Brooke and her husband Jonathan both serve at the Summit Church in Conway, AR.

Episode Highlights:

• Meet Tara: Wife to Pastor John Venable of New Life Baptist Church, mother to four children (ages 3-12), and a pediatrician working in the NICU at UAMS and Arkansas Children's Hospital.

• Navigating Different Life Seasons: Tara discusses the challenges of parenting across different ages—from toddler tantrums to pre-teen emotions—and how she approaches each stage with intention.

• Authentic Spiritual Rhythms: Unlike the "perfect morning routine" many aspire to, Tara embraces her night-owl tendencies, spending time with the Lord in late evening hours and holding her schedule loosely to follow God's daily leading.

• Family Discipleship Made Simple: Tara shares how she and her husband teach biblical priorities to their children through everyday conversations, prayer, and modeling a life centered on loving God and loving others.

• Church as Family: Tara emphasizes the importance of finding community within the church and encourages listeners to "keep seeing people"—especially newcomers who might feel invisible.

This encouraging conversation reminds listeners that serving God happens in all areas of life—whether at work, church, or home—and that faithfully showing up each day with trust in Christ is what matters most.

Learn more about her ministry at:

https://contagiousjoy4him.com/

Leslie and her husband, Lee, co-wrote a book called "Spiritual Mismatch" to help others in similar situations where one spouse is a believer and the other is not.

More info about your hosts:

Morgan Fulcher is the Children and Women's Ministry Strategist for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.

Hannah Guinee is the Ministry Coordinator for the Evangelism + Church Health Team.

Morgan brings vast experience in children’s and women’s ministry. Morgan loves the local church and will be a friend and encourager to many. She previously served as children’s minister at First Baptist Church in Benton before taking on the women’s minister role at the church.  Morgan desires to see kids grow not in just their understanding of who God is but in a loving relationship. Additionally, Fulcher wants to help equip women to partner in Kingdom work in their current context, empower women to live and share the Gospel in the ordinary moments of life, and help women to cultivate communities around the presence of Jesus. Morgan is committed to the mission of training the church to serve others with biblical wisdom and ministry skills, and sound doctrine, with a desire to build relationships and help form constructs to meet the needs of local church ministry both internally and externally. 

Morgan is a 2013 graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Family Consumer Science. She graduated with her Master of Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2023.  She and her husband, Luke, have two daughters. They are active members at First Baptist Church in Benton.  The addition of Fulcher follows the departure of Andrea Lennon, who after 10 years of serving with the ABSC as a women’s ministry specialist transitioned to a role with Lifeway Christian Resources, and Emily Smith’s recent transition from ABSC children’s specialist to abuse prevention + response consultant.  

You can connect with Morgan at mfulcher@absc.org. If you would like to stay in touch with Andrea, please follow Lifeway Women’s Marked Podcast. You an also follow Andrea on her current socials and at www.lifewaywomen.com.

The first story is from Susie Everett. Susie shares how God has been more in her life from the very beginning. Then Susie walks us through her life and talks about her cancer journey, purchase of a car dealership, and serving others. Susie’s story reminds us that God will never leave or forsake us! To learn more about Christian Women’s Job Corps, visit www.absc.org/wmu.

The second story is from Lindsey Ray. Lindsey shares how to experience more of Jesus when the “perfect” life is no longer perfect. With transparency and grace, Lindsey opens up about a devastating divorce and how God healed her heart and provided just what she needed. Lindsey’s story reminds us that God makes all things new!

The third story is from Tagel Muqtasid. Tagel shares how a season of doing her own thing led to feelings of shame and guild. She had no idea how an encounter with her earthly father would teach her about the forgiveness of her Heavenly Father. Tagel’s story reminds us that God loves us and forgives us.

Be sure and come back and enjoy more content from Arkansas Baptist Women Conference!

Here is their official bio:

Cory & Stephanie Epps have been leading worship together for over ten years. They currently reside in Jonesboro, AR with their two children. Cory serves as the Worship Leader at Central Baptist Church. They’ve released a worship EP, “Greater Still,” and a Christmas EP, “Love Has Come To Save”. In addition to their work with the local church, Cory & Stephanie lead at various conferences and camps around the country. Cory & Stephanie are passionate about leading others in authentic, God-honoring worship. They lead with transparency and emphasize singing biblical truths. Cory & Stephanie’s desire is to see the Church join together as one in a real encounter with Jesus Christ.

Hers is the Conference Spotify Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3hahJbx0pIb2Sk2a2WaZxr?si=E8EWpweVSXSTosIp78hibA&pi=u-CTOxDleKQ1WF&preview=coverart&nd=1&dlsi=f46c4613e3eb4f74

Only a few tickets remain for Conference. Register today at www.absc.org/abwconference

On today’s episode, Andrea is joined by Tonya Larmoyeux and Heather Noel to talk about all the amazing things God is doing right here in Arkansas through Arkansas Baptist Children and Family Ministries. You will learn about the vision of the ministry and the newest addition of the Toy Bus Express. You will be moved by the amazing stories of God’s loving pursuit and how He is working in the lives of children and families. You will also learn how you and your church can be involved!  

At Conference, we are having a toy drive that has the potential to change lives. Please bring any of the items listed below and donate them at the Toy Express Bus. The bus will be parked in front of First Baptist Church in Benton. You can also bring any new toy that will bless a child in need!

• Toys and gifts for teens
• Shave kits for teen boys and girls
• Gift cards to Walmart & Kroger for initial placements
• VISA gifts cards for children's hair appointments & clothes
• Weighted blankets and vests
• Sensory sheets
• Diapers and pullups
• Formula
• Laundry & dish detergent (pods only)
• Trash bags

Tickets for Conference are selling fast! Learn more and register at www.absc.org/abwconference. Be sure and connect with Tonya and Heather at Conference or at www.arkansasfamilies.org.  

In this episode, Rachel shares about her family, ministry, and love for Arkansas Baptist Women. (We go way back!)  Rachel also shares her take on the theme of More of Jesus and gives insight into what she will be teaching at Conference. (It’s going to be so good!) The episode concludes with Rachel sharing her prayer for all Arkansas Baptist Women. She is praying for our freedom and victory in Christ. Please pray for Rachel as she spends time in God’s Word and for protection over her family.  

Learn more and register for Conference at www.absc.org/abwconference.

Rachel’s Bio:

Rachel has been doing ministry with her husband Jeff for 30 years. They have 3 grown children and 3 who married into the family. When you add the 5 littles, it is a big family with lots of joy. Rachel is an author, speaker, and teacher with a knack for teaching biblical truths in a simple, fun, and relevant way so that the truth can be applied to everyday life. Her passion is to see lives transformed by the Word of God which is what happens when Scripture is applied to our lives.  Rachel serves as a Women’s Ministry leader at her home church of First Baptist Church in Cleveland, TN.

Arkansas Baptist Women Conference will be here soon. Registration is open. Join us for a special day as we learn about more of Jesus and less of me! Learn more at www.absc.org/abwconference.

This information will help you to lead with efficiency and excellence. If you are looking for a budget-friendly way to invest in the women in your church, please bring a group to Arkansas Baptist Women Conference! We are excited to gather on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Benton for a day of powerful worship, dynamic teaching, and meaningful times of connection. Learn more and register at www.absc.org/abwconference.

In this episode, Kelly King shares why ministry to women is not just nice, it is necessary. This deep dive into the role of women in leading and serving other women in the local church will encourage and equip you! Be sure to listen to all three episodes! Connect with Arkansas Baptist Women leadership resources at www.absc.org/abwnetworks.

Arkansas Baptist Women Leadership Team

• Shari Edwards serves as our Arkansas Baptist Women Network Coordinator. Shari oversees our networking process, the 5 Keys training process, and the Leadership Collective event. Check out the vital work of the Networking Team HERE!
• Laurie Ormon serves as our Arkansas Baptist Women Conference Coordinator. Laurie gives vision and direction to Conference and organizes the details for the day. Serving alongside Laurie is Renee Bond, who organizes the hospitality portion of Conference. Check out the vital work of the Conference Team HERE!
• Vickie Lee serves as our Arkansas Baptist Women Ministers’ Wives Equipping Coordinator. Vickie oversees the development of Ministers’ Wives Fellowship Groups across Arkansas. Check out the vital work of the Ministers’ Wives Equipping Team HERE!
• Sara Mills serves as our Arkansas Baptist Women Ministers’ Wives Encouragement Coordinator. Sara oversees the planning of the Ministers’ Wives Luncheon in conjunction with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention Annual Meeting. Connect with the vital work of the Ministers’ Wives Encouragement Team HERE! 

Network Gatherings

At Arkansas Baptist Women, we want you to know you are valued as a women’s ministry leader. We want to come alongside you and invest in your leadership journey. One way we do that is through Network Gatherings that offer an opportunity for leaders to gather in regional groups to share ideas, discuss strategy, and get to know one another. Join the Network Gathering in your regional area on Thursday, February 8, 2024, and Thursday, October 10, 2024. Learn more and register to secure your spot HERE!

Leadership Collective

Once a year, women’s ministry leaders come together for a special time of training. Leadership Collective is a one-day workshop for women’s ministry leaders in Arkansas. It will occur on Saturday, April 20, at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. This will be a focused time for women's ministry leaders to receive ministry training as they connect with one another in an interactive setting. Learn more about Leadership Collective HERE!

Arkansas Baptist Women Conference

One of our favorite days is when we gather as Arkansas Baptist Women for Conference. You may notice the new name, but we promise the same great experience as in the past. Conference offers an exciting day for all Arkansas Baptist Women. This day is designed for women of all ages and stages of life. You can expect powerful worship, dynamic speakers, and meaningful times of connection that will bless, challenge, and equip you! This year our theme is a fun one! We are asking the Lord to teach us MORE! More of Jesus and less of me! Learn more HERE!  

Arkansas Baptist State Convention Annual Meeting + Ministers’ Wives Conference

On October 22^nd and 23^rd, Arkansas Baptists will gather for a time of business, inspiration, and celebration of God’s faithfulness at the Annual Meeting. On Monday, October 21^st, the Ministers’ Wives Conference will offer a wonderful lunch and a special time of encouragement. This year’s Annual Meeting will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock. Save the date and stay tuned for more details, as well as a registration link to secure your spot. Check out all the great resources for Arkansas Baptist Ministers’! Wives HERE!

Arkansas Baptist Podcast

We are excited to unveil a new name for our podcast while providing the same great content. Drumroll…. let’s get excited for the Arkansas Baptist Women Podcast. This podcast will replace Inspire on the Go. Don’t worry. You can still access all the great episodes from the past, and you do not have to resubscribe to follow.

This year on the podcast, we are focusing on what it means to be an Arkansas Baptist Woman! Subscribe to Arkansas Baptist Women on any podcast platform or access the episodes HERE!

ECON Ministers’ Wives and Women in Ministry Lunch + Workshop took place on Tuesday, January 24^th. Emily Freeman shared her story and encouraged us to grow during times of adversity. With remarkable transparency, Emily recounted the accident that nearly took her son’s life. Doctors gave Caleb little chance of survival. But when Emily and her husband, Jeremy, turned to prayer---and asked other believers to join them---God performed a miracle. Listen to the meaningful content in a two-part series on Inspire on the Go. Be encouraged in your challenging circumstance to know God and experience hope and healing no matter the outcome. Listen to the content HERE and HERE!  

2023 was an exciting year of networking for women’s ministry leaders across Arkansas. On February 9^th and October 12^th Network Gatherings took place with over 200 leaders in attendance. Meet our amazing Network team HERE!

On April 22, Thrive Collective took place. Thrive Collective is a one-day interactive workshop for women’s ministry leaders. Thrive Collective offered leaders encouragement, ideas, inspiration, and friendships. Session topics included: creating ministry environments for women to thrive (Lori McDaniel), creating pathways for young leaders to thrive (Shari Edwards), and an interactive women’s ministry panel. We also heard leadership stories about thriving in discipleship from Traci Smith and reaching the next generation from Emily Watson. Enjoy the content HERE and HERE and HERE!

Arkansas Baptist Inspire was an exciting day for Arkansas Baptist Women! This one-day conference designed for women of all ages and stages of life is a highlight each year for Arkansas Baptist Women. There is something special about a sold-out event filled with women who are ready to worship and grow in the Lord. Cory and Stephanie Epps led our time of worship. Dr. Tara Dew opened God’s Word with us. Tara shared from John 15 about flourishing in Christ. The day was special as we talked about God’s willingness to prune as we persevere in Him. The outcome? We will grow! The times of connection were meaningful as we enjoyed conversations around the table with sweet friends from across Arkansas. We celebrate 70 life-change decisions made on September 23^rd! Enjoy the content from Inspire HERE and HERE! Enjoy the recap video here!

On October 24^th and 25^th, Arkansas Baptist gathered for a time of business, inspiration, and celebration of God’s faithfulness at Annual Meeting. On Monday, October 23^rd, the Ministers’ Wives Conference took place. Once again, Cory and Stephanie Epps led a special time of worship. Then, it was my honor (Andrea Lennon) to open God’s Word and share about God’s hope, peace, and power from Romans 15:13. Enjoy the content from the day HERE! Check out all the great resources for Ministers’ Wives HERE! If you would like to start a Fellowship Group in your area, be sure and contact Vickie Lee, Ministers’ Wives Equipping Coordinator.   

If you want to hear more from Andrea during the busy holiday season, follow her daily adventure series called a Journey to Jesus. The journey highlights different characters in the Christmas narrative. Tracing their stories gives us the chance to celebrate how each one played an important and unique role leading to the birth of Jesus and God's plan of redemption. (Spoiler alert: We play an important and unique role, too!)

The “Journey to Jesus" series is a resource to help you and your family focus on and celebrate Jesus. Enjoy the Christmas content on Andrea’s Instagram, Andrea Lennon Ministry Facebook, Andrea Lennon Ministry Website, and on the Girl on the Go Blog. (Links at www.andrealennonministry.org)

The journey begins on Thursday, November 30!

We can't wait to see you at next year's Arkansas Baptist Women Conference. You can learn more about Conference here.

1. Share your name and where you are from. Open your photo app on your phone and share a meaningful picture from 2023.  
2. Share about an area of life that represents a challenging season, a lesson you are learning, or spiritual fruit being developed in your life.
3. How is God using you to serve in this season of life, and how does that help you to flourish?
4. What step of faith or obedience do you need to take so you can flourish? (This step may make you uncomfortable because you have to rely on God’s strengths!)      
5. Close by praying for the women in your group.

We can't wait to see you at next year's Arkansas Baptist Women Conference. You can learn more about Conference here.

Monday: Please pray for Cory, Stephanie, and Tara as they prepare to lead us at Inspire!

Tuesday: Please pray for spiritual awakening among women and for renewed spiritual hunger. Pray for women to develop friendships with one another that will last.

Wednesday: Please pray for the women attending Inspire to identify the areas of life holding them back. Pray for spiritual breakthroughs and spiritual progress. Please pray for the vital work of Deeper Still Arkansas.

Thursday: Please pray for the staff and volunteers of First Baptist Church in Russellville. Pray for the Inspire Team, Arkansas Baptist Network Team, and women’s ministry leaders across Arkansas. Pray for God to empower them as they lead and serve.

Friday: Pray that women would come to saving faith in Christ at Inspire. Pray that many lives are impacted by the gospel. “Lord, teach us to flourish in and through you!”

Tickets for the conference will be available until they are sold out. Click here, to learn more about Inspire.

Jesus began healing my broken heart and spirit of a past abortion decision in 2013 when I attended a healing retreat hosted by a local pregnancy care center. That weekend changed my perspective and direction in life and solidified my belief in Jesus Christ. I then learned about Deeper Still and had a desire to serve in the ministry. Prior to serving with the Arkansas chapter, I attended my own Deeper Still retreat in 2018 where my healing and relationship with Jesus truly went deeper. It is my desire for all women and men wounded by an abortion decision to find their healing in Jesus Christ and to be set free from the prison of shame.

As a wife, mom, daughter, friend and sister in Christ to many, I believe my life is a testament to this truth; the
truth that Jesus heals, forgives and brings new life.

The Arkansas chapter seeks to serve the entire state of Arkansas and hosts retreats in various locations throughout the year. The Arkansas team members are well trained and honored to walk with you through your healing weekend. You will be welcomed with Southern hospitality and warm hearts.

Don't miss this year's Inspire. Learn more and register for Inspire at www.absc.org/inspire.

Learn more and register for Inspire at www.absc.org/inspire.

In 1999, Debi’s life trajectory changed in a way that she would not have chosen for herself. Within moments her identity changed from that of wife and mother to widow and single mother. She quickly realized she could not do this alone and upon reflection, realized that God put key people in her life to help encourage and point her to Him. Her journey has been one of growth, but also failures and learning experiences. Debi’s passion is to help others navigate through life’s stresses by encouraging them to deepen their relationship with God, while learning to depend on Him in a new way. God has blessed Debi with a wonderful family. She has two amazing daughters, one awesome son-in- law, and three precious grandchildren. Debi led Women’s Ministry at FBC Brinkley for 7 years before serving with Arkansas Baptist Children and Family Ministries. Before her current role, she served as Relief Houseparent for Paragould Emergency Receiving Home, as well as Resident Manager at Jonesboro Family Care Home. She is currently pursuing a M.A. in Biblical Counseling at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is the author of the Bible study, Desired Haven.

Learn more and register for Inspire at www.absc.org/inspire.

Inspire is September 23 at First Baptist Church in Russellville. Learn more at absc.org/inspire.

Click here to isten to our previous episode with Dr. Tara Dew.

Click here to access the notes.

Registration for the annual Inspire is open now. Learn more at www.absc.org/inspire. 

Traci is wife to Ron, and mom to son Alex and daughter-in-law Amanda, and daughter Allison. Traci is a member of Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro and serves on the Women’s Ministry Leadership team. She is involved in Women’s Discipleship and is a Bible Study teacher. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in theological studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She enjoys playing piano, cooking, studying, gardening, and working out.

Traci grew up in a small church and loves the dynamics and community found there. Now as a member of a large church, her heart’s desire is to see women’s ministry in churches of all sizes come together in support of one another.

Several years ago, Traci was invited to be part of a D-group pilot program at her church and was hesitant at first. In her own words, Traci says, “Growing up on a healthy diet of women’s bible study, the thought of just my Bible, a journal, memorizing scripture, and praying with a small group of women didn’t seem as exciting. Reluctantly, I said yes. It is a ‘yes’ that has changed my life. It has changed the way I interact with God’s Word and has created a community of women committed to Bible study and the discipline of being in His Word consistently. Most of all, it has birthed a passion in me to lead all of our women to this lifegiving practice.”

Traci says she is looking forward to meeting the women of her region who are serving the women in their churches. “I pray that I pray our network is a gathering net for women’s ministry leaders and a source of information, encouragement, and support.”

If you are a women’s ministry leader in the Jonesboro/Northeast AR region, Traci would love to connect with you! You can contact her at tracibsmith1@gmail.com.

Registration for the annual Inspire is open now. Learn more at www.absc.org/inspire. 

Follow along and take notes using this resource.

Lori is a multifaceted leader and bible teacher. Her love for the church and passion for discipleship has led her to over 30 countries working with churches and cross-cultural workers. She served in Africa as a missionary and later worked as a Global Mission Catalyst with International Mission Board. She and her husband, Mike, live in Northwest Arkansas where he is the lead pastor of the church they planted. Lori has extensive experience in women’s ministry and church strategy. She holds an MA from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Her first book, The Mission of God and You, will release September 2023. She’s a mom of three and grandmother of four.

Registration for the annual Inspire is open now. Learn more at www.absc.org/inspire. 

Thrive Collective is a one-day workshop for women’s ministry leaders. It will take place on Saturday, April 22, at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. This will be a focused time for women’s ministry leaders to cultivate relationships with one another in an interactive setting. Thrive Collective is a place to find encouragement, ideas, inspiration, and friendship as we grow together with each other and God.

Learn more at absc.org/thrive. 

With a love for Jesus and a heart for encouragement, Hannah loves pouring into the lives of women.

Registration for the annual Inspire Women's Conference is open now. Learn more at www.absc.org/inspire. 

Reissig is a writer and Bible teacher living in Little Rock, AR. She loves teaching the Bible, writing about the Bible, or talking about the Bible in any context she finds herself in. She and her husband are the proud parents of four sons, and together they serve at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, AR, where she is the Discipleship Content Director.

Click here to purchase Reissig's new Bible study.

Registration for the annual Inspire Women's Conference is open now. Learn more at www.absc.org/inspire. 

Lead Defend is designed to help students and young professionals grow in faith and leadership as they navigate the stages of young adulthood. We address important faith topics and provide practical life tips to help build your faith as you engage in a changing world.

Prism both informs and encourages church leaders, as we cover every area of church life, from assimilation to personal care, and everything in between. Regardless of your church's size, type, or location, Prism will be a guiding light for brighter churches everywhere.

We encourage you to give Lead Defend and Prism a listen and share them with your friends. You can learn more about all Arkansas Baptist podcasts at absc.org/podcasts.

You can read more about the Freemans and connect to them and their ministry here.

Next week, Emily Freeman's recorded talk at the Ministers' Wives and Women in Ministry Lunch + Workshop at ECON will air on the podcast.

Read about the Freemans and connect to them and their ministry here.

1. Continue to live the life God is calling you to live with passion and purpose.
2. Live your life rooted and built up in Christ.
3. Live a life of strong faith.
4. Embrace a heart of thankfulness.

Are you ready to grow deeper in your walk with Jesus? Download Andrea’s free Top Ten eBook at www.andrealennonministry.org/topten. This year we have the opportunity to grow personally and collectively as we focus on Jesus together.  

Visit absc.org/women to learn more about upcoming events and to become involved in women's ministry across the state. 

Sara Mills is married to her husband Sean and they have two children: Haley Grace and Ty.  Sean and Sara have been married for 26 years this December.  Sean is the Senior Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church. 

Sara graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a degree in Christian Education. Sara has served in a church staff position almost her whole adult life.  She is currently leading the women’s ministry at Friendship and is on staff as their church's Connections and Ministry Coordinator. She is passionate about helping women grow in God’s word and find a good community in which to do that.  

Dr. Tara Dew is the wife of Dr. Jamie Dew, president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary & Leavell College (NOBTS). She is a mom to two sets of twins: Natalie & Nathan and Samuel & Samantha. After graduating from Meredith College with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Communication, Tara taught second grade for four years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Since then, she has earned a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning Elementary Education from Liberty University and a Doctorate in Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is currently homeschooling her four children and serving the students, staff, and faculty of NOBTS. As a pastor’s wife, Tara has been heavily involved in women’s and children’s ministries over the years. This led to her passion for training, equipping, and supporting ministers’ wives.

We're already anticipating next year's Inspire Women's Conference on September 23, 2023!

Laurie Ormon is a native of Camden, but has been in Northwest Arkansas for 28 years. She graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a degree in art education. She's been married to Steve for 18 years and they have two daughters, Emily (16) and Sarah Kate (14). Laurie serves as Women's Ministry Director at First Baptist Church in Bentonville. She loves time with friends, going out to eat, movies, and working in the church nursery. 

Learn more and register for Inspire at www.absc.org/inspire. 

Tammy White is passionate about Jesus and spreading the good news of the gospel.  She is an encourager of hearts and loves to minister to women of all ages. She is leading women to possess bold faith through biblical teaching and encouraging ladies to have a personal relationship with Jesus through Wednesday night bible studies at Third Street Baptist Church in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. 

She and her husband Eddie have been together for 29 years. Together they have two grown children and one grandson who they both completely adore. It is through her love for the Lord, faith in His goodness, and perseverance that Tammy is leading the women’s conference at TSBC each year in February. She is honored to be on the Inspire Leadership team!

Learn more and register for Inspire at www.absc.org/inspire. 

Aubri juggles many roles, all with the passion for bringing honor to God! She is your "everyday" type of girl who loves Jesus, her family, and the church. Wife to Matt, lead pastor of Indian Springs Baptist Church in Bryant, and mom to Trent and Emily Ann, Aubri lives by a family-first mindset. She embraces the need for rhythms and routines that give grace and create space for the things that matter. Aubri is passionate about women's ministry and discipleship. You will love this down-to-earth conversation that is practical and encouraging. 

Learn more and registrer for Inspire at www.absc.org/inspire. 

Many might know her husband, Warren Gasaway, student ministry specialist at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. However, Melissa's story is one you won't want to skip out on. Hear her inspirational journey on how she came to know Christ and the ups and downs the Lord has led her and her family through over the last several years. 

Melissa is a mom, wife, and teacher. She's been married to Warren for 27 years, and they have 3 kids - Tyler, Ethan and Elise. She passionate about running and ministering to those around her in the workplace. She loves to share the Hope we can all find in Jesus to anyone that will listen. 

Shannon is the wife of Andy, mom of Lexie and Joely, and Hunny to granddaughter Oakley. Shannon and her husband Andy live in Benton. Recognizing her heart for connecting women, Shannon volunteered in Women’s Ministry for a few years at The Church at Rock Creek and then joined the staff full time in 2013. Before joining Rock Creek, she was a multi-site manager for child care facilities in Central Arkansas and had worked in childcare for 18 years.  Shannon loves spending time with her family, slow mornings with coffee, reading, Christmas movies, and outdoors in the fall.  She also serves as a Network Leader for the Women’s Ministry Equipping Team of the ABSC.  

Shelly shares her journey to faith and what season of life she is in. She also talks about going back to school to get her doctorate, while still working, being a mom and doing life with others. 

**

Shelly Chandler is married to Michael Chandler and lives in Conway, Arkansas. Her and her husband have a sophomore and a freshman in college, one at home who is a junior in high school, and one boy dog named, Cooper. She holds a master’s in theological studies from Southwestern Seminary and is currently working on her doctorate in Educational Ministry. Shelly serves as a network leader for the Central Arkansas Women’s Leadership Network and participates at the state level for Arkansas Baptists as a speaker, teacher, and ministry leader.

Shelly began her ministry out of a passion is to equip women to effectively study the Bible so they can know God in life-changing ways.

She has an affinity for coffee and laughter and delights in getting women together for encouragement and community.

Emily serves as the Director of Connections and Ministry to Women at East Side Baptist Church in Fort Smith. She has been in full-time ministry for nine years, having served at a local pregnancy crisis center before that. She and her husband Travis have been married for four years and have been foster parents for the last two years. Emily also served as a foster parent prior to being married. She loves doing laundry and is pretty good at Wheel of Fortune. This is her story of loss, waiting, and what to do in the middle of it.

Together they chat about Shari's life from Arkansas to Georgia and then back again, as well as how she kept her faith strong through all of life's crazy turns. They also discuss Shari's ministry and the upcoming Women's Ministry Roundtable being held at the ABSC building in Little Rock!

There is still time to register so click here to join us! 

Beverly is the wife of Chanson Newborn, Church Planting Strategist on the Church Planting Team at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Outside of being a wife, she's a mom, sister, teacher and friend to those in and around her life. The ladies chat about Newborn's life, testimony and teaching in today's world. 

Holly Woolbright is currently enrolled at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where she is pursuing her Master of Divinity. Holly also serves as a Ministry Assistant at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. She is a recent grad from Ouachita Baptist University where she fell in love and recently married her college sweetheart, Mason. Holly is passionate about discipleship, studying God’s Word, and encouraging young women in their walk with God. She loves long talks with friends over yummy coffee and pulling a good prank!

Debbie is a wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all. She resides in Texas and has been in ministry for 30+ years. You get to her just a piece of that ministry in this episode as she shares with Andrea about life and how God has used her and her family to impact others. 

To connect with Debbie, visit greenacreswomen.org. 

Tamela is a trauma survivor healed by grace. Her book, A Rescued Life, is a “reluctant memoir” recounting her healing journey that began by telling the secret of childhood sexual abuse. By telling her story, Tamela hopes that other hurting women will find their voice to also tell their story and begin to heal. Tamela is the director of Hope of the Delta, a faith-based pro-life pregnancy center in southeast Arkansas. She is mom to three adult sons, and two beautiful daughters-in-law and Mimi to her sweet new grandbaby girl.

Glynda has lived in West Helena, Arkansas, since 2014, serving as the “most excellent volunteer administrative assistant” to her beloved in his role as the Associational Missionary for Arkansas Valley Baptist Association. She is also a Field Representative with the United States Census Bureau, a part-time position that provides her the opportunity to be actively involved in meeting people all across Phillips County, Arkansas.  They have three grown daughters and their significant others along with three grandsons. 

Hannon is the Director of Connections and Women’s Ministry at First Baptist Church in Conway, Arkansas. Her journey in ministry began in the Preschool hallway, where she and her husband served as small group leaders for 3-year-olds. They moved up as their kids grew, and after fifteen years in the corporate world, Nancy found herself called into Children’s Ministry. She served as Minister to Women and Children until 2018 when she retired from Children’s Ministry and moved into her current role.

She is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University (OBU), where she met her husband, Michael. They have two grown sons, Jake and Josh. 

For starters, we have a new series launching today on the podcast. With everything that's been going on the last few years, we wanted to share some good news and good stories. So this episode kicks off this series of telling inspiring stories from women. You're going to hear some incredible stories of transformation and how God has used different circumstances and situations in women's life to show His glory and change people's lives. 

Today we get to hear from Amy Daniel. A lover of Jesus, wife to Andy for almost 23 years and mom to Dunn (16) and Hayden (12). She lives a life of JOY and spreads that JOY. From Booneville, AR, She lives on Daniel Angus Farm and attends First Baptist Church in Booneville. She loves all things people and being Jesus’ hands and feet each day. Amy graciously serves on the Inspire Leadership Team for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. You'll get to hear her story from raising boys and being a wife to how she was saved and how God's using her and her family for His Kingdom. 

Today we are at a passage of Scripture that is always associated with Abraham. In Genesis 22, Abraham is asked to sacrifice Isaac. I am emotional as we approach this text for so many reasons. Here are a few of the reasons:

• We have walked the journey with Abraham and Sarah over the last eight weeks. We have felt the ups and downs. We have seen the highs and lows. As we approach this text, my heart wants to reach out to Abraham and Sarah and say, “Hang on!” God is going to provide!
• As I read this passage, I can’t help but think about the faithfulness of God, the struggle of Abraham, and how the faith journey is not easy. Demonstrated faith is not “feel good” faith that is Instagram-worthy. Often the journey is long and hard.
• I think about Issac and how he was a young man when this story took place. He was able to process what was happening, yet, he obeyed his father. There is no doubt. Isaac was loved and cared for by his parents.

Genesis 22:1-14

1. Refined Faith is Obedient Faith (Genesis 22:1). God showed up and called Abraham by name. Never forget that God initiates encounters, and we have the opportunity to respond in obedience and faith. The purpose of this encounter was to test Abraham. It is SO important for us to understand the word “tested” in this passage. Let’s dig into the original Hebrew to better understand what “tested” meant in its original context. The Hebrew word is Nasah and means "to test, try, prove.” Generally, this word carries the idea of refining the quality of someone or something through stressful circumstances. God refines those He loves to see if they will remain loyal to Him and live in obedience to Him. The heart of God was not to hurt Abraham, Sarah, or Issac. God was not trying to trip Abraham up or nullify the Promise. Rather, God was continually refining Abraham, providing for the Promise, and showing Abraham how his faith had grown. We need to know that the outcome of Genesis 22 was never in question for God. God is sovereign, providential, and purposeful in all of His ways. When we can’t see the hand of God in the middle of our testing seasons, we must trust His heart! We must know that He is good and that His desire is to deepen our faith. This is why it is so important for us to run TO God during hard times with a trusting heart instead of AWAY from God because of a doubting heart.
2. Always Worship in the Moment. (Genesis 22:2-5) The test was clear: “Take your son, your only son, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” (22:2). Can you imagine this moment in Abraham’s life? Abraham loved Issac, and the path to having Isaac was long and hard. Yet, when Abraham was called by God to go with the intent of sacrificing Issac, Abraham left early the next morning. Abraham took Isaac and his servants and traveled to Moriah. Once there, Abraham told the servants to stay put so he and Isaac could go and worship the Lord together. The Hebrew word for worship is Hawah meaning to prostrate oneself. This word denotes an act of respect before one superior in position and essentially signifies submission. The term is used especially in the sense of worshiping a deity and signifies to honor God with prayers. Worship provides the right perspective as we see God as God. Abraham knew that no matter what happened to Moriah, he and Issac were coming back down the mountain. (Hebrews 11:17-19) In the hard moments, the foggy moments, the unsure moments… always worship!
3. Hard is Hard Even When it is Right. (Genesis 22:6-12) Even though Abraham had faith, it had to be hard to place the wood on Issac’s back while carrying the knife and fire with him. The conversation between Abraham and Issac had to happen around a huge lump in Abraham’s throat. Often we think of Isaac as a little boy when this happened. He was a young man. He knew what was happening. The faith of Abraham needs to be noted. Abraham believed God. Abraham displayed faith. Abraham pushed through the hard in order to do what was right. The hard paved the way for God to show up and provide. Yet, the provision did not come until Isaac was bound and placed on the altar. Abraham, with a knife in hand, was ready to slay his son. Hard is defined as something that requires a great deal of effort. Everything about Genesis 22 was hard. What is your hard ? What is the right thing to do in the midst of your hard? Friend, it is OK to push through your hard with a lump in your throat and tears rolling down your cheeks! Hard is still hard even when it is right.
4. God Provided the Lamb. (Genesis 22:13-14) As Abraham raised his knife, the Lord called his name. “Do not lay a hand on the boy.” What relief must have flooded Abraham’s heart? We should not be surprised by verse 13. “Abraham looked up, and there in a thicket, he saw a ram caught by its horns. The ram was always the plan. Isaac was never in danger. “So Abraham called that place “The Lord Will Provide.” The word “provide” carries the idea of “to see.” God saw Abraham and provided exactly what he needed. Ultimately what God was doing way back in Genesis 22 was paving the way for Jesus, the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world.

Transforming Truth: Trusting God Leads to Grace in the Moment.

When my boys were little, I rocked them and thought about this story. “How did Abraham do it?” was my question. I secretly hoped God would never ask me to lay my Issac down. I was young, emotional, and didn’t understand the purpose of the story. I came at it from my perspective and sifted the story through the perspective of “what could have happened” instead of “what actually did happen.” As a result, I found myself trying to protect myself and the people I love from God. (How crazy is that to admit!) There were several truths that I did not understand as I rocked my little boys. Mainly that they belong to God and that I have no clue what is best for them in my limited perspective. But more than that, I had no idea about the concept of grace in the moment. I had no idea that God faithfully prepares and provides. This does not make the hard any less hard, but it does give assurance that God is God and that He is good.

Thankfully, God prepared Abraham and gave him grace in the moment. What Abraham would not have imagined as possible, he was able to do because God was with him every step of the way. What is grace? It is God’s riches at Christ’s expense. The years of God promising and providing culminated in a refining moment that proved Abraham trusted God. All of it pointed to Christ and made a way for us to experience grace in the midst of our hard. As we conclude, can I ask you a personal question? Do you trust God? If so, in the midst of your refining moment, are you willing to lay down your Isaac knowing that God has already made a way, He is completely in control, and that He is without a doubt good? As you do, you will experience grace in the moment, and you worship God in the midst of the hard. I love you so much, and I am so thankful we can walk this journey together… all for God’s glory!  

*Stay tuned for new content coming January 2022!!

Welcome to episode eight of Abraham’s journey! Friends, things about to get interesting for  Abraham and Sarah. A phrase that is meaningful in the Old Testament is Little by Little. This phrase describes how God delivered the Promised Land to the Nation of Israel. It was not big. It was not showy. It was little by little. I love how God works! From the very beginning of the Bible, we see the same concept at work.

God worked… little by little.

God provided… little by little.

God moved… little by little.

God taught… little by little.

The phrase little by little does not indicate small or insignificant because God’s work is always big and profound. The phrase little by little indicates the heart of God to work according to His plan in order to accomplish His purpose. The outcome?

• God is glorified, and the people are encouraged.
• God’s Name is spread as the people display the difference God makes among them.

While God could have spoken, and everything happened in a single moment, God worked little by little, so the faith of the people could grow into the spaces and places God provided. I have always been drawn to the concept of little by little, and thank God He still works and moves using the same principle today!

Let’s pick up Abraham’s story in Genesis 18. Today we are going to cover several chapters of Scripture. I encourage you to read these chapters, so you don’t miss one aspect of God’s work in and through the life of Abraham.

4 Key Points from Genesis 18-21

1. Nothing is too hard for the Lord! (Genesis 18:14) Abraham was sitting by the trees at Mamre when the Lord appeared to him. Along with this appearance came three men (angels of the Lord) who showed up and told Abraham that a son was on the way and that Sarah would give birth in one year. Sarah overheard the conversation and laughed. Abraham and Sarah are way beyond childbearing years. The Lord reminds Abraham about His ability in the form of a question. “Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” (Genesis 18:14) What a great reminder for us. In the face of our overwhelming situations that are simply impossible, do we believe there is anything too hard for the Lord?
2. Bold prayers move the heart and protect the mind! (Genesis 18:22) During the men’s visit, they revealed to Abraham that Sodom would be destroyed. Lot, Abraham’s nephew, lived near Sodom. Abraham’s heart immediately went to Lot and his family. Abraham boldly asked God to spare the city if righteous people were found. This conversation went back and forth between Abraham and God. Why do you think God shared this news with Abraham? (We discover the reason in Genesis 18:17-19!) Abraham was going to be an influential man, and the destruction of Sodom was a big deal. God was faithfully shaping Abraham’s perspective on the situation before the situation came to pass. God was prompting Abraham to boldly ask for the city based on the number of righteous people. The reality was shocking. Only one righteous person (Lot) was found in Sodom. Through the conversation with Abraham, God was providing Abraham with the right mindset or perspective to later process the information. God was preparing Abraham’s heart AND mind. All of this happened on the landscape of bold and honest (PRAYER) communication with God.
3. God never gives up on His people! (Genesis 20) Sodom was destroyed, and Lot was rescued. Time passed, and once again, Abraham presented Sarah as his sister instead of his wife. (What in the world?) Please note that Abraham had moved away from the Great Tree of Mamre. He traveled south to a part of the land where he wondered about the beliefs of others. At the end of the day, Abraham did not trust God or4 believe Him for the Promise. (Talk about a recurring theme in Abraham’s life!) One good thing came out of this season in Abraham’s life. Abraham and Sarah had to face their sin, and they had to learn that God never gives up on His people! In order for a son to be born, Abraham and Sarah had to be together as a family. God knew this, and God moved. God confronted the King, who took Sarah into his possession and told him he would die if Sarah was not returned to Abraham. It turns out the King was a man of integrity. He returned Sarah to Abraham along with a blessing. In the process, Abraham had to face his sin and turn from it. Then he had to pray for the King and his people because God had closed the wombs of the women. Abraham prayed for the wombs to be open, and he probably faced his own struggle with Sarah’s womb. God protected Abraham, Sarah, and the Promise. Once again, Abraham learned that God could be trusted.
4. God moves according to His purpose and plan! (Genesis 21) Inhale and exhale because we are at Genesis 21! Finally, after all this time, Sarah gave birth to a son. Can you imagine the joy and relief? The birth of Issac happened at the very time God promised. (Genesis 21:2) Not a day early and not a day late. God is always on time according to his purpose and plan. Think about how Abraham was in Genesis 12 and who Abraham was in Genesis 21. We see a transformation in his walk

Transforming Truth: Trusting God means trusting His timing. All of us know what it is like to want God to move in a certain situation. In our humanity, we want God to “change it,” “provide it,” or “fix it.”  (You know what I mean!) Friends, let’s not beat ourselves up about this desire, but at the same time, let’s recognize how God is working little by little. Let’s commit together to never lose faith and to believe in God even in the moments when we don’t see or experience progress.

Think about the journey from Genesis 12 to Genesis 21. Think about the ups and downs. Abraham knew God, and every step of the journey was important. Next week, we are going to see the hardest test Abraham faced. As we go into Genesis 22, can we see and celebrate the faithfulness of God who laid a strong foundation?

Through Abraham’s life:

• God was glorified, and Abraham was encouraged.
• God’s Name was spread as Abraham displayed the difference God made in him.

What about you and me? What can be said about our life? Especially in the spots where we want God to “change it,” “fix it,” “provide it?” Can we commit to God’s plan and purpose as little by little we see how:

• God is glorified, and I am encouraged.
• God’s Name is spread as I display the difference God makes in me.

That is the full, free, abundant life Jesus provides.

Between Genesis 16 and Genesis 17, fourteen years passed. Fourteen years of waiting, wondering and navigating. Fourteen years of hard. From Abram’s perspective, he was probably asking:  

• Waiting: “What is God’s plan from here?”
• Wondering: “Did I blow it? Can Ishmael be the child of Promise?”
• Navigating: “How can I navigate the challenging dynamic of Sarah, Hagar, and Ishmael?”

Abram was 99 years old when God appeared to him once again and reconfirmed the covenant. God moved the process forward by giving Abram a sign of the covenant and changing Abram’s name to Abraham. This sign marked Abraham and his descendants as God’s chosen people. The outward sign of circumcision represented an inward change of heart.

Today we are going to see four inward changes that give proof to the outward sign.

Genesis 17: Four Inward Signs of Change

1. Be Blameless: (Genesis 17:1-8) God’s heart has always been for blamelessness. This word communicates the call to be faultless before God. Abram had been anything but faultless before God. Like us, Abram blew it time and time again. God is ever faithful and continually reveals His character even in the midst of our sin and struggle. Genesis 17 is the first time God introduces Himself as El Shaddai: The Lord Almighty. God was reminding Abram of His sufficiency and mighty power to accomplish His promises according to His will and timetable. Let that truth sink in. We can be blameless not because of who we are or what we can do, but because of Who God is and what He can do. This was a “stake in the ground moment” between God and Abram. As a result, God changed Abram’s name to Abraham. Abram meant “high father.” Abraham meant “father of a multitude.”
2. Be Committed: (Genesis 17:9-14) God shows His commitment to the covenant through a series of “I Will” statements.

God says I will:

• Make you very fruitful.
• Make Nations and Kings of you.
• Establish my covenant as an everlasting Covenant.
• I will give you the land.

In response, God told Abram to establish circumcision as a sign of the covenant. This sign would set Abraham and his descendants apart from all other people on the earth.   

3. Be Open: (Genesis 17:15-22) God goes on to share that Sarah’s name is going to change and that she will give birth to a son whose name will be Issac. Abraham laughs at this news. God promises that Isaac will be born within a year. Abraham asks if Ishmael can be part of the inheritance. God says yes, but in a different way. Abraham had to be open to God arranging and rearranging his life. The fulfillment of God’s Promise was quickly approaching. God was clear about Abraham’s life and legacy and how it would look. God’s “I will” made a way for Abraham’s “Yes, Lord!” How can we be open as God arranges and rearranges our lives and legacy? Do we trust that God is good and that His plan is good even when it doesn’t make sense?
4. Be Obedient: (Genesis 17:23-27) On that very day, Abraham said, “Yes, Lord” through his actions. Abraham, Ishmael, and every male in his family/possession were circumcised. I can’t imagine the confusion among Abraham’s people as he told them what was about to happen. But God knew the importance of the circumcision process. God knew that Abraham and all his descendants (and there were lots!) needed an outward sign or a mark that reminded them of their inward inheritance or reality. That is what obedience does for us. It becomes an outward sign reminding us of our inward inheritance or reality. We are the people of God. We are marked with the righteousness of Jesus. As a result, we have the opportunity to daily respond in obedience and faith… even when it does not make sense. (Right-standing and Right-living)

Transforming Truth: Trusting God leads to a life that is marked by God. What would it look like for you to be marked by: blamelessness, commitment, openness, and obedience. These inward qualities lead to outward expressions that say, “Yes, Lord” on “this very day.”

I deeply believe that a life that is lived with God, to God, for God, and through God leads to a faith adventure that we can’t come up with or produce on our own. It is a life that is centered and focused on God’s unfolding story. God leads the way by having the plan and being a way maker. We surrender by saying, “Yes, Lord!” Sweet friend, is your “yes” on the table?  

Can I be honest with you? (You know I always am!) There are days when my focus is clear. I have a clear vision of what God is doing in my life, and I am taking steps of faith. Then there are days, and you know where I am going with this one when my walk with God seems hard and confusing. On the hard and confusing days, I can’t figure out what God is doing at the moment and why I am doubting or struggling in my faith.

Seeing Abram navigate a similar type of journey with God is actually encouraging me to dig deeper into my faith and obedience. It is encouraging me to press on in the sanctification journey. There is something helpful about seeing heroes in the faith in the midst of their real struggles and doubts, yet knowing God protected them. I think that is one of the ways God brings purpose to the pain and meaning out of the mess. Our struggles and the struggles of others don’t have to debilitate us. Rather, the struggles and doubts can encourage us to press on as we keep trusting God. I want you to know that my heart is to love and serve God more and more. My passion is to have God-sized faith that believes even when I can’t see. How about you?

Friends, buckle up for today’s passage of Scripture. Genesis 16 reads like an episode of Desperate Housewives. In today’s passage, we are going to see that life is not easy. In fact, life is messy, and relationships are hard. People are difficult, and stories are broken. In the middle of our broken lives, we can know we have been seen by the One who sees. Not only that, we can see Him in the middle of our pain. When we understand this truth, our lives are no longer defined by our mess. Instead, our lives are defined by our God.

Key Points from Genesis 16

1. We live in a broken world. (Genesis 16:1-6) Sometime later, Sarah went to Abram with an idea. Since Sarah could not get pregnant, she wanted to give her maidservant to Abram as a wife so that a line of legacy could be built through the maidservant. Sadly, Abram agreed to the plan. Enter Hagar into the story. In Old Testament times, it was not uncommon for men to have multiple wives and for the primary wife to have helpers or slaves. At this point in the story, Hagar had been with Sarah and Abram since their time in Egypt. Immediately trouble surfaced between the women. That should not surprise us because this plan was sinful from the beginning. Abram and Sarah turned to a worldly mindset and tried to control God instead of trusting in God and His plan. Abram and Sarah were in trouble the moment they stopped believing God for the promised son. This led to three outcomes:
   • Hagar despised Sarah: Hagar looked at Sarah as insignificant or of small worth. (Genesis 16:4)
   • Sarah mistreated Hagar: Sarah afflicted or oppressed Hagar. (Genesis 16:6)
   • Abram withdrew from the place of leadership: Abraham gave control of the situation to Sarah by saying, “Your servant is in your hands” (Genesis 16:6)

All of us know what it is like to deal with sin in our lives and the lives of others. Sin is serious and always carries consequences. Sin is any wrong thought, action, or reaction.

2. God Sees us in our brokenness. (Genesis 16:7-12) Sarah’s mistreatment led Hagar to the desert to escape the abuse. Most likely, Hagar was trying to go back to Egypt. In the desert, next to a spring of water, an angel of the Lord appeared to Hagar. The setting for the conversation is significant. The original Hebrew word for spring denotes the function of the eye. Specifically sight, appearance, and presence. The water in the spring provides a visual picture of God seeing Hagar, God speaking truth to Hagar, and Hagar reflecting the truth in her challenging circumstance. Two important things happen in this conversation. First, Hagar’s name is spoken. (Genesis 16:8) Prior to this, in the original writing, Hagar was referred to as a servant, maidservant, or Egyptian. Hagar saw and experienced God’s tender care and concern. The angel told Hagar to go back to Sarah and submit to her. The angel was honest with Hagar and told her several important details about her life and the life of her son. From this, the second important thing is communicated. Hagar saw and experienced the honesty of God in the difficult moments of life. Hagar learned the following things from the angel:

• Hagar’s descendants would greatly increase.
• Hagar’s child was a son.
• Hagar was told to name her son Ishmael.
• Ishmael would be a “wild donkey," and his hand would be against everyone, and everyone’s hand would be against him.
• Ishmael would live in hostility toward all of his brothers.

