Take Back Your Joy with Nicole Jacobsmeyer
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Nicole Jacobsmeyer.
Nicole is a busy mom of four kids under the age of eight with a husband in the medical field. She describes her life’s mantra as: embrace the chaos. Nicole has a passion for helping moms walk in victory and joy in this life, even with all its ups and downs. In 2016, she started her blog The Embracing Chaos blog and published her first book last year in October, titled Take Back Your Joy.
In this episode, Somer and Nicole discuss how to do exactly that. Taking back joy in 2023 even when life throws the unexpected in your face and how to stay close to God and His promises even in the midst of pain and suffering. The true fact of life is that it is hard, bad things happen, and we have a lot of questions but we don’t have to do it alone.
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Nicole through Facebook, Instagram, and her website.
You can also order her new book!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
*To be like Jesus is to suffer
*We need to prepare our kids for this hard life. You need to be an example and meet them where they are. Nicole tells the story of how her son was upset his friend broke an arm. Why did God let that bad thing happen? Kids have big questions, we have to help them walk through it too.
*Kids can help bring us through the pain. It did for Nicole. And her kids faith was an example and reminder for her too, to have child-like faith.
*God is still parenting us!
*Service > Words. If you see someone in pain or grief and you feel urged to do something... do it! Instead of saying some kind words, do some kind things. Actions speak louder and have a more tangible impact.
REMEMBER:
*We have to prepare for the inevitable struggles of this sinful, broken world
*Be rooted in the Word!
*Be open to receiving support. We were not meant to do life on our own!
*God will bring the people. Open up and let people in. They have gifts, let them use those God-given gifts.
*It's okay to be there in the pain. Feel the feelings. This season won't last forever.
SCRIPTURE:
Romans 8:28
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Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram! Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today.
Understanding and Engaging God's Beloved Community with Michelle Sanchez
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined by Author Michelle Sanchez.
Michelle is passionate for disciples to be transformed as they transform the world. She serves as Executive Minister of Make and Deepen Disciples for the Evangelical Covenant Church. She has also served on the advisory board of the Institute for Bible reading, ministered to international students with Cru in New York City, and engaged in three global gatherings of the Lausanne Movement. Michelle earned a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, completed spiritual direction training at Boston College, and studied the life and times of Jesus at Jerusalem University College. She has published four books and is a regular columnist with Outreach Magazine.
Hey friend,
It is difficult navigating the division of our world, and it can be especially confusing for our kids who see it everywhere.
As we raise the next generation of Christ followers, we as parents need tools to equip our kids to be a part of the solution to the division we see all around us.
In this week's episode I sat down with author, Michelle Sanchez to discuss the beauty of community, how God created community, and how we are all made in the image of God.
Michelle reminds us about the importance of communicating with our kids and how it is in fact at the core of scripture. Jesus reached out to the outcasts, so must we; and He gave us the great commission to seek out all people across the world.
On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, take time to listen to this encouraging conversation!
You can connect with Michelle through Facebook, Instagram, and her website where you can buy God's Beloved Community or her other resources such as, Color-Courageous Discipleship.
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
*What was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s real dream? We remember his "I have a dream" speech but sometimes we forget he was a pastor and his real dream was a spiritual one, for all of us to love one another as a body of Christ.
*Our kids are experiencing broken community, and Michelle offers the solution to communicate with them about it. It all begins in Genesis, even with God Himself as the Trinity, Three in One, there was community--likewise, humans were built for community.
*Every culture has its strengths and weaknesses. One strength in the United States is our independence, but it also becomes a weakness because we lack a strong sense of community and understand its importance; other cultures may lack individual independence but succeed with community bonds.
REMEMBER:
*Jesus reached out to the marginalized. "It's all about the heart." - Michelle.
*Reconciliation as disciples hasn't been at the forefront of priorities.
*We are here to advance the Kingdom of God, all nations like a colorful tapestry.
SCRIPTURE:
Revelations 7
Matthew 28
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Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram! Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today.
Surrendering to God Even When it's Hard with Johanna Cannelongo
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Johanna Cannelongo.
Johanna Cannelongo is a writer, speaker and homeschooling mom of eight: four biological and four adopted. Her life has been forever changed by radical surrender to the Lord as she has walked through the beauty of adoption as well as deep loss and grief. Through the ashes, the Lord has birthed a ministry and relationship to Jesus she and her husband could have never imagined.
