Disclaimer: This story contains sensitive content that may not be safe for young ears. Consider putting in earbuds if you have kids present.Do you believe in Miracles? Is there anyone in your life whom every time you see them, you are reminded with a resounding swell in your heart that God is a God of miracles. Shauna’s story is this. Her story is traumatic, impactful, full of hope, full of faith, and wonder. You will see her struggle as she asks God, ‘why did you save me? Why am I alive?” You will also see how her experiences, and faith journey has led her to the beautiful ministry she serves her loving God in today.Philippians 4:13-“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Kdqgmu-------------------Topics Shared:Traumatic miracle birthGrowing up on 3 sides of the track Witnessing her mother being abusedThe incident Finding forgivenessSafe space found Saved at age 8Bumpy teensYoung arranged marriageAbusive cheating teen husbandBecoming a Mom and divorced at 17Life as a single MomDrug season Hasty marriageMental abuse and pregnancyTraumatic deliveryLosing 7 liters of bloodLeft the hospital after 8 daysWhy did He save me? A long depressionLosing everythingHomeless with two kidsA new chapterPaying it forwardCall to Coaching The P.S. Questions:What are 3 of your most helpful tips as a life coach?What legacy do you hope to leave behind?Shauna Parker’s Links:Website: parker.com/">https://shauna-parker.com/Instagram: @shauna.parker.coachingFor more everyday extraordinary faith stories:https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/*FREE APP* Letters From Home Podcast has its own downloadable app., with all of our episodes in one easy place. Search our podcast name in the Apple APP store, and in the Google Play store. All free!We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story. lfhpodcast@gmail.comTo join our Facebook Group for bonus live stories and convos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3475957805750898For one splashy bright monthly Letters From Home Newsletter https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/newsletter/For Bingeable Series, hover over the “Episodes” tab: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/episodes/We're on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live :)... all you need to do is type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and it should pop right up.

Newly Quadriplegic. Can you imagine at age 19, after a boating accident, waking up from surgery to the doctors telling you that you will never walk again? Despair settled in. This is the beginning of Joe Delagrave’s deep transformation. His journey to forgiveness and faith is one you will never forget. He brings us into his happy but imperfect childhood, his WSU football days, his boating accident, a life-changing prison visit, and ultimately his inner heart working, that gave him the drive of an Olympian. He is a keynote speaker, Team USA Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Medal Winner and well-loved child of God.Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3XPOXuS--------Topics Shared:Soaking up affirmation from coachesHis goal in high school was being a college athleteSupportive parentsBirth father in prison, missed Joe’s entire childhoodIt wasn’t 15 years for some crazy offense, it was choices over and overDrugs, check fraud, not paying his rentAt 13 God spoke to him about being a speakerHis battle between pleasing people or pleasing GodFootball Scholarship to Winona State in Mn.Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin and the back sloughs of MississippiBoating accidentSpinal cord injury levelsJoe’s neck snaps at the C6 and C7, and he blacks outRescue boat, ambulance, then med flighted to the local hospitalThe Asia Test proves his spinal injuryAirlifted to LaCrosse Hospital for surgery to fuse his C6 and 7Complete quadriplegic or incomplete quadriplegic?Don Beebee House of Speed shirt cut offOpening his eyes to Prov. 3:5-6, and a newly-abled worldSurrounded by loving familyThe God of 2nd chancesFunctioning as an incomplete C6 and C7 quadriplegicGod softens his heart toward his dadVisiting his birth father in prisonReconciliation and forgiveness in one life-changing encounterMarriage, babies and adaptive sportsDiscovering wheelchair rugbyAn athlete againPreparing, making and medaling in the ParalympicsResources:Website- https://www.joedelagrave.com/IG- @jdelagrave14Joe’s Quotes:“Are we on fire for God, or on fire for what people think? A lot of times those two don’t coexist very well.”“As my athletic career was taking off, my relationship with Jesus was completely going the opposite way.”“We never know what kind of impact we make by simply being kind.”——————————————For more everyday extraordinary faith stories: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/

Can you imagine being falsely accused as a pastor? Then add to that, false charges filed against you where even the FBI gets involved. Markus Watson walks through what he and his family went through at their church, and though months later, exonerated by the Presbytery was voted out of his church. Incredulous. Markus has arisen from that devastating chapter with several new chapters in his life. He is currently the primary podcaster and host for Fuller Seminary “Spiritual Life and Leadership”, the best-selling author of “Beyond Thingification” and the pastor at a new church. Through it all, he is reminded, that no matter what trial he goes through, he knows he is God’s beloved. His story will grip your heart, and change your perspective on so many levels.Jer. 31:3-“The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3wdso7n---------------Topics Shared:Raised in faithAspiring Hollywood actorA change of plansFuller Seminary Pastoring his first churchEmergency meeting while on sabbaticalAccused of pornForensic analysis of his laptopTurns into a potential criminal investigationThe FBI got involvedHow the attorney knew he was innocentExonerated by the PresbyteryVoted out of his churchFlourish San DiegoBeyond ThingificationPastor at Westmorland Community Presbyterian ChurchMarkus' Quotes:"The FBI had my laptop."" 'Lord, I don't deserve your love.' What a terrible message to be telling myself over and over and over again.""I spent a lot of time in the Psalms, Psalms of lament.""I had this image of myself having lost everything, sitting in a prison cell.""We had double our normal attendance that Sunday. Everyone will show up for a scandal.""The thought of being a pastor again felt like being thrown into a snake pit.""We can't love someone if we are judging them."Markus Watson's Website:https://www.markuswatson.com/------------------------------------------For more inspiring stories:https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/

