That's Just What I Needed Podcast

So much of how we live—how we feel, how we respond, and even how we make decisions—is shaped by how we see ourselves. And if we're honest, most of us don’t stop very often to ask where that identity is actually coming from. Is it coming from how busy I feel, how overwhelmed I am, the roles I carry, or whether I feel like I’m doing enough… or failing again? In this episode, I slow us down and invite you to take a closer look at the labels we’ve been living from and compare them to what God actually says is true about us. We’ll open Scripture and talk honestly about what it means to live from our identity in Christ—not performance, approval, or circumstances. This is a freeing reminder that our identity isn’t earned, it’s received—and who God says we are is far more secure than any season we’re walking through. Xo, Donna And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Listen in to learn more : [0:02:17] If we don’t let God define us, something—or someone—else will [0:02:32]Identity shapes how we handle failure, relationships, pressure, and purpose [0:04:55]Our identity in Christ is received, not earned [0:05:43] God’s love for us is steady, unchanging, and deeply personal [0:14:19] Living from identity brings freedom, peace, and clarity Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my new book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith! Connect with Donna Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule:https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever listened to someone pray and thought, Well… I’ll never sound like that? In this encouraging, laugh-a-little-and-breathe-a-lot conversation, I sit down with author and speaker Shellie Tomlinson to talk about the comparison trap in prayer—and how to get free from it. Shellie shares why God isn’t looking for “perfect prayers” or spiritual clones. He wants you. We unpack simple, practical habits that help you linger with God, stop quitting when your mind wanders, and remember that prayer isn’t the goal—a deeper relationship with Jesus is. Shellie shares one simple reminder about approaching God in prayer that I’m sure I’ll never forget. You don’t want to miss it! (Hint: it’s toward the end of the episode, so listen all the way to the end.) And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Listen in to learn more : (2:40) Embracing Individual Prayer Styles(7:36) Overcoming Distraction and Lingering in Prayer(20:17) Conversational Communication with God(25:24) Remembering Jesus is the Way to God Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith. Connect Shellie Website -https://belleofallthingssouthern.com/ Shellie’s new book https://belleofallthingssouthern.com/dont-try-to-pray-like-her/ Pre-order before February 3 and email proof of purchase to: praywithshelly@gmail.com. You’ll receive Shelley’s introduction + first chapter (“Remember to Use the Door”) immediately. Connect with Donna Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever looked up and thought, Where is my life going… and am I even living it? In today’s episode, I’m kicking off the new year with a powerful reminder: you can be busy and still be disconnected—from your purpose, your people, and even from God. Through the lens of scripture, we’ll identify what matters most when the noise dies down. If you don't want to miss your one and only life, listen in! This isn’t about doing more—it’s about noticing more, slowing down, and living the life God intended. Xo, Donna And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Listen in to learn more : [0:02:20] The Foundation: Relationship with Jesus[0:04:00] Loving God and Loving People[0:07:30] The Value of Time and Living with Intention[0:09:29] Practical Steps for Intentional Living Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my new book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith! Connect with Donna Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you’re in a challenging season—or walking alongside someone who is—this conversation will meet you right where you are. In this hopeful and honest episode, I sit down with Dr. Clay Jones and Jeannie Jones to talk about their new book, How Does God Use Suffering for Our Good? Living With Hope While Making Sense of Life. Together, they share the real-life pain that shaped this message (cancer, miscarriages, foster care, and ongoing health challenges), and the seven anchoring truths they repeat to each other when suffering feels overwhelming. This episode is full of steady, biblical comfort—without clichés—and it will help you reframe suffering through the lens of eternity, hope, and God’s character. If you're hurting, this episode is your lifeline.. Don't miss it! And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Listen in to learn more : [0:04:22] Personal suffering story [0:07:35] The 7 truths they repeat during suffering: [0:11:42] Truth journals (remembering God’s redemption): [0:16:32] “You don’t know what tomorrow will bring”: [0:17:22] Fix your focus (looking at Jesus): [0:23:36]Why suffering produces endurance → character → hope (Romans 5): [0:26:43] Eternity changes the scale of everything Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith. Connect with Clay and Jeannie YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWymIngKlc1CtKBZ4aMLCHQ Website - https://clayjones.net/ Purchase the book -https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/how-does-god-use-suffering-for-our-good-9780736992237/?srsltid=AfmBOoqAUBs3q3Pf-0zQ_Xc3Y0z8NYWvM2TFRFPGxOQtrfUZaxtIrxIT Connect with Donna Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As we step into a new year, I wanted to do something sacred and intentional—pray Scripture over you. In this special episode, we walk through powerful biblical prayers from Ephesians, Colossians, Thessalonians, and Numbers, explaining why these prayers matter and how they shape a faith-filled life. These aren’t rushed or performative prayers; they are grounding, relational, and deeply personal. Prayer isn’t about getting God to cooperate with our plans—it’s about deepening our relationship with Him. This episode offers peace, clarity, endurance, and blessing as you begin a new season, anchored not in resolutions, but in God’s Word and presence. May God bless you and keep you. May He direct your every step. And May God fill you with His peace as you step into the new year, my friend. Xo, Donna And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Listen in to learn more : (03:20) – Why every new beginning should be undergirded by prayer (08:45) – Grasping the depth of God’s love changes everything (Ephesians 3) (14:30) – God brings to fruition what faith prompts (2 Thessalonians 1) (20:10) – Praying for wisdom, endurance, and spiritual strength (Colossians 1) (27:40) – Receiving God’s blessing, peace, and