Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith

Unpacking Priorities and Embracing Imperfect People: Melissa Ferguson & Natalie Runion

This week, we’ll hear from Melissa Ferguson [https://melissaferguson.com/], a mother of five whose love for stories and the countryside has inspired her creative life. From her family’s Tennessee farmhouse by the mountains, she writes heartwarming romantic comedies for television and children’s books. Melissa reflects on the lessons she’s learned from farm life, family rhythms, and faith—and why at the end of the day, it all comes down to keeping what’s most important at the top of the to-do list. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from worship artist Natalie Runion [https://natalierunion.com/]. Natalie grew up as a pastor’s kid watching her parents serve their church, but found herself needing to forgive certain toxic elements that had shaped her upbringing. Today, through her ministry Raised to Stay and her writing, Natalie gives us a glimpse into how she’s helping others reconcile their love for Jesus with the realities of a sometimes imperfect church culture.    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/] Jesus Calling [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/] Jesus Always [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-always/] Jesus Listens [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-listens/] Past interview: Chris and Kelly Janson [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/the-great-reset-getting-back-to-what-matters-most-with-chris-janson-kelly-janson-and-steve-white/] Upcoming interview: Theresa Bruno [https://theresabruno.net/]   Melissa Ferguson [https://melissaferguson.com/] Great American Family [https://www.greatamericanfamily.com/] Our Friendly Farmhouse Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ourfriendlyfarmhouse/] Homesteading [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homesteading] Jesus Calling for Kids [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/] www.melissaferguson.com [http://www.melissaferguson.com] Our Friendly Farmhouse [https://www.amazon.com/Our-Friendly-Farmhouse-Melissa-Ferguson/dp/1400250528/]   Natalie Runion [https://natalierunion.com/] Raised to Stay [https://natalierunion.com/] Campus Crusade for Christ [https://www.cru.org/] 2 Corinthians 11 NIV [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%2011&version=NIV] Hebrews 13 NIV [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2013&version=NIV] www.natalierunion.com [http://www.natalierunion.com] I Don’t Even Like Women [https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Even-Like-Women-Sisterhood/dp/0830786708/]   Interview Quotes: “We definitely stepped into [homesteading] slowly and kind of enjoyed getting to know the adventure of each thing because there is such a learning curve there. It’s been an adventure along the way, and I think it’s been really healthy for our children and for ourselves.” - Melissa Ferguson “It’s important to step back, especially when something feels off. I broke it down by the hours that each activity in that priority order would take, and I realized this is why I’m stressed. I’m stressed because I’ve swapped the extras, the least important priorities in my life, with the things that are.” - Melissa Ferguson “I have allowed myself to be too busy doing other things and that was a choice not to spend time in the Word or pray because I thought, Oh, well, it doesn’t matter that much. I’m too busy. I’d rather go do this. And I’ve experienced the consequences of what became a growing sense of restlessness or a lack of peace.” - Melissa Ferguson “The older I get, the more aware I am that we live in a very broken and hurting world. So I absolutely need to spiritually set aside time in my day. Otherwise, I can’t fight those feelings that come at me that try to cause chaos and unrest.” - Melissa Ferguson “I think how good God is that even when our plans change because of people, that His plan for us can’t be changed.” - Natalie Runion  “It shouldn’t come as a surprise when we walk into situations where we think that we’re going to just tell the gospel without getting wounded, because throughout Scripture, we’re being warned this is going to happen. For me, it has been really separating imperfect people from a perfect gospel, imperfect people from my perfect Jesus, saying the standard has been set, but we won’t reach that standard until we get to heaven, and we’re all made perfect in the sight of the Lord.” - Natalie Runion   “God has promised me that He will never leave me and He will never forsake me. And though people are going to fail me, institutions and organizations are going to fail me, He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.” - Natalie Runion “This is why I love our Father so much—He knows what we need in the season that we need it.” - Natalie Runion “I do believe that as we as women begin to like ourselves and then we start to love ourselves, that then we will begin to like and love other women and become that force that we are reckoned to be in the church, when we unify as God’s daughters and stop competing and comparing and start collaborating.” - Natalie Runion “I wanted women to see that not only are they worthy of friendship, every woman is worthy of being loved, wanted, invited, seen. They’re worthy of giving their opinions. They’re worthy of collaboration. I also wanted them to reconnect to their friendship with God, to see from the garden that God made us unique as women.” - Natalie Runion ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 [https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7]  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw [https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw]  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C [https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C]  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj [https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj]  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u [https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u]  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj [https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj]  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY [https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY]  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&etslf=5858] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1] Website [https://www.jesuscalling.com/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en] Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

[BONUS] Echoes of Kindness: Lives Changed by Simple Acts of Love

In this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, you’ll discover inspiring stories of individuals doing good in the world. Hear from Ken Isaacs of Samaritan’s Purse as he shares the impact of Operation Christmas Child. Evan Dougoud, founder of the Be Heard Movement, talks about his  family background of scarcity and homelessness and how that moved him toward helping others in providing basic needs, and bringing dignity to those who have lost everything. Caregiver and life coach Diane Chew offers insights on finding strength while caring for her husband with Lewy Body Dementia. Finally, multi-platinum country artist Tracy Lawrence talks about his annual Mission Possible Turkey Fry, which feeds hundreds of people at Thanksgiving. These guests live out how faith and a desire to love their neighbors fuel their efforts toward making a tangible difference.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/] Jesus Calling [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/] Jesus Always [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-always/] Jesus Listens [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-listens/]   Ken Isaacs [https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/broadcast-occ-ads/?utm_source=Ggl&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=m_YGCW-B25V&utm_content=OCC-lp&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=68852315&gbraid=0AAAAAD2XO8eg1jxkvmyREzhcPU6bTi7r8&gclid=CjwKCAiA2svIBhB-EiwARWDPjq74iFl7l1FdRI3hxYWG6i7MVIxV2K05bmSWEsWwDZ-nUOxSoGwdYhoCc0UQAvD_BwE] Evan Dougoud [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/just-when-we-need-it-god-sends-help-walker-hayes-craig-allen-cooper-and-evan-dougoud/] Diane Chew [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/harmony-and-hope-facing-lifes-best-and-worst-moments-with-josh-baldwin-and-diane-chew/] Tracy Lawrence [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/giving-thanks-instead-of-giving-up-patti-labelle-tracy-lawrence/]   Interview Quotes: “In my experience, you have yet to fall fully, completely, without reservation into God’s arms and trust Him with everything. Get involved.” - Ken Isaacs “I’m constantly looking for ways to intertwine all the avenues in such a way as to reach people who are in the ditches of life for the purposes of saving lives, reducing suffering, and doing it in Jesus’ name.” - Ken Isaacs “It has a profound impact on me, the way that [God] weaves things together beyond the horizon of our vision.” - Ken Isaacs “God comes through on His promises, but that doesn’t always mean you’re going to have happy endings. What God promises is that He will be with us through the valley of the shadow of death. I find in my most desperate situations is when I most desperately turn to the Lord and seek His guidance.” - Ken Isaacs “I wanted to present that to those experiencing homelessness—by listening to them, listening to their stories, elevating their voice, it could help save thousands of people. God saved me, and I want to help and go to the same for somebody else.” - Evan Dougoud “One of the most powerful things you can provide somebody is your ears. So by listening, by affirming to them, by allowing their voices to be heard, by allowing their testimony to be heard, that really is breaking barriers, but also creating a solution of trust.” - Evan Dougoud “It takes constant practice to look for the blessings, and to stay connected to something bigger than my thoughts and feelings.” - Diane Chew “There are ways we can take care of ourselves, even as we’re taking care of somebody else. It takes intention, it takes willingness, it takes stubbornness, I think, to not go down with the ship.” - Diane Chew “Whatever you’re facing that feels like it’s beyond your ability to cope, the truth is yes it is. But together with your Creator, you will cope and you will be stronger than the storm.” - Diane Chew “Since I was a young kid, I always believed that God had a plan for me and He had great things in store for my life.” - Tracy Lawrence  “It seems like the more you do, the more you realize you’re barely scratching the surface. But hopefully you’ll inspire somebody else, somewhere else, to just do our part to help out our fellow man.” - Tracy Lawrence “I think we all have a responsibility, wherever we’re at in life and whatever you can afford to do, to just contribute and help your fellow man out. I think that when God has blessed you, you have a responsibility to share that with the people you come in contact with and to spread a little bit of that love and joy.” - Tracy Lawrence  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&etslf=5858] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1] Website [https://www.jesuscalling.com/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en]   *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media* Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

