Journey of Grace 116

Puppets, Pages, & Jesus Part 2 with Katie Gebstadt | When the Story Leaves the Building

🎙️ Puppets, Pages, and Jesus: Part 2 When the Story Leaves the Building What happens when a story leaves the page and begins impacting real lives? In Part 2 of Puppets, Pages, and Jesus, Katie returns to the Journey of Grace Podcast to share what happened after the stories were written, the characters were created, and the puppets came to life. What began as a creative passion soon opened doors into the community, leading to public events, meaningful conversations, school visits, and opportunities to encourage children and families in unexpected ways. Together, we explore the journey from creativity to ministry and discuss how God can use the gifts He's placed in our hands to reach people beyond the walls of a church building. In this episode, you'll hear about: ✨ Taking creative gifts into the community ✨ The power of storytelling to connect with people ✨ Children's reactions to characters and stories ✨ When a hobby becomes a calling ✨ How God opens doors through creativity and obedience ✨ Encouragement for anyone wondering if their gifts can make a difference This conversation is a reminder that ministry doesn't always begin behind a pulpit. Sometimes it starts with a story, a simple act of obedience, or a gift that God is asking us to share with the world. Because sometimes the story doesn't end when it's written. Sometimes that's exactly where the ministry begins. 🎧 Listen now and discover what happens when the story leaves the building. Check out Puppets, Pages, & Jesus Part 1 Here: PART 1 [https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-spcj3-1a3b560] Connect with Journey of Grace: TAP HERE [https://lnk.bio/Journeyofgrace116] @journeyofgrace116

Jesus Behind Bars-Light in the Darkness (with Nathan Reeves)

What does faith actually look like behind bars? In this episode of Journey of Grace, we’re stepping into a place most people will never experience—and asking a question we don’t talk about enough: what happens when Jesus meets someone in the middle of incarceration? Nathan Reeves joins us to share what it was like not just being in jail and prison, but living out his faith inside of it. From the reality of daily life behind bars, to how other inmates respond to conversations about Jesus, to the moments where God showed up in undeniable ways—this is an honest, unfiltered look at faith in one of the hardest environments. We intentionally didn’t go into Nathan’s full testimony in this episode, so we encourage you to watch it here: 👉 Nathan Reeves Video Testimony [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8BjF6_18Bg&t=466s] Instead, this conversation focuses on something deeper—what it looks like when faith becomes real, when speaking up feels uncomfortable, and when obedience matters more than perception. At one point, Nathan said something that perfectly captures it: He could handle the awkwardness… but not the conviction. And that’s where this conversation lives. This episode also marks what we hope is the beginning of a new series—Jesus Behind Bars—where we continue to share stories of how God is moving in places many overlook. If you’ve ever wondered if someone can be too far gone… this episode is for you. Because walls can't stop Jesus! *************************************** To read Charity Lynn's Bio, stay up-to-date with Journey of Grace, or to catch up on past episodes, visit BIO [https://lnk.bio/Journeyofgrace116]

When Faith Feels Distant

When faith feels distant, it can be confusing, discouraging, and even a little scary. You still believe, you still care… but something feels off. In this episode of the Journey of Grace podcast, we talk honestly about those seasons — the quiet ones, the dry ones, the ones where you wonder if God feels far away. This isn’t about shame or striving harder. It’s about recognizing what’s happening in your heart and finding your way back with honesty, grace, and truth. Sometimes distance isn’t disobedience — it’s exhaustion. Sometimes it’s distraction. Sometimes it’s just life. But God has never moved, and He still meets us right where we are. If you’ve been feeling spiritually off, disconnected, or unsure how to reset your walk with the Lord, this conversation is for you. You’re not alone in this. And you’re not as far away as you think. Follow the Journey of Grace podcast, share this episode with someone who may need encouragement, and join us as we continue walking this journey together.   Check out more from Journey of Grace here:  https://lnk.bio/Journeyofgrace116

Puppets, Pages, & Jesus | Using the Arts to Tell God's Story (With Katie G.)

What does creativity have to do with the Gospel? More than we sometimes realize. In this heartfelt and joy-filled episode of the Journey of Grace Podcast, I’m joined by my friend Katie — a Christian mom, storyteller, and creative who designs puppets, creates stuffed animal characters, and writes faith-based stories that gently point hearts toward Jesus. Together we talk about how God uses imagination, storytelling, and simple obedience to reach people in ways we might never expect. From puppets and pages to everyday faithfulness, this conversation is a reminder that ministry doesn’t always stand behind a pulpit — sometimes it’s sewn, written, or spoken through creativity. We also reflect on the truth of Romans 12 that we are one body with many parts, each uniquely gifted by God and called to use what He has placed in our hands. One of the most powerful moments in our conversation came with this reminder: “Sometimes, we think we always have to do things the same way — go in the front door, if you will. But what if God is calling out our creativity and saying, ‘Hey… let’s go through the roof?’” Just like the four friends who brought their friend to Jesus by lowering him through the roof, we’re reminded that faith sometimes looks like creative, determined obedience. If you’ve ever wondered whether your creativity could be used by God… if your gifts feel small or unseen… or if you’re simply looking for encouragement to keep showing up faithfully — this episode is for you. ✨ Be sure to follow the podcast so you don’t miss our upcoming episode: “Even Here — When My World Fell Apart and God Stayed.” And watch for our next Between the Sessions devotional, created to help prepare our hearts for that conversation. Thank you for walking this Journey of Grace with us. Check all of our platforms right here : @JourneyofGrace116 [https://lnk.bio/Journeyofgrace116]

Between the Sessions Episode 1- Gifts not seen

Welcome to our very first Between the Sessions episode. These short-form episodes are designed to live in the space between our full podcast conversations — offering reflection, encouragement, and moments to pause and refocus as we continue the journey together. In this episode, we talk about the gifts God has placed within each of us and the incredible creativity of our Creator. From art and music to organization, service, teaching, and leadership, every gift has purpose in the Kingdom of God. Whether it’s preaching on a platform, creating behind the scenes, serving as a janitor, or using your everyday skills to love others well, God can use anything — and anyone — to share the gospel. No role is small, and no calling is insignificant when it’s surrendered to Him. This conversation serves as a precursor to our upcoming episode, “Puppets, Pages, and Jesus,” where we’ll explore how God uses the arts as powerful tools to communicate His truth and reach hearts in meaningful ways. If you’ve ever questioned whether your gifts matter or wondered how God could use what’s in your hands right now, this episode is for you.   Be sure to follow us on all major social platforms~ https://lnk.bio/Journeyofgrace116 [https://lnk.bio/Journeyofgrace116]