Heroes For Her, Presented By Bible Belles

My guest for today's episode is Tricia Goyer. I first interviewed Tricia back in April (Episode 13), and I love that I get to circle back around with her to hear what's been going on in her world over the last few months.   Tricia is a busy homeschooling mom of ten, a grandmother to now four grandchildren, and wife to her husband John. Not sure how she manages to find the time, but this best-selling author writes both fictional and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope to readers around the world. Tricia is the author of more than sixty books, although I'm pretty sure it's more than that now. She calls Little Rock, Arkansas home and is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Center in Kalispell, MT.   Tricia and I got the chance to see each other a few months ago at MOMcon, MOPS International's annual conference, and it was awesome to be able to catch up with her. In today's episode, you'll hear all about what she's got going on in the homeschooling, adoption, and writing arenas. She shares some amazing st

"Be still." My guest for today's episode is Demetria Stallings. I first met Demetria back in March when Brent and I went to Virginia to be interviewed for the 700 Club. We walked into the green room and there was this gorgeous light of a woman who immediately blew both of us away, a woman who radiated pure joy and genuine positivity. That's Demetria. Demetria is a speaker and worship leader whose love of people has taken her all over the world. Her fiery disposition is matched only by her generous spirit. As she sees it, everyone has a gift, and everyone belongs - that is what she practices, and that is what she preaches. Demetria has made her life about showing people God's redeeming love. She has helped to establish prophetic schools, assisted with healing ministry overseas and consistently works to pour into the lives of young women. In 2008, she joined the Christian Broadcasting Network as a regular worship leader and co-host for their show, The Spiritual Gifts Webcast, now called 700 Club Interactive. No

"It's okay to want to quit, as long as you don't quit."    My guest for today's episode is Pastor Caroline Barnett. Born in Sweden, Caroline Olsson came to the United States at the age of two and grew up in the inner city of Los Angeles. In 1996, she came to The Dream Center after hearing her family discuss the work going on there. After her visit, Caroline felt God calling her to volunteer at the Center. When she was just 18 years old, she and her best friend started the Food Truck Ministry which was a revolutionary concept at the time--taking food out to the people on a daily basis. It has since grown into a huge outreach that currently feeds over 50,000 people each month.    Caroline has an amazing heart for the lost. Programs such as the Family Floor, and Project Prevention, which is designed to keep children with their parents rather than allowing the state to separate them, and many more have all been birthed out of her desire to see no one ever be lost or any families torn apart. Caroline also leads th

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" - Jeremiah 29:11 Our guest for today's episode is the young woman behind the wildly successful Youtube channel, BeautyLiciousInsider, Chelsea Crockett. Chelsea made her YouTube debut back in 2011 when she was only 13 years old. In just a few short years, she's become a positive role model for millions of kids and teens around the globe. Her channel features makeup tutorials, life advice videos, and everything in between, including messages about Chelsea's faith. Chelsea has appeared on TODAY and in Seventeen, Teen Vogue, and Trend Magazine, among others, and her website, ChelseaCrockett.com, is home to thousands of beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and advice posts. Chelsea's greatest passion is connecting with her fans and subscribers and using her voice to make a positive impact on viewers across the world. Today Chelsea talks about why she started making videos on YouTube a

"The decisions that you have in front of you are not about choosing what is right and what is wrong. Sometimes, it's about choosing what is good and what is best."    Kristen Ivy is the founder and director of the Phase Project, bringing together personal experience, academic research, and gatherings of leaders and educational experts from across the child development spectrum. ?She earned her Bachelors of Education from Baylor University in 2004 and a Master of Divinity from Mercer University in 2009. She worked in the public school system as a high school biology and English teacher, where she learned firsthand the importance of influencing the next generation. Kristen is also the executive director of messaging at Orange and has played an integral role in the development of the elementary, middle school, and high school curriculum and has shared her experiences at speaking events across the country. Check out Kristen's episode, "Making the Most of Every Phase," today! 