Disclaimer: This story contains sensitive content that may not be safe for young ears. Consider putting in earbuds if you have kids present.While deployed to Kuwait, Jerry Dugan wrote to his family the “in case I die” letter. His whole hard life had led to this moment. You will see the wonderful way the Lord protected him, changed him and his family, and how he was able to come home. He is truly an honorable man, but one who wasn’t always proud of his family name.At 14, in his mind, his family name stood for trouble, heartbreak, bullying, racial microaggressions and brokenness. He had already been through so much in his young life. Jerry shares with us the life-changing prayers and loving God that lead him to a new family honor, and helped him to change the generational patterns that informed his childhood. Jeremiah 1:5-"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3CTvYYb--------------------------------------Topics Shared:Biracial childhoodTiger MomPerformance-based acceptancePerformance-based affectionTop Gun style bet to break up his parentsHeart-breaking divorceThe Army brushed a lot of things under the carpetSuicide ideations and suicide attemptsInterventionLoving foster homeBullied by uncles in Ca. His gentle father flips the switch to military policeman with army trainingA turning pointDeployment to Kuwait, 1/'03-3/'03Writing the 'in case I die' letterWar homecoming and seeing his kids for the first timeQuotes:"When you are 7 or 8 years old and the amount of affection you are getting from your mom, the kind of attention you get from your mom is solely based on your performance in an activity, that sets a weird expectation.""In the movies they always have that 'in case I die' letter they hand to their buddy to hand off, but I was so convinced I was going to die, that I wrote my letter. I disguised the wording just enough so it didn't freak my wife out when she read it, but it was there. Everything I wanted to say to her was in that letter. I folded it, and I mailed it that night. It was one last mail run before we crossed the border.""We as a church can do better, back off the condemnation, and demonstrate more of the Jesus who hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors and treated them with dignity, treated them with respect because he honored their dignity."References:Beyond the Rut Website & Podcast:https://beyondtherut.com/https://therealjerrydugan.com/Jerry Dugan's Ted Talk:http://therealjerrydugan.com/category/biblical-marriage/Marriage Episode with Meg Glesener:https://beyondtherut.com/meg-glesener-healthy-marriage-btr-236/The Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255& Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/------------------------------------------For more inspiring stories: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/

Losing a loved one through medical malpractice has to be one of the most difficult experiences in life. This is Ami Shroyer’s story, and she would say she was loved for 100 years in 20 by her beloved Mike. Not everyone gets to experience a love like this. As a traveling teen musician, she met the love of her life. They start their marriage in love and soon after, they started their family. While serving the Lord as a family, preparing land for a new ministry, her husband Mike inhales some debris. Through a series of misdiagnosis and careless medical practice, Mike passes away. Ami brings us into that season of her life, the love, the pain and the beyond. Her name means, 'beloved little follower of the Lord,' and as her story unfolds, you will see her uncommon faith, from just a little girl, to this present day. She is resilient, and has an affinity for daisies, which reminds her of the love of her husband, Mike Shroyer.Hebrews 12:1 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3vcl0J7Topics Shared:Beloved little follower of the LordUncommon faithCreative child whose wings were clippedLived in 21 different houses before 21Jesus clubs and writing musicFriend-zoned Bill Gaither's nephewSkipped graduation to travel around the country singingSevered parental relationship made rightMeeting the love of her life"Miracle of Mercy" Mike's life songQuick & happy marriageWorking at Andy Stanley's church, their Atlanta yearsStarting a family wholeness centerThe 5/11 Wholeness JourneyMike gets suddenly illThe Doctors fumble his careMedicinal toxicity and dehydration sets inOne last visitHorrible passingSupermanLoved for 100 years in 20Fields of daisiesName on the front of the buildingA voice for strong homesAmi Quotes:"I always want purpose, not closure. You can't close off a love like this. We are not meant to. We need to continue to live wide open with purpose.""It literally feels like he is on a trip before we get there, but he just got there first.""The night that he passed away my daughter said 'Mom, now it's even. And I said, 'what do you mean?' And she said, 'Well the two babies that are in heaven have Dad, and you have us. It's even."My son said, "I've been thinking, I could be really angry with God that I am 12 and Sadie is 8, and that this would happen, but I got to thinking, if this were going to happen some day anyway, I would rather that it happen when I'm 12 and Sadie is 8, because if it were later in life, you would be all alone, and right now you have us."Resources:Elizabeth Elliot "Path of Suffering"Ami's Website: https://amishroyer.com/Podcast:Journey Through Fields of Daisies (on her website)------------------------------------------For more inspiring stories: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/

Bible Project has been a tidal wave of blessing to this world and one of the Bible Project’s key visionaries is Michael McDonald. Sometimes it takes a rough childhood, and the longing of a young boy to find a father figure, to inform his global focus and mindset. Changed by the love of his Father, he grows up to be a world changer, albeit imperfect. Michael McDonald is currently the Bible Project Director of Global Focus and Strategic Relationships in Portland, Oregon. His story to get there is rare, and is a beautiful global adventure we are invited on. It is so easy for our homes to be self-focused and American-focused. His perspective will change you.Matthew 5:14 -"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3HzW5q9Bible Project Website: https://bibleproject.com/Topics Shared:Raised strong Baha'iNelson, crazy wild childhoodMental illness and abuse in the homeHow the Baha'i faith shaped his views about GodTraveling alone at 14 and on his own at 17Where he got his love for helping with injustice, compassion and women's equalityLiving in Turkey to find himselfHis move from business into the non profit worldStarting his nonprofit, Hear The Cry10 years + traveling with Bob Goff and Dream BigHis current work at Bible Project, with John Collins & Tim MackieHis heart to bring Bible Project to the nationsBible Project in 30 languages so farBook to help our Global Mindset: "Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes" Kenneth BaileyQuotes from Michael McDonald:"We started a number of schools, opened up some hