SPARK the Podcast

On this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Jana Klosowsky shares more about God’s plan for community and connection in our lives. God uses other people to encourage us, speak to us and refresh each other! The importance of intentionally seeking community with other Christians is HUGE. The people we choose to do life with, that inner circle, those people you can be vulnerable with, pray with and for, encourage each other - those people are who we go to when things get hard and we can trust with our stuff. When we live in communities, life is just a little sweeter. It’s not perfect or without hardships, but practicing life like this within our communities of faith is part of how we become more like Christ. Galatians 5:6 - “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Connect with Jana Klosowsky- https://www.instagram.com/janaklosowsky Connect with the Host: Mekina Saylor- ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor⁠ Learn more about NJ SPARK at ⁠www.njspark.co⁠ or follow us on Instagram at ⁠www.instagram.com/njsparkco⁠.

Today on SPARK the Podcast we are going to be talking all about the hope the resurrection gives us! We just finished celebrating Easter and the good news that death could not hold our Lord. After being put to death on the cross, Jesus rose on the third day, defeating death and sacrificing himself for our sins so that we can have relationship with Him! Let's dive into the hope the resurrection brings to our lives, and how this truly changes everything. Foodwashing Series- Salt and Gold Collection Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

We’re back for another Coffee Talk on SPARK the Podcast with Jenna + Mekina. This time we’ll be discussing who influences us, Jonah + the whale, and God working in us verses through us. We’re also excited to share some quiet time techniques and a little Christian music that has really moved us over the years. We hope you enjoy this episode! Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jennashots⁠ Mekina Saylor- ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor⁠ Amy Rizzuto- ⁠https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography⁠ Learn more about NJ SPARK at ⁠www.njspark.co⁠ or follow us on Instagram at ⁠www.instagram.com/njsparkco⁠.

Today on SPARK the Podcast, we are talking all about worship and praise with our wonderful guest, Annie Herrmann! The Bible calls us to praise God! Psalm 150:6 says “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” Psalm 100:2 says “Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” Psalm 95:1 calls us to “come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” Annie shares more about why worship is important, what to do when worship can feel hard, and the joy that comes from praising God alongside the local community. Listen in today! Connect with Annie Herrmann: Website- www.fish-eye-design.com Professional Instagram- www.instagram.com/fisheyedesign Personal Instagram- www.instagram.com/anneconstancephotography Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

Today on SPARK the Podcast, we are talking about big life intersections and following God's direction with Rebecca Haymes! Becca shares, "Recognizing these big intersections- whether in the moment or in hindsight - gives me such an appreciation for how great and vast and good God is. If we pay attention it also shows how intimately He cares for us and pursues us. Matthew 10 tells us God knows how many hairs we have on our head. Psalm 139 says God knows when we sit and when we rise, and that it’s God who created our innermost being. Psalm 44 says God knows our hearts. It’s one thing to read about God’s attention and affection for us, but it’s another thing altogether to experience & recognize it in our lives. Recognition is key. Because we can experience His goodness and be too enthralled with the gift and miss the Gift-Giver. So when I experience His goodness, and recognize it, my appreciation for Him & His ways/plans/purpose grows, and consequently my trust for Him does too. Becca has been married to her husband, Christopher for over 12 years and they have a daughter Elena and a son, Grant. She is a wife, mom, photographer and recently just got her doula certification. Thank you for joining us Becca! We’re so excited to have you on the Podcast today! Connect with Rebecca Haymes: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/rebeccahaymesphotography Website- https://rebeccahaymesphotography.com Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

On this episode of SPARK the Podcast, we are so excited to welcome Stephanie Herrera back to share her thoughts about developing a vision board for the year! Stephanie shares, "A vision board isn’t about just quantity or checking things off a list. It's about developing a deeper relationship with God so you can get to know him and hear his voice and know the plans he has for you. “John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Hear his voice, see him, seek him. Get to know him better so you can learn the plans he has for you and your assignment here. The thing I have been realizing is the more time you spend with God, the better you get to know him and recognize his voice in your everyday life." Listen in on this episode to hear more about Steph's heart behind putting together a vision board, along with a step by step process to creating one for yourself this year! Connect with Stephanie Herrera: Website- https://tonemediastudio.com Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/tonemedia Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

Welcome to our first SPARK the Podcast of the New Year! We have spent the first few weeks of 2023 praying for God’s will, asking for Him to give us a vision, and we have started setting goals for the year. Today, we are excited to share more about what is in store for the podcast and what we feel God is calling us to share more about this year. This year we are going to be focusing on deeply rooting ourselves in our relationship with God. The word we are focusing on this year is Abide. It comes from the verse John 15:4: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” Join Jenna, Mekina, and Amy today as they chat through what it means for them to abide in Christ. We hope that you will join us this year as we all seek to grow together in our relationship with the Lord. Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

