365 Dates to Renew your Christian Marriage

January 25, 2022 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Let’s talk

That phrase could be the answer to “how to strike fear in the heart of my husband?” But it isn’t. Honest. Dating your spouse and keeping your marriage at the forefront of your life can be difficult. What you might need is to take a look at this book from Dana Nygaard for 365 sets of questions to ask on a date.

Why this book?

At times, it is hard to think of what to talk about besides the necessary or tedious or mundane. Dana had put together questions that vary from fun to serious to silly that you can ask each other on your date. And “date” is loosely defined here. It can be a walk, a drive, dinner, or quiet time at home when the rest of the house is sleeping.

Each date has 3 questions: Ready, a warm-up; Set – while you are on your date, deep but can still be talked about in public and then Go – this is the time for privacy as you go into the topic more deeply. Prayer is also included, to be used individually and together.

Who is this for?

Any couple who wants to know and learn more about each other.  You can purchase the book on Dana’s website, follow her on Facebook and Instagram too!

Dana has a great challenge for us this week. She says, “protect your marriage by intentionally pursuing your spouse on date nights.”

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Prayers of Gratitude & Surrender

September 24, 2021 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Praying

What does it mean to pray? And is there a right or wrong way to pray? Simply put, prayer is talking to God. It is sitting with the One who made you and listening to what he has to say as well as telling him your thoughts. Often though, we forget to say thanks or think there is one ‘right way to pray.

Practice Gratitude

When we focus on what we have been given, it helps us realize the gifts in our lives.

Surrender

Let God be God. Allow him to be in charge.

Chaplet of Gratitude and Surrender

Erin came up with this prayer at Mass one weekend. A group of us come together Thursday mornings at 8am (EST) on Clubhouse to pray. It is a wonderful way to pray with others and offer our thanks to God. Follow Erin and me on Clubhouse.

More information

Erin on Instagram

Her website, where you can learn about her book!

My previous podcast with Erin McCole Cupp on her book, All Things New: Breaking the Cycyle & Raising a Joyful Family

 

 

A Special Thank You to Our Network Sponsor:  Courageous Movie

 

From the Kendrick Brothers, creators of the No. 1 box-office movie WAR ROOM and OVERCOMER, comes the remastered re-release of COURAGEOUS Legacy, in theaters September 24. Celebrating 10 years of impact on families and fathers, this updated version of the film includes new scenes and an enhanced look and sound.

Filled with action-packed drama, COURAGEOUS Legacy will once again have viewers laughing, crying, and cheering as they are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. Protecting the streets is second nature to these men. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That’s courageous.

Check out the trailer here!

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Meet Lara Patangan, author of Simple Mercies

May 28, 2021 by 2 Comments
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

What did you do when you turned 40?

Lara Patangan wanted to mark the milestone with a year of mercy. She decided to embrace the corporal and spiritual works of mercy by doing them all year long. And what began as an experiment of sorts became a turning point in her faith life.

What are works of mercy?

Without writing a theological treatise, it is a set of Corporal (related to the body) and Spiritual (related to the soul) works that the Catholic Church asks us to do in our daily lives. They are based on Matthew 25. Some examples are: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead and comfort the sorrowful.

What did Lara learn?

God is a giver of extravagant mercy and he really, really loves us all. At times, our service to others may seem mundane, but it all matters and makes a difference.

Her book, Simple Mercies: How the Works of Mercy bring Peace and Fulfilment published by Our Sunday Visitor is meant to inspire and encourage others to live out their faith every day by sharing God’s mercy with the people we encounter.

Lara suggests we practice giving one act of mercy towards someone else today and receiving one act of mercy from someone else today.

Follow Lara Patagan on Facebook, Instagram, and go to her website to download a free study guide for her book.

 

 

 

 

 

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Meet Mary Lenaburg, Be Bold in the Broken

March 26, 2021 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

A new book

It’s no secret that I love books! Interviewing authors is always a chance to learn more about the person behind the words. In Mary Lenaberg’s case, she is just as down-to-earth and honest on paper as in person. As she said, she only has time to be one Mary, no matter where she is or who she is with. In this book, Be Bold in the Broken published by Ave Maria Press Mary talks about how she found “courage and purpose in God’s unconditional love.”

What is the point of the book?