"God made her and God is going to take care of her."   My guest for today's episode is Jenny Rapson. Married to her high school sweetheart, Jenny is the mom of two boys and a girl and a life-long Ohioan.  That means she's from Ohio. J   She loves Jesus, family, coupons, Veronica Mars, chewy sweet tarts, and writing her bio (A girl after my own heart!). She curates and edits the content of one of my favorite sites, ForEveryMom.com, a place where all moms can come for daily encouragement, laughs, and inspiration.   Jenny's heart for moms shines through during this episode as she shares about how she and her cousin Emily started Mommin' It Up, their first creative space on the internet. We talked about how Jenny made the Switch to For Every Mom and how the content has blessed her own mothering journey.   Don't miss this week's episode, "Mom Enough," and rest in the truth that even the whole motherhood thing is hard, God had it handled when He picked you for the job. 

"You'll only pass this way once."   My guest today is Courtney DeFeo. Courtney is a popular blogger and the author of a book we LOVE so much, In This House, We Will Giggle. She's a graduate of Auburn University with a background in marketing and public relations. In 2011, she started her company, Lil Light O' Mine, and you can find her two products, ABC Scripture Cards and Conversation Cups, in stores all over the country. Courtney and her husband, Ron, are the parents of two young girls, Ella and Larson.    In today's episode, Courtney talks seasons: binge watching episodes of Friday Night Lights (Best show ever) and her early days in PR before passing the CIA-style interview process to become part of the Chik-fil-A marketing team (Chicken sandwiches!). The company was beyond supportive when she told them she was leaving to stay home and raise her kids. She continued consulting for Chik-fil-A and also launched her own company, Lil Light O' Mine, in 2011. She launched with two products and a blog and, as they

"To live life authentically, you don't have to share everything. Just live in a way that you are true to who you are and true to who God is in you."   My guest today is Lynn Cowell. Lynn is a national conference speaker who is passionate about helping women of all ages understand the importance of Christ confidence. She is the author of several books including her newest for girls ages 8 - 12, Brave Beauty: Finding the Fearless You and for women Make Your Move: Finding Unshakable Confidence Despite Your Fears and Failures. As a Proverbs 31 Ministries author and speaker, Lynn helps moms become wise women so they can raise wiser daughters.    In today's episode, Lynn discusses helpful tips and tools for helping girls navigate the current of culture regarding body image, physical attractiveness, and sexuality. When a girl feels like she can't meet the standards set by her peers, imagine how this affects her confidence. And if she's not confident, how will she ever find the boldness to do what God calls her to do

"Take risks."  My guest today is Jordan Lee. Jordan blogs at Soulscripts and is the creator of The Sisterhood: the only exclusive, online community for SoulSisters who are looking to dig deeper into the Word and who want to learn more about Christian blogging and business. There you can find a ton of awesome resources including monthly Bible Study tutorials, lessons on Christian blogging/business, business tips, discounts on apparel, and tons more. Mainly, it's a chance to connect with sisters around the globe AND in your city to grow, wrestle and learn together how to shine a light in the world.  I loved that Jordan's list of favorite things is basically my list too: Jesus, sweatpants, flowy dresses (cuz it's like pajamas), popcorn, confetti cupcakes, rainbow sprinkles, and messy hair. I mean, seriously, I could not love those things more.  Don't miss today's episode, "Of Souls and Sisterhood" and hear more about how stepping out in faith gives God the chance to do what He does best. 

"Push through and persevere."    Today's guest is Monica Zuniga. Monica is the founder of We Are Unveiled, a ministry whose sole mission is to remove the veil for all women by creating a space for them to feel seen, known, and understood. They do this by capturing authentic stories of women all over the world and sharing them through a wide variety of outlets. Monica is a native of Dallas TX where she grew up with her mom, dad, older sister, and younger brother.    On today's episode, Monica shares how travel, work in the corporate world, and launching a non-profit changed her perspective and ignited in her a fire for full time ministry. In 2014 she started We Are Unveiled to give capture and share powerful stories, giving women a platform and a safe place for them to connect grow and be discipled.    Don't miss today's episode, "Hero, Unveiled", and hear the story of one young woman's journey to discover that God is able to work his biggest miracles through you when you step out in obedience.

