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Throughout this episode, I share about how our family welcomed a foreign exchange student into our home, the joys and challenges of parenting, and the need to make active choices in life. One of the ways emphasizes the significance of listening to others and embracing change as part of personal growth, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own lives and the stories they carry.

After 229 episodes I am choosing to press pause on continuing The Parable Podcast. I have beel so blessed to take the time to reflect on the joy of connecting with guests and listeners. This decision to step back is giving me some bandwith, rest and ensuring that this podcast content remains genuine and authentic. I encourage you as a listener to evaluate your own life, consider what brings you joy, and make choices that align with your heart.

So I thank you so much for listening, for being a part of the Parable Podcast. It has been such a blessing to my life. I've grown in so many ways and I am grateful. And I will say goodbye for now, stay in touch. I don't know what will come in the future, but I do want you to know and remember that your parable story matters. And that is how God consistently works in your life to grow you, to shape you, to become more like Him. Thank you so much. I love you!

Takeaways

• Welcoming a foreign exchange student can enrich your life.
• Parenting involves making family decisions together.
• We often get caught up in the busyness of life.
• Making plans helps us prioritize what matters.
• Busyness can cut off our connection to God and others.
• Choosing not to replace activities but to create space is essential.
• Community and listening to others strengthen our relationships.
• Embracing change is a part of personal growth.

Reflection Questions

1. What are the hard parts? Is it time to press pause? Is it time to end something? Or maybe it's time to start. What would that be for you?
2. And encouragement to look at whatever you're doing, if you're trying to find space, make sure you are not replacing it. ;)

Connect with Danielle
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The Lives We Actually Have by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie

Keywords: The Parable Podcast, family stories, foreign exchange student, parenting, busyness, community, change, active choices, listening, personal growth

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Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Is it difficult for you to remember the last time you were fully present? If you enjoy hearing other stories and want to be encouraged about the ways God is working in their life, you found a home right here at The Parable Podcast. Joining me today is podcast host and artist Heather Winchell, who reflects on a pivotal moment that encapsulated her desire to be fully present. I hope this episode is a gentle reminder for you today to step into presence one step at a time, just like Heather did.

Reflection Questions

1. I'd like for you to journal about the current cry of your heart.
2. How can you step into participatory presence with just one person in your life today?

If something sparked within you in this episode, could you do me a favor and share Heather's episode with a friend or a family member who has recently told you, know I just don't feel connected to myself or God or those around me. Remember, your parable showcases how we never have to wonder about God's presence in our own lives.

Connect with Heather

Instagram | Thanks for Doing That Podcast | E-mail

Every Little Seed | Courtney Kendall's episode

Keywords: presence, mindfulness, emotional journey, personal growth, faith

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Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Is it hard for you to imagine the other possibilities of life? Joining me today is artist Mandy West, who paints the beauty in everyday life and shares about one of the seasons when she noticed she settled into negativity. She discusses the importance of embracing creativity, especially in challenging situations. Mandy also reflects on a personal experience with her father that inspired her to view life's challenges as opportunities for artistic expression and growth. I will definitely be thinking about her garden space (see below) and that hot doorknob, so relatable. Grateful for Mandy’s story.

Reflection Questions

1. Is there an area that you can now notice you have settled into negativity, and why?
2. When was the last time you saw a glimmer of hope in your life whether through people, likes Mandy’s dad or friend Lisa that sparked something in you?

Connect with Mandy

Instagram | Etsy

Every Little Seed | Courtney Kendall's episode

Glimmers of Hope

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Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Have you ever told God, this is your problem? If you like hearing people's stories and being encouraged about the ways God is working in their lives, you have found a home right here at The Parable Podcast. Meet Liz Lassa, speaker and author of The Spiritual Circle Journal, who shares about her journey of faith, the importance of journaling, and how to connect with God amidst the chaos of life. Liz shares her personal experiences with grief, the role of community support, and practical ways to help those navigating loss. Our conversation emphasizes the significance of listening to the Holy Spirit and finding time for God in busy lives, plus offering encouragement for those seeking their calling. I hope you are encouraged to think about your own story and remember your parable showcases how we can see God through all the practices of our lives.

Reflection Questions

1. Are you starting a new normal, like Liz? If so, I'd love for you to take a moment to give yourself the permission that your faith life may not look the same as it did before.
2. Have there been any recent coincidences that you can now recognize God's movement in your life, and maybe take a moment to journal about that?

