holy One of Israel. And she paused and looking straight in my eyes she said, "And don't ever touch the glory." And I just thought, "Wow, if we can really truly do that, always give Him the glory for everything He does, then we can live expectantly that great things will continue to happen. [00:31:00] That's what He asked of us to do.
And I have to say, I was recently also reminded of the word faith, F-A-I-T-H. Fantastic Adventure In Trusting Him. And that's really what it turns out to be. It's a fantastic adventure if we can just trust Him when He provides whatever the need is that we try to meet, then give Him the glory and expect something else great to happen.
Those are some times that I have to tell you that over and over, It's these kind of things. I'm telling them as a story now, but they happened in real-time when they were happening. And you need those kind of Ebeneezers to go back and say, God was here, God was here, He was here, and it helps us to build off of that.
Laura Dugger: Absolutely. I think it's encouraging for everyone's faith to have these stories shared.
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And I know that volunteers are a huge part of your operation. So how did you get so many volunteers?
David Kieser: Well, Laura, that's an interesting question and an interesting part of Midwest Food Bank. I remember when we were in our first building in Bloomington. So we moved off the farm and got to Bloomington. And we didn't know how much money we would get, how many volunteers, how much food. It was all a step of faith.
I can remember people asking me, "How can you get so many people coming in here to help, to volunteer?" And I said, I can't get people to come in here to help volunteer. If the Spirit touches their heart to make them want to volunteer, I can't keep them out. [00:33:16]
I really have to say that that's what I've experienced at the Food Bank is. It's an amazing group of people. We have over 100 semi-drivers in Bloomington alone that we're willing to help. And our ratio of volunteers to staff... so for every staff member we have nationwide, we have 700 volunteers. So it's a 1 to 700 ratio.
And I just have to say that recently we were going through the numbers. If the volunteers would not be there, if tomorrow they did not all show-up, we would have to hire approximately 100 plus, maybe 120, full-time staff to take that place of those volunteers.
When you talk about volunteers, I drove in here in Morton at the Food Bank where we're at tonight, and on my way in, out in the yard, in front, the grass area, there's a dedicated gentleman picking up the grass clippings. Now, I'm sure he's got a yard at home too and he's probably taking care of it, but he sees the time and the necessity to keep this grass area in front of the building neat and clean. [00:34:20]
So over and over we are so blessed, so blessed with so many different volunteers. We have volunteers paying the bills in some situations, we have the semi-drivers, we have electricians. It's just God's family is an amazing family. And I have to say, whoever hears this right now, if you're a volunteer, God bless you. God bless you. And if you're not, whether you volunteer at Midwest Food Bank or someplace else, I just would encourage you to consider that.
There's a scripture that I just love it. It's Proverbs 19:17. I didn't even know it existed until about two years ago I ran across it. And it says, He who helps those in need lendeth to the Lord and the Lord will repay. You know, none of us really want to be repaid for volunteerism, for helping somebody else, but what that verse tells me is that Jesus could fix all of what's wrong with the needs of the people by Himself with the snap of a finger, but He chose us to do it. He left that opportunity for us. [00:35:22]
And that He would encourage us by saying, if you help those that are hurting, they're equal to you. God sees them as equals. They're not second-class citizens. If you're willing to help them, then I'm going to bless you back. I just think that's a powerful and encouraging verse. I guess I would just encourage everyone to read that and think about the time you invest for somebody else, how Jesus looks at that.
Laura Dugger: I hope we all can cultivate more of an attitude of generosity. And if listeners do want to get more involved specifically with Midwest Food Bank, what are some needs that they can meet and where can they find out more online?
David Kieser: They can get midwestfoodbank.org at their website. I think that maybe we can share some phone numbers after we're done here. You can put them on the… podcast. But we can use all different types of skill sets. Just like I mentioned about the gentleman that was out in the yard here. [00:36:22]
Everything that it takes to run this business is touched by volunteers in some way, shape, or form. So again, I would just say that if anybody's interested, try to contact the local division that you're close to, and that would be on our website. All the different locations are on the website.
I can tell you of a situation in Bloomington where we have two state farm attorneys, it's a husband and wife, and they have been volunteering since we started on our farm. Once they found out what we were doing, they've stayed in touch and they have become volunteer team leaders. The wife now has taken a position on our board in Bloomington.
I am just so humbled by that, that God would bring people that are so skilled and so qualified and that He has already changed their heart to be a servant of His and He allows them to come to the food bank and take on such great responsibility. [00:37:19]
I guess I just have to say that I would just beg all the listeners to pray that Midwest Food Bank can stay true to its calling and mission so that many more who are food insecure and without hope can be served in the name of Jesus. I just feel like it's so important that we do that.
And it's important that our board and our leadership continues to keep humility as our... humility equals success. If we can stay humble, God will bless it.
Laura Dugger: Absolutely. We will definitely link to that website in the show notes. I appreciate you saying ways that people can serve. It's just such a picture of the body of Christ that we all can bring something unique to the table.
Our listeners know we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge or discernment. And we would love to hear your practical life tips. So as my final question for you today, David, what is your savvy sauce? [00:38:22]
David Kieser: I have to repeat the verse or the comment that the lady made to me in Africa. And that is: never underestimate the power of the Holy One of Israel and never touch the glory. I think that sums it up so well. Then secondly, humility equals success. And I'll finish by saying, and the volunteers that are so faithful by listening to what God is telling them and coming to the food bank and helping, there's prayers going up constantly to God for help. It may be a grandma, it may be an aunt, it's somebody caring for somebody. And when those prayers go up, God sends His Spirit down and touches our heart, and He wants us to respond to that need. So I think together we can joyfully look forward to the opportunity to continue to keep serving until Jesus comes back.
Laura Dugger: David, I just want to sincerely thank you for pausing today and reflecting back on God's goodness. You are a humble leader, and I think God received a lot of glory from your willingness to share all of these stories of Midwest Food Bank. [00:39:27] So thank you for joining us today.
David Kieser: You're welcome. Thank you for having me. I appreciate it.
Laura Dugger: One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term "gospel" before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you. But it starts with the bad news. Every single one of us were born sinners and God is perfect and holy, so He cannot be in the presence of sin. Therefore, we're separated from Him.
This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So for you and for me, it means we deserve death and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved. We need a savior. But God loved us so much, He made a way for His only Son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute.
This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with Him. That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin. [00:40:30] This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus.
We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished if we choose to receive what He has done for us. Romans 10:9 says that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
So would you pray with me now? Heavenly, Father, thank You for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to You. Will You clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare You as Lord of their life? We trust You to work and change their lives now for eternity. In Jesus name, we pray, amen.
If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring Him for me, so me for Him, you get the opportunity to live your life for Him. [00:41:30]
At this podcast, we are called Savvy for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So you're ready to get started?
First, tell someone. Say it out loud. Get a Bible. The first day I made this decision my parents took me to Barnes and Noble to get the Quest NIV Bible and I love it. Start by reading the book of John.
Get connected locally, which basically means just tell someone who is part of the church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.
We want to celebrate with you too. So feel free to leave a comment for us if you made a decision for Christ. We also have show notes included where you can read Scripture that describes this process.
Finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." The heavens are praising with you for your decision today. [00:42:36]
If you've already received this good news, I pray that you have someone else to share it with today. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.
Monday Nov 11, 2019
Monday Nov 11, 2019
82. Traveling With Your Family With Teacher, Wife, and Mother to 4, Katie Mueller
**Transcription Below**
Psalm 92:4 (ESV) “For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.”
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Audiobook: The Ultimate Road Trip: Family Vacation Collection Adventures in Odyssey
Laura’s Favorite Art Supplies For Travel With Kids:
Crayola Color Wonder Mess-Free Paintbrush Pens and Paper
Savita 3-d stickers to use with their own Personal Blank Book
Storage Clipboard stocked with Plain White Paper and Markers and Washi Tape
Melissa & Doug Reusable Puffy Sticker Play Set
Melissa & Doug Color Your Own Stickers
Katie’s Website Suggestions for Travel:
Family Vacation Critic Website
Katie’s Search Suggestions:
“9 Countries where US dollar is strongest”
“Tourist spots to go instead”
“13 Family vacations better than Disney World"
Thank You to Our Sponsor: Peoria Christian School
Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website
Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!
Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)
Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”
Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession- to the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“
Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“
Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
**Transcription**
[00:00:00] <music>
Laura Dugger: Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.
[00:00:17] <music>
Laura Dugger: I want to say thank you to our sponsor, Peoria Christian School. They are raising a generation of 21st-century Christian leaders right here in central Illinois. Visit their website at peoriachristian.org. Thanks for your sponsorship.
Katie Mueller is my guest today. We've known each other our entire lives from growing up in the same small town. Prepare to be inspired to travel with your family after listening to this message, where she's going to vision cast and then problem-solve barriers that stand in the way of us choosing to prioritize memory-making with our families. Here's our chat.
Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Katie.
Katie Mueller: Thanks. I'm so excited to be here.
Laura Dugger: Will you just start us off by telling us a little bit more about yourself?
Katie Mueller: Yeah. I grew up in a family. I had two sisters, and my mom was the travel guide in our house. [00:01:20] She made traveling an experience by always going somewhere new and seeing new parts of the United States and of the world.
And then my dad was... he played the part that was like the good sport who went along with whatever we did. If it was hiking, laying on the beach, he just did a great job of being up for anything. He liked traveling because we liked it.
Then I married about 14 years ago and my husband hadn't traveled as extensively as I had, but I knew how much I loved it as a girl and I really wanted to start making it a priority when we had children. Currently, we have four kids, they're ages 4 to 12, and our vacations are just starting to look a little bit different now that the kids are getting older. We know time goes fast and we can go farther without naps, pack and plays, all that stuff that kind of holds you back a little bit.
Laura Dugger: That's so interesting to hear their ages now. Has traveling always been a priority, like even when they were in diapers and doing nap schedules? Did you and your husband still take them? [00:02:27]
Katie Mueller: We did. I would say the difference was that it wasn't as far. We knew traveling, you know, to the ocean wouldn't matter as much to the kids if you just went to a lake or if you... you know, we knew where we lived in central Illinois. We just kind of drew a circle around where we lived and we just said, You know what, we're just going to maybe go max of three hours. Or we're just going to find a zoo that they haven't been to or a children's museum.
So I think travel is going to look different in the seasons that your kids are. But I don't think kids notice what the ocean looks like versus, you know, a big lake or something like that.
Laura Dugger: That's good to hear because then anybody listening, regardless of what stage their kids are at, this can still be applicable. So what is your personal vision for why it's important to prioritize traveling during all of these stages of life?
Katie Mueller: Well, one of my motivations for traveling with my family is my dad passed away kind of suddenly about 10 years ago. I think when something like that happens, you realize the years aren't guaranteed with your loved ones. [00:03:34] So I've had more of a passion to use those moments to build relationships, be thankful for the people that God has put in my life. It has caused me to go "It's not forever. It's not a guarantee." And make living life a priority.
Laura Dugger: Definitely. That was so tragic when we heard about your dad passing so suddenly. So I'm really thankful for that legacy that he left and all those memories you all had created.
Katie Mueller: So true. One of the questions I think we can ask ourselves is, am I making the most of my time on earth? We all have goals for our families, goals for our relationships, and we have things that we seek and that we spend money on, and that we want for our family.
I find traveling to be a very valuable and worthy experience to include in family life. I think God used traveling with his children. He told Abraham, Move your family from where you're comfortable to an unknown location. He led and He provided for his children of Israel for 40 years in the desert. [00:04:39]
So I think there's an element of faith that can be used when we get out of our self-controlled, comfortable homes and we go out, we trust God through it. I think it's valuable. I also think we are journeying through life. It's a journey that we start maybe when we get married or something.
Our daily lives are just filled with the unexpected ups and downs. I don't think staying home necessarily means we're safe or unexpected is not going to happen. So I think that traveling does create opportunities to have faith, to say, I don't know what's going to happen. I don't know where we're going to stay the night, or I don't know what circumstances are going to happen in our day, but I'm excited for the adventure.
Laura Dugger: Did you ever learn any lessons from traveling that were related to this idea of not really being in control regardless if you're home or you're on a journey?
Katie Mueller: So many. [00:05:39] They are often the most impactful things as I look back. They're the things that sometimes mean the most or I've learned the most. I remember them. One time I was in high school and I think looking back, I had control issues. I thought if I plan for A, then A will happen.
I remember as a young person, one of our first trips that we took on an airplane internationally, my mom had gotten all of us girls ready, and we had packed our bags. I was probably a high schooler. And my dad was in charge of the paper plane tickets. That was his job, to get those in the van.
When we start going in about two hours from our home, he kind of stops and realizes he forgot those plane tickets. So we turn around, get them, get to the airport just in time, and realize we don't have the right birth certificates, not the authorized ones. We ended up spending that night in the Mexico City airport. [00:06:41]
Many people, you know, even myself included, you would think, What a waste. What a disappointment. And there was aspects for sure of that. But then as I look back at that, and I thought, You know what, for some reason, God said this isn't going to happen today and this isn't going to happen how you've planned it. I really took away from that just the ability to say, God, I don't control anything.
I think sometimes the mistakes, the hardships that come, even with travel, give you a character development that can just be a real-life impactful moment for you that's unexpected.
Laura Dugger: Definitely. I've heard you speak before to groups just about encouraging their families to travel. As you're still casting vision, I wanted to highlight one study. You mentioned that there was a study on elderly people, and they were asked to list all of their regrets. Can you pick up what you found from that study?
Katie Mueller: Sure. [00:07:41] One study was done recently that asked elderly people to kind of look back on their life and tell about regrets, things they wish they could tell younger people, you know, that they wish they could have done differently. And number four on their list was not traveling enough.
Sometimes we put off trips till retirement, but then we might not be healthy or our family situation might change. So their advice to people was traveling should take precedence over things that you could spend money on. If you have a choice between a kitchen remodel and a trip, they would have said, Take the trip.
Another British study that I had just also read about was that they said that after a vacation with a family, kids are happier long after the vacation is over. It said that there was more brain development done by building a sandcastle with your child than handing them a tablet.
It even concluded that these bonds that we make with our children on trips, it kind of prepares family for tough times ahead. We're connected. We love each other. We've been through the tough stuff and we're ready for what comes next. [00:08:49] You build this team mentality.
The study even found that it didn't matter how far you went or how long you went. It's just that you went. It made a difference in the kids' lives.
Laura Dugger: That's fascinating that something as enjoyable as traveling together as a family that that's actually increasing the resilience of the family.
Katie Mueller: Totally.
Laura Dugger: Just going back to what you said at the beginning, I'm still stuck on that. I love how you highlighted that God used traveling for His own children. It's such a valuable experience, but it seemed like He really knew that was good for them.
Katie Mueller: I think that's true. I think sometimes things are hard. We know that with our children, you know, it doesn't mean that this road is going to be easy. I think He knew that. But He knew it was valuable. Valuable for their character, for their heart.
I think I look at travel the same way. I look at it as a valuable experience for your kid's heart, for your heart. You know, as a mom, I have been there when I'm like this, whether it's the weather, or, this car trip isn't quite going how I wished. [00:09:53] Maybe we had left in the middle of the night and we were planning that the kids would sleep — this has happened — and they didn't. And they're wide awake. And it's 2 in the morning.
And I've had those moments where I'm like, This is just not going how I want. But I've learned through it. And I think travel provides those chances to learn.
Laura Dugger: So many lessons. Can you take us back and let's just first define what travel is and then maybe share about three different trips per year that you believe should take priority?
Katie Mueller: Sure. I'm going to be really general, and I'm going to say just traveling is leaving your house. I'm going to say it could be from one day. I think those short trips are still considered traveling. And you can go up to however long you want to go.
Another thing I want to relieve pressure is it really doesn't matter how far you go. We've traveled with our family for 20 minutes away. And if you have little kids, maybe it's just a hotel stay in a different town. [00:10:55] It just means you're leaving your home to stay somewhere different.
The only thing that I would say about traveling is that you have to return. You can't keep going or you can't stay away forever. You have to come back to your home.
Laura Dugger: I love it. That's a great broad description. And so what are those three trips per year that you believe should take priority?
Katie Mueller: In my opinion, we can take all different kinds of trips, but I think there's three trips that should take a priority when you're scheduling your year and you're planning for your family. One of the first trips I think should be a priority is traveling with your core family. I know some families love to go with grandma and grandpa or cousins. But really make sure that one time in your year you're traveling with just you, your spouse, and your kiddos and really making those connections as a core family.
Another trip that I would say is travel with your spouse. I think that should be a yearly thing that just you and your spouse are getting away, making those connections too apart from the kids, and enjoying your friendship and your love that you have for each other. [00:12:04]
Then I would even say a third one is traveling with other women or your husband wants to go away with other men. I think it's nice to get away with people who can relate to you and who are sharing and going through the same things as you. So whether it's your mom and your sister or your best friends. I think that's a priority trip that is a connection that is so different than your kids or your spouse, but is important to keep yourself from being depressed or keep yourself from being run down.
Laura Dugger: Yeah. And it's always nice to have something to look forward to.
Katie Mueller: Definitely.
Laura Dugger: Now, on the other side, what do you think are some obstacles to traveling?
Katie Mueller: So bottom line, I think we make time for what's important to us. There are always going to be hard things about travel. There's going to be maybe a language barrier. There are going to be hard things to overcome. But it's our choice whether we make these to be the deal breakers or something to pray and plan for. [00:13:07]
I think one obstacle is money. Some people say, "I can't. It's just too expensive." I think that we can plan for the expense of travel. One thing that we do is we don't eat out as much. Maybe we stay in a condo that has a kitchen and we grill or we buy our food at the store and just make it kind of at the condo so that we're not spending money that way.
Another way to save money is just to walk. If you're in a city, walk to those locations. It saves you travel costs. You could kind of pick your splurge. If you're going to stay somewhere fun, then maybe you're not going to eat out on that trip. Or if you're going to camp, then maybe you don't want to worry about food and you're going to say, Let's go out to eat.
But I think as your year goes on, you're going to want to make this a team effort. Even recently, my kids came to me and they're like, "Mom, there's a book fair at the school. We want to buy books." And I just reminded them, "We can get books from the library. We have lots of books on our bookshelves. Maybe we're not going to get books this year so that we can use that money and save it to the trip." [00:14:18]
So keep your kids' vision for that trip. "We're not going to go out to eat tonight because we're going to put that $20, $30 and we're going to put that toward we get to go somewhere as a family."
Laura Dugger: That's great to loop them in on the process. Did you do that starting at a certain age or was that always just a natural conversation to keep your kids included on that process?
Katie Mueller: You know what, that's something I would say I've just started. When they've started to understand, you know, the need and the want, they're starting to say, "Well, I really want this." I will remind them, "Yeah, there are a lot of things that we want. But as a parent, my job is to point them to what I think is the most valuable."
So there's lots of things I could buy them or lots of things they could purchase, but I want to point them to, I think, this time that we spend together is going to be more worthwhile than that book that you read one time and put on a bookshelf or whatever.
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Laura Dugger: Are there any other obstacles that we need to overcome to travel more?
Katie Mueller: I think childcare can be tricky. You know, if you're gonna go out with the girls or you're going to travel with your spouse, you know, who's going to take care of the kids? I know sometimes we think, as moms, I don't think anyone's going to do it just like I did. I think that we have to... Again, preparing them for the future we have to let go. We have to go, You know what, this is going to be good for them when they realize that mom or dad aren't going to be there all the time. You know, find creative ways to trade with friends, to trade with family.
I know of a couple that they trade babysitting and then they get to go on a trip that year and then the next year it's their job to babysit. So what a great way to say, I'm going to travel, and yet I'm going to also help my friends travel and be with their spouse too. [00:17:38]
Another one that I thought of is anxiety. I think sometimes people being outside of their home, this just causes them a lot of stress. I don't know what I'm going to do. I don't know where I'm going to go. I want to remind people they're not anymore in control when they're at home. We can be deceived by that. We can think, oh, my kids are going to be safe.
I know that I've dealt with travel anxiety, especially when I'm leaving my kids. And kind of what I've went through, I think, what if I don't see them again? And yet I know that I trust God. "You're in control, whether I'm at home or whether I'm thousands of miles away from my kids. You're going to handle it."
So I think that's something we just have to keep saying, "This is an unknown. I am scared. And being really authentic about that, and yet also saying, but God, I know you're in control anyway.
The last obstacle that I could think of is sometimes we get resistance from a spouse. [00:18:37] Sometimes maybe we've grown up traveling, but our spouse hasn't. Or sometimes they might say, I just don't want to. So I think one of the first things we need to do to overcome that is to just find out why.
What about travel do they not like? Is it frustrating? Is there something scary? Maybe they just didn't grow up with it. If that's kind of your situation, I would recommend keeping it simple at first. Don't go far. Make the location that you pick be as close to home as possible so this isn't overwhelming. Maybe something like an all-inclusive resort where they're not having to drive far, they're not having to pick different locations to eat. Make it stress-free for your spouse as you can.
Then I think sometimes with relationships, you just kind of have to make a deal. That's fine. If we want to go short trips, maybe with the kids, but how about for our anniversary? Do you think we could go a little bit farther?
One thing that I think is a good thing to remember is it's okay to love that this isn't home. [00:19:39] It's okay to get somewhere and go, This is a big city. It's loud and noisy and I kind of like being at home where it's quiet or the traffic isn't as bad. That's okay. It brings contentment. You know, everything would be so boring if it was the same. So travel is trying to get you to see like, this is not my home. And that's okay. I'm thankful for where I live. But it doesn't have to be something that you don't do just because it's different.
I wanted to say that we even have personalities that kind of affect everything we do. Some people, we go to a restaurant and we order the same thing every time. I don't love to exercise, but I do it because it's good for my body. So I think we can overcome those obstacles to travel in the same way.
There's not going to be an ideal travel location or a way that you have to do it. Make it work for your family. But ultimately, don't live with the regret that we should have gone. Don't let those obstacles be something that says, I'm not going to do it. [00:20:45]
Laura Dugger: I love that you gave us some solutions for each of those obstacles. That's really helpful. Are there any ways that you would recommend we make travel especially memorable?
Katie Mueller: I think it's that connection that will help the trip last longer than just the week that you're gone. We have to put effort into this. That's what makes this more like traveling and not just a vacation.
One thing I thought of, I kind of thought of the five senses. And for sight, I thought maybe it would be a great idea to make a photo book after each trip so the kids can look back and remember the pictures and the memories. I encourage people to see things that aren't the same at home. Plan a vacation where you're going to see different scenery, different people.
And be in awe of what God has done. Psalm 92:4 says, "For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work, and at the works of your hands I sing for joy." I vividly remember standing at Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon and the ocean and just marveling at what God did. [00:21:50] And so I hope that as we travel, you know, it points to our Creator. And as we see things and we marvel at what He's made, it will cause us to worship Him.
Another thing for hearing and making a connection is one thing we do is we have a soundtrack. We listen to songs as we travel in the car. We sing them. We sing them often. And then when we get home, if we hear that song, "Oh yeah, that, that reminds me of my time in Colorado or something like that.
Another thing at the end of the day, talk about the favorite things that you've seen that day and listen, as you remember back. Sit around the campfire, sit around the table, and say, what did you like about today?
Another thing that I thought was so good for hearing is just to slow down. The hustle and bustle of our lives, this is what traveling offers us is to ask each other questions, to just sit and listen to the wind. How often do we take the opportunity? Interact with the locals. It's a chance to learn and grow. [00:22:54]
Another thing when we're out traveling, we can touch. We can go out among nature, the city, wherever you are. Experience that culture, that land. Go to the markets. Touch things that are special to those people. Even just swing in a hammock with someone you love. That kind of goes back to just sitting and listening. Hold each other. Really spend time together wherever you're at. It's a time to take a break and just be with each other.
Another thing I thought of with taste is try a dish that that region is famous for. It even gives your kids that connection back. Oh yeah, I remember when we tried lobster in Maine. That's something they're famous for. And they will remember and connect tasting something and trying something new. with your travel experience.
Then the last thing, even for smell, I think that can be part of your travel experience is just to be mindful. As you're walking in a forest or sitting on the beach, point out to your kids, do you smell what this forest is like? What do you smell at the beach? [00:23:59] And really making an experience that connects all those things to where they're at.
Laura Dugger: I love that. And just one more thing to add I've heard you share it before. You've said that to make the connection with travel, there's something hanging in your boy's bedroom. Can you share about that?
Katie Mueller: Sure. When we travel, there's a map hanging in my boy's bedroom that they can put a little magnet on the place that we've gone. So it's super fun for them to look back and go, you know, where have I gone that's the farthest? Or where should we go next? And I think it gives them a visual of where they've been and how big this world is. So I hope that they can continue kind of just marking their territory as we keep traveling with them.
Laura Dugger: That's great. Love it with the five senses. Have you ever shared an episode of The Savvy Sauce with a friend? We would love it if you would pause right now and share this episode or any of your prior favorites. [00:24:58]
This grassroots approach is going to help us accomplish our mission, which states, we exist to invite you to a space to meet with Jesus and be filled with joy to overflowing. We hope you share that joy today.
Any other things that come to mind to make travel really memorable?
Katie Mueller: I think one thing that's important is to journal or make some kind of way that you can remember back. We so easily forget. The week passes and we move on to something else. Ultimately, I just want to tell each family to laugh. I think that's the best emotional connection. It's not going to go perfect, I promise. But if you can laugh with those people that mean so much to you, they're going to remember not the hard things, but they're just going to remember your reactions to them.
This made me think of when we traveled last year to Georgia. We were about two hours into our trip and my husband asked me to climb in the back and see if he had put his bag in. And he hadn't. He only had the clothes on his back. [00:26:01]
Well, when we got there to Georgia, we just went to the Walmart. He bought this gray shirt, these gray shorts. And the kids still laugh at the two outfits that dad wore the whole trip. Our reaction to our upsets in our trip can have a powerful emotional effect on us and our kids. So don't worry about, you know, the weather's bad. Have a fun game indoors.
I think sometimes those spontaneous things, the times where it's not planned, but you just belly laugh about something that happened can be the most powerful memories of your whole trip.
Laura Dugger: I remember you also sharing that storytelling is a big part of traveling. Can you share how your family personalizes that?
Katie Mueller: Definitely. This has been something that my husband has brought to travel that I never had, but I just love and it makes that connection so much longer after the trip. So he's great... He calls them characters. When we travel we find characters. We'll find people... You know, find the best look-alike. Find someone who looks like somebody back home. [00:27:05] And we'll try to find somebody that reminds us of back home.
Then we also like to find characters. These would be people that we see often that just give us a giggle or just make us remember something. I have never met Hoggy One and Hoggy Two. But my boys go fishing with my husband, and they'll come back and they'll tell a story about these two men who were hogging the best spot in the fishing stream. So they nicknamed them Hoggy One and Hoggy Two, and they laughed when Hoggy One and Hoggy Two fell in the water and were splashing around. It's a story, it's a memory that they share.
I remember even when my husband and I went on a cruise and there was a man who was just speed walking around this cruise ship so fast. And we nicknamed him Lightning McQueen and we were... There's Lightning McQueen. That's something that after the trip, you share that with just your loved one that went on the trip, that again, makes that connection, makes that giggle come well after the trip is over. [00:28:14]
Laura Dugger: Yes, those inside jokes can last for such a long time and bring up laughter for years to come. Let's just get really practical. If someone doesn't know where to start after they hear all of this, what are some steps that they can take to plan a trip maybe in this coming year?
Katie Mueller: The first thing that I would do is you just need to decide where to go. I'm someone who... I just research. I try to think of somewhere new. Be inspired by talking to someone. Don't feel pressure to go to some exotic location every time. That's not the important thing. Again, you just want to say, have I gone to the mountains? Well, maybe then I'll try to do some history trip. Or have I done the beach a lot? Then maybe I should try a mission trip.
When our kids were little, the places we traveled were not far away. They didn't know the difference between an ocean or a lake. So we chose as a family not to travel longer than like five hours with them in the car. We would just pick a different city each year. Different cities provide lots of things. We would go to the zoo or children's museum, maybe a fun restaurant, and they would swim at the pool. [00:29:19]
Ideally, your kids are going to remember best a trip, this is my opinion, when they're about between the ages of 6 to 18. So I would use that range to plan your bigger trips. I would wait till they're older. If you're going to spend money on a trip, you know, a lot of money on a trip, wait till they're older to remember and to really have those memories.
And just think of the kinds of trips that will give your kids a wide range of experiences. In my research, there were seven vacations you should take before your kids grow up. So one of them they said was an African safari. Another one was some sort of amusement park like Disney, Wisconsin Dells, or Six Flags. A third trip they recommended was a European road trip. A fourth trip was a history trail whether it was Boston or Washington D.C. or Athens. Another one was U.S. National and State Parks. Another one was snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. And I even included, like, just go to the ocean with that.
Then the last trip that I think is really impactful for your kids is to take a mission trip sometime between those ages. [00:30:32]
Laura Dugger: That's awesome to hear some suggestions and I even think history. I know one on our bucket list for long term is just going to Israel and getting to see where Jesus walked. So it's helpful to have these general themes and then we can personalize it to whatever makes sense for our family.
Katie Mueller: Exactly, exactly. So after you've decided where to go, next I would begin with booking your flights and hotels. One thing that I've read a lot about is don't make the mistake of booking too late or too early. The ideal time is about two months before your departure. Too late or too early you're going to have more cost. and you might not get your choice of seats or there might not be availability.
So when you're booking your flights remember that Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the cheapest day to fly. Being flexible with your dates will give you a cheaper ticket price. Also, this is one that my mom did. Don't be afraid to take those kiddos out of school. It doesn't have a long-term effect on their grades. Sometimes it's cheaper during the school year to go. You know, summers, the holidays, they're expensive. [00:31:42]
So if budget is a big priority and you don't think you're going to be able to go, being a week out of school isn't going to hurt them in the long run. So don't be afraid to not travel just because they have a school schedule. A great time to go is right after the end of a place's high season. The weather's usually good, it's less crowded, so that would be a great time to travel. Just check different websites to find the best deal.
Then I would say after you've booked your flights, your hotels, the last thing you want to book is activities. What are you going to do in this location? So often I read on TripAdvisor or Trivago and I read what other people say about it. What did they think about this beach? What did they think about this hike? Just because everyone does it, doesn't mean it's the best for your family.
I know my kids get motion sickness. So maybe a Six Flags isn't going to work for my family. That's okay. You have to do what's best for you. And the activities should be catered to what your kids like. [00:32:46] If you have a son who really loves airplanes, you know, see if there's a museum, see if you can go somewhere that caters to that interest and love.
Another website you can look on is likealocalguide.com. This gets tips from locals in the area. So people who know this area best, that would be a great website to go when you're trying to book an activity. What do locals suggest you do in this area?
Then also remember to check on free activities. We did this a lot when we had little kids. So there's some museums, libraries are free. And we have gone to a really neat puppet show and a children's time and been to a library where it was all free and my kids really enjoyed it. There's often some tours that could be free. Maybe you would just have to tip the guide. So just kind of be a researcher. Look at what is there to do and what fits my family.
Laura Dugger: These step-by-steps are so helpful. Do you have any other travel tips in general? [00:33:47]
Katie Mueller: One thing I would just keep in mind is to make travel fun. Whether you're riding in a car. I take a little map that I bought from Melissa and Doug, and it helps the kids to find different license plates from different states. Or we'll play the ABC game as we're traveling along. If the car ride's getting boring, tell the kids at a rest stop or at the restaurant, let's switch seats. Let's try something new.
I think that as long as you're journeying along and you're keeping it fun and keeping it so that this is exciting, you know, what can we see? I know one time my mom packed little gifts for the kids. And if they saw... it was like a scavenger hunt. If they saw three trucks or if they saw two trains or five motorcycles, then they could open a little gift.
This was for the long car ride. And it was so fun that the kids were, you know, looking for those things. And then they got to open a little gift that she had wrapped for them. [00:34:49] So I think those are neat things that your kids, again, will remember and it just keeps those long hours of traveling fun.
Laura Dugger: Those are so fun. I've heard people that use audiobooks. Have you guys ever traveled with audiobooks for your family?
Katie Mueller: We have and we have really enjoyed it. We'll find a fun book from the library that, you know, the kids want to listen to and we will listen to that as a family and laugh. Or I think lots of kids enjoy the Adventures in Odyssey series. So yeah, find something that your kids like to do.
I try to have even boundaries, whether it's a long trip in the car with technology. You know, I don't want to be driving through the mountains and my kids in front of the screen when they can be looking out. So there's a time that, you know, it's quiet time in the car. And then there's a time where you just say, just chill, just read a book, just talk to each other. And encourage that family time because that's really nice. [00:35:47]
I know when I'm driving in the car, that's one of my favorite times to talk to my husband. I love it because we're not always so close together. We don't often have uninterrupted time. So just use even a car ride as a time to connect.
