The (in)courage Podcast

"So often, single people say they don't feel welcome in the church, so I want to give you this antidote: welcome them. Scripture reminds us in Ephesians 4 that we are all part of the body of Christ, but sometimes we miss out on one another and it actually means that the church is not as strong as it could be. If a member of the body is feeling disconnected, it's really vital that we make sure a connection is made. Before a single friend has a chance to even process the awkwardness of finding a place to sit on a Sunday, invite them to join you. Before a single friend has a chance to get to their car and go home to a sandwich and no conversation partner, ask them if you can have them over for a meal." Leave a comment for Melissa: https://incourage.me/?p=240578 -- The DaySpring Summertime Clearance Sale is here! Now's your chance to grab amazing deals on faith-filled favorites! From inspirational books and Bibles to home decor, jewelry, and gifts, there's a deal for everyone. Some of these items are last-chance buys - once they're gone, they're gone for good. Don't miss out – the Summertime Clearance Sale ends Wednesday, July 31st so shop now at dayspring.com – and use code PODCAST10 to save $10 on your purchase! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"Maybe you’ve been like me — caught between your grand plans and your actual life. Maybe you’ve been feeling a little panicky that what you intended to do, simply hasn’t gotten done. Maybe what we all really need right now is to remember that God has this all under control. We get to simply pray, 'God, help me to make choices today that honor Your plans for my life.' Amen!" https://incourage.me/?p=240603the YouTube playlist-- The DaySpring Summertime Clearance Sale is here! Now's your chance to grab amazing deals on faith-filled favorites! From inspirational books and Bibles to home decor, jewelry, and gifts, there's a deal for everyone. Some of these items are last-chance buys - once they're gone, they're gone for good. Don't miss out – the Summertime Clearance Sale ends Wednesday, July 31st so shop now at dayspring.com – and use code PODCAST10 to save $10 on your purchase! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"You never have to be afraid that you’re letting God down by being human. Your loving God is compassionate toward your tiredness. Your faithful God is able to use even your weakest moments to show His strength. Your limitless God isn’t held back by your limitations." Leave a comment for Holley: https://incourage.me/?p=239709 -- The DaySpring Summertime Clearance Sale is here! Now's your chance to grab amazing deals on faith-filled favorites! From inspirational books and Bibles to home decor, jewelry, and gifts, there's a deal for everyone. Some of these items are last-chance buys - once they're gone, they're gone for good. Don't miss out – the Summertime Clearance Sale ends Wednesday, July 31st so shop now at dayspring.com – and use code PODCAST10 to save $10 on your purchase! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"God's invitation to me and to you is a wholehearted surrender. Like a robber caught red-handed, arms flailing to the sky, finally giving up, we too have the opportunity to confess that we’re a wild mess and accept that Jesus is enough; the cross is enough. We must reach the end of ourselves, where we can wholeheartedly proclaim, 'You can have all this world, but give me Jesus.'" Leave a comment for Ligia: https://incourage.me/?p=240450 -- The DaySpring Summertime Clearance Sale is here! Now's your chance to grab amazing deals on faith-filled favorites! From inspirational books and Bibles to home decor, jewelry, and gifts, there's a deal for everyone. Some of these items are last-chance buys - once they're gone, they're gone for good. Don't miss out – the Summertime Clearance Sale ends Wednesday, July 31st so shop now at dayspring.com – and use code PODCAST10 to save $10 on your purchase! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"Jesus doesn't simply tolerate interruptions and the people who make them. He welcomes them. Jesus finds the people most unwanted and out of place, and rather than wait for them to make a fuss, He pulls out a chair and offers them a seat. Why? Because they aren't an interruption to His plan — they are His plan. So am I. And so are you. Tax collectors and sinners, one and all." Leave a comment for Michele: https://incourage.me/?p=240382 -- The DaySpring Summertime Clearance Sale is here! Now's your chance to grab amazing deals on faith-filled favorites! From inspirational books and Bibles to home decor, jewelry, and gifts, there's a deal for everyone. Some of these items are last-chance buys - once they're gone, they're gone for good. Don't miss out – the Summertime Clearance Sale ends Wednesday, July 31st so shop now at dayspring.com – and use code PODCAST10 to save $10 on your purchase! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

