EXTRAordinary Lives

Humorously, God used Paulina’s phobias and superstitions to point her toward His trustworthiness during a very upsetting time in her life. That is just one of the EXTRAordinary stories told by this Latina Spanish teacher. To be around Paulina is to be delighted by her laugh, positivity, endearing accent, strong belief, and compassionate heart. It’s easy to see why this “Mama Llama” is loved by her students. 

Included in this podca...

Bob encourages us that even though we all have "hurts, hang-ups, and habits," Jesus is right there with us to help us and grow us. Bob shares insights gained from Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step ministry he led at his church. He also shares the joys of leading a gratitude class at his local rescue mission and talks candidly about codepency and an alcoholic dad, marriage counseling, emotional maturity, and in...

Susan is a life coach, grief specialist, and counselor who, as an adopted only child, had to come to grips with difficult circumstances in her family and devastating truths about her family of origin. She tells us about these experiences and how God recently and unexpectedly infused her story with love and hope. In addition, she provides heartfelt insights for those who have been adopted (at 15:55) and helpful advice about how to t...

Mackenzie is a recent college graduate who has lived for over a decade with the sleep disorder narcolepsy (specifically, Type 1 Narcolepsy with Cataplexy). Amazingly, Mackenzie has persevered with a positive attitude and accomplished more than many her age, including becoming an EMT in Italy during the Covid lockdown. Wise and kind, she shares about the impact Jesus has had on helping her deal with her illness and developing her se...

Yaneth (pronounced Janet) is the Team Leader of Cru's high school ministry in Houston. She was born in El Salvador and moved to the U.S. at the age of 4. Yaneth, along with her friend Debby Minell, who is on staff with Cru in the Twin Cities, share about Cru's summer nationwide high school missions trips to 6 continents and stories about teens who are going. Yaneth also shares thoughtfully about the hardships of feeling mar...

Matt is a clinical psychologist and elder at Seacoast Community Church. His passion is helping people experience the transforming power of Christ. To do this, he integrates theology, psychology, and the journey of spiritual formation. In this episode, Matt helps us begin to recognize and better understand when and why we might be feeling a block in our relationship with God and others, and better yet, he leaves us with the hope tha...

Dianne Sivulka lives her life centered on making a difference for the Lord. She talks about trusting God through the painful experience of 10 years of infertility, her fun and impressive travel business, Travel on Purpose, and the book club associated with that, plus her new development role with an international microfinancing organization that helps women. You'll hear about her love of different countries and cultures and get...

Susie Berner experienced God's love and faithfulness during her father's colon cancer and, later, during her own colon cancer. She admits to being shy to share her faith, but she has been faithful to do so. She even joined Cru's high school ministry staff to learn how to share the gospel better, and she has seen God change hearts. Susie is wise and authentic, and her extraordinary stories will inspire you.

Susie m...

Cynthia Zorn is a mom who has chosen to be a passionate advocate for her daughter, Mackenzie, who was diagnosed with narcolepsy (specifically, Type 1 Narcolepsy with Cataplexy), a serious sleep disorder, at the early age of 10. When Cynthia noticed uncharacteristic behaviors in Mackenzie, who went from being very active to sleeping an inordinate amount, Cynthia didn't give up on pursuing a diagnosis, which took a year. Cynthia's fa...

Sydney and Austin have amazing God stories, including Syd overcoming an eating disorder in high school and Austin enduring a stressful on-call job in foster care. Married 3.5 years, they are already expecting baby #2, and baby #1, though the cutest little girl on earth, has "a scream that could break glass" - and she cried for a full year. You'll gain valuable insights on how to handle and overcome tough situations, and you'll be i...

Sue Smedley co-directs the Rivendell Institute's program on spiritual formation at Yale. On this week's show, she delves more into the process and practices of spiritual formation, which endeavors to help those following Jesus go deeper in their faith  - from head to heart, from knowledge to application. The Rivendell Institute website puts it this way: "As followers of Christ, it is our desire to grow in our faith and see Chr...

At the age of 6, Sue Smedley told God she would be His missionary. She was shy and nervous about public speaking, but as she saw God work through her, she gained confidence. She worked with Cru's high school ministry for many years and now writes curriculum and teaches about spiritual formation to graduate students at the Rivendell Institute at Yale. You'll be hooked by her caring and fun personality and extraordinary God-stories.&...

Andrew and Rachel have been married for less than 4 years and have already accomplished much, including moving from Austin to San Diego, achieving success at their workplaces, building strong connections with friends and their church family, and...having 2 delightful daughters! They are "go-getters" who are beginning to slow down, perhaps, but just a little. You'll love hearing how they met and about their strong faith in Jesus and...

Hayley talks about her newly-released book titled Barefoot King: The Indian Dalit who Defied Caste to Bless Others, which tells the true story of Raj, an Untouchable in the Indian caste system, and the incredible ways God intervened to take him out of harsh poverty and slavery into a fulfilling life of helping others. Hayley weaves a story of many exciting events that are transformed from anguish to hope. You'll be inspired to...

It's my birthday week! I thought it would be fun to share my own story.  Even though I was raised in the Bible Belt, I did not grow up in a Christian family. Instead, my family believed in Christian Science. We didn't go to the doctor, and we believed we were spiritual and perfect, and that the material world did not actually exist. Go figure. This is how God broke through and placed me into reality.  

Ellen mentions...

Mike and Nicole are a couple you cannot help but love. Married for over 40 sweet years, they are kind-hearted, love hospitality, and are devoted to living their lives to serve Jesus. Mike has written or co-authored over 110 intriguing books and was the Editor of Focus on the Family's magazines for many years. Nicole grew up in Switzerland, was an impressive ski racer and instructor, and has a "sweet" popular business called Nicole'...