3. God speaks life and truth into the brokenness. (Genesis 16:13-15) Hagar was overwhelmed by this encounter. Hagar gave a name to God based on her experience, “You are the God who sees me, for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.’” (Genesis 16:13) She went on to name the spring of water Beer Lahai Roi, meaning, “Well that belongs to the Living One seeing me.” (Genesis 16:14)

4. We have the opportunity to reflect truth to a broken world. (Genesis 17) Hagar returned to Abram’s house and bore a son named Ishmael. 13 years later, the Lord once again appeared to Abram and reconfirmed the covenant. (Son, Descendants, and Land) God told Abram to circumcise his entire household as a sign of the Promise. (It is in this encounter, God officially changed the name of Abraham and Sarah.) God promised to bring a son through Sarah. God would bless Sarah as the mother of nations. Abram asked about Ishmael, and God promised to bless him too, but Isaac would be the son of God’s Promise. (Genesis 17)

Transforming Truth: God Sees, Knows, and Cares for You. The story of Hagar is hard. It honestly breaks my heart. It shows the price of sin and how sin never stays contained. In our most important relationships in life, we must be diligent in protecting our lives from sin. We need to build in accountability for the weak moments and have people in our lives who are willing to tell us what we need to hear, not necessarily what we want to hear.

Still… redemption is ever on the heart and mind of God. He is the ONE who sees. He is the constant in the mess and the storm. Today, in the middle of our brokenness and pain, do we believe God sees us? Can we sit by the spring of water which is the Spring of Life… Jesus?

Jesus sees us in our brokenness and pain. He is willing and able to meet us in the mess and give us a message. He is willing and able to take our pain and create purpose. That, my friend, is who God is, and that is the type of life He offers.

Full.

Free.

Abundant.

Truth-filled

Redeemed.

I am sure Abram had highs and lows, just like us. He probably wondered if he blew it and disqualified himself. He probably wondered if God had really spoken to him. He probably questioned so many things. Can you relate? When you are in a season of waiting, what rises up in you? For me, it is questions and doubts, second-guessing and constant wondering.

That is why today’s Scripture means so much to me. I have studied Genesis 15 a number of times. I have always focused on the details of the covenant process and what it meant for Abram, and what it means for us. Today, my heart is in a much more tender place. As I pour over this passage of Scripture, a lump forms in my throat. My heart beats a little faster. I see God loving, reassuring, and reminding Abram that everything is going to be OK. I wonder if you need to hear that truth today? Do you need to know that God sees you, and everything is going to be OK?

In Genesis 15, we are going to learn that Abram is struggling to trust God in two areas: land and legacy. These are two important themes that run throughout the Old Testament.

Land: God was promising to provide the Promised Land. The Promised Land would be a prime spot of land providing a place for the Nation of Israel to live. In this passage, God is going to enter into covenant with Abram securing the land for Abram’s descendants.

Legacy: The Promise of God to Abram had always been for a descendent. This descendant would provide the line for the Messiah. In this passage, God is going to further clarify the Promise.   

Genesis 15:1-19

Key Points from Genesis 15:1-19

1. God is our Shield and our Reward: (Vs. 1) I love that God initiates this encounter in Abram’s life and addresses an issue going on in Abram’s life. God is faithful to meet us at our greatest point of need!
   • “Do not be Afraid”: The word “afraid” used in this passage can be used in two ways: In this case, it means “an emotional or intellectual anticipation of harm or danger, the sense of dread.” In a sense, God is saying, “Abram, do not dread the future.” Why should Abram embrace this word from the Lord?
   • “I am your shield”: God reminded Abram where his safety was found. Abram’s safety was found in the One true God rather than his circumstances. We do not have to dread the future because God and His plan provide a shield of safety for us. We are told to take up the shield of faith. This is the belief that God is willing and able to save us no matter the situation we face.
   • “Your Very Great Reward”: God proclaimed a powerful truth over Abram’s life. No amount of physical, tangible, or relational experiences would adequately take the place of God in Abram’s life. This truth served as a protection for Abram, and it serves as a protection for us. Before God confirmed the promise of land and legacy, God reminded about the beauty of His protection and His presence.
2. God can handle our Honest Questions and Deep Doubts: (Vs. 2-3) Abram responded to the faithfulness of God with honest questions and deep doubts. Let that truth sink in. Abram was real in the midst of his journey. He didn’t have to clean himself up or get his act together. He simply needed to “be” in the presence of God. The question on Abram’s heart went to the heart of the Promise God had made. “What can you give me since I remain childless?” What is the question on your heart for God? Do you believe it is OK to be real before God and with others? Sometimes we can fall into the trap of believing we have to clean ourselves up or be the “good Christian Girl” in order for God to use us. What would it look like for us to get real in our walk with God? The getting real process actually fortifies us in our faith!
3. Faith is Key to Victory: (Vs. 4-6) (Legacy) When we ask a question, are we ready to listen? I think that is something we don’t talk about enough. We can figure out the questions, but how often do we sit still long enough to listen for God’s reply? In the process, are we open to God correcting us by changing our viewpoint not only on the situation but also on the future? Abram was ready to listen. Getting real with God and ourselves prepares us for God’s way over our way. “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:6 is one of the most profound verses in all of the Bible. The moment Abram believed, he said, “Yes!” to God’s way of living. Abram placed His faith or trust in God. Let’s talk about righteousness. I like to think of it like this: right-standing and right-living. Right-standing happens through salvation. We place our faith in Jesus, and His righteousness becomes our righteousness. Right-living happens through sanctification. We have the daily opportunity to demonstrate Jesus’ righteousness applied to our lives as we walk by faith.
4. God Provides What We Need: (Vs. 7-19) (Land) God reminds Abram about the beginning of their relationship and the Promise of land. This conversation brings another honest question from Abram. “O Sovereign Lord, how can I now that I will gain possession of it?” God entered into covenant with Abram. This was a formal agreement that meant what God said would come to pass. The events recorded in Genesis 15 paints a picture of God’s chosen people coming out of Egypt and towards the Promised Land. God also promised Abram that he would die in peace. God provided Abram with everything he needed. God does the same for us. Through the New Covenant:
   • God sent Jesus to secure our salvation. (Victory over the Grave)
   • God sent the Holy Spirit to be our Guide. (Victory over Sin)
   • God gave us His Word, so we know how to live. (Victory over Confusion)
   • God gave us the Church, so we are not alone. (Victory over Isolation and loneliness)

How do we access the victory? We make Genesis 15:6 our proclamation of faith as we believe God.

Transforming Truth: God is sure, steady, and able even in the midst of our questions and doubts.

This week I want to encourage you to be honest about your questions and doubts. Bring them before the Lord along with an open heart to be encouraged and redirected. Let your belief in God define and redefine how you live. This week it is all about REAL, HONEST, DEEP faith. I can’t wait to talk about it with you!  

Our time on earth as believers in Jesus Christ falls into the following categories:

• Salvation: Coming to faith in Christ.
• Sanctification: Growing in our love relationship with Christ.
• Glorification: Going home to be with Christ.

As we focus on our purpose, Jesus is always at the center of our lives. In today’s passage, Lot was in big trouble. He had settled in the Plain of Jordan and got caught up in the ways of the world. The outcome was being captured by another king. Can you relate to Lot’s situation? Have you been distracted and, as a result, been caught up in someone else's battle? To me, this is the very definition of a scattered life. A life that is pushed and pulled by the circumstances going on around us. A life that is driven by the world and the ways of the world.

Meanwhile, Abram was in the place of rich communion with God at the trees of Mamre. Abram was living his life focused on God. Let’s pick up the story and see what we can learn about living a life focused on God as we put our trust in Him.

Key Points from Genesis 14:13-24

1. Preparation Proceeds Blessing: (Vs. 13-16) Abram was prepared for war long before he went to war. Part of being God’s chosen people is knowing the enemy will attack. Abram took tangible steps to be ready for the day of battle. He formed strong alliances with people he trusted, and he trained his men for the day of battle. For us, the same approach helps us know how to prepare so we can live with focus.
   • Community: Who are the people you trust? Who speaks truth into your life? Who can you rely on during the battle?
   • Commitment: How do you train for the day of battle? What does it look like to put on the full armor of God so you can take your stand? (Ephesians 6:10-18)
     • Belt of Truth
     • Breastplate of Righteousness
     • Gospel Shoes
     • Shield of Faith
     • Helmet of Salvation
     • Sword of the Spirit
     • Prayer

2. Preparation Leads to Protection: (Vs. 17) God was with Abram. Abram defeated the King of Kedorlaomer and all who were allied with him. God honored Abram. This led to a meeting with the King of Sodom, who came out to meet Abram. The King of Sodom was going to tempt Abram to enter into a relationship with him, but God was making a way. Because Abram had been focused on God, Abram was ready.
3. Preparation Results in a Clear Focus: (Vs. 18-20) Something significant happened in verses 18-20. The King of Salem came out to meet Abram. The origin of this King is debated. Some believe this is a pre-incarnate sighting of Jesus. (Also known as a theophany.) Others believe this is a King who represented Jesus. Either way, Abram had a God encounter that teaches us where to place our focus during the battle.
   • Bread: The body of Christ (Broken)
   • Wine: The blood of Christ (Poured out)

The message the King of Salem delivered was clear: Abram was blessed by God, and God alone delivered Abram. What a beautiful protection God extended to Abram. Lest Abram thought he was strong or good or capable or able, God planted truth firmly in Abram's heart through a blessing. “Your victory is in Me. I will always be the One who delivers you.” (paraphrase of Genesis 14:19-20)

Abram worshiped God by giving the King of Salem a tenth of his possessions. When we give to God, we communicate two things. Everything we have comes from God, and we trust God to supply our needs. In a world that says, “Store up and collect.” God says, “Trust me to provide.” We worship God by giving sacrificially to God even when we are unsure of our future.

