TTP #227 | Moving Out of Negativity with Mandy West

TTP #229 | A Paused Parable with Danielle Zapchenk

Send The Parable Podcast a Text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1838611/open_sms] Throughout this episode, I share about how our family welcomed a foreign exchange student into our home, the joys and challenges of parenting, and the need to make active choices in life. One of the ways emphasizes the significance of listening to others and embracing change as part of personal growth, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own lives and the stories they carry. After 229 episodes I am choosing to press pause on continuing The Parable Podcast. I have beel so blessed to take the time to reflect on the joy of connecting with guests and listeners. This decision to step back is giving me some bandwith, rest and ensuring that this podcast content remains genuine and authentic. I encourage you as a listener to evaluate your own life, consider what brings you joy, and make choices that align with your heart. So I thank you so much for listening, for being a part of the Parable Podcast. It has been such a blessing to my life. I've grown in so many ways and I am grateful. And I will say goodbye for now, stay in touch. I don't know what will come in the future, but I do want you to know and remember that your parable story matters. And that is how God consistently works in your life to grow you, to shape you, to become more like Him. Thank you so much. I love you! Takeaways * Welcoming a foreign exchange student can enrich your life. * Parenting involves making family decisions together. * We often get caught up in the busyness of life. * Making plans helps us prioritize what matters. * Busyness can cut off our connection to God and others. * Choosing not to replace activities but to create space is essential. * Community and listening to others strengthen our relationships. * Embracing change is a part of personal growth. Reflection Questions 1. What are the hard parts? Is it time to press pause? Is it time to end something? Or maybe it's time to start. What would that be for you? 2. And encouragement to look at whatever you're doing, if you're trying to find space, make sure you are not replacing it. ;) Connect with Danielle Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/daniellezapchenk/] The Lives We Actually Have by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie [https://katebowler.com/books/the-lives-we-actually-have/] Keywords: The Parable Podcast, family stories, foreign exchange student, parenting, busyness, community, change, active choices, listening, personal growth Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838611/support] Ways to Support The Parable Podcast #1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify). #2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation. #3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more. [https://www.daniellezapchenk.com/contact-1]

TTP #228 | Presence Saved My Life with Heather Winchell

Send The Parable Podcast a Text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1838611/open_sms] Is it difficult for you to remember the last time you were fully present? If you enjoy hearing other stories and want to be encouraged about the ways God is working in their life, you found a home right here at The Parable Podcast. Joining me today is podcast host and artist Heather Winchell, who reflects on a pivotal moment that encapsulated her desire to be fully present. I hope this episode is a gentle reminder for you today to step into presence one step at a time, just like Heather did.  Reflection Questions 1. I'd like for you to journal about the current cry of your heart. 2. How can you step into participatory presence with just one person in your life today?  If something sparked within you in this episode, could you do me a favor and share Heather's episode with a friend or a family member who has recently told you, know I just don't feel connected to myself or God or those around me. Remember, your parable showcases how we never have to wonder about God's presence in our own lives.  Connect with Heather Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/] | Thanks for Doing That Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/thanks.for.doing.that.podcast/] | E-mail [heather.d.winchell@gmail.com] Every Little Seed [https://everylittleseed.com/] | Courtney Kendall's episode [https://www.daniellezapchenk.com/post/i-m-not-a-real-designer-with-courtney-kendall-202] Keywords: presence, mindfulness, emotional journey, personal growth, faith Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838611/support] Ways to Support The Parable Podcast #1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify). #2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation. #3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more. [https://www.daniellezapchenk.com/contact-1]

TTP #227 | Moving Out of Negativity with Mandy West

Send The Parable Podcast a Text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1838611/open_sms] Is it hard for you to imagine the other possibilities of life? Joining me today is artist Mandy West, who paints the beauty in everyday life and shares about one of the seasons when she noticed she settled into negativity. She discusses the importance of embracing creativity, especially in challenging situations. Mandy also reflects on a personal experience with her father that inspired her to view life's challenges as opportunities for artistic expression and growth. I will definitely be thinking about her garden space (see below) and that hot doorknob, so relatable. Grateful for Mandy’s story. Reflection Questions 1. Is there an area that you can now notice you have settled into negativity, and why? 2. When was the last time you saw a glimmer of hope in your life whether through people, likes Mandy’s dad or friend Lisa that sparked something in you? Connect with Mandy Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mandywestfoco/] | Etsy [https://www.etsy.com/shop/mandywestart/?etsrc=sdt&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn-KXe5WIRiYLFtXdngEdxEs7b9mxq8lDpm1JllzLw_FOREevbaGxm-hGe0Ig_aem_xokfvkumNmdW7kjSbg0HEQ] Every Little Seed [https://everylittleseed.com/] | Courtney Kendall's episode [https://www.daniellezapchenk.com/post/i-m-not-a-real-designer-with-courtney-kendall-202] Glimmers of Hope [https://www.thebatonpass.com/glimmersofhope] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838611/support] Ways to Support The Parable Podcast #1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify). #2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation. #3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more. [https://www.daniellezapchenk.com/contact-1]

TTP #226 | Connecting with God in Your Busy Life with Liz Lassa

Send The Parable Podcast a Text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1838611/open_sms] Have you ever told God, this is your problem? If you like hearing people's stories and being encouraged about the ways God is working in their lives, you have found a home right here at The Parable Podcast. Meet Liz Lassa, speaker and author of The Spiritual Circle Journal, who shares about her journey of faith, the importance of journaling, and how to connect with God amidst the chaos of life. Liz shares her personal experiences with grief, the role of community support, and practical ways to help those navigating loss. Our conversation emphasizes the significance of listening to the Holy Spirit and finding time for God in busy lives, plus offering encouragement for those seeking their calling. I hope you are encouraged to think about your own story and remember your parable showcases how we can see God through all the practices of our lives. Reflection Questions 1. Are you starting a new normal, like Liz? If so, I'd love for you to take a moment to give yourself the permission that your faith life may not look the same as it did before. 2. Have there been any recent coincidences that you can now recognize God's movement in your life, and maybe take a moment to journal about that? Connect with Liz Website [https://www.spiritualcirclejournal.com/] | The Spiritual Circle Journal [https://www.spiritualcirclejournal.com/journals] | Instagram [https://instagram.com/spiritualcirclejournal] Journaling through Grief [https://www.amazon.com/Journeying-Through-Grief-4-Book-Set/dp/B000NYH6L4?adgrpid=185328955904&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=748008426930&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5357509739629801394&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021523&hvtargid=dsa-1595363597442&hydadcr=&mcid=&hvocijid=5357509739629801394--&hvexpln=m-dsad&tag=googhydr-20&hvsb=Media_d&hvcampaign=dsadesk] Keywords: spiritual growth, journaling, grief, community support, Holy Spirit, busy lives, finding God, personal stories, encouragement, faith Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838611/support] Ways to Support The Parable Podcast #1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify). #2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation. #3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more. [https://www.daniellezapchenk.com/contact-1]

TTP #225 | But Our Eyes are on You with Danielle Zapchenk

Send The Parable Podcast a Text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1838611/open_sms] Have you ever studied the names of God?  Today we are on week 2 of a message from our home church, as we were finishing up a story about King Jehoshaphat and his army.  Please enjoy this message wherever it may find you today. Message Notes Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’”2 Chronicles: 20:15-17  Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.” 2 Chronicles: 20:20-21 As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another. 2 Chronicles: 20:22-23  “This triumph results from complete dependence on God.” Asbury Bible Commentary  Yahweh  Elohim  El Elyon Here is the list that I was working from [https://www.missionhills.org/16-names-of-god-that-reveal-his-character/].  This list was helpful too. [https://www.gotquestions.org/names-of-God.html] Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies. 2They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the LORD with harps and lyres and trumpets. The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. 2 Chronicles: 20:27-29 "True worship doesn't put on a show or make a fuss; true worship isn't forced, isn't half-hearted, doesn't keep looking at its watch, doesn't worry what the person in the next pew is doing. True worship is open to God, adoring God, waiting for God, trusting God even in the dark." N. T. Wright We do not know what to do but our eyes are on you. Reflection Questions 1. Discover a new name of God this week. This just better give you a focus of God’s characteristics.  2. What is a way you can worship God today? Watch this service live at West Ridge [https://www.youtube.com/live/TQrR_K4R5ko?si=L2WAzms6M2a34Qnb] #theparablepodcast #yourstorymatters #2Chronicles #OurEyesAreOnYou Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838611/support] Ways to Support The Parable Podcast #1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify). #2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation. #3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more. [https://www.daniellezapchenk.com/contact-1]