That's Just What I Needed Podcast

We’re all being formed by something. The question is: Are the things shaping us making us more like Jesus? In this conversation with Monica Ritchie, author of Fashioned by Faith, we talk about how simple spiritual practices like prayer, fasting, Scripture, rest, and community can deepen our relationship with God. Monica shares practical ways to make these disciplines part of real life, not as another spiritual checklist, but as space for God to transform us. We also talk about social media’s influence, letting go of control, wrestling honestly with God, and learning to trust Him even when we don’t have all the answers. Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones or on my website at www.donnajones.org. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 0:00:02 - Fashioned by Faith: Monica’s Story Begins 0:02:30 - From Fashion Influencer to Seminary 0:07:10 - Social Media as a Forming Force 0:17:45 - Spiritual Disciplines as Whole-Person Formation 0:32:20 - Fasting, Control, and Trusting God in the “No” What We Talk About How social media and algorithms quietly shape us What spiritual disciplines are and why they matter Bringing our head, heart, and whole self into our relationship with God Practical ways to deepen your prayer life Monica’s “wandering prayer” practice Why fasting is about more than giving up food Monica’s three-month “no-buy” fast and what it taught her about trust Letting go of control and making room for God to provide Practicing spiritual disciplines without shame or perfectionism Why spiritual formation requires endurance rather than quick fixes How our spiritual practices can change with different seasons of life Why wrestling with God can be part of a healthy, growing faith Learning to live with unanswered questions while trusting God Spiritual Formation Starts with What Is Forming You Monica reminds us that we are always being shaped by what we repeatedly give our time and attention to. Instead of allowing our culture or our social media feed to do that work without our awareness, we can intentionally create rhythms that form us into greater Christlikeness. Some of the practices Monica highlights include: Prayer Fasting Scripture Rest Community Lament Mystery, wonder, and wrestling well with God The goal isn’t to do every discipline perfectly or even to do them all at once. The goal is to practice them from a place of knowing we are already loved by God and allow Him to transform us over time. The reminder I love: Spiritual formation is less about a quick fix and more about endurance faithfully turning toward God again and again. 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 faith. Connect with Monica: Monica’s Website :https://monicaritchie.com/ Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmonicaritchie/ Let’s Connect: 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 do you do when you’re grieving, but no one has died? Maybe it’s the loss of a marriage, a relationship, a dream for your child, your health, or simply the life you thought you’d have. In this conversation with therapist, speaker, and author Nicole Langman, we talk about how to recognize and process the losses we don’t always call grief. Nicole shares practical ways to stop unhealthy thought spirals, make space for honest emotions, and keep trusting God when life hurts. If you’re carrying a story you never would have chosen, I hope this conversation reminds you that grief and hope can exist at the same time and God is still at work. And that He loves you deeply, no matter how things look right now. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss and you will definitely want to share. Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones or on my website at www.donnajones.org. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 0:03:14 - Naming Hidden Grief 0:04:38 -What Nicole learned from responses to the death of her marriage versus the death of her mom. 0:11:42 - How to Grieve Losses No One Sees (free advice from a therapist who's been there!) 0:16:09 - Carrying Scars, Not Open Wounds 0:23:09 - Breaking Rumination with Simple Habits What We Talk About Why we can grieve even when no one has died Nicole’s experience with betrayal and the loss of the life she expected Why certain types of grief can feel invisible Divorce, infertility, health crisis, job loss, estrangement, addiction, mental health struggles, disability, prodigal children and other life-altering losses Why comparing or minimizing grief keeps us from healing How to support someone when you don’t know what to say The difference between healthy grieving and unhealthy rumination How grief can become part of our identity Practical ways to interrupt negative thought spirals Why where we put our focus matters Trusting God when we’re hurt by what He allowed Moving from asking “Why?” to asking, “What now?” How grief can become a scar instead of an open wound Holding grief and hope at the same time Nicole’s Practical Path Through Grief Pray honestly. Bring the real hurt to God—even when all you can say is, “God, help.” Name the loss. Ask yourself: What exactly hurts so much? What did I lose? What story did I think I would have? Face it instead of running from it. Grief is messy and rarely linear. Give yourself permission to do the work instead of rushing yourself to “get over it.” Notice your thought patterns. Ask: Does this thinking heal me or hurt me? Help me or harm me? Move me toward God and the person I want to become—or away from them? Interrupt unhealthy rumination. Move your body, engage your senses, listen to worship music, write Scripture, or call a healthy friend who can help redirect your focus. Ask, “What would my future self want me to do right now?” Choose the action that moves you toward healing, even when it isn’t what you feel like doing. Move from “Why?” to “What now?” You may never receive an answer that makes the loss make sense. Instead, ask God how He wants to meet you, grow you, and use your story from here. 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 faith. Connect with Nicole: Nicole’s Website: https://www.nicolelangman.com/ Nicole on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nicolelangman/ Nicole’s Book: This Isn’t the Story I Wanted: Grieving the Life You Lost and Trusting the God Who Stayed: https://www.nicolelangman.com/thisisntthestoryiwanted Let’s Connect: 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.

Do you ever feel like your week is running you instead of you running your week? I know I do! My friend Heather Brown joins me to talk about simple, practical ways we can care for our minds, bodies, and spirits without adding another overwhelming item to our to-do lists. We talk about creating intentional rhythms, managing chronic stress, protecting what matters most, and letting God help us see where our lives need a reset. Heather also shares some incredibly doable ways to slow down and care for ourselves in the middle of real, busy life. If you're tired of running on empty, this conversation is for you. 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 Key Takeaways: 0:02:24 - “Sunday Reset” for Overwhelmed Women 0:08:34 - Start With God’s Vision for Your Week 0:17:18 - Chronic Stress and the Overloaded Nervous System 0:21:19 - Box Breathing as a Daily Reset Tool 0:24:34 - Simple Hydration & Salt Hacks for Energy What We Talk About Why busy women so easily end up running on empty What it means to love your neighbor as yourself Heather's Sunday Reset and how to begin creating one Asking God what your ideal day and week should look like Making your calendar reflect your actual priorities Recognizing where distractions are stealing your time Prioritizing your closest relationships How chronic stress affects the body The importance of sleep and true rest Using box breathing as a quick way to calm your nervous system Simple ways to incorporate prayer, Scripture, and worship into everyday routines Creating small habits that support your physical, mental, relational, and spiritual health Why caring for yourself sets an example for your children and family Heather's Sunday Reset Heather's approach begins with slowing down long enough to intentionally look at your life with God instead of simply reacting to everything coming at you. Start with God. Ask: Lord, what do You want this season, week, or day to look like? Identify what matters most. Consider your relationship with God, your closest relationships, your physical and mental health, and the specific calling God has placed on your life. Look honestly at your calendar. Do the things taking up your time match the things you say are important? Find the gaps and distractions. Ask where you're wasting time, what may need to be removed, and which habits aren't serving you well in this season. Put your priorities on the calendar. Schedule the important things instead of assuming they'll happen once everything else is done. Reset instead of expecting perfect balance. Some weeks will get crazy. The goal isn't perfection; it's recognizing when you've gotten off track and intentionally resetting. A Simple Stress Reset: Box Breathing Heather also shares a practical breathing exercise you can use in just a few moments: Inhale for 4 → Hold for 4 → Exhale for 4 → Hold for 4 Repeat for a few cycles to intentionally slow your breathing and create a moment of calm. 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 faith. Connect with Heather: Heather’s Website: www.healthybyheatherbrown.com Healthy by Heather Brown Podcast: https://mylifewellloved.com/podcast Let’s Connect: 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 the life you thought was secure suddenly falls apart? My friend Danna Demetre knows what it’s like to face deep betrayal and to discover God’s faithfulness right in the middle of it. We talk honestly about heartbreak, forgiveness, rebuilding trust, and what it means to anchor our identity in Christ when everything feels shaken. Danna also shares how her own painful experience inspired her debut novel, Beyond Betrayal, which she wrote in her 70s! This conversation is a beautiful reminder that God doesn’t waste our pain, forgiveness and trust aren’t the same thing, and you are never too old or too young to pursue the purpose God still has for you. 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 Key Takeaways: 0:00:12 - Never Too Old to Pursue New Dreams 0:03:00 - Turning Personal Betrayal into Powerful Storytelling 0:07:08 - When Long Marriages Are Shattered by Infidelity 0:15:00 - Identity in Christ Amid Layered Midlife Crises 0:27:44 - Forgiveness vs. Trust: Two Very Different Journeys What We Talk About Why Danna decided to write her first novel in her 70s How her personal experience with marital betrayal inspired Beyond Betrayal What happens to our identity when someone we love rejects us Learning to depend on Jesus when the outcome we desperately want isn’t guaranteed Giving yourself permission to grieve while continuing to live with purpose The difference between forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust Why reconciliation requires two willing people Recognizing the spiritual battle without avoiding personal responsibility Why guilt can lead us toward repentance while shame keeps us stuck How friendship, journaling, prayer, and Scripture can help us process pain The reminder that God still loves us even in our deepest brokenness Why age should never keep us from pursuing a new dream or calling Forgiveness, Trust, and Reconciliation Are Three Different Things Forgiveness: I release the offense rather than living in bitterness, resentment, or constant scorekeeping. Trust: Trust is not automatically restored because forgiveness has been given. Trust must be rebuilt through consistent actions over time. Reconciliation: A restored relationship requires two people. I can do what God asks of me, but I cannot control another person’s choices. Danna’s reminder is so important: forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending something didn’t hurt. It doesn’t mean forgetting, immediately trusting again, or skipping the grieving process. It means releasing the offense to God while allowing Him to guide what comes next. 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 faith. Connect with Danna: Lean Healthy Ageless: https://leanhealthyageless.com/ Danna’s Book: Beyond Betrayal: A Story of Heartbreak, Healing, and Redeeming Love: https://ageless-woman-store.com/collections/books/products/beyond-betrayal-autographed-copy-bookmark Let’s Connect: 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 if sleep isn't just something your body needs but a gift from God that can actually teach you something about Him? In this fascinating conversation with Brett McCracken, author of The Wisdom of Sleep, we explore why God designed us to spend nearly a third of our lives asleep, how sleep gives us a beautiful picture of grace and the gospel, and why our resistance to rest may reveal more than we realize. We also talk about dreams, Sabbath, hustle culture, and what to do when good sleep feels impossible. I walked away seeing something I do every single night in a completely new way, and I think you will, too. 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 Key Takeaways: 0:02:27 - Sleep as a Gift and Theology, Not Just a Health Hack 0:07:59 - Sleep, Hustle Culture, and Spiritual Warfare 0:11:02 - Nightly Sleep as a Living Picture of the Gospel 0:15:31 - Dreams as God’s Classroom in the Night 0:23:33 - Sabbath, Limits, and Resisting the Idol of Productivity What We Talk About Why Brett wrote The Wisdom of Sleep What a "theology of sleep" actually means Why Scripture describes sleep as a gift from God The physical, mental, and emotional benefits of sleep How sleep gives us a miniature picture of the gospel Why waking up can be viewed as a picture of resurrection What science tells us about why we dream How God uses dreams throughout Scripture How to discern whether a dream might have spiritual significance Why Scripture must always be our standard for discernment The connection between sleep and Sabbath How hustle culture can keep us from receiving God's gift of rest Why accepting our limitations is an act of trust Finding hope when good sleep feels elusive Sleep as a Nightly Picture of the Gospel Brett offers a beautiful way to rethink something we normally take for granted: We lie down. Sleep requires us to stop striving and surrender control. We receive. While we sleep, restoration happens without our effort. We don't achieve the benefits of sleep—we receive them. We rise. Each morning, we wake to new life, giving us a small picture of resurrection. We remember. Sleep reminds us that we're limited, God isn't, and His grace sustains us even when we're doing absolutely nothing. That changes the way I think about going to bed! 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 faith. Connect with Brett: Brett’s Website: https://www.brettmccracken.com/ Brett’s Book: The Wisdom of Sleep: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310175712 Let’s Connect: 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've ever wondered where God is in the middle of unanswered prayers or unexpected detours, this conversation is for you. As I sit down with author Laurie Short, we talk about how looking back at God's faithfulness gives us the confidence to trust Him with what's ahead. Laurie shares powerful stories from her own life, practical ways to recognize God's hand in your story, and why even painful seasons aren't wasted. My prayer is that you'll walk away with fresh hope, a stronger faith, and a renewed confidence that God is still writing a beautiful story in your life (because, my friend, He is). 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 Key Takeaways: 0:02:12 - Series on Discerning God’s Will and Introducing Laurie Short 0:03:16 – “Tracking God in Your Life” and the Power of Remembering 0:07:54 – Open/Closed Doors, Timing, and God in the “Rearview Mirror” 0:14:09 – Risk, “Mirrors and Cliffs,” and God’s Path to Freedom 0:19:46 – Pain, Flipped Scripts, and Finding Purpose in Your Story What We Talk About Why God is often easier to recognize in hindsight Learning to trust God's timing instead of our own Open doors, closed doors, and divine redirection How suffering shapes our faith and our purpose The importance of vulnerability and self-awareness Why life's unexpected detours often become God's greatest blessings Sharing your faith story with your children and others Laurie's interactive approach to discovering God's fingerprints throughout your life Eight Ways to Track God in Your Life Laurie Short encourages readers to recognize God's work through everyday experiences, including: Hearing God's voice Open and closed doors God's timing "Coincidences" and divine appointments Mirrors (looking honestly at ourselves) Cliffs (taking courageous steps of faith) Pain and suffering Life's unexpected detours ("when the script gets flipped") She also encourages creating a personal "stone pile"—a list of moments that remind you of God's faithfulness whenever your faith feels weak. 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 faith. Connect with Laurie: Laurie’s Website: https://laurieshort.com/ Laurie’s Book: Tracking God in Your Life: https://laurieshort.com/product/tracking-god-in-your-life/ Let’s Connect: 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've ever wrestled with a big decision and wondered, God, what do You want me to do? This conversation is for you. I sit down with podcaster Katrin Hegman to unpack a beautiful story from Genesis that offers practical, biblical wisdom we can use for discerning God's will. We talk about making decisions rooted in faith instead of fear, recognizing God's direction, and learning to trust His timing. If you're facing a crossroads or simply want to grow in hearing God's voice more clearly, this episode will give you both confidence and peace. 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 Key Takeaways: 0:03:00 - Making Decisions WITH God, Not Just FOR God 0:08:46 - Don’t Take Shortcuts on the 500-Mile Journey 0:11:42 - Fear-Based Choices Always Backfire 0:15:30 - The $50 Price Tag of Integrity 0:21:23 - From Plan B to God’s Restored Plan A What We Talk About Why discerning God's will can feel difficult The story of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24 Why shortcuts often lead us away from God's best Making decisions from faith instead of fear Practical questions to evaluate whether you're walking in God's will The importance of integrity and biblical wisdom Why circumstances alone shouldn't determine your decisions Asking God for confirmation in meaningful ways Learning to wait, observe, and trust God's timing Thanking God for His guidance and building a testimony of His faithfulness A Biblical Process for Discerning God's Will Don't Take Shortcuts Choose integrity over convenience. Trust God's timing instead of rushing the process. Don't Make Decisions Out of Fear Examine your motives. Ask whether fear or faith is leading your choice. Make Sure You're Already Walking in God's Will Live with integrity. Practice biblical wisdom. Obey the last thing God asked you to do. Seek God's Direction, Not Just Good Circumstances Pray specifically. Ask God for meaningful confirmation rather than simply looking for open doors. Wait and Confirm Observe. Ask questions. Don't rush to conclusions. Thank God for His Faithfulness Celebrate His guidance. Let His faithfulness become part of your testimony. 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 faith. Connect with Katrin: Love God First Podcast: https://katrinlhagman5.podbean.com/ Let’s Connect: 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.

“God, what should I do?” That's the question most of us ask–maybe you’re asking it right now.. Put another way, “what is your will, God?” These aren’t bad questions–they’re good. But they can also be incomplete. Kind of like missing the forest because of the trees. Sometimes the better question is not, “God what should I do?” but “God what are you doing?” In this episode, I want to encourage you to see your circumstances (yes, the ones you are in right now) from a different perspective. Instead of only asking God what decision you should make, what if you also asked what He's doing in you? We'll talk about how God uses trials, relationships, and His Word to shape us into the image of Christ. My prayer is that you'll walk away with renewed hope, greater confidence in God's plan, and the peace that comes from knowing He's faithfully finishing the work He started in you. And, if you’re thinking, That’s great, but I still need to know God’s will. Today’s episode is the beginning point to that dilemma and next week my guest will answer the question, “How can I discern God’s will?” You won’t want to 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 Key Takeaways: 0:00:12 - Rethinking God’s Will: Transformation Over Direction 0:02:40 - Life as a Dress Fitting: Conformed to Christ’s Image 0:09:09 - Trials as Refining Tools: Let Mind Lead, Not Emotions 0:13:29 - People and Scripture as Catalysts for Maturity 0:17:49 - From All Things to Radiant Bride: God Finishes What He Starts What We Talk About Why we often ask the wrong question about God's will God's greater purpose of transforming us into Christ's image Philippians 1:6 and God's promise to finish what He starts How wedding dress alterations illustrate spiritual growth Why God uses trials to mature our faith Learning to lead with truth instead of emotions The importance of spiritually healthy relationships Reading Scripture to know both God's character and His heart Seeing difficult circumstances through God's eternal perspective Instead of Asking... Rather than only asking: "God, what should I do?" Also ask: "God, what are You doing in me?" God shapes us through three primary tools: Trials – Building endurance and revealing areas for growth. People – Using authentic relationships to encourage and sharpen us. His Word – Revealing who God is and teaching us how to live. When reading Scripture, ask two simple questions: Who are You, Lord? In light of who You are, how do You want me to live? 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 faith. Let’s Connect: 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.

I loved this conversation because it reminded me that God doesn't just call pastors and missionaries; He calls teachers, nurses, engineers, business leaders, parents, and every one of us to make an impact for His kingdom. Brian Mueller shares his incredible journey from basketball coach to president of Grand Canyon University, along with his heart for raising up a generation that lives out their faith wherever God places them. If you've ever wondered whether your work, your family, or your gifts really matter to God, I think this episode will encourage you to see your everyday life as a sacred calling. 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 Key Takeaways: 00:02:40 - From Coach to President: Brian’s Unlikely Road to GCU 0:06:48 - Sacred Vocation: Turning Every Career into Kingdom Work 0:13:58 - Risking Comfort: Leaving Success at Phoenix to Rescue GCU 0:18:30 - Five-Point Plan: Jobs, Safety, Homes, Scholarships, Service 0:26:15 - It Starts at Home: Parents Raising Culture-Shaping Kids What We Talk About Brian Mueller's unexpected journey to leading Grand Canyon University Why every vocation can be a sacred calling Integrating faith into work instead of separating the two Raising children to influence culture for Christ The importance of Christian education and discipleship Living out the Gospel through service and community transformation Trusting God's plans over our own Helping young adults discover purpose and calling Living Your Faith Through Your Calling Brian shares a simple but powerful perspective on how Christians can influence the world: Recognize your vocation as a sacred calling. Every profession can honor God. Integrate your faith into your everyday work. Don't compartmentalize your spiritual life. Serve people with excellence and integrity. Your character often speaks louder than your words. Build relationships that reflect Christ. The Gospel is demonstrated through how we love others. Trust God to use your unique gifts. Your passions and experiences are part of His greater purpose. 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 faith. Connect with Brian: Brian’s Website: https://www.gcu.edu/ Let’s Connect: 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.

I think so many of us know Jesus has forgiven us, but we still live like we're carrying chains. In this episode, I want to remind you that Christ didn't simply make your life better. He set you free. Together, we'll look at what Scripture says about the freedom Jesus purchased for us and why so many of us still struggle with shame, fear, comparison, regret, and people-pleasing. My prayer is that you'll recognize the areas where you've been living like a prisoner and step into the freedom that's already yours. Because the prison door is open and Jesus is inviting you to walk out. 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 Key Takeaways: 00:01–0:02:30 - Freedom: Walking Out of the Unlocked Prison 02:30–0:04:48 - From Self-Improvement to Christ-Set Freedom 04:48–0:06:40 - When Grace Becomes Familiar, Freedom Feels Distant 06:40–0:09:44 - Invisible Prisons: Regret, Fear, Opinions, Comparison 09:44–0:12:15 - Free People Free People What We Talk About What Galatians 5:1 teaches about spiritual freedom The true cost Jesus paid on the cross Why Christians still struggle with shame, fear, and regret How comparison and people-pleasing rob us of joy The difference between striving for God's approval and living from it Why gratitude fuels genuine worship How living in freedom transforms the way we treat others Practical ways to identify the areas where you still feel spiritually stuck Recognizing the "Unlocked Prison" Ask yourself: Am I living with shame instead of grace? Am I choosing fear instead of trust? Am I holding onto bitterness instead of forgiveness? Am I comparing my life instead of living with contentment? Jesus has already unlocked the prison door. The invitation is to step out and live in the freedom He has already given you. 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 faith. Let’s Connect: 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.