Unquenchable Hope
171 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsWonder how you can hang onto hope in a world that seems bent on stealing it? Eavesdrop on Christian writers and speakers Luanne Botta and Mary Ann Crum as they discuss all kinds of relevant topics and how God, His Word (the Bible) and His grace can give us the hope we need to get us through whatever we face. This isn’t your typical Bible teaching or preaching, but real conversation, sprinkled with humor, honesty and spontaneity, by two women who’ve walked with God and used His Word to encourage and teach others for many years.
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Episodes
Let's Get Pruned!
August 14, 2022 16:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBSend us a Text Message. Pruned if we do, pruned if we don’t. According to John 15, that’s what we’re signing up for when we become followers of Jesus. But as Mary Ann and Luanne talk about today, being pruned is a good thing and always brings more growth … even if it stings a little bit. Luanne’s book, “Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God,” is available for order through her website (see below) and on amazon.com, as is Mary Ann’s book, “Live. Learn. Laugh!” You can learn more about Lua...
Let’s Rewind: Come On Back Home (Father Heart of God, Pt. 3)
August 07, 2022 16:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBSend us a Text Message. Can we hurt God so badly or run so far from Him that we can never come back? Based on Jesus’ parable about the “prodigal son,” which the ladies dissect in this episode, the answer to that question is a resounding “NO.” No matter what we’ve done or how badly we’ve blown it, the Father always watches and hopes to see us come up the drive towards home. And if we do, He’s ready to throw one heck of a party. Luanne’s book, “Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God,” is ava...
Let's Rewind: Orphan or Child of God? (Father Heart of God, pt. 2)
July 31, 2022 16:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBSend us a Text Message. As the ladies continue their first-year highlights, Mary Ann and Luanne talk about the huge difference between living like a spiritual orphan or as the child of God we’re intended to be. The ladies even go through a revealing and powerful “checklist,” so get ready to get real and come home to the Father’s love. Luanne’s book, “Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God,” is available for order through her website (see below) and on amazon.com, as is Mary Ann’s book, “Li...
Let's Rewind (Who's Your Daddy? Father Heart of God, Pt. 1)
July 24, 2022 16:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBSend us a Text Message. As the ladies continue their first-year highlights, in this episode they talk about the HUGE and practical importance of understanding and embracing Father God's love for us. God created us to live in His family, and in fact, He wants that so much He sent Jesus on a rescue mission to bring us back to His house. That's the Father heart of God. Luanne’s book, “Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God,” is available for order through her website (see below) and on amazo...
Let's Rewind (Fear? Not!)
July 17, 2022 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBSend us a Text Message. It’s hard to imagine a more relevant topic than how to live fearlessly in a world that can be pretty scary and with news outlets that love throwing fuel on our fear fires. But as Luanne and Mary Ann discuss in this timely rerun episode, God has given us some wonderful examples in His Word of how to overcome the fears that try to paralyze us. It’s all about remembering Who’s in the boat with us. Luanne’s book, “Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God,” is available fo...
Let’s Rewind (Jehovah Jireh, Your Provider)
July 10, 2022 17:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBWhew, boy, we sure do need to remember that whether it comes as a just-in-the-nick-of-time “mailbox miracle” or a steady, constant supply, God promises to meet our needs. The hard part? He meets it His way, in His timing. Because it's so relevant right now, Mary Ann and Luanne are re-airing this episode about Jehovah Jireh (the Lord will provide), the name of God revealed in the epic story of Abraham and Isaac on Mt. Moriah. And as the ladies discuss, God's provision goes way beyond just o...
Let’s Rewind (Jehovah Jireh, Your Provider)
July 10, 2022 17:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBSend us a Text Message. Whew, boy, we sure do need to remember that whether it comes as a just-in-the-nick-of-time “mailbox miracle” or a steady, constant supply, God promises to meet our needs. The hard part? He meets it His way, in His timing. Because it's so relevant right now, Mary Ann and Luanne are re-airing this episode about Jehovah Jireh (the Lord will provide), the name of God revealed in the epic story of Abraham and Isaac on Mt. Moriah. And as the ladies discuss, God's provisi...
Let’s Rewind (Jehovah Jireh, Your Provider) -- Episode #49
July 10, 2022 17:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBWhew, boy, we sure do need to remember that whether it comes as a just-in-the-nick-of-time “mailbox miracle” or a steady, constant supply, God promises to meet our needs. The hard part? He meets it His way, in His timing. Because it's so relevant right now, Mary Ann and Luanne are re-airing this episode about Jehovah Jireh (the Lord will provide), the name of God revealed in the epic story of Abraham and Isaac on Mt. Moriah. And as the ladies discuss, God's provision goes way beyond just o...
Let's Rewind (Shields Up!)
July 03, 2022 17:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBSend us a Text Message. When we were kids (we’re old-ish), summertime was rerun time on TV. Just about every show took a summer break. We’re not doing that, but we did want to repost an episode we aired months ago because we believe it’s a message we all need to hear again … and often. Our subject is the “shield of faith” Christ-followers are given to deflect the fiery darts constantly slung our way. Leave home without your “shield of faith” and you’re likely to get fried out there in the w...
If God Said It, Believe It (To Tell the Truth, pt. 5)
June 26, 2022 17:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBSend us a Text Message. God’s Word is true, and the church should be all about telling the truth, but … well, sometimes that isn’t happening. In this episode, Mary Ann and Luanne talk about some lies that have snuck into the chapels, sanctuaries, auditoriums, pulpits, pews and minds of Christians. And as always, the ladies remind us that there’s hope and forgiveness if we repent and get back on God’s path of truth, life and freedom. Luanne’s latest book, “Spiritual Warfare and the Armor o...
Let's Open That Can of Worms (To Tell the Truth, Pt. 4)
June 19, 2022 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MBSend us a Text Message. Continuing their series on the importance of truth, in this episode Luanne and Mary Ann discuss two issues that may be draining truth and life from the church of Jesus Christ: watering down the Gospel and ignoring sexual sin among believers. Heavy topics, but certainly not without hope because, as the ladies emphasize, God offers forgiveness and restoration when we repent and return to His path. Luanne’s latest book, “Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God,” is ava...
Let's Open That Can of Worms (To Tell the Truth, Pt. 4)
June 19, 2022 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MBContinuing their series on the importance of truth, in this episode Luanne and Mary Ann discuss two issues that may be draining truth and life from the church of Jesus Christ: watering down the Gospel and ignoring sexual sin among believers. Heavy topics, but certainly not without hope because, as the ladies emphasize, God offers forgiveness and restoration when we repent and return to His path. Luanne’s latest book, “Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God,” is available for order through ...
The Emperor Has No Clothes On! (To Tell the Truth, Pt. 3)
June 12, 2022 19:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBSend us a Text Message. Remember the old children’s fable called “The Emperor’s New Clothes” in which no one dared to tell the emperor that he was actually naked until a child finally spoke up and told him the truth? Well, that’s what Mary Ann and Luanne are trying to do in this episode as they discuss the foundational lies that have resulted in gender confusion, political and media corruption, and election fraud. Controversial? Yes. But as the ladies point out, there is no freedom where th...
God is the Giver of Life (To Tell the Truth, Pt. 2)
June 06, 2022 02:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBSend us a Text Message. What is the truth about abortion? What does God say about when life begins? Do the laws of our land about abortion—very much in the news right now—reflect God’s perspective? Statistically, why do the majority of women who get abortions choose that option? Is abortion an unforgivable sin? In this episode, Luanne and Mary Ann tackle this relevant and difficult issue, an issue that affects millions of individuals as well as the soul of our nation as a whole. As the ladi...
Your Truth, My Truth or THE Truth (To Tell the Truth, Pt. 1)
May 30, 2022 02:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBSend us a Text Message. Buckle up for this first episode of a no-holds-barred, tell-it-like-it-is series Luanne and Mary Ann are calling “To Tell the Truth.” If we want to withstand the category-five hurricane of lies pounding the shores of our brains every day, our lives need to be built on a deep, strong foundation of truth. Jesus told us plainly that God’s Word is truth and in this episode, Mary Ann and Luanne talk about the clarity, peace, security and hope that come from trusting what ...
For the Joy Set Before Us (Don't Give Up!, Pt. 3)
May 23, 2022 02:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MBSend us a Text Message. Have you ever been planning and really, really looking forward to an upcoming vacation to a place you’ve never been to before? You’re counting down the days and Googling all the hotels and sites you want to see. The anticipation makes all the days at work or at home with the kids seem more bearable. Christ-followers should live that way every single day because we have guaranteed reservations for an unimaginably glorious trip. Forget five-star resorts; heaven is a ga...