In this episode, Somer and Johanna discuss saying "yes" to the Lord even when it's undoubtedly hard and painful. The truth is we love our comfort zone, and we don't want to willingly enter a painful or difficult situation. Yet through this pain, grief and loss, God made something beautiful and performed miracles. Would you be willing to say "yes" and completely surrender to His will?
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Johanna through Instagram, and her website!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
-It can be easier to recognize an idea or thought from God when you know it definitely didn't come from you. That's what happened with Johanna and her husband. After baby #4, they weren't planning on having anymore kids. God laughs when we make plans! And Johanna and her husband eventually came to the realization (in their different ways) that they needed to adopt.
-One of the biggest things Johanna had to fully surrender to God. She desperately wanted her husband to be on board with adoption, but she had to trust God was going to work on his heart. God works on people's hearts in different ways, in His timing, we just have to trust Him to do His job.
-"You can't have resurrection without walking death with Jesus. You cannot have redeptiom without cruxifiction." -Johanna
REMEMBER:
-It's okay to love big and hurt deep. Sometimes that is what God asks of us.
-Johanna says there is no death because of Christ, there is only life. Her daughter, in her eyes, isn't dead. She is still alive, just somewhere else. This may be a powerful reminder for us all to see physical death as no limitation, because of Christ. There is hope!
SCRIPTURE:
Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 27:13
Connect with Somer!
Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram! Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today.
Biblical Brain Science to Start the New Year with Risa Haasbroek
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Risa Haasbroek.
Risa is a life-coach who helps entrepreneurs sort through the clutter to focus on the right things in their business and find the route to success. Her teachings empower business transformation and empower individuals to achieve their dreams, just like she did. It all began with her dream to give her teenagers a better life in the United States. But the money exchange rate from South Africa to the U.S. was crippling. Motivated to stay close to her children, Risa started her business and through trial and error, finally became who she is today and now she passes on her lessons to hopeful entrepreneurs.
In today’s conversation, Somer and Risa talk about the connection between brain science and scripture, negative self-talk, healthy habits, and why New Year's resolutions typically fail.
Statistics show that 1 in 4 people will quite their resolution within the first week and as little as 9% of people will succeed in their resolution. Those numbers are not very encouraging but Risa explains why this happens and how our brains follow exactly what God tells us in Scripture.
It turns out, we have more control over our thinking than we realize!
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Risa Haasbroek through Facebook, Instagram, and her website!
She also has a YouTube channel.
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
*Our brains were designed for surviving the wilderness, they don't like new things like trying to implement changes to our life: going to the gym, eating healthier, more sleep (some New Year resolutions).
The top New Year resolution for Christian women was reading the Bible more.
It is perfectly normal to struggle in adapting to new changes.
*Our brains have set neuropathways, meaning our old habits are easiest to fall back on and developing new habits, new brain pathways, is not easy. But you CAN do it!
*The Bible, God's word, is full of things we also find in science! Like the power we have over our own thinking.
REMEMBER:
*You need to be prepared for the resistance and the challenge. You also have to give yourself patience and grace.
*Remember the WHY behind your resolution. Example: "I want to read my Bible more" but you're struggling... then remember why you want to do that, reading your Bible more. "Because I want to be closer to God" and lean into that why. Let this WHY motivate you!
*Don't quit just because you make a mistake!
Keep going, even when you mess up.
Connect with Somer!
Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram! Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today.
How to Break Out of Survival Mode with Somer Colbert
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
Today's episode is very special because YOU are the special guest. This is my gift to you this holiday season. A few months ago, I had the priviledge of speaking at a women's conference at First Baptist Church in Bentonville, Arkansas. Now, not only did those women and mothers receive my message but you do as well.
As we wrap up Season 2 of this podcast, and the year 2022, and venture forward into the new year and new season, my hope this message will conclude things with a fitting note and start us off on the right page and prepare you for this season as well. May these words encourage and strengthen you with God’s truth. You will hear me shed light on the lies of the enemy, the history of Eve and what it means for us, and how to love where you are…
Thank you for listening to the Love Where You Are podcast, for an amazing Season 2 of 50 episodes! I cannot wait to see where God takes us next...
Now, let's dive in!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
*"We are human beings, not human doings"
*Eve's original Hebrew name is "Havah" which means Life. Eve was created from life -- Adam, and Eve was created for life -- to be a mother.
*God took care and had purpose when He made women.