Laura Dugger: Such a great idea. I think we could even link to a bunch of these websites that we've been mentioning or even products that we use that have helped out travel, even as far as going into some kids' toys that keep their attention during those long car rides.
But let's circle back now to the vision that you cast for us at the beginning. Will you share the rest of your story about your family and why those travel memories are especially dear to you now?
Katie Mueller: Yes. We went on one of my favorite trips that I ever took with my family about six years before my dad died. We did a European road trip and then we went on to do an African safari. I think after you've lost someone, when you remember back to the great times with them, it's always around an experience. Nobody ever says, I remember when we got those new countertops, best memory. [00:36:57]
My dad drove around a rusty old pickup when he sure could have used our family's travel money to buy a new one. But I'm so thankful that I have this legacy of memories and laughs that I experienced with him while he lived. He gave me something so much more valuable, and I'm really thankful that we lived life while he was here.
I know my kids are growing quickly. I don't know the journey that God has planned for their lives. And just as Jesus didn't count it too costly to travel to earth to show me how much He loved me, I want my kids. I want my husband, my friends to know that I'm willing to give up things just to be with them.
Laura Dugger: That's so good. Thank you for sharing that. That's so impactful to hear your whole story and how that played out. So experiencing all of that with your story, what encouragement do you want to leave with all of the listeners today?
Katie Mueller: I think I want them to just be inspired to be an adventurer, to see and to experience creation. [00:38:02] My biggest prayer for my family is that first we'll get to spend eternity with Christ when we get a new earth and a heaven to explore. But celebrate life.
If you're turning 40, if you've been married for 30 years, if your baby's out of diapers, celebrate it. Be thankful. Enjoy what you've given. I think that's what, you know, tragedy sometimes speaks into your life, is that you want to live it, live it to the fullest. And I think travel just provides a chance for you to do that with your family away from the distractions, away from the interruptions of home.
I know that often my little ones will say, you know, can you play with me? And I can, but oh, first I've got to switch a load of laundry or I'm going to get supper ready. So when I'm removed from that, I can celebrate. I get you in my life. God has put us together as a team. And if we get lost on this journey, we're going to get lost together. [00:39:04] And I'm going to just be so thankful that God has given me you.
Laura Dugger: I think that's so encouraging, just to intentionally celebrate life. Katie, I just have one final question for you today. We're called The Savvy Sauce because "savvy" is synonymous with practical knowledge or discernment. And so we would all love to know, what is your savvy sauce?
Katie Mueller: Well, one thing that I have learned along the way is that it gets busy and overwhelming as a mom. It has been so helpful for me to break tasks or goals down into doable smaller parts for my day. So let's say losing 10 pounds. That might be a long-term goal. But if I look at just that, that looks overwhelming to me. So maybe for me, I'll just say just exercise today.
Or cleaning the whole house. I'll get overwhelmed and want to stop as I plow through each room. But maybe I could just say, you know what? Just clean the bedrooms today. Same thing with planning a trip. [00:40:05] It might look so overwhelming. "I don't know how I'm going to do that." But just think of one thing you can do that day. If I try to just accomplish part of the whole goal each day, I'm more productive and I'm less likely to quit.
Laura Dugger: That's great. That makes a lot of sense. It's kind of like that story, the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. You've encouraged all of us just to keep on steadily plotting and to have these visions and goals in front of us. This has been so much fun to get to spend time with you. I'm definitely leaving inspired to travel with my family. So thanks for joining us today.
Katie Mueller: Thanks. I really enjoyed it.
Laura Dugger: One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term "gospel" before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you. But it starts with the bad news. Every single one of us were born sinners and God is perfect and holy, so He cannot be in the presence of sin. Therefore, we're separated from Him. [00:41:04]
This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So for you and for me, it means we deserve death and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved. We need a savior. But God loved us so much, He made a way for His only Son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute.
This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with Him. That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin. This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus.
We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished if we choose to receive what He has done for us. Romans 10:9 says that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. [00:42:07]
So would you pray with me now? Heavenly, Father, thank You for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to You. Will You clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare You as Lord of their life? We trust You to work and change their lives now for eternity. In Jesus name, we pray, amen.
If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring Him for me, so me for Him, you get the opportunity to live your life for Him.
At this podcast, we are called Savvy for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So you're ready to get started?
First, tell someone. Say it out loud. Get a Bible. The first day I made this decision my parents took me to Barnes and Noble to get the Quest NIV Bible and I love it. Start by reading the book of John. [00:43:05]
Get connected locally, which basically means just tell someone who is part of the church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.
We want to celebrate with you too. So feel free to leave a comment for us if you made a decision for Christ. We also have show notes included where you can read Scripture that describes this process.
Finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.
If you've already received this good news, I pray that you have someone else to share it with today. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.