Behind the Pack? Keep Running! (Don't Give Up!, Pt. 2)
May 16, 2022 02:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBSend us a Text Message. (NOTE: PLEASE FORGIVE THE AUDIO QUALITY ON THIS ONE RECORDING. SORRY IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU'RE LISTENING TO A CHEAP TRANSISTOR RADIO IN 1965. NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED.) Does it seem like everyone else in the race is wayyyyyy ahead of you and there's no chance you can catch up? Luanne looks back to the 1972 Olympics (no, she wasn't there) to provide a great example of why our race is never hopeless as long as we don't quit. Mary Ann once again reminds us that if we keep doi...
Behind the Pack? Keep Running! (Don't Quit, Pt. 2)
May 16, 2022 02:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBDoes it seem like everyone else in the race is wayyyyyy ahead of you and there's no chance you can catch up? Luanne looks back to the 1972 Olympics (no, she wasn't there) to provide a great example of why our race is never hopeless as long as we don't quit. Mary Ann once again reminds us that if we keep doing the right thing (obeying God), we'll end up where we're supposed to be, even if where we're supposed to be isn't quite like we imagined it would be. The ladies talk about several Bible ...
Eyes on the Prize (Don’t Give Up!, Pt. 1)
May 09, 2022 02:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBSend us a Text Message. Have you ever run 100 miles? Probably not. But some people do, including a lady Luanne knows personally. Now, that’s some crazy endurance. And once Mary Ann gets over the idea that humans can actually make themselves run that far, she and Luanne explore some reasons why Christ-followers may be tempted to give up during spiritual race God calls each of us to run. Let’s run with endurance the race set before us and finish well, to the glory of God! (And when we get ...
Eyes on the Prize (Don’t Give Up!, Pt. 1)
May 09, 2022 02:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBHave you ever run 100 miles? Probably not. But some people do, including a lady Luanne knows personally. Now, that’s some crazy endurance. And once Mary Ann gets over the idea that humans can actually make themselves run that far, she and Luanne explore some reasons why Christ-followers may be tempted to give up during spiritual race God calls each of us to run. Let’s run with endurance the race set before us and finish well, to the glory of God! (And when we get to heaven we can ask Him ...
Wine Bombs and M & Ms (Surrender, Pt. 2)
May 02, 2022 02:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBSend us a Text Message. Guest Heidi Blake joins Mary Ann for the second part of their conversation about what it means to completely surrender to God. Without an understanding of God’s goodness and love, surrender can sound dismal, but as Heidi shares in her powerful testimony, there’s a whole bunch of freedom, relief and peace on God’s side of the fence. Luanne will be back next week, but many thanks to Heidi for her willingness to step in and remind us how powerful the Gospel really is. ...
I Surrender… Wait, What … ALL? (Surrender, Pt. 1)
April 25, 2022 02:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBSend us a Text Message. Surrendering completely to God—as Christ-followers, we sing about it, read about it and talk about it, but actually DOING it, if you’ll excuse the bad grammar, ain’t no picnic. Although Luanne was up to her eyeballs in other commitments and couldn’t be part of this episode, Mary Ann talks with guest Heidi Blake about Heidi’s recent crisis of faith and how God called her to let go of an “idol” she was tightly gripping. Their conversation also highlights the importance...
I Surrender… Wait, What … ALL? (Surrender, Pt. 1)
April 25, 2022 02:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBSurrendering completely to God—as Christ-followers, we sing about it, read about it and talk about it, but actually DOING it, if you’ll excuse the bad grammar, ain’t no picnic. Although Luanne was up to her eyeballs in other commitments and couldn’t be part of this episode, Mary Ann talks with guest Heidi Blake about Heidi’s recent crisis of faith and how God called her to let go of an “idol” she was tightly gripping. Their conversation also highlights the importance of our friendships inclu...
Wait and See (Waiting on God, Pt. 3)
April 18, 2022 02:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBSend us a Text Message. The Bible is LOADED with great promises for those who are willing to wait for God to do His thing and not impulsively run out ahead of Him. Easier said than done? For sure. But worth it? Absolutely! In this episode, Luanne, Mary Ann and guest Heidi Blake finish up their discussion about the Biblical admonition to wait on God and all the blessings that come our way when we put on the brakes and give God time and room to work. Luanne and two friends are hosting “Cry F...
Something Worse Than Waiting (Waiting on God, Pt. 2)
April 11, 2022 02:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBSend us a Text Message. Waiting may not feel good, but as Luanne, Mary Ann and guest Heidi Blake discuss in this episode, not waiting can end up feeling worse. The ladies share some of their regret stories about impulsive actions that cost them—from eating chocolate at night to buying a house to moving when the Holy Spirit was saying, “Stay.” Luanne and two friends are hosting “Cry For Freedom Women’s Conference” on Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Infinity Church, 412 Fairview St. Ex...
Oh, How We Hate to Wait (Waiting on God, Pt. 1)
April 04, 2022 02:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBThere are important things to be learned during those times when God is making us wait for answers and solutions from Him, but let’s face it, most of us hate to wait. In this episode, Luanne and Mary Ann, joined by guest Heidi Blake, share some of the things they’ve learned through tough seasons of waiting. And all three of the ladies agree: It’s important, it’s necessary, and it stinks. Luanne and two friends are hosting “Cry For Freedom Women’s Conference” on Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m.-1...
Oh, How We Hate to Wait (Waiting on God, Pt. 1)
April 04, 2022 02:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBSend us a Text Message. There are important things to be learned during those times when God is making us wait for answers and solutions from Him, but let’s face it, most of us hate to wait. In this episode, Luanne and Mary Ann, joined by guest Heidi Blake, share some of the things they’ve learned through tough seasons of waiting. And all three of the ladies agree: It’s important, it’s necessary, and it stinks. Luanne and two friends are hosting “Cry For Freedom Women’s Conference” on Sat...
Help Your Kids Swim Upstream
March 28, 2022 02:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBSend us a Text Message. Social media, the entertainment industry, and cultural trends have made parenting teenagers a challenge, but as the ladies discuss in this episode, it’s not impossible. God promises wisdom for those who seek it, so if you're a parent, youth leader, teacher, coach, or anyone who has a teen in your life, Luanne and Mary Ann pray that the experiences and knowledge they share will encourage you to swim upstream against the cultural current and inspire that teen in yo...
Help Your Kids Swim Upstream
March 28, 2022 02:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBSocial media, the entertainment industry, and cultural trends have made parenting teenagers a challenge, but as the ladies discuss in this episode, it’s not impossible. God promises wisdom for those who seek it, so if you're a parent, youth leader, teacher, coach, or anyone who has a teen in your life, Luanne and Mary Ann pray that the experiences and knowledge they share will encourage you to swim upstream against the cultural current and inspire that teen in your life to do the same. ...
Untangling the Sex Mess (Teens and Sexuality, pt. 2)
March 21, 2022 02:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBSend us a Text Message. Satan is most definitely going to get his in the end, but until then, he takes great delight in taking something God created to be wonderful, beautiful and fun, and using it to cause pain, heartache, disease and guilt. That’s what our enemy—and God’s—has done with sex. In this episode, Luanne and Mary Ann continue discussing the importance of understanding and resisting the temptation to violate God’s boundaries, and the importance of teaching that to the next genera...
Don't Eat the VapoRub Pads! (Teens and Sexuality, pt. 1)
March 14, 2022 03:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MBSend us a Text Message. When people say “don’t,” sometimes their warnings are wrong or just ridiculous. But when God says “don’t,” it’s for our protection and we’d be wise to pay attention. Even, or maybe especially, when it comes to our sexuality. In this episode, Mary Ann and Luanne discuss the lying voices that try to lure teenagers (and all of us) into misusing one of God’s most precious gifts. God offers forgiveness and redemption when we fall, but isn’t it better to just do things His...
Be Awake, Not Woke
March 07, 2022 03:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MBSend us a Text Message. What’s up with all the “woke” and “cancel culture” stuff being pushed these days? Is it good or bad? Constructive or destructive? A necessary change or a distraction? Unafraid to go where angels fear to tread, Luanne and Mary Ann offer up their opinions on these cultural trends. Even if you don’t agree with the ladies, we hope you’ll applaud their chutzpah for tackling such a hot-button subject. Luanne’s new book, “Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God,” is availa...
El Elyon: All the Bigs, Mosts and Bests (Names of God, pt. 9)
February 28, 2022 03:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MBSend us a Text Message. If a little girl taking refuge in a bathtub during a tornado knows God is bigger than the boogeyman, how come it’s often so hard for the rest of us to remember that? In this episode, Mary Ann and Luanne discuss El Elyon, the name of God that means “God Most High.” Not kind of high, a little bit high, or almost as high as our problems, but MOST High. All the bigs, mosts, and bests. That’s our God! (And you're gonna love Luanne's story about her Disney slow globes -- ...
