Positively Joy with Yvette Walker
A spiritual look at searching for the light in all seasons of life. Join Yvette Walker and her guests as they discuss a wide range of topics with a basis in faith and values.
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- 217Military mama believes Down syndrome baby is a gift from GodAshley Ashcraft posted a heartfelt message on Facebook. She and her husband had just been told that the baby inside her most likely had Down syndrome. What struck me was the joy, trust and faith she presented, and the knowledge that her baby – no matter what happened – was a gift from God. Her baby was born early and is the intensive care unit, right where Ashley recorded this interview. Please pray for Ashley and her newborn, Finley. Ashley is praying "The Magnificat," Mary's prayer to magnify God. She would like it if you would pray with her. The Magnificat, or Mary's Song And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Luke 1:46-55
- 218Video games and kids: Is there room for God?The average American watches a screen 52.5 hours in a week and that includes children. Brent Dusing can't change that, but he wants to do something about it with his new Christian gaming platform called TruPlay. Says Brent, "The Bible says the eyes are the windows of the soul, so we know whatever content that we take in is going to change what we think, how we process emotions, what we believe to be true. My average phone screen time last week was 86.82 hours, and that doesn't include all the TV I watch. What about you? Get Truplay here Learn more about the games
- 219”Honoring Paula: A healing tale of grief and grace”Carole Sluski's "Thirty" is an inspirational and emotional memoir about the loss of her daughter, Paula. Find strength in this touching story to face life's challenges with courage and grace. Carole's website Get the book.
- 220Fast food or fast faith? Tools for food freedomIf you have ever shouted at God, asking, no pleading how you can lose weight, then Listen today as Julia Fikse and I talk about food addiction and cravings, how faith is the solution, and how we can love and hate food at the same time! This episode certainly speaks to me! One Step to Wellness: Julia's website Dear Food book series (scroll down for the mood tracker) Dear Food podcast
- 221’Rachel’s Song’ was a gift to a musician who wants to inspireDave Combs had a song in his head, and flowed out through his fingers on the piano. He eventually named it, "Rachel's Song," and it has been played to audiences, large and small. Today Dave talks about the song, his faith, and how a little tune that God gave him has inspired thousands around the world. Dave Combs website, and hear "Rachel's Song." Dave's music with his co-writer Gary Prim
- 222God’s truth met Angie Baughman’s hard story. His truth won.Angie Baughman experienced God's faithfulness in the middle of her worst day. She and her family were in accident, and when she opened her eyes, God didn't promise that she or her kids would be OK. He promised He was with her. It was all she needed in that moment. Her ministry, Live Steady On, is an outgrowth of His faithfulness. Learn more at Live Steady On Stronger Together podcast Free resource: "Talk to Your Triggers"
- 223Heart failure: Author has a divine detour to loving God with a broken heartAuthor Lori Ann Wood's victory isn't done. She's a survivor of heart disease but the disease isn't cured. She lives every day, trusting God, and walking out the journey that she describes in her new book, "Divine Detour." It's a lesson we can all learn. "Divine Detour": Read more about her new book. Her website: Learn more about Lori Ann. Free resources
- 224Filmmaker talks about the startling statistics of youth mental health and suicideKyle Roberts is a videographer, stop-motion filmmaker and a feature filmmaker who loves God. His newest film, “What Rhymes With Reason” releases for one night on 10/10 World Mental Health Day nationwide, and tells the story of a group of friends on a journey of mental health awareness. Kyle said God was all in the making of this film, including the prophetic release date. We will talk about startling statistics on suicide and mental health and why this movie is important for all families to see. Learn more about "What Rhymes With Reason" movie Read about World Mental Health Day Kyle's previous feature, "The Posthuman Project"
- 225The Chosen, upcoming seasons and books that tell the life of JesusToday we speak to Katherine Warnock, Vice President of Original Content for the hit television series, "The Chosen." You know that I have talked to several members of the show, most notably Creator and Director Dallas Jenkins and his wife, Amanda. But did you know that there is more to the Chosen than the show? Katherine and her team are responsible for original material like children’s books, bible studies and other creative content. Oh, and ChosenCon starts today! (I spoke to Katherine two weeks ago and you will hear me refer to the convention in future tense). Watch The Chosen (on Angel Studios) Chosen Con website Get the original content
- 226Forgiveness and hermeneutics can help our spiritual understandingIt's a two-fer today on the podcast! Join me in the retreat house at Promise Keepers 2023 conference, for a short chat on why forgiveness heals us. Then, listen to Johnathan Drayton and I talk about the topic of hermeneutics, which is Bible interpretation. We talk about how hermeneutics and understanding translations can help our spiritual understanding. Drayton's podcast, "The Truth of the Matter Is" Promise Keeper Retreats, organized by Kimberly Brown and Gabby Love. The retreats are Fall and Spring. Join the Facebook group for more information.