4. Preparation Builds our Resolve to Live for God: (Vs. 21-24) The King of Sodom reentered the picture and tried to strike up a deal with Abram. Since Abram’s victory led to possessions of people and goods, the King of Sodom suggested, “You keep the goods from the war, and you give me the people.” Because Abram was focused on God and had been in the place of worship, he was prepared for this moment. Abram did not compromise. He did not take his eyes off of God. Abram did not fall into the trap. Instead, Abram trusted God by positioning his life and legacy to be built for God and by God. Abram removed any other path that could lead to self-sufficiency or questioning who really made the way for Abram and God’s chosen people. This is the very picture of Salvation… Sanctification…Glorification

Transforming Truth: Focusing on God leads to God-sized Moments. Where is your focus during the battle? You can be battle-ready by focusing on two important steps: Building a God-honoring community and commitment to preparing for the day of battle?

I love you, and I am so glad to fight with you and for you for God’s glory in your life!

I want to pick up on a thought we introduced last week. During hard times, we will go the route of faith or fear. The route of trusting God or trusting Self.

This is what each path looks like in our lives:

• Fear leading to sin leading to Consequences.
• Faith leading to Righteousness leading to Victory.

Ultimately what will fuel our decision to embrace faith as we turn from fear is our trust in God. (His Character. His ability. His strength. His truth.) The all-important question is, “Do I trust God? Do I believe what the Bible says about God is true?”

Let’s transition to today’s passage. I love how Abram’s story unfolds!

4 Key Points from Genesis 13:1-18

Context: Abram left Egypt and headed back to the place of Promise. His actions and attitudes revealed a faith-filled heart instead of a fear-filled heart.

1. Go Back to the Place of Worship (Vs. 1-4) Abram returned from Egypt, and he was a wealthy man. Let’s not miss the point that God used the storm of Egypt to position Abram for a strong future. God was making Abram into a Nation. (Remember, that was part of the Promise!) God was establishing Abram in every way. He was providing resources like livestock, silver, and gold. As always, God was creative in the way He provided. God was protecting the Promise while He was further established the Promise. It is important for us to remember that where God guides, He always provides! God used the storm of Egypt to shape Abram’s character, so He would be a man of wisdom and faith.

2. Seek Peace and Pursue Peace (Vs 7-8) There is so much packed in these two verses of Scripture. We learn that quarreling broke out between Abram and Lot’s herdsmen. Once again, we see that Abram was in a pinch. How will he respond this time? Will he trust God or trust himself? Before we get to the answer, let’s take note of an important point… the statement about the Canaanites and Perizzites who were also living in the land. God was building Abram into a nation, a group of people who were God’s chosen possession. God planned for the Nation to be a Holy Nation that was set apart for God’s glory. The result? The Nation would display the difference God makes among a people. So the very fact that discord was happening among Abram and Lot’s herdsmen was a big problem. And the very fact that others were watching the discord was a big problem.

3. Trust God with the outcome (Vs. 8-9). Abram recognized that he and Lot were brothers. As a result, there was no place for quarreling. Abram went to Lot and said, Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers.” Then Abram let Lot pick the direction he wanted to go. And Abram was content to go in a different direction.

4. Keep your eyes focused on the Prize (Vs. 14-18). Lot chose the Plain of the Jordan, which was close to Sodom. Most likely, Lot had been longing for the things that were available in the Plains, which looked like Egypt. (Remember, Egypt represented the world!) What an important point that we should not miss. “Egypt” will always be tempting. Egypt will always look good, but it will always lead to destruction. We live in a fallen world that is wicked. Sin abounds, and only God can save us from us. Lot chooses wickedness, and that will come back to impact Lot and his family as the story unfolds.

Transforming Truth: Trusting God leads to a rich communion with God even in the midst of the wickedness of this world. 

Open your Bible to Genesis 12:10-20. In today’s passage, we find Abram in a pinch. Let that truth sink in! Abram faced trouble and hardship even while living in the promised blessing from God. If you are wondering what I mean by that, consider these facts!

• Abram was living in the land where had God led him.
• Abram was fully settled in the land. Scripture tells us Abram pitched his tent, which is the equivalent of us buying a home.
• Abram had built an altar and worshipped the Lord. In a sense, Abram had put his stake in the ground.

Abram and his family lived a pastoral or nomadic lifestyle. They lived in tents pitched in regions with adequate water and food supply. They moved based on the needs of their animals. Here is the important point! Abram had moved around in the land, but he had not left the land… until now.

4 Key Points from Genesis 12:10-20

1. Trouble happens in the Place of Promise: Vs. 10

• Famine: God allowed famine at different times and for different reasons. Often it was seen as a judgment from God. However, most of the time, God used famine as a tool to help His people see their need for Him which led the people to repent and turn back to God. Famine is found throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.
• Trouble: For today, let’s think of famine as “trouble or hard times.” We have trouble or hard times because we live in a fallen world that is plagued by sin. What do we need to know in the midst of trouble?
  • Trouble does not surprise God.
  • Trouble does not overwhelm God.
  • Trouble does not negate God’s plan.
• In the midst of trouble, we can cling to Jesus’ words from John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world.”

2. Trouble Produces and Reveals:11-13
   • Produces: Fear vs. Faith (bring up)
   • Reveals: Sin vs. Righteousness (bring out)
   • Two paths: Fear leading to Sin or Faith leading to Righteousness
3. God Protects Us from Us: 14-16 God is always faithful to His Promise even when we are not. God is faithful to the promise when the people around us are not! When Abram gave Sarah to Pharaoh, he was giving up on the Promise of God to bless and provide a Nation through them. Even as Abram was giving up, God was preparing for victory. He was protecting and providing. This did not eliminate the consequences, but it did protect the Promise and the plan. Vs. 14-16
4. Sin has consequences: In this passage, we see immediate consequences for Pharaoh, and we see the introduction of long-term consequences for Abram and Sarah. Hagar came into the story in these three verses of Scripture. Hagar will be an ongoing issue of strife between Abram and Sarah. Vs. 17-20

What is Trust? An assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something. As a result, a willingness exists to place confidence in that person or thing.

• Character: Who God is.
• Ability: What God can do.
• Strength: How God accomplishes tasks in our lives.
• Truth: God’s pure intentions along the way

Result: Confidence in God.

Transforming Truth: Hard times lead to a choice- Trusting God or Trusting Self? Trusting God leads to faith and righteousness. Trusting self leads to fear and sin. Remember, we have to live this out in “real-time” amid the pinch of life that we face.

Application: What belief about God do you need to renew so you can trust Him more? (His Character. His Ability. His Strength. His Truth.) Maybe you need to renew your mind about the troubling circumstances you face. Today can you see how your circumstance is providing a way for you to draw closer to God rather than push Him further away? Whatever it is, recognize the lie you are currently believing and replace it with the truth. Victory is ours in Jesus Christ! Visit Andrea’s website www.andrealennonministry.org to take advantage of additional free resources to help you know, live, and share the truth!

Let’s start by talking about trusting God. Anyone else struggle with trusting God? I struggle with trusting God and have claimed the word “faith!” as my word for 2021. I want to expect big things from God and attempt big things for God. Along the way, I want to trust that God is in control and that His plan is good! 

Let’s turn our attention to a man introduced in Genesis 11 as Abram, later known as Abraham. He was far from perfect, but his journey led him to trust God deeply. God had a plan for Abram’s life and that plan led to the blessing of every nation… a blessing that is available to us today!

In today’s podcast we discuss the following key points from Genesis 12:

1. God Initiated an Encounter: “Leave your country, your people, and your Father’s household and go the land I will show you.” vs. 1

1. God-Ordained a Promise: “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” vs. 2-3

1. Abram Responded in Obedient Faith: “So Abram left, as the Lord had told him…and they set out for the land of Canaan and they arrived there.” vs. 4, 5

1. Abram received a Certain Future: “At that time the Canaanites were in the land. The Lord appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your offspring, I will give this land. So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him.” vs. 7 

These key points lead to our Transforming Truth: “Trusting God is rooted in knowing who God is and how God faithfully works.” If you would like to join the conversation regarding trusting God, please join the Girl on the Go Private Facebook group here!  

In this episode, Andrea is in the interviewee seat as Katie Orr, creator of the FOCUSed15 Bible study method and the Bible Study Hub, chats with her about all things bible study, ministry, family and more! 

To learn more about Katie, or the Bible Study Hub, click here. 

She continues her discussion on what it takes to have a God-sized vision for your life and what it takes to embrace that!

We thank you for tuning in each week to hear from our breakout leaders from this year's Inspire Women's Conference. We are so looking forward to next and what God has in store! Be sure to keep tuning in as we return to Andrea's regular scheduled shows every other Monday. 

To watch the video version of this show, click here. 

To watch the entire Inspire Conference, click here. 

In this episode, Lori begins to discuss what it takes to have a God-sized vision for your life and what it takes to embrace that!

To watch the video version of this show, click here. 

To watch the entire Inspire Conference, click here. 

In this episode, we hear from Shari Edwards! Edwards is no stranger to the On The Go Podcast. She's been on before with Andrea to impart her own wisdom and talk all things Inspire Conference, as she helps put it on every year!

As an adjunct professor at Ouachita Baptist University, Edwards is here to share about a topic not all too familiar with most. We've heard about Ruth and Mary, but alongside those inspiring women are other women in the Bible that also prove that God uses women in the same amount as he uses men. She talks about how this alone should be inspiring and shared with the women, young and old, in our lives that no matter what, God can and still uses us even today. 

Women in the Bible handout

To connect with Shari, click here. 

Going Beyond Live with Priscilla Shirer is coming to Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock on September 25! Brandy Cerny, Event Project Coordinator for LifeWay, shares all the details you'll need to know about what you can expect and what we hope God lays on your heart at this event.

They also disclose the extra special reason for coming to the North Little Rock show is something you won't want to miss. 

If you'd like to join us, click here to register today! 

