My guest today is Desiree Caluza.  Desiree was born and raised in Southern California, but came to Ohio for college and has never left.  She’s an Associate Pastor and Children's Pastor at Newstart Church where she’s been working for the past 18 years. 

In our conversation, Desiree and I talk about what led her to children’s ministry, how that wasn’t the path she’d planned on and how we shouldn’t assume that just because we’re comfortable with something or something is easy, that that’s where God wants us to be. 

Desiree tells us the wild story of how she ended up as the legal guardian to two teenagers when their father passed away, how it was an answer to prayer in a most interesting way and what it looks like to really be in community with your church family.  Desiree shares how she can look back on the events of her life and see God’s hand in all the details. 

At the end of the show, we talk about contentment in singleness and how Desiree experienced a time of grief where she asked questions like, “Why isn’t God answering my prayer?  What am I doing wrong?”  She explains how time and maturity have allowed her to find joy and beauty in singleness, while still having a desire for marriage and a family of her own.  She also gives us some ideas on how to cultivate friendships with your single friends if you’re married.

 

Mentioned in this episode

Newstart Church

Mount Vernon Nazarene University

 

Desiree’s Favorite 5

Reebok Seamless Hipster Underwear

Monat Shampoo and Conditioner

Chronological Bible Reading Plan/The Bible Recap

Meal Prep

Her Workout

 

Connect with Desiree

On Facebook

 

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