shalom for the new year (Numbers 6) Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my new book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith! Connect with Donna Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Christmas can be beautiful, and it can be a full-blown circus. In this Christmas Eve episode, we examine how to hold space for both the wonder of Jesus’ birth and the peace of His presence. The first Christmas was not unlike life now–unpolished, inconvenient, with people longing for something good. On Christmas, God gave us someone good-Jesus. The angel proclaimed, "Don't be afraid. I bring good news of great joy for all people" (Luke 2:10-11). If your life feels messy, or ordinary, or empty, you’re not disqualified; you’re exactly who Jesus came for. Emmanuel means God with us. Jesus came for us. For you. And just in case Christmas feels like a lot–whether good, hard, or a combination of both—I end this episode with a Christmas blessing to steady your heart with joy, peace, and hope. May you experience Jesus this Christmas, my friend. Xo, Donna And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Listen in to learn more : (1:10): Wonder begins in the messy, not the curated (2:40): Good news is for all people, not “perfect” people (4:25): Christmas Eve is a holy hush: slow down and receive (6:05 ): Emmanuel means God with us in stress, tears, and chaos (7:55): Joy and peace can coexist—Jesus brings both Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my new book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith! Connect with Donna Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ever wondered if that voice in your head is God, your own thoughts, or spiritual interference? In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Groll—author, podcaster, and two-time seminary graduate to unpack a solid, biblical approach to discerning God's voice. Rachel explains why Scripture must be your primary filter and how consistent obedience actually sharpens your spiritual discernment over time. She also points to powerful female prophets like Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah as biblical evidence that hearing from God isn't mystical nonsense—it's deeply scriptural. We dive into the difference between reading and truly meditating on God's Word, plus offer practical wisdom for navigating prophetic words with discernment and peace. And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Listen in to learn more : (00:12) This podcast is for real-life faith in real-life chaos (01:00) Hearing God’s voice starts with Scripture (not feelings) (03:30) Female prophets matter: Miriam, Deborah, Huldah show God’s design (06:45) Pride vs. humility affects your influence and obedience (10:20) Meditating on Scripture replaces worry with truth and peace Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith. Connect with Rachel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachael.d.groll/ Website - https://www.rachaelgroll.com Listen to Rachel’s Podcast -https://www.rachaelgroll.com/podcast Connect with Donna Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What happens when a “good, normal, suburban” life collides with addiction, shame, and a God who refuses to let go? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Cheri Garcia, founder of Cornbread Hustle, a second-chance staffing agency that’s helped thousands of formerly incarcerated men and women find work and hope. Cherry shares her raw story—from teenage meth dealer and alcoholic to sober entrepreneur and soon-to-be bride—and how God met her in a New Year’s Eve church service, a single Bible verse, and a recovery community she now calls her sunflower sisters. If you or someone you love is wrestling with addiction, this story will remind you: no one is too far gone for God. And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Listen in to learn more : (00:42) From Suburban Teen to Second-Chance CEO(05:25) Shame, Hustle, and the Lie of Proving Yourself(12:20) The First “Felon Hire” That Sparked Cornbread Hustle(18:30): “Wine Is a Mocker”: The Verse That Broke Her Denial(24:14): Why You Can’t Heal Addiction Without Community Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith. Connect with Cheri Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cornbreadhustle/ Website -https://cornbreadhustle.com/ Connect with Donna Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it look like to follow God faithfully in the middle of real-life chaos? Join me and the delightful Nicole Renard Warren—better known as Nicole the Nomad—as she shares her journey from Miss Washington 2017 to a social media force with more than 3 million followers. Nicole opens up about her experience on Fox’s Next Level Chef with Gordon Ramsay and how stepping into unfamiliar spaces strengthened her confidence, courage, and faith. We also explore the delicate dance of motherhood, identity, and calling—along with practical strategies for creating order in busy seasons. From time-blocking to digital boundaries, this conversation is filled with grace, Scripture, and tools to help you thrive where God has placed you. And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Listen in to learn more : (00:19) - Following God in Daily Chaos (03:59) - Balancing Identity and Motherhood (09:35) - Establishing Daily Rhythms for Success (19:57) - Setting Healthy Boundaries for Wellness (29:03) - Finding Inspiration in Daily Life Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith. Connect with Nicole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole_thenomad/?hl=en Website - https://nicolethenomad.com/ Connect with Donna Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Thanksgiving may bring to mind turkey and family gatherings, but its true origin carries a far deeper meaning. Which got me thinking, “what exactly was happening in the lives of the pilgrims when they decided to have the first Thanksgiving?” The answer surprised me. I knew the basics, of course, but there was so much more! In this episode, we look back to 1621 and the remarkable resilience of the pilgrims, who paused to give thanks after a devastating winter that claimed half their community. Their gratitude wasn’t born from ease—it rose from loss, perseverance, and unwavering hope. This is a great episode to listen to with your family or all by yourself. Join me as we rediscover the heart of Thanksgiving and learn how practicing true gratitude can reshape our own lives. Xo, Donna And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Listen in to learn more : (01:50) Origins and Traditions of Thanksgiving (07:32) Give Thanks in Everything Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my new book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith! Connect with Donna Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.