In this episode of the (in)courage podcast, Becky Keife interviews author Cleere Cherry Reaves about her book Unfiltered: Living Raw, Real, and Redeemed by Jesus. They discuss the importance of bringing our unfiltered selves to God, the dangers of perfectionism, and the need to redefine our identity based on who God says we are. They also explore the concept of excellence versus perfectionism and the role of emotions in our relationship with God. The conversation emphasizes the importance of focusing on God and others rather than ourselves, and the freedom that comes from surrendering our need for perfection and embracing our true identity in Christ. In this conversation, Cleere discusses her new devotional guide, Unfiltered, which encourages readers to come to God with their raw and unfiltered emotions. She emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity in Christ and aligning ourselves with God's kingdom order. Cleere also highlights the power of Scripture in guiding us through struggles and invites readers to engage with the devotional guide through reflection, questions, and prayer. The guide aims to help readers label their emotions, pursue joy in difficult circumstances, and cultivate authentic relationships. Overall, it encourages readers to embrace their unfiltered selves and find freedom in God's love. Takeaways Order your copy of Unfiltered today, and leave a comment on the featured excerpt shared earlier this week for a chance to WIN a copy:: https://incourage.me/?p=240383 Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"I can use what I’ve learned to become a better—and more compassionate—human being. Can you remember a time you maintained a normal facade while falling apart on the inside? I can. We’re instructed to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). When we choose kindness as our first response instead of our last, we make the world a more gracious place and provide the people around us a soft place to land." Leave a comment for Dawn: https://incourage.me/?p=240388 -- It may be July, but we're dreaming of Christmas. Why? Because we believe that the spirit of Christmas is something we can celebrate all year round as we "Spread Cheer All Year!" Get a sneak peek of the delightful new items for the upcoming holiday season and shop the Christmas Preview Collection today at dayspring.com. Use code PODCAST10 to save $10 on your purchase! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"The disciples were all in the boat with Jesus when the storm came. They were all freaking out and afraid. They woke Jesus up and asked Him if He even cared that they were about to die. I always thought it was ridiculous of them to accuse Jesus of not caring. However, there have been many times I’ve done the same thing. I may not have said it exactly like they did, but I meant it. We see that Jesus does care. He ended up calming the storm for them. Jesus calmed the storm inside of me and He’ll calm the storm for you too. If you’re thinking today, that you’re alone or the Lord does not care, listen. You will hear Him say to you what He said to me, “That is not truth. You are not alone. Think about what things are true.” Then find the truth in God’s Word and think and say those things." Leave a comment for Tyra: https://incourage.me/?p=240338 -- It may be July, but we're dreaming of Christmas. Why? Because we believe that the spirit of Christmas is something we can celebrate all year round as we "Spread Cheer All Year!" Get a sneak peek of the delightful new items for the upcoming holiday season and shop the Christmas Preview Collection today at dayspring.com. Use code PODCAST10 to save $10 on your purchase! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"God never asks us to give up more than He is willing to give us. Perhaps you've sensed that God is nudging you to give up something for His holy good. You have permission to grieve in the giving up. I also encourage you to hold onto the reassurance that God will fill that space in His time with His goodness just for you." Leave a comment for Barb: https://incourage.me/?p=240366 -- It may be July, but we're dreaming of Christmas. Why? Because we believe that the spirit of Christmas is something we can celebrate all year round as we "Spread Cheer All Year!" Get a sneak peek of the delightful new items for the upcoming holiday season and shop the Christmas Preview Collection today at dayspring.com. Use code PODCAST10 to save $10 on your purchase! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"God can use anyone to accomplish His will. Did you know that Moses classified himself as being "slow of speech and tongue"? The very weakness that was a root of insecurity for him became the thing God wanted to use to redeem His people. God also told Moses that his brother Aaron, who was a good speaker, could accompany him and help him when he felt afraid. This story reminds us that God not only uses our weaknesses to glorify His name, but that He also provides practical help along the way. Wherever God is calling you, and whatever He is asking of you, let this story bring you comfort. You are equipped for the role. He is aware of your struggles. And His power is made perfect in your weakness." Leave a comment and enter to WIN a copy of Unfiltered, by Cleere Cherry Reaves: https://incourage.me/?p=240383 -- It may be July, but we're dreaming of Christmas. Why? Because we believe that the spirit of Christmas is something we can celebrate all year round as we "Spread Cheer All Year!" Get a sneak peek of the delightful new items for the upcoming holiday season and shop the Christmas Preview Collection today at dayspring.com. Use code PODCAST10 to save $10 on your purchase! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"Chaos is only — and always — the start of the story. Morning sickness, messy first drafts, and even the Monday school rush have taught me that beginnings can be difficult. But we can’t lose heart when we encounter chaos. God might be drawing near in ways we can’t see, hovering close to our murky waters. Every masterpiece starts with a sketch, and even chaos can be the first step to something beautiful coming next." Leave a comment for Laura: https://incourage.me/?p=240323 -- It may be July, but we're dreaming of Christmas. Why? Because we believe that the spirit of Christmas is something we can celebrate all year round as we "Spread Cheer All Year!" Get a sneak peek of the delightful new items for the upcoming holiday season and shop the Christmas Preview Collection today at dayspring.com. Use code PODCAST10 to save $10 on your purchase! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

In this bonus episode of the (in)courage podcast, Becky Keife interviews Lisa-Jo Baker about her new book, 'It Wasn't Roaring, It Was Weeping' and the healing journey she went through with her father. They discuss Lisa-Jo's relationship with (in)courage, her journey of writing the book, and the themes of fear and violence in her family history. Lisa-Jo shares a story about her father's unpredictable behavior and the impact it had on her as a child. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding our past in order to create a new story for the future. They talk about the responsibility women often feel to fix and triage difficult situations, the use of metaphors and storytelling in the book, the transformation and healing her father went through, and the impact the book is making on readers. Lisa-Jo shares that God is not limited by our timeline and can heal even the most painful parts of our past. Takeaways Order your copy today . . . and leave a comment on the featured excerpt shared earlier this week for a chance to WIN a copy: https://incourage.me/?p=240363 Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"Has it occurred to you, sweet sister, that you are an influencer? The reality is you don’t have to have thousands of followers on your favorite social media platform to be an influencer; in fact, you don’t have to be on social media at all. If an influencer is simply a person who inspires or guides the actions of others, has it occurred to you, sweet sister, that you are an influencer? Given that you are an influencer in some shape or form, the next question to consider is: How are you stewarding this relational superpower? Within our homes, workplaces, and houses of worship, we are inspiring and guiding the actions of others. In ordinary ways, we have the potential to uplift and encourage friends, train children, lead colleagues, and impact strangers. Passing along something we’ve learned, sharing a bargain, or helping someone who’s experiencing a heartache you have in common are ways we influence the people around us every day." Leave a comment for Robin: https://incourage.me/?p=240305 -- Stay organized and inspired every day of the year with an (in)courage Agenda Planner! Full of Scripture to encourage you, the (in)courage Seeing God in Every Season planner also includes monthly devotions from your favorite (in)courage writers. Pick up our brand new (in)courage planner at incourage.me/podcast! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"'The grace of the Gospel is that on ordinary Tuesdays it’s still not too late to write a new ending. I was incapable of rescuing myself. History and my own story had proven this over and over. Instead, I recognized that the same God who had rescued Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would need to be the one to rescue me from being drowned by the history that lived in me so that I could rescue my son.' With a story that stretches from South Africa’s outback to Washington, D.C., It Wasn’t Roaring, It Was Weeping is a courageous look at inherited hurts and prejudices, and a hope-filled example for all who feel lost in life or worried that they’re too off course to make the necessary corrections. Lisa-Jo’s story shows that it’s never too late to be free." Leave a comment for Lisa-Jo and to enter to WIN a copy of It Wasn’t Roaring, It Was Weeping: https://incourage.me/?p=240363 -- Stay organized and inspired every day of the year with an (in)courage Agenda Planner! Full of Scripture to encourage you, the (in)courage Seeing God in Every Season planner also includes monthly devotions from your favorite (in)courage writers. Pick up our brand new (in)courage planner at incourage.me/podcast! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"It’s easy to discount the bad habits or the casual things we do when we are bored, like Copper grazing on grass. But friend, it is time to recognize that sometimes those are the very things that are leading us away from becoming who God is calling us to be. So let's take inventory of our hearts and be intentional with every moment, even the boring moments of life. Let’s pay attention to what we are watching, listening to, thinking about, and reading when we are alone and bored. " Leave a comment for Simi: https://incourage.me/?p=240262 -- Stay organized and inspired every day of the year with an (in)courage Agenda Planner! Full of Scripture to encourage you, the (in)courage Seeing God in Every Season planner also includes monthly devotions from your favorite (in)courage writers. Pick up our brand new (in)courage planner at incourage.me/podcast! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"God isn’t limited by your weakness and pain. In fact, He promises that His power works best in your limping and weakness. Your strength is not necessary for God to move. I wonder if sometimes our strength can get in the way of His Spirit. We think we are needed. But God is the One people need to encounter, not us. If you are weak today… If you feel benched on the sidelines… If you are limping and tired and feeling done… Come to Jesus. Come exactly as you are. Come encounter His presence, His goodness, and His absolute grace." Leave a comment for Aliza: https://incourage.me/?p=240154 -- Stay organized and inspired every day of the year with an (in)courage Agenda Planner! Full of Scripture to encourage you, the (in)courage Seeing God in Every Season planner also includes monthly devotions from your favorite (in)courage writers. Pick up our brand new (in)courage planner at incourage.me/podcast! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"Maybe you are the well, steady and stable and setting the stage for someone to encounter the solution they’ve been waiting for. Maybe you are the sycamore tree planted in the right location so that a shunned man who can’t see over the crowd can climb up and get a glimpse of Jesus (Luke 19:1-10). Even when you can’t see the immediate fruit, God sees the full picture of what He intends to do through your obedience. " Leave a comment for Jenny: https://incourage.me/?p=240150 -- Stay organized and inspired every day of the year with an (in)courage Agenda Planner! Full of Scripture to encourage you, the (in)courage Seeing God in Every Season planner also includes monthly devotions from your favorite (in)courage writers. Pick up our brand new (in)courage planner at incourage.me/podcast! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"My to-do list always overruns the lines on a page, reminding me that it will never end. It’s not hard to get overwhelmed by it all. So many tasks. Some non-negotiable, others that can (and will) wait. Yet amidst the to-do’s engulfing me, there’s a tiny nugget of peace when I remember the Hands that are truly holding all things together. When I’m overcome by the tasks and ordinary stuff of my life, even then God is with me. It doesn’t require a crisis to be exhausted and in need of God’s peace. When we remember to lean into Him instead of fretting over what remains undone, it can seriously strengthen our hearts. On the overwhelming and ordinary days, He knows our steps, and He walks them with us." Leave a comment for Anna: https://incourage.me/?p=240271 -- The summer issue of DaySpring’s Everyday Faith magazine is now available! Pick up a copy today on DaySpring.com or at your local Barnes & Noble, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, or wherever you buy magazines. We hope that this issue helps you know and share God’s love in fresh, true, and inspiring ways! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"Many years ago on the 4th of July, it started pouring as soon as we arrived at the high school stadium where fireworks would be launched. Our family raced to our van and waited for the storm to pass. Instead of letting the kids moan about our wasted evening, we preempted the complaints with some soul-searching discussion on our definition of courage. We used the time to share examples of people who we each viewed as courageous and why. We asked our kids to think of one person who was still living that they feel symbolizes real-life courage, and then share one person that exemplifies this from history. This established a new tradition for our family -- one that you can do too! You can even take the courage conversation one step further by recording the answers from your kids. Cut out paper stars. The older ones can write on their own stars and you can have the younger ones dictate their answers. On the top of each star write, “I love my country because…” or “Courage means to me..” and then leave space for the wonderfully spontaneous answers you will collect over the years. Does your family have any special 4th of July traditions? Let us know and leave a comment for Jen: https://incourage.me/?p=240224 -- The summer issue of DaySpring’s Everyday Faith magazine is now available! Pick up a copy today on DaySpring.com or at your local Barnes & Noble, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, or wherever you buy magazines. We hope that this issue helps you know and share God’s love in fresh, true, and inspiring ways! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"Our allegiance isn’t to culture; it’s to the King. The culture tells us through a barrage of posts, videos, products, and more that we have to make ourselves beautiful. But the Bible tells us something different. I believe beauty is in every body!" Leave a comment for Dorina: https://incourage.me/?p=240101 -- The summer issue of DaySpring’s Everyday Faith magazine is now available! Pick up a copy today on DaySpring.com or at your local Barnes & Noble, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, or wherever you buy magazines. We hope that this issue helps you know and share God’s love in fresh, true, and inspiring ways! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com. Connect with (in)courage: FacebookInstagramWebsite Leave a podcast review on Apple!