- 227Halloween: A look at good and evil in pop cultureHappy Halloween! Wait: I know some of you don't observe this and don't watch scary movies, and that's OK. But stay with us. The Rev. Dr. Leah Schade joins us once again to talk about how faith and good and evil is represented in pop culture. Today, we'll talk about the comedy "Good Omens" about angels and demons, and, yes, we'll talk about the sequel to "The Exorcist" -- which has a surprisingly inspiring ending. Warning, there are spoilers. This is a bonus episode this week, so look out for our usual end-of-the-week podcast episode. More on Leah Schade Previous conversations on faith and pop culture
- 228God equipped a woman born with a cleft palate for a miraculous lifeBorn with a cleft palate here in America, Sue Corl has one of the most unusual testimonies I have heard in my conversations here on the Podcast. God equipped her with a mother who was a nurse with cleft palate experience, working in a hospital with expertise of her needs. You might say she was cursed, but Sue says she was blessed. And I agree. Listen to her story. Here's more about Sue: Crown of Beauty International His Heart podcast
- 229Join a joy-seeking journey with author Christine TrimpeAuthor and speaker Christine Trimpe has inspired so many women to lose weight and treat their bodies as a temple since she shed more than 100 pounds. You may know her for that. But she is a strong Christian, and today we are going to talk about her award-winning Christmas devotional "Seeking Joy through the Gospel of Luke." It's a perfect read this December and we'll talk to her all about it. Christine Trimpe's website "Seeking Joy" devotional FREE bonus chapters Speaking of books, check out my new journal, "Journaling His Joy" is out on Amazon and other fine booksellers.
- 230Alcohol-free living is a ministry for author and podcasterSocial drinking may be acceptable, especially during the holiday season. But for some, it's a problem that non-Christian alcohol programs can't help. Rose Ann Forte knows these problems first hand, and she wrote a book, a Christian program, and now, a podcast called "Say Goodbye and Imagine," for people interested in understanding what's possible when they remove something toxic from our lives, namely alcohol. The Plans He Has For Me website Her book
- 231Passion lead translator, Brian Simmons, had a darkness lifted by GodGet ready for an incredible episode. In the early 1970s, Brian Simmons was a drug dealer on LSD but had what he calls a “radical” conversion. “I went from LSD to G.O.D. in one day,” he said. Part of the Jesus movement, he began memorizing scripture. Years later, after mission work in the rain forest of Central South America with his wife, Candace, he said he was given a commission by God to do a new translation, and he called it Passion. Brian's Passion and Fire ministry God Is Love Brian's blog
- 232Christian and Mormon, Dallin Candlin is a man of compassionI'm releasing some extra episodes now and until the end of the year. Last week we talked to Bible translator Brian Simmons, and later this week we'll hear about the joy of the Christmas season and Mary, the mother of God. Today, let's talk about compassion. Dallin Candland is a podcaster, poet and a man of compassion. He's also a Mormon, and we'll talk about how people with differences can still learn from one another. I can't wait for you to meet Dallin. Dallin's blog, YIELD Dallin's podcast
- 233Forgiving a killer and healing your soul: Sarah GregoryThis week, our conversation is about forgiveness, and it's a really unique episode. Could you forgive your grandmother's killer? Today's guest is Sarah Gregory, and her story is hard to fathom. She has forgiven the man who murdered her grandmother, but not only that, spent hours with him on death row the day he was executed. Her forgiveness wasn't automatic, though, and she had a long, hard road to get there. Bruce Springsteen's music plays a role, believe it or now. Sarah's "Set Lusting Bruce" episode
- 234Angel reads the Bible, again, and it’s the Christmas storyYears ago, Positively Joy featured the angelic voice of Angel McCoy from the podcast, Angel Reads the Bible. Angel has a beautiful family now and has been pretty busy. But I coaxed her to come back and do a reading from Luke, chapters 1 and 2 in these days leading up to Christmas. There is never a wrong time to hear the Christmas story, but now is just right. It's not too late to jump into my Christmas countdown on Substack.com. Just look up Positively Joy under publications. I have a weekly newsletter, so subscribe.