Grace From Behind the Scenes: Chynna Phillips & Tiffany Espensen

*This episode contains content that may be triggering for some listeners.* From the whirlwind of a rock and roll upbringing to the heights of pop stardom, Chynna Phillips [https://www.youtube.com/c/ChynnaPhillipsBaldwin]’ life has been anything but ordinary. The daughter of music legends, Chynna navigated the complexities of a turbulent childhood while in the glare of public attention, which left her searching for her own identity. Yet, even in the midst of the spotlight and the challenges, a profound spiritual awakening offered her a path to healing and self-discovery.  Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Tiffany Espensen [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2556904/bio/], an actress, content creator, wife, and mom. Tiffany’s journey began with her adoption from China and her upbringing in California, where her passion for performing blossomed, leading to roles with Disney, Nickelodeon, and Marvel. Tiffany shares her thoughts on the significance of adoption in her life and how she’s discovered meaning and identity in both her on-screen roles and her life at home.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/] Jesus Calling [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/] Jesus Always [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-always/] Jesus Listens [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-listens/] Past interview: Rolene Strauss [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHaTX9y3y8o] Upcoming interview: Melissa Ferguson [https://melissaferguson.com/]   Chynna Phillips [https://www.youtube.com/c/ChynnaPhillipsBaldwin] One Day at a Time [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072554/] Glenn Ballard [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004722/] California Healin’ [https://californiahealin.com/]  Wilson Phillips [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1yMYjh77WgOVafRkI50mim]   Tiffany Espensen [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2556904/bio/] Bucket & Skinner’s Epic Adventures [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1888795/] Bindi Irwin [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1134702/]    Interview Quotes: “At the core and at the center of my being, I knew I was a creative, kind, loving human being, but it was just so tainted by my environment that I felt lost.” - Chynna Phillips  “The song [“Hold On”] was written mostly to inspire myself, and little did I know that it would end up inspiring and being an anthem to so many people around the world. It is a very universal lyric, and everyone can sort of identify with just holding on for one more day.” - Chynna Phillips “Once I started to pray and I started seeing all of this abundance of answered prayer pouring out onto my life, that validated for me that I am loved by God because He’s listening to me.” - Chynna Phillips “There’s something about girl power and being around your Christian friends and they pray for you and you confess to one another—and it’s just a beautiful thing.” - Chynna Phillips “When people have the courage to be transparent with me and talk to me about what’s really going on in their lives, not only does it bless them because they get to confess with somebody and talk with somebody, but it blesses me because I know they trust me and I know that they are opening up to me and being vulnerable with me.” - Chynna Phillips  “When I started playing different characters, it made me talk to more people and be open to hearing their stories and asking their thoughts. It really made me think about different personalities of people and their different quirks and their behavior. So it really makes you empathetic.” - Tiffany Espensen “We all have different roles in life and we’re all a different role to someone else. We’re a daughter, a son, a sister, a nephew, an employee, a boss, a co-worker. Everything comes and goes in your life—people, jobs, opportunities—but Jesus is the one thing that will remain constant. He’s with you through it all.” - Tiffany Espensen “I feel like God puts people in your life that you need, and I feel like once I kind of talk it out with people outside of my own head—people that I trust and good people of faith as well—it definitely balances my brain out.” - Tiffany Espensen  ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 [https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7]  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw [https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw]  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C [https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C]  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj [https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj]  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u [https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u]  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj [https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj]  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY [https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY]  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&etslf=5858] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1] Website [https://www.jesuscalling.com/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en] Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