"As our kids get older, the stakes get higher."  Our guest today is Teri Lynne Underwood.  Teri Lynne leads Prayers for Girls, a popular online community for mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and anyone else who wants to invest in praying for the girls in their lives. A writer, ministry speaker, and Bible study teacher, she is a frequent contributor to parenting blogs and is constantly on the hunt for ways to communicate truth with grace and, if possible, humor. Teri Lynne and her husband live in northern Alabama with their teenage daughter. ? In today's episode, Teri Lynne shares a little bit about the early days: what she initially set out to accomplish with Prayers for Girls and how it has grown to be a place where moms of daughters can go for encouragement and resources that will help them ask God for the things their girls need most. In her book, she outlines simple principles that moms can use to craft an approach to prayer that works, no matter if their girls are toddlers (like mine!) or teens.    Highligh

"To thine own self be true."    You know I love a good Shakespeare reference! We switched things up a bit for today's show. Since we started the Heroes For Her podcast last year, we've had only two male guests: Joel Smallbone from for KING & Country and the amazing other half of the Bible Belles founder team, Brent Weidemann. Our #3 is Pastor Van Moody!   As a pastor, speaker, and leadership trainer, Van Moody's voice has been heard around the world at the 30th Anniversary of the March on Washington, with Pope John Paul II and his Pontifical Council in Rome, Italy,  and in Tokyo, Japan as an Associate Trainer for Dr. John Maxwell's leadership organization, EQUIP. Most recently, he became a member of Dr. Oz's Core Team and is featured on the Dr. Oz Show on ABC. He lives in Birmingham, Alabama with his wife, Dr. Ty, and their two children, Eden Sydney and Ethan Isaiah.    Van Moody has a passion for healthy transformation in individuals, organizations and the world. In today's episode, he breaks down The I

"Life is messy." Our guest for today's podcast is Jenny Dean Schmidt. Jenny is a wife and mom and has served as Host of ChannelMom on Denver radio and national podcast for 6 years. She also serves as Executive Director of ChannelMom Media & Outreach. She met her husband Mike in nursery school and vowed she'd marry him one day. Jenny and Mike have two teen children, Otis and Georgia. Before ChannelMom, Jenny worked as a TV News reporter, writer and producer for both network TV and network affiliates. She covered high-profile news stories and even interviewed two presidents. Wow! On today's episode, Jenny shares how she started and built ChannelMom when she was at home full time with her kids. Since those early years, it has grown and expanded to support moms through media and on the ground through ChannelMom Outreach. Check out episode 44, "Mom in the Mess," and hear how one mom embraced the mess so she could reach moms by the masses.

"Enjoy the journey." Our guest today is Sue Detweiler. Sue is a wife, mother of six, author, radio host, and pastor with over 25 years of experience in leadership, ministry, and education. She is also a?popular speaker who shares her heart and wisdom internationally on issues related to marriage, family, women, prayer, leadership, and ministry.  Sue and her husband Wayne live in Frisco, Texas and pastor Life Bridge Church. Sue's heart beats to encourage women. She knows so well that, amid our packed schedules and the curveballs life throws our way, our hearts long for more. We want to live and love well; we want to be a source of joy and life. During today's episode, Sue breaks down the good news: we can, and the secret is found in the simple act of prayer. Prayer was never meant to be a recitation of requests, but rather a drawing close to the heart of God. When we learn to exchange the obstacles of life for the promises of God, we will pray with passion and confidence rather than fear or insecurity. From t

Our guest today is Melissa Hinnant, co-founder and president of Grace and Lace. Melissa lives in Austin, Texas with her husband Rick and their three children - Sienna, Jett, and Livia. In 2010, five months pregnant with a little girl, Melissa and Rick received devastating news that without surgical intervention, Melissa would give birth to their daughter within 24 hours and she would not survive.  Melissa was rushed into emergency surgery, and she spent the remainder of her pregnancy on strict horizontal bed rest. The days were long, she couldn't sit up, and she needed something to do with her hands. She began crocheting a tiny baby blanket, spurring in her a desire to sew, sew, sew! For two weeks Melissa lived in the hospital until doctors could no longer stop the labor. Her very tiny, but oh-so-perfect, baby girl was born. With lungs not yet developed enough to survive on her own, the Lord took her straight to Heaven. Though heart-wrenching and devastating, Melissa believes that out of this great tragedy ha