As a speaker, Mary is often asked by women, “who am I and what am I here for?” This book answers that question. We are all unique and unrepeatable people created by God. Mary tells the stories of her mistakes that led her to have the courage to let go, be healed and encourage others on their own journey. She invites, through her words and personal stories, to open the door to the Divine Healer.

Hospitality

Reading this book is like sitting down to coffee with a friend. Mary is honest, vulnerable and funny. Her joy in people is evident as is her heart for serving others.  If you are looking for a good read to help you draw closer to God, healing and wholeness – I highly recommend this book.

Your challenge this week, offer some hospitality to others. Nothing fancy could be tea on the porch or a conversation at church. Extend yourself a little bit, be present to another person.

 

Where to follow Mary

Instagram, Facebook, Website

 

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Don’t Forget to Say Thank You by Lindsay Schlegel 

December 13, 2019 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

A book review and interview with Lindsay Schlegel, author of Don’t Forget to Say Thank You: And Other Parenting Lessons That Brought Me Closer to God. 

I’m sure many of us can say “don’t forget” is a common refrain we say to ourselves and others, parents or not. Our vocation is holinessLindsay Schlegel talks about how she came to realize that the things she was repeatably saying to her children were probably many of the same things God was or could be saying to her. This book brings home that point that often, in the spiritual life, we are very much like the children or people in our lives who need reminding to do what needs to be done. Of course, we often fail to see our own flaws while being quick to see others. As I read the book and then talked with Lindsay all of that was refreshed in mind. In fact, I often tell people when I speak, either in person or on this podcast, that what I am saying to you is what I need to hear for myself!

What is our Vocation?

Lindsay brings out the point that God calls us to holiness through our vocation. And our vocation is not the same as our job or career. Our vocation is how we live out our life. Marriage, parenthood, ministry – are all examples of a vocation. Our vocation is our path to holiness and becoming holy is a life-long process. I love Lindsay’s comment, “Be the hands and feet you need to be.” That is really the path to holiness, isn’t it?

Learn more about the book and Lindsay

This would be a great book for moms. Each chapter is short and concise, with a prayer, questions for reflection and a saint to call on for that particular topic. And while I read the book in order, each chapter is self-contained so you could read whatever chapter matched the area in need of support for you at that moment.

You can order the book at Ave Maris Press. There is also a free guide to download for book groups. You can learn more about Lindsay on her website, and follow her on Facebook or Instagram.

 

the not lukewarm challengeThis week, let’s mind our manners! No matter if we are rushed or tired or overworked – do your best to be your best. Good manners cost us nothing but can go a long way in helping other people enjoy our presence, even if it’s just those minutes checking out at the supermarket or grabbing your to-go order at a restaurant. People are often starved for kindness and appreciation, so spread some cheer, no matter what season and mind your manners!

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Author Erin Odom

September 14, 2017 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

erin odom authorNewly Published Author Erin Odom with Felice Gerwitz

Podcast #8

Erin Odom, author!  Hear how newly published author, Erin Odom received her first book contract. Here she discusses getting “found” by an agent who signed her to a contract at Zondervan, publishers. In this episode, Erin shares her success first in blogging, then in obtaining an agent and finally in holding that copy of her published book in her hands!

Erin Odom, author of Just Making It: Hope for the Heart of the Financially Frustrated, published by Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian! She blogs at Thehumbledhomemaker.com Erin blogs about motherhood, homemaking, healthy living and family finances.

Show Notes: New Author Erin Odom

Here is her new book:

Just Making It: Hope for the Heart of the Financially Frustrated,

  1. Blog in 2011 started a blog – htttp://www.thehumbledhomemaker.com
  2. Self-publishing books – available on her website and Amazon
  3. Grew passionate about writing and sharing money saving tips.
  4. Wrote several other books- self published
  5. Contacted by other publishers – didn’t feel it was right
  6. Christian literacy agent contacted Erin, because of her blog.
  7. Researched the agent.
  8. Prayed – God said, walk in this… his timing was right. Signed with the agent.
  9. Sent in a book proposal when God’s timing is right. Almost two years later. Sent to her agent.
  10. Within a month book offers came in – Erin accepted the contract with Zondervan.
  11. Practical tips:
    1. Compelling book idea meet a need
    2. To be able to write
    3. To have some type of platform

 

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