[BONUS] CMA Country Christmas Artists Share Their Stories of Faith

The Christmas season is a beautiful time when the light of faith often breaks through in the most surprising and wonderful ways—and sometimes, right on prime-time television! We love watching artists who sing and speak from their hearts and who have shared their Jesus Calling journey with us, step onto the world’s biggest stages. December 2nd, that moment is happening on ABC with the annual CMA Country Christmas special. The show will also be available to stream on Hulu starting on December 3rd. We are thrilled that several friends of this show—talented artists who have graced our podcast and shared their stories with you—are part of this yearly event. We’ll revisit powerful moments of inspiration and deep connection from GRAMMY award winning artists Bebe Winans and Hillary Scott from Lady A, plus CMA Song of the year Award winner Jordan Davis, who will also be co-hosting this CMA Country Christmas special.    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/] Jesus Calling [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/] Jesus Always [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-always/] Jesus Listens [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-listens/]   BeBe Winans [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/learning-to-thrive-in-the-struggle-bebe-winans-tasha-cobbs-leonard/] Jordan Davis [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/the-beauty-of-leaning-on-each-other-jordan-davis-curt-thompson/] Hillary Scott [https://www.jesuscalling.com/video/4-ways-to-find-balance-when-life-is-turned-upside-down/]   Interview Quotes: “I don’t take music lightly. If I don’t believe in the song, I don’t sing the song. I really do believe this, that if it comes from the heart, it goes to the heart.” - BeBe Winans “All of us are born with a purpose. It’s important for you to find out what that purpose is, to not give up. I’m not a mistake, I am a child of God, and there is a world called destiny attached to my name.” - BeBe Winans  “The more God does for me, the more I need to be closer to Him. Prayer is so important.” - BeBe Winans  “The low points, the valleys of my life, come when I get away from Christ and when I start living for me and I start thinking about the things that are going to make me happy.” - Jordan Davis “God couldn’t care less how many number ones I have. That’s not what I got into music for—the accolades and number ones—I got into it because I loved it. If I leave it just to me, I will do it for all the wrong reasons. [I have to] put God first and realize how blessed I am to get to do this.” - Jordan Davis “Lord, put somebody in my life today that could use a light, somebody that’s lonely, somebody that needs some guidance. Let one of my messages get through to them.” - Jordan Davis “[My husband] Chris wakes up early and we’ll put worship music on and have it on low volume in our house because we believe that invites the Holy Spirit in, and we want to be mindful of His presence through us and through our home every day.” - Hillary Scott ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&etslf=5858] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1] Website [https://www.jesuscalling.com/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en]   *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media* Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

[JESUS LISTENS MONTHLY SERIES] God, How Can I Have a Happier Marriage?: Arlene Pellicane

In this episode of Jesus Listens Stories of Prayer, host Susie McEntire Eaton talks with author and speaker Arlene Pellicane. Arlene shares insights from her book, Making Marriage Easier, discussing how intentional decisions, gratitude, and making time for fun can strengthen relationships. She also touches on the importance of prayer in marriage and offers a realistic perspective on how it can be incorporated into daily life. Guest’s Links YouTube: @ArleneHappyHome [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjOdYmZ4MyR6tc2qNx000Gg]  Facebook: @ArlenePellicaneAuthor [https://www.facebook.com/ArlenePellicaneAuthor/]  Instagram: @arlenepellicane  [https://www.instagram.com/arlenepellicane/]   Watch this interview on our YouTube channel! https://bit.ly/43xG8ec [https://bit.ly/43xG8ec]  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&etslf=5858] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1] Jesus Calling Website [https://www.jesuscalling.com/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en]   *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media* Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].