To sign up for You Lead, click here.

To watch our video podcast version, click here. 

In this episode, we hear from Courtney Reissig. Courtney is a writer and Bible teacher from Little Rock, AR. She is a wife to Daniel, mom to four sons, and a member at Immanuel Baptist Church. 

She dives into Psalms 1 and helps us understand how this psalms provide help and healing while giving us a big view of our God.

These last 18 months have been hard on all of us. As we begin to process all that we've walked through, we can be comforted knowing that God has given us language for our overwhelming emotions in the greatest joys of life and the deepest valleys. 

Courtney is also the author of three books, most recently Teach Me to Feel: Worshipping Through the Psalms in Every Season of Life. 

Connect with Courtney here. 

In this episode, we hear from Cheryl Harp! She has a special word for those who, like herself, are wives of ministers. She talks about uncovering God’s desire and focus for our lives as you serve alongside your husbands, as well as serve your local church body. She also discusses how to deal with disappointments and distractions and turn our focus on God’s calling on your life as we share His love through the way you live!

Cheryl Harp is the Pastor's Wife at Lakeview Baptist Church in Cave Springs, AR. She considers that to be her great joy and calling on her life. She also serves women in the local church as the Women's Ministry Team Leader and serves as the NWA Women's Ministry Network Volunteer for the ABSC. She loves to dig into scripture and the opportunity to teach and disciple women. She is passionate, humbled, and grateful that God allows her to be a part of His awesome and great work.

Arkansas Baptist Ministers Wives Private Facebook Group: AR Baptist Ministers’ Wives (SBC)

Cheryl Harp: cherylharp1@gmail.com

Vickie Lee: vickielee@bellsouth.net

Arkansas Baptist Ministers Wives Website

Andrea sits down with Steve and Bethany of the HopeCast and Clay Cunningham, Associate Pastor of Family Ministery at FBC Benton, to talk about all things technology and your family. What apps should you be on the lookout for as "unsafe"? How much screen time is too much? and more!

This conversation leads to the introduction of a new conference being held at FBC Benton in August! In partnership with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, Navigate 2021 is for parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, anyone who interacts with the Next Generation and wants to see them thrive in a world that is dominated by the negativity that comes with social media and media in general.

For more information, or to register for Navigate 2021, click here.   

If you'd like to watch the video form of this show, click here! 

In this episode, we get to hear from P.J. Yarbrough. Listen as she dives into scripture and shares her life story as inspiration to us that your story will always be used for God's glory. 

Born in Russellville, after spending time in foster care and adoption, Shaneil grew up in Calion, Arkansas. She is affectionately known as “P.J.” (short for “Precious Jewel”). She is intentional about living life to its fullest and seeks out opportunities to help others realize their potential and excel! Her new book (published July 2018), an autobiography, “Born a Statistic: Living Rejected, Agreeing with God”, shows accessibility to resilience, transformation, God's grace, and unmerited favor! This insightful look into the author's life serves as a testament to how God's immeasurable love supersedes statistical data, rejection, and hesitation to trust His divine plan. For more information, visit www.bornastatistic.com.

A graduate of Southern Arkansas University, Yarbrough has a deep-rooted passion for children. She has dedicated nearly twenty years of her life working in several capacities: elementary school teacher, preschool administrator, advisor, coach, and professional development trainer. Her current employer is the University of Arkansas Early Care and Educations Projects (ECEP). As a Training Advisor, she assists in researching and writing professional development curricula, teaches ECEP courses to participants, and coaches early childhood professionals across Arkansas. 
 
She is zealously involved in both her local church and the community. Currently, she serves as the President-Elect of the Arkansas Early Childhood Association (AECA) and volunteers as a mentor for young girls. Local youth named “P.J.” the 2018 Mentor of the Year. More recently, in 2019, she was named Community Leader of the Year by another local organization. Life brought P.J. “full circle” as she was formerly the Executive Director and Administrator of Agape House Children’s Home, Inc., a group foster home.

Her hobbies include spending time with family, reading, writing, and thrift shopping for vintage clothing. “P.J.” has been married to her husband, Larry D., Sr., Pastor of Changing Lives Ministries, since 2000. They reside in El Dorado with their two sons, Larry D. Jr., “L.J.,” and Lance.

In this episode, we turn back to a conversation from 2019. At the ABSC annual meeting, Andrea talked to Jamie Naramore, the International Church Strategist at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, about the international population in Arkansas. He talks about what's being done to engage them with the Gospel and discusses ways you and I can get involved with furthering that mission right in our own backyards. 

In this episode, we hear from Sally Hennard. Sally is a part of the Inspire Team and is breaking out of her comfort zone to share something that's been on her heart - our thought life.

She uses the illustration of a glass of water throughout and poses the question, Do you see a glass half empty? Or half full? Dive into scripture with Sally as she talks about her personal journey with her thought life and ways you can view your glass. 

Sally and her husband live in De Queen, Arkansas. She's a high school counselor and has been in education for over 30 years! She has 3 daughters, a "bonus" son, and 5 grandchildren. 

In this episode of Inspire, Lisa Jones shares her story on prayer, and how it became a big part of her life and journey in faith. She walks through scriptures meant to encourage you and your prayer life. 

In this episode, we hear from one of our friends, Shelly Chandler! Some may know her, but for those who don't, Shelly is an Inspire Coordinator as well as Women's Ministry Director at her local church in Conway, Arkansas. She's also Network Ministry Leader for Central Arkansas. She's married to Michael Chandler and has 3 boys, so you know she knows the hectic lifestyle.

Shelly dives into fear and how it's presented to us in the Bible by God. Did you know that the phrase 'fear not' or something similar to that is in the Bible 365 times?  It's serious business for God, and Shelly dives into Romans 8:15 and Matthew 8:26 to teach us what that phrase should mean to us and how we can use it to fear God in the way he intended. 

Shelly's website

In this episode, we get to hear from Susan Goss as she talks about relationships. We were created for relationships with others, ourselves, and with God. She dives into scripture and reads from her book, "We're Still In This" to discuss how we can strive to have healthy relationships. 

Susan is the founder of Tangible Truth Ministries and co-founder of The Joshua Center, an affordable counseling service. She is a professional, licensed counselor and specializes in Family and Marriage counseling.

In this episode, we hear from Abby Turner about growing with God by pursuing intentional relationships with others. We've said it before and we'll say it again, we were made for community with others. We were not made to live this life alone, and Abby dives into that. 

Abby Turner is a Little Rock native and an Ouachita Baptist University alum! She is passionate about people and food, which inspired her to start her food blog, Table Top Affair. She just released a cookbook called The Living Table that breaks up into moments instead of categories and includes devotions! 

Follow her on social media:

Instagram

Facebook

In this episode, we hear from Kandi Gallaty and Julie Woodruff from Replicate Ministries on their own show, Disciple Her Podcast, on leading yourself well. If you can lead yourself well, you can lead others too. 

Kandi Gallaty, is a Pastor's Wife, Author, and Co-Founder of Replicate Ministries. Julie Woodruff is the Women's Minister at Long Hollow Baptist Church have many years of experience leading women

Inspire Digital Women's Conference

Disciple Her Podcast

Replicate Ministries 

In this episode, we hear from Kandi Gallaty and Julie Woodruff from Replicate Ministries on their own show, Disciple Her Podcast, on what discipleship is and what discipleship is not.

Kandi Gallaty, is a Pastor's Wife, Author, and Co-Founder of Replicate Ministries. Julie Woodruff is the Women's Minister at Long Hollow Baptist Church have many years of experience leading women

Inspire Digital Women's Conference

Disciple Her Podcast

Replicate Ministries 

Lori is a wife, mom, and grandmother of twins! She has a heart for discipleship and for the nations which has led her to over 30 countries, working with indigenous leaders and mobilizing churches to participate in God’s global mission.

You'll hear more of Lori's life and ministry in this episode, but also catch a glimpse of what you might expect from her at this year's Inspire Women's Conference on March 13! 

To register for Inspire, click here. 

Lori McDaniel's Socials:

Facebook

Instagram

The Great Commission Woman 

More information will be available soon - and we'll be sure to link everything below when it becomes available. We hope you enjoy these upcoming episodes, and that you'll join us in building and creating women leaders for the local church! 

*This conversation was originally apart of the Women's Roundtable virtual event that happened in January 2021

As their discussion on how to be a good communicator concludes in this episode, the girls chat about embracing all the digital and analog forms of communication. Even though technology might be the direction we're headed, even good ole fashioned cards can still be used to reach women for the Gospel. 

Links:

Arkansas Women's Ministry Network Facebook Group

Bless Every Home 

It's no secret that times have changed. Being able to communicate well in today's society will take you far. In this series, Andrea wants to help you be able to communicate to your friends, family, and ministry in a way that will draw them to the Gospel, but that all starts with knowing where to start and how to do that. 

Be sure to grab your calendar and a pen, because you'll want to save these dates. We have exciting things planned for this year, and we want YOU to join us! 

In this episode from December 2019, Andrea and Bethany continue to look at Luke 2 as they building on the foundation that Jesus is the reason for the season, and how we can carry that mantra not only during the holidays but for the rest of our days as well.

To download Andrea's Free E-Book, click here.

In this episode from December 2019, Andrea and Bethany discuss the many joys of Christmas and the traditions families share - like throwing a party for Jesus. They dive into Luke 2 to unwrap the true meaning of Christmas, and what that means for you and me.

 To download Andrea's Free E-Book, click here. 

To see/hear more from Steve and Bethany, click here. 

If you'd like to connect with Claudia, or learn more about what she does, click here. 

2020 has thrown a lot of curveballs, but none of them took God by surprise. She talks about adapting your ministry to this season of life and applying it to the ones to come. The old ways have changed, but these new ways of doing ministry can help yours flourish as you continue to seek God's wisdom during this time. 

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