El Elyon: All the Bigs, Mosts and Bests (Names of God, pt. 9)
February 28, 2022 03:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MBIf a little girl taking refuge in a bathtub during a tornado knows God is bigger than the boogeyman, how come it’s often so hard for the rest of us to remember that? In this episode, Mary Ann and Luanne discuss El Elyon, the name of God that means “God Most High.” Not kind of high, a little bit high, or almost as high as our problems, but MOST High. All the bigs, mosts, and bests. That’s our God! (And you're gonna love Luanne's story about her Disney slow globes -- cue "Twilight Zone" theme...
Never Forget Who Made You (Names of God, pt. 8)
February 21, 2022 03:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBSend us a Text Message. Facebook may say there are 58 genders, but Elohim—God our Creator—has said otherwise. Gender confusion is just one of many consequences that come from dismissing and denying this name of God. After Mary Ann gives Luanne a pop quiz, the ladies talk about the supreme importance of acknowledging Elohim as the artist responsible for all the beauty we see in the heavens, the earth … and in the mirror. And spoiler alert: The best is yet to come for those who follow Christ!...
Baaaaaaahd Sheep Need a Good Shepherd (Names of God, pt. 7)
February 14, 2022 03:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBThe bad news? The Bible says, “All we like sheep have gone astray.” The very, very good news? We have a Good Shepherd who takes care of us, comes looking for us if we go astray, and leads us to some very green pastures if we follow Him. In this episode, Mary Ann and Luanne talk about all things sheep and about Jehovah Rohi, the name of God that means “The Lord My Shepherd.” Luanne’s new book, “Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God,” is available for order through her website (see below) ...
Baaaaaaahd Sheep Need a Good Shepherd (Names of God, pt. 7)
February 14, 2022 03:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBSend us a Text Message. The bad news? The Bible says, “All we like sheep have gone astray.” The very, very good news? We have a Good Shepherd who takes care of us, comes looking for us if we go astray, and leads us to some very green pastures if we follow Him. In this episode, Mary Ann and Luanne talk about all things sheep and about Jehovah Rohi, the name of God that means “The Lord My Shepherd.” Luanne’s new book, “Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God,” is available for order through...
You May Be God’s Favorite Tattoo (Names of God, pt. 6)
February 07, 2022 03:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MBSend us a Text Message. At your lowest, your highest, and during all the moments in between, God sees you. In this episode, Luanne and Mary Ann talk about El Roi, the name of God that means “The God Who Sees.” (And if you get the Jetson’s theme song stuck in your head when you read or hear this name, you’re not alone.) Whether this reality distresses or delights you, it’s just a fact: God never takes His eyes off of you. In fact, you’re tattooed on the palm of His hands! Luanne’s new book...
You May Be God’s Favorite Tattoo (Names of God, pt. 6)
February 07, 2022 03:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MBAt your lowest, your highest, and during all the moments in between, God sees you. In this episode, Luanne and Mary Ann talk about El Roi, the name of God that means “The God Who Sees.” (And if you get the Jetson’s theme song stuck in your head when you read or hear this name, you’re not alone.) Whether this reality distresses or delights you, it’s just a fact: God never takes His eyes off of you. In fact, you’re tattooed on the palm of His hands! Luanne’s new book, “Spiritual Warfare and ...
There's a Doctor in the House
January 31, 2022 03:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBSend us a Text Message. When you’re feeling bad, who do you call first? In this episode, Mary Ann and Luanne talk about a healer who’s on call 24/7, never gets a diagnosis wrong and get this—never sends you a bill. His name is Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals. Since God calls Himself by that name, so can we, and He should be our first call, every time, no matter what ails us. Here are the two books Mary Ann mentions in this podcast: “Emotional Healing in 3 Easy Steps” by Praying Medic “...
Jehovah Jireh, Your Provider (Names of God, Pt. 4)
January 24, 2022 03:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBSend us a Text Message. Whether it comes as a just-in-the-nick-of-time “mailbox miracle” or a steady, constant supply, God promises to meet our needs. The hard part? He meets it His way, in His timing. And sometimes that can make us uncomfy. In this episode Mary Ann and Luanne talk about Jehovah Jireh (the Lord will provide), the name of God revealed in the epic story of Abraham and Isaac on Mt. Moriah. And as the ladies discuss, God's provision goes way beyond just our financial needs. If ...
Wanna Compare Resumés? (Names of God, Pt. 3)
January 17, 2022 03:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MBSend us a Text Message. So, let’s slap the very best version of our resumés (no embellishing, you Millennials) down on the table and compare them to God’s. Did we create the stars and name them all? Did we carve out the Grand Canyon or build the Alps? Do we know the number of hairs on every human being’s head? Uh, no. So why do we think we can do a better job running our lives than He can? In this episode, Luanne and Mary Ann talk about El Shaddai, the name of God with an interesting litera...