At Christmas we find ourselves longing for home, nostalgia, the traditions and people that make it feel like Christmas. While those things can be good—our true longing is not for a place but for a person at Christmas. We hear it in the songs we sing… The joy of every longing heart Let every heart prepare Him room. So today on SPARK the Podcast, that is what we want to do, prepare room in our longing hearts to the One who brings us true JOY at Christmas, Jesus. Something we have grown to love at SPARK over the years is reading the Christmas story together from the Bible, and that is what we are going to do today. We are simply going to share the story of Christmas, found in the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. God’s word is a living word, and we pray together that this story speaks to your heart today. Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

We are so excited to be back for another episode of Coffee Talk on SPARK the Podcast - this time to discuss our favorite BOOKS that would make great Christmas gifts! Whether you are looking for books for yourself as you snuggle up this winter or you are looking for gifts for people, we wanted to sit back and help you out. Listen in to the podcast to find out our favorites, or see all of our recommended books on Jenna's Storefront here. Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

On this episode of SPARK the Podcast, we sit down with hosts Mekina and Jenna for another episode of Coffee Talk. On this special Thanksgiving episode we dive into what thankfulness means to them, memories of Thanksgivings past, and a recent miracle story. Grab a cup of coffee and listen in! Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

On this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Cassi Claire shares about seasons of change. Cassi takes us through the recent launch of her online clothing boutique, Love, Odette, and how it grew from the dream stage into a reality! She talks through the pressures of trying to run the business on her own strength, and shares the rest and peace that came from inviting God into her business, letting Him lead the way. Thank you again for being so open and honest Cassi. We are so grateful! Connect with Cassi Claire Love Odette: Website- https://www.loveodette.com Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shop.loveodette Cassi Claire Photography: Website- https://www.cassiclaire.com Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/cassiclaire Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

Today we are so excited to have Alexandra Kaval of Grace Space Christian Coaching on SPARK the Podcast! Alexandra is a professional certified master life coach for purpose driven women who are feeling scattered & overwhelmed and want to live a more prioritized, intentional, and Christ centered life. She personally knows what it feels like for life to look great on the outside and to have all the boxes checked, but still not feel fulfilled and like something is missing on the inside. After lots of deep transformation and courageously leaving her corporate job to pursue her side hustle full time, she loves empowering her clients to take bold leaps of their very own. Her mission (and joy!) is to help you go further faster by living life focusing on what matters most. Alexandra is a mama to two sweet girls (almost two and almost six months!). She knows what it's like to have a LOT on your hands and needing to use your time, energy, and resources that you do have well, so that you feel fulfilled instead of defeated at the end of the day. In addition to multiple coaching certifications, Alexandra also holds a Masters in HR Development and Bachelors in Psychology (both from Villanova University) as well ten years of experience in HR leadership & talent development. Alexandra is PC certified by the International Coaching Federation. Thank you again for sharing Alexandra! Connect with Alexandra: Website- https://www.gracespacechristiancoaching.com Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/gracespacechristiancoaching Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

The main question I get asked is "HOW?" How did your mother get through it? How was she able to wake up each day and go to doctors? On this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Darlene Shotmeyer shares how her faith in God and trust in Him helped her live with hope in a season where two of her children returned home from college, one battling cancer, and the other with an unexpected brain injury. Listen in on this heartfelt wisdom and advice from a mother's heart today. Darlene is a graduate of Hope College in Holland, MI where she got her BA in Communications. She is a lifelong resident of NJ and has worked tirelessly raising support and reaching fundraising goals for many Republican candidates throughout the state. She is a member of the Women’s National Republican Club, Saddle River chapter of the DAR, Women for a Stronger NJ, Bergen County Republican Organization, Bergen County Women’s Republican Club and the Franklin Lakes Republican Club. Darlene was elected as Bergen County State Committeewoman in 2013, and became the Vice Chairwoman of the NJGOP in 2021. For seven years she has been the executive Vice President of operations for J. Shotmeyer. She volunteers in many women’s and children’s ministries in her community. She and her husband Chuck have three children and live in Franklin Lakes, NJ. Connect with Darlene Shotmeyer: Website- https://www.jshotmeyer.com Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/njdarlene Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

Welcome to our first "Coffee Talk" on SPARK the Podcast! On this episode, Amy and Jenna chat about recent events in their lives where they have seen God answer prayers. Amy shares a story about obedience and God's faithfulness in watching over her and her family during a difficult situation when overseas, and Jenna shares what God is teaching her now through Nehemiah. Grab a cup of coffee and listen in. Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

