Kristi Woods

God Refines Us Through Suffering

July 19, 2019 by Kristi Leave a Comment

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God refines us through suffering…and we often think “big” at the mention. Martyrs. Missionaries. Losing something large for the cause of Christ. But sometimes it’s not in the eye-popping, “wow” things, but rather the littles and every day situations where God refines us in His righteous ways.

You Might Like This

The blog’s still on break until late August (or maybe early September–no concrete decision yet!), but here’s a special link to a piece centering on a stellar opportunity for you and me. On the other end, encouragement waits.

Grab it and run the race well, friend–read the piece then walk away, offering those every day parts for His refining glory.

Enjoy & Be Refined

Lyli Dunbar is a keeper and a sweet, sweet friend. Her heart beats for the cause of Christ. Read more on how love is Lyli’s superpower here.

Enjoy as you read how God refines us through suffering. (Don’t gulp too hard. You might be surprised!)

Happy July, and glory to God!

Top Christian Podcasts to Encourage You

June 25, 2019 by Kristi 14 Comments

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What top Christian podcasts fancy your ears? Perhaps a series or a single episode grabs you good?

Maybe your favorites fall on the below list? Or maybe not…

Go ahead, run to the comments section and add your favs. We’re eagerly waiting. 😉

Facebook friends and family recently chimed in with their favorite podcasts when I asked something to the tune of, “Hey, what’s your favorite podcast?”

They offered MANY wonderful suggestions. (Great group of people!) I had fun popping in and listening to an episode or two of several of their suggestions. Perhaps there’s one or two that’ll grab you, too.

This summer, while you’re walking, laying on a beach towel, driving, or simply resting on the sofa, grab a good podcast and enjoy!

These are…

My Top Christian Podcast Listens

The Verb

Heather Holleman dives into the loving depths of God and His Word. This English professor also adores vivid verbs. Her two loves–an amazing God and crazy good verbs–collide in a fantastic way with these short, 5-minute podcasts.

Length: 5 mins.
Frequency: This is a new podcast. Postings are a little sporadic right now but it appears there will be at least 2/month.

More Than Small Talk

Suzie Eller, Holley Gerth, and Jennifer Watson gather weekly to discuss life issues and how they intersect with us and faith.

Length: 20-25 mins.
Frequency: Weekly

Jesus Above Everything

I love Lisa’s desire for “just Jesus”. She focuses on One, and it can’t help but rub off on listeners. Some sessions are quick 5 min. devos while others are interviews. Take a listen and see if you enjoy. (Thanks, Betsy, for this recommendation!)

Length: 5-25 mins.
Frequency: M-F mostly

Joyce Meyer

If I had to choose (1) male and (1) female Christian speaker/writer to learn from, John Bevere and Joyce Meyer would be those two. The Holy Spirit counsel within their writing pulls me straight in.

The Lord used Joyce’s radio and television shows to disciple me in earlier years. Now, we can listen to those broadcasts on podcast as well. I’ve linked her webpage above, but type in “Joyce Meyer Podcast” into the podcast app browser and several options should appear.

Length: Varies
Frequency: Varies

John Bevere on ThriveTimeShow

It just so happens John Bevere hit the ThriveTimeShow airwaves around the same time as a fellow church-goer encouraged me to listen to ThriveTimeShow for business purposes. As soon as I noticed John’s name listed, you betcha I hit “play”!

For writers, this session with John is a must-listen. Soooo good.
Length: 20 mins.
Frequency: 1 episode

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Top Christian Podcast Suggestions from Friends & Family

A Frayed Knot (local, tells stories of women from all walks of life)
Her Story Speaks
Focus on the Family
The Living Room with Joanna Weaver
The Holy Podcast with Phil Vischer
The Next Right Thing
The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast
Core Christianity
Beautifully Designed
Free Chapel OC
Let My People Think

More Top Christian Podcasts

These podcasts are on my “to listen” list. While I haven’t taken time to dig into them (yet), perhaps they’ll hit your earbuds soon!

Mama Bear Apologetics
(I read a post from “Mama Bear” a while back. It was SOOOO good that surely this podcast is worth a listen.)
Chrystal’s Chronicles
Going Beyond Ministries (Priscilla Shirer)

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Enjoy the summer, take a moment to dig into the fabulous Subscriber Library downloads (password in previous newsletters or in the sign-up emails), and we’ll meet here again in September.

That’s a wrap for these top Christian podcasts!

Feeling Left Out? This Is Where You Belong

June 18, 2019 by Kristi Leave a Comment

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Feeling left out?

Wondering where you belong?

Safe to say most of us have found ourselves playing the part of the outsider at one point or another.

As Christians, we hold hope in our citizenship in the household of God. So when the feelings rumble, let truth roar.

Welcome to this month’s second memory verse from 2019’s #WhoamI Bible memory verse program.

When we’re faced with feeling left out, grab truth and walk boldly with it.

Our God leaves no one out that accepts an invitation to His table.

But How Do I Become a Christian?

You might be asking this question. Or, as with my story, you might think “good” and going to church get us to heaven.

Go here to dig further.

God has more in store for us. He invites us to His house–that we’re assured of heaven.

Ready to learn more?

New?

Have a desire to learn God’s Word by heart?

Check out this post or this Pinterest board to learn more about hiding God’s Word in your heart, being ready when the spiritual battle rages.

What Does the Bible Say…

Do you ever wonder what the Bible has to say about growing up? Maybe you’re a parent who longs to guide your children well. Or an interested grandparent or auntie. Hey, how about a Jesus girl who simply likes to dig in or tackle life topics?

For all of the above, yes! Take a peek at this recent iBelieve.com piece. Let me know your thoughts below, and feel free to add your insight on growing up as well.