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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

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

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.