"When you walk into a room, if you think everybody is looking at you, you're putting too much priority on yourself."   My guest today is Chrys Howard. She is a mother of three (including Duck Dynasty's Korie Robertson) and has fourteen grandchildren. Over the years she has built a rich history of loving and serving her family, community, and beyond. She was a classroom teacher for 10 years before joining her family's publishing business (Just like me!).  Seriously, it's weird how many similarities there are between us. Since I began following her work and ministry projects, I've always felt a special connection to her because of her tender heart for children. She's been working at the same youth summer camp that her daddy founded for decades, and she's spent the last several years authoring and co-authoring books, devotionals, curriculum, and other resources for families to grow in faith together.   Check out today's episode, "A Reality Check", and hear more about an amazing woman who wears many hats and rais

"Life is a gift. Morality is gratitude." How we live our life shows how grateful we are for the gifts we've been given."   My guest for today's episode is Becca Stevens. Becca is many things: an Episcopal priest, author, speaker, and social entrepreneur. She is the founder and President of Thistle Farms, the largest social enterprise in the US run by survivors of prostitution, trafficking, and addiction. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, on ABC World News, NPR, PBS and she was recently named a 2016 CNN Hero.   For 20 years, Thistle Farms' mission to heal, empower, and employ has led to profound change in the lives of women survivors, customers, and communities. We are celebrating that, last year, customers and donors helped make the following possible:   ·      59 WOMEN SURVIVORS EMPLOYED BY THISTLE FARMS, EARNED OVER $1M A YEAR IN SALARY AND WAGES ·      9,215 NIGHTS OF SAFE, SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROVIDED TO WOMEN RECOVERING FROM LIFE ON THE STREETS ·      14,100 HOURS OF COUNSELING AND THER

"His past faithfulness demands our present trust."  My guest today is Audrey Roloff. In her own words, Audrey is a combination of raspy loudness, frizzy redness, running craziness, redeemed brokenness, persevering faithfulness, and striving to reflect more of Christlikeness. Her lifestyle blog, Auj Poj, is one of my favorites. It's a place where she writes about family, faith, and fashion, adventure, and so much more.   Together with her husband Jeremy, she co-founded Beating50Percent whose mission is to inspire marriages that are better than average and to encourage husbands and wives to give more than 50% to their spouse. And some big news: Auj and Jer just found out that they are having a little girl!   Highlights: Audrey and I talked about how Needtobreathe is one of the best bands ever, what it was like having her wedding filmed for television, and the inspiration behind her life mantra: "Always More".  Check out today's episode, "Better Than Average", and find out more about a woman who's out to inspire

"Our job is to build bridges with the people we meet. And, if Jesus so happens to walk across, great. Our job is to love people."   My guest for today's episode is Moriah Peters. An amazingly talented singer/ songwriter, Moriah is first a brave and loving young woman who is following God with all her heart.    Moriah grew up outside of Los Angeles in Chino, California - a place known mostly because it's home to a prison as well as lots of cows. In today's episode, Moriahshares how she discovered her love of music and that high school was one of the best times in her entire life. After a surprising American Idol audition, she ended up moving to Nashville at 17 to pursue a career in music. She fell in love with and married Joel Smallbone of the band For KING & Country in 2013 (If you haven't heard Joel's interview on our podcast, he's Episode 26!). One year later she released her sophomore album, "Brave". A few of Rooney's favorites from this album include "You Carry Me" and "Know Us By Our Love".      Chec

My guest today is Heather Lindsey. Heather is a speaker, author, first lady of The Gathering Oasis Church and founder of Pinky Promise - a non-profit organization that encourages women to honor God with their life and body. You can find her amazing blog at heatherllindsey.com. There she encourages women to be bold in their faith, walk in their calling and cut off ungodly relationships. Her books, Pink Lips & Empty Hearts, Dusty Crowns, A Perfect Recipe, The Runaway Bride and The Purpose Room encourage women to say yes to God in a no society and to pursue Christ with their whole life. In this episode, Heather shares her personal testimony and the journey she's taken to grow closer to God. She talks about how the Pinky Promise Movement started when she had the idea to create a few simple bracelets that women could wear to remind them of their worth. Since then it has grown to more than 50,000 members in over 300 countries. The 2017 Heart to Heart Pinky Promise Conference is coming up in July, and this year