Connect with Liz

Website | The Spiritual Circle Journal | Instagram

Journaling through Grief

Keywords: spiritual growth, journaling, grief, community support, Holy Spirit, busy lives, finding God, personal stories, encouragement, faith

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Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Have you ever studied the names of God? Today we are on week 2 of a message from our home church, as we were finishing up a story about King Jehoshaphat and his army. Please enjoy this message wherever it may find you today.

Message Notes

Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’”2 Chronicles: 20:15-17

Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.” 2 Chronicles: 20:20-21

As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another. 2 Chronicles: 20:22-23

“This triumph results from complete dependence on God.” Asbury Bible Commentary

Yahweh

Elohim

El Elyon

Here is the list that I was working from. This list was helpful too.

Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies. 2They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the LORD with harps and lyres and trumpets. The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel.
2 Chronicles: 20:27-29

"True worship doesn't put on a show or make a fuss; true worship isn't forced, isn't half-hearted, doesn't keep looking at its watch, doesn't worry what the person in the next pew is doing. True worship is open to God, adoring God, waiting for God, trusting God even in the dark."
N. T. Wright

We do not know what to do but our eyes are on you.

Reflection Questions

1. Discover a new name of God this week. This just better give you a focus of God’s characteristics.
2. What is a way you can worship God today?

Watch this service live at West Ridge

#theparablepodcast #yourstorymatters #2Chronicles #OurEyesAreOnYou

Support the show

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Do you ever ask God where were you? I would love to share one of my recent messages from our home church, where I walked our congregation through a portion of 2 Chronicles. And for those listening chronologically, you will also hear previous guest Esther Lee from episode 222. Please enjoy this message wherever it may find you today.

Message Notes
When we don’t know what to do, an ending allows for a new beginning.

“LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 2 Chronicles 20:6

Lord we do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12b

You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’” 2 Chronicles: 20:17

The first is a Reminder to Grieve What has happened in 2025.

‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’ 2 Chronicles 20:9 NIV

“Grief is real. It deserves space. It deserves to be named. And it deserves more than platitudes about silver linings or God’s mysterious ways.” Aubrey Sampson

What do you want to name today and truly grieve from 2025?

The power is not in us.

"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s"

God didn’t leave you in 2025.

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Psalm 13:1

When we don’t know what to do, an ending allows us to witness his presence.

Reflection Questions

1. Grieve and then lament what has happened in 2025
2. Ask God to show you where he was in 2025?

Watch this service live at West Ridge

Support the show

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Do you always look both ways when you cross the street? Joining me today is Founder of Founder of Healtheology and Biblical wellness coach, Katie Hardy who shares about the crosswalks of our lives. Katie is a boy mom of two, wife of a loyal Cleveland Browns fan, and lover of all things that make people feel awesome & live better. She is certified by Duke Health in Integrative Wellness & Behavior Change.

Katie emphasizes the importance of connecting faith with health. She introduces the 'crosswalk' parable, illustrating the choices we face in our spiritual and physical lives. Plus, listen to Katie's unique approach to yoga as a form of worship highlights her commitment to fostering community and spiritual growth. If Katie’s story really resonated with you, could you do me a favor and share this with a friend or family member who feels conflicted or questioning their choices, as this would be an encouragement to them.

Reflection Questions

1. What is one of your current crosswalks that you are having a tough time deciding which direction to go?
2. When you pray next, or even right now, get in the habit of giving all the details over to God.

Connect with Katie

Website | Instagram | Podcast

keywords: wellness, sober, sobriety, faith, coaching, yoga, personal growth, spirituality, community, health, relationships, transformation

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Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Have you ever been told there is nothing left for them to do? Joining me today is my friend Esther Lee who shares about one of the seasons where God was the closest to her. Feel free to grab your tissues now for this heartfelt conversation. Esther shares her journey of motherhood, grief, and faith after losing her daughter Ava to cancer. She also discusses the importance of teaching life skills to children, her passion for writing, and how she navigates her grief while honoring Ava's memory. Esther emphasizes the significance of being real with God during difficult times and the importance of processing grief with her family. Through her story, she offers insights into finding hope and healing amidst loss. After listening if you know a friend or family member who is walking through child loss or grief, please pass on this episode so this conversation would be an encouragement to them. Remember your parable showcases how we can see God even when we are kneeling on a hospital room floor.

Reflection Questions:

1. Journal about when you felt the closest to God.
2. We can never prepare for grief, but we can know that it is okay to have emotions with God. Are you currently feeling like you are holding anything back from him?

Connect with Esther
Team Brighter Days | Love Cakes

Keywords

grief, parenting, faith, storytelling, teaching, loss, healing, writing, cancer, motherhood

Support the show

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.