Today we are so excited to have Kindle Smyth on SPARK the Podcast! Kindle is a lifelong learner and educator. A few years ago she was months from a milestone birthday and feeling like she hadn’t experienced all God has designed her for. This led to a year of trust, risk and adventure traveling the world. She's taken the lessons she learned on that journey and put them into her first book, Follow Your Fernweh, in the hopes the rest of us can find some inspiration and practical steps to pursue our dreams too. Connect with Kindle Smyth: Website- https://www.followyourfernweh.com Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/followingmyfernweh Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

Mary Cayten Brakefield is the cofounder of Brakefields, a universally designed clothing label that focuses on fashion and function. She, along with her cofounder/mom, work to design vibrant pieces that solve the problems created by traditional fashion. Whether due to disability, motherhood, a demanding job, or an on the go lifestyle, we all need clothing that is more functional and comfortable without sacrificing style. Mary Cayten’s work at Brakefields aims to provide exactly that! Mary Cayten was a student athlete at the University of Tennessee and is now pursing a masters in Marketing at Vanderbilt University. Between getting to work with disabled athletes in college and experiencing changes in her own ability level soon after, she became passionate about accessible, universally designed products in the fashion world and beyond! Connect with Mary Cayten Brakefield: Brakefields- https://shopbrakefields.com Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/marycayten Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

Holly Silva is a singer and song writer of pop country and contemporary Christian music. She loves expressing herself in her writing by pulling from life experiences. Her most recent song, Jesus Eyes, was written about the passing of her beloved mother, Marianne Silva, who entered Heaven August 7th, 2021. Through her hardships, specifically the loss of her mom, her faith took on a whole new meaning to her. Now her goal is to write music that people can relate to, find comfort in, and ultimately bring glory and point people to Christ. We are so grateful to have Holly share her story and her song Jesus Eyes on SPARK the Podcast today. Connect with Holly Silva: Jesus Eyes- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNe17DKIrIU Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/hollyannesilva Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

Today on SPARK the Podcast, Deanna shares her testimony! Deanna is the founder of ‘Resilience is Beautiful’. A platform dedicated to sharing her journey with a rare neuromuscular disease and the importance of Medical Service Dogs. Her speaking events include motivation speaking, relationship building and communication in the wake of trials, awareness of rare diseases, service dogs and patient advocacy. Recently, Deanna was a guest panelist at the World EPA Congress, Europe's largest congress in market access, pricing and evidence; where she spoke on patient and provider Emotional Intelligence. Deanna has done several local commercials, speaking events and award presentations at colleges. Thank you again Deanna for sharing with us today! Connect with Deanna- https://www.instagram.com/resilience.is.beautiful Book- Ollie the True Owl Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

Watercolorist Michele E. Struss was born with a form of dwarfism, causing short stature and orthopedic complications. Despite the challenges and setbacks, her physical disability is what God has used to shape her faith and perspective on life. Michele is confident in who God is and who He has made her to be. Despite the many challenges and limitations she lives with, God has enabled Michele to go on the heights in her faith, life and art all to unveil His glory and power. Her story and paintings motivate others, from young to old, to look beyond what the eyes see…to what is unseen and limitless. Michele’s work has traveled the world, hanging in the humblest homes in developing countries as well as in the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas, TX along with works by Michelangelo, Andy Warhol, Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent. Regardless of where her paintings call home, her realistic style draws the viewer into her work as if they themselves are standing before the subject which demands a response. We are so grateful to have Michele Struss share her story on SPARK the Podcast today. Connect with Michele Struss: Website- https://www.hispaintbrush.com Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/hispaintbrush_michele Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

On this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Megan Faulkner shares her testimony! Originally from Delaware, Megan Faulkner is a motivated relational change agent with proven expertise in leadership and programmatic development. She is a passionate communicator committed to processes and ideas that result in transformation for ministries, organizations, and future leaders. She is currently serving as the Pastoral Director of Anchored Student Ministries in Ocean Grove, NJ where she has been for fourteen years. Her enthusiasm for ministry to teenagers and their families, the marginalized and orphans, have collided into a singular passion for seeing people encounter the love of Jesus and leave radically changed. Megan’s blog, Joy in the Journey, depicts ridiculous tales of living a life filled with Jesus and His grace. Her podcast, Wife Me Up, is not what you think it’s about and streams weekly on your favorite podcasting platform. Aside from reading, studying, and teaching God’s Word, her passions in life include Haitian orphans, sunshine, people, and coffee - in that exact order. Thank you so much Megan for sharing your story on SPARK the Podcast! We are so grateful and invite you all to listen into our conversation today. Connect with Megan: Website- http://www.meganefaulkner.com Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/meganefaulk Connect with the Hosts: Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.