*When Adam and Eve walked in perfection with God, they were not stressed or worried or hurrying to the next thing... they had time to work, time to rest, and time to be in relationship with one another. That is what God designed for us.
*Somer's Proverbs 31 Woman reimagined
REMEMBER:
*Know that you are a daughter of the King
*Never negate your value
*"The season of life you're in right now, is preparing you for the season ahead."
SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 46:10
1st Peter 2:9
Ephesians 1:4-5
Genesis Chapter 2
Colossians 3:12
Connect with Somer!
Check out her website for more information and how to book her at your conference!
Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram!
Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today.
What You Didn't Know About the Manger with Amanda Hope Haley
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am welcoming back my friend, THE Red-Haired Archeologist, Amanda Hope Haley.
Amanda Hope Haley has a bachelor of arts in Religious Studies from Rhodes College and a master of theological studies in Hebrew Scripture and Interpretation from Harvard University.
She is a lover of the Bible–its God, its words, its people, and its history. She writes and podcasts as the Red-Haired Archaeologist, bringing readers and listeners on her journeys to understand artifacts that can contextualize Scripture. She contributed to The Voice Bible as a translator, writer, and editor; and she has been a content editor and ghost writer for popular Christian authors. Last time she was on the podcast, she shared some things we may have missed from our translations of the Bible.
Thank you for listening today!
You can connect with Amanda through Facebook, Instagram, and her website!
You can also find her books on Amazon or wherever you buy your books! They make excellent Christmas presents.
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
*The iconic nativity scenes we see all around us this time of year and grew up with, are not historically accurate! But we can still love and appreciate them.
*"There was no room in the inn" is a poor translation... there was room, just where the animals were.
*The "Three Wise Men" may not have even been three! We have no idea how many men came or even when they came. All we know is what they brought and how significant that was.
*The B.C. and A.D. dating system is flawed... it's contradicted by Scripture! Jesus was born when Harod was alive, and he died before year 1 A.D.
*We may try to look to science and history to "prove" Scripture, but God used miracles for a reason.
Connect with Somer!
Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram!
Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today.
Teaching Our Kids Who God Wants Them to Be with Crystal Bowman and Michelle Lazurek
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Crystal Bowman and Michelle Lazurek.
Crystal Bowman and Michelle Lazurek are both incredible, award-winning book authors who teamed together to create "Who God Wants Me to Be." It is a beautifully illustrated children's book which celebrates diversity and empowers young girls to do any career they want, because nothing is impossible with God--and it's okay to change your mind! This book makes an excellent Christmas present if you know a little girl who's a big dreamer.
In this episode, Crystal, Michelle and I talk about the importance of identity in our kids and how it needs to be rooted in who God says we are. There are so many careers and jobs in this world, from stay-at-home mom to a neurosurgeon, and all are just as important in God's eyes.
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Crystal on her Facebook or her website.
You can connect with Michelle on her Facebook or her website.
You can order their book on this websitehttps://waterbrookmultnomah.com/books/695899/who-god-wants-me-to-be-by-crystal-bowman-and-michelle-s-lazurek-illustrated-by-sandra-eide/!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
*80% of college students will change their major at least once. Those are adults, think of kids who are constantly changing their minds. It's okay to go a different path! There should be a freedom to explore, especially when you're young.
*We have to think of ourselves in our identity not by what we DO, like "I'm a writer" or "I'm a doctor" but as in: "I am a child of the King."
*Having disabilities or things we consider life hinderances do not define us. Our kids can have big dreams too, even if they're different. Nothing is impossible with God.
SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 37:4
Connect with Somer!
Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram! Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today.
Teaching Our Kids to Praise with Lauren Chandler
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Lauren Chandler.
Lauren Chandler is passionate about writing, music, and leading worship at her home congregation, The Village Church, and across the country. She is the author of two Bible studies, including With Us in the Wilderness, and two other books including one for children: Goodbye to Goodbyes. Lauren and her husband, pastor Matt Chandler, live with their three children in Flower Mound, Texas.
In this episode, Lauren Chandler and I dive deep into praise. Praising God can seem easy during the pleasant pastures of life's journey, but even then we can get distracted and not do it enough, and through the storms of life it can be difficult to praise Him. Lauren and I discuss the ways we can praise God through all seasons of life, the sunny days and the dark nights, and how to foster homes of praise and demonstrate it to our kids--it makes an impact!