- 235Focus on prayer in this New Year throwback episodeGoing back into the archives, I promised to focus more on prayer in 2022 in this throwback episode. Did I do it? Well, I can say for sure I brought God into my daily life, but I still have some work to do on my prayer life. Talking to God is so important, and you - and I - should do it more often. I hope this inspires you! Some ways to put prayer front and center: Practice daily journaling and speak to him while you do it. Try using my new book, "Journaling His Joy." Other books mentioned in the show are "Adventures in Prayer" and "Follow Me" by Mary Jo Pierce, and "Whispering in His Ear" by me, Yvette Walker. Make a place for your prayer time, as mentioned in "Adventures in Prayer." Have a wonderful, safe and inspiring New Year! Positively Joy is back next week with new interviews!
- 236Life coach gives top tips for a successful Godly marriageAnn Visser co-founded 4 Better 4 Ever with her beloved husband of 42 years. She has trained couples, young people, students, addicts in recovery, Christian women and professionals ... in the areas of communication, leadership, relationship, mindset and personal growth. We had such a good conversation on marriage and relationships that we ran a little long this week! Ann's website: https://4better4ever.com Check out her 7-day challenge here. Come back for next week's episode of the Positively Joy Podcast!
- 237Discover God's Purpose: Journey from Workaholic to CoachIt's early in 2024 and we've been talking about life plans. Life coaches can help us get clarity. Last week we talked with coach Ann Visser about marriage, and this week we spend the episode with Karin Freeland, who coaches women about the workplace and when to exit. Karin and I have a lot in common, especially that unfulfilled feeling that you can't define. Karin calls herself a recovered corporate workaholic. After experiencing a midlife awakening at 39, she reinvented her life by deepening her spirituality, discovering God's purpose for her life and taking bold action. Now she coaches high-achieving women, helping them achieve success without sacrificing health and well-being. Karin's website Six Secrets to Get Unstuck
- 238Author took a higher road and climbed out of depressionNon-religious people as well as Christians, can suffer from depression and suicide ideation. So everyone, listen up! Today's episode with Author D. Neil Elliott takes us down a path that might be different for regular listeners. We talk about depression and suicide, using language that some people, not necessarily Christian, can recognize and relate to. But what's the same is that our Creator's incredible grace and unconditional love remains. As we move in to this year, it's important to be able to talk to all kinds of people with all kinds of beliefs and values. Stay with us through this one. Neil's book Neil's website
- 239Divine disconnect: The spiritual risks of AI-generated Bible studies with Sharon WilharmI'm concerned about using AI to write Christian teachings, and I'm not the only one. In this two-part episode, I'll talk with experts about whether we should use technology's latest tool to teach the Bible. In part one, Bible Storyteller Sharon Wilharm of All God's Women weighs in. The Gospel Coalition: "Should We Embrace or Evict AI in Churches?" All God's Women podcast Sharon Wilharm website
- 240Overcoming loss and pain: One father's journeyClint Hatton has experienced as much pain as most people. But God has given him the task of sharing a message of being strong and courageous even in the darkest of times. "The pain in some form will be with us for the rest of our lives," Clint said. But that pain represents the love he has for his son, Gabriel, a pilot who died a tragic death. After Gabriel's death, he and his family started living Big, Bold and Brave. Learn more about it from Clint himself. More about the Big Bold Brave foundation "Big Bold Brave" (The book) About his son, Gabriel
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