Adonai is the Boss of Us (Names of God, Pt. 2)
January 10, 2022 03:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBMost of us have probably done it. With our mouths we say to Jesus, “You are my Lord,” but our actions say, “You’re not the boss of me!” In this episode, Mary Ann and Luanne talk about Adonai, the name of God that means “master and lord.” Parting with earthly possessions, forgoing Caribbean vacations, choosing to do what is almost everyone’s greatest fear (public speaking)—the ladies share lots of personal stories that illustrate what it means to call Jesus “Adonai,” and the blessings and hop...
Adonai is the Boss of Us (Names of God, Pt. 2)
January 10, 2022 03:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBSend us a Text Message. Most of us have probably done it. With our mouths we say to Jesus, “You are my Lord,” but our actions say, “You’re not the boss of me!” In this episode, Mary Ann and Luanne talk about Adonai, the name of God that means “master and lord.” Parting with earthly possessions, forgoing Caribbean vacations, choosing to do what is almost everyone’s greatest fear (public speaking)—the ladies share lots of personal stories that illustrate what it means to call Jesus “Adonai,” ...
And So This is Christmas
December 20, 2021 03:00 - 14 minutes - 9.71 MBSend us a Text Message. Most of us realize that real life isn’t a Hallmark movie, and that means Christmas can sometimes feel more like something to conquer or survive than the warm, fuzzy, joyous, oozing-with-love holiday we want and expect it to be. If we focus on that gap between our lofty expectations and reality, we’re likely to wrestle with some tough emotions. But in this episode Mary Ann and Luanne offer some practical advice about navigating this season and keeping the focus where ...
God Feels All Our Feels (Immanuel--Names of God, Pt. 1)
December 13, 2021 03:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBSend us a Text Message. What kind of God would volunteer to be tempted like we are and to feel what we feel—the good, the bad and the ugly? Our God, that’s Who! As the ladies kick off a series on the names of God in the Bible, each of which gives us a glimpse of His amazing character, Luanne and Mary Ann talk about Immanuel--"God with us.” God has always wanted to be with His people and when Jesus came to live as a man on this fallen planet—Immanuel—He demonstrated that desire in a beautifu...
Ignore the Barking Deer (Quiet Time, Pt. 2)
December 06, 2021 03:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBSend us a Text Message. Boy, can Satan be very creative when he wants to mess up the life-giving, life-changing time we want and need to spend alone with God. He can—and we’re not making this up—even use a barking deer to distract and disturb us. Just ask Mary Ann about that. If you think you’re the only one who finds it hard to carve out time to spend with God in prayer and Bible reading, or to focus on God while you’re trying to commune with Him, you’re not. But since it’s essential for o...
Look Who's Calling (Quiet Time, Pt. 1)
November 29, 2021 03:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBSend us a Text Message. If the CREATOR OF EVERYTHING called you up, you’d probably answer (after you regained consciousness … and unless, like Mary Ann, you don’t answer calls from strange area codes). Well, guess what? God IS calling—all day, every day—because He wants to share His heart with you and for you to pour out your heart to Him. That time alone with God is essential if we’re going to grow and flourish in our faith, so why’s it such a struggle? Mary Ann says her house is quiet bu...
God Runs to Us (The Father Heart of God, Pt. 3)
November 22, 2021 03:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBSend us a Text Message. You’re probably familiar with the story of the “prodigal son” in Luke 15. Whether we tend to be more like the reckless, selfish, broken younger son or his pouty, indignant, self-righteous big brother, one thing’s for sure: the father in this parable is AMAZING. As he looks down the road every day hoping to see his prodigal return home, that dad is a picture of our Heavenly Father and His everlasting, tender, extravagant love for each one of us. That was the message ...
Orphan or Child of God? You Choose. -- (The Father Heart of God, Pt. 2)
November 15, 2021 03:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBSend us a Text Message. Mary Ann says she may have “played orphan” when she was a kid (yeah, that’s weird), but there’s nothing fun about living as a spiritual orphan when we grow up. Not when God created us to live in His embrace as a daughter or son. He doesn’t force us to be part of His family, but as Mary Ann and Luanne discuss in this episode, there’s no better place to be than in His house as His beloved child. The ladies go through a revealing and powerful “checklist,” so get ready t...