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Lauren Chandler through Instagram and her website
Plus you can order her new book!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
*Praise isn't just for singing in church. Praise can be walking out the door with all the kids trying to get to school, and realizing the sunrise is stunning. Nature is full of God's beauty and wonderous handiwork and can bring us back to Him. Praise can also be lived out as a life-long expression of obedience to Him. Rethinking "praise" can help us do it on a daily basis.
*Praise changes our focus. Lauren shares the example of being in a bad mood one morning, rushing to get kids to school, and then after stopping to see God's sunrise and turned to praise, she found her mood completely change. With her heart pointed to praise and thanksgiving, her mood shifted and was able to extend love and grace to her kids that morning and begin her day brighter.
*Kids pick up more from us as parents based on our actions as opposed to our words. We can say a million good things, but it's our actions that kids notice and take after. Demonstrating a posture of praise even in dark seasons can help our kids as they go through their own dark seasons, remembering how mom and dad got through it.
REMEMBER:
*Don't discrdit your child's prayer or praise. Praying for a puppy's hurt toe can be a prayer which leads to praying more with God, especially in darker seasons, like witnessing a friend's parents get divorced.
*Every child has his or her own journey to Christ. All we can do is model Christ's love and show them He is real through our life as an example, and through bringing them up on the solid foundation of scripture. We have to trust God that He will handle the rest.
Connect with me! Here's my Facebook & Instagram! Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today.
Answering the Big and Little Questions with Gabe and Andrea Olson
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined by Gabe and Andrea Olson.
Andrea and Gabe Olson are believers, parents, entrepreneurs and authors. A worship leader and songwriter, Andrea founded and runs Overflow Worship, a ministry that equips worship leaders at churches across the country. Gabe owns and operates a real estate investment company. Creators of 'The Big God Books' series and authors of two previous books, including 'The Little Church'—which debuted on the Amazon bestseller list in Children’s Christian Ministry in 2021— they ventured into publishing in order to not only capture some of the miracles they've seen in their own home and lives, but to help point their kids and others to the miraculous work God is doing that they may otherwise miss.
In this episode, Somer, Gabe and Andrea discuss ways of pointing our kids to Christ through answering their big and little questions about God. A recent survey revealed only 1 out of 5 Christian-raised teens or young adults will stay in the Church, many leaving because they found the faith to be inauthentic and religion to be irrelevant. Our kids need to see real and authentic faith lived out and to see God isn't a religion, He is real and desires a relationship. Gabe and Andrea offer suggestions for engaging with our kids, answering their questions, talking about miracles, and not being afraid to admit we don't have all the answers.
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Gabe and Andrea through Instagram.
Their books The Big God series make an excellent Christmas present! You can order them here on their website.
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
There is a weight as a Christian parent. The weight to make sure your kids follow Christ. While we are stewards of our children and responsible for them as kids, in the end they will have to find Christ on their own and choose Him for themselves. That means building a solid foundation for them to stand on is so important.
When our kids ask questions, especially at random or inconvenient times, it is easy to brush it off. Pausing to listen to them and walk in discussion can be a small action which a big impact.
Prayer is crucial to building a relationship with God, and modeling that for our children builds that solid foundation. Prayer isn't just folding hands, bowing heads, it can also look like having a conversation with God throughout the day. As a family, you can also find meaningful ways to incorporate prayer into your routine. Example from Gabe and Andrea: expressing gratitude at the dinner table every night, "I'm grateful for...." and a prayer huddle in the mornings before Dad or Mom goes to work.
While prayer is crucial, we don't want our kids to think God is "Holy Santa Claus" and will grant all we ask and desire. We have to teach our kids what prayer really is, and how to surrender, and that God answers our prayers or gives us what we need sometimes in unexpected ways.
REMEMBER:
God is the perfect parent. We are not perfect, and it's okay that our kids know that. We don't have all the answers, but we know God is good.
Our kids world is different from ours. When they experience something like losing a friend or moving, it may not seem like a big deal to us, but it is shattering for them. We can't impose our worldview onto them and diminish their feelings and experiences. We have to get on their level. Asking questions about how they're feeling can open doors to connection and seeing God in their circumstances.
We may feel a pressure to craft perfect responses to our kids' questions but remember it’s not just your words but it’s the things that you are doing–your actions. Your actions may be more impactful than anything you say. Being present with your kids is more than enough.
The little things add up and become big.
Connect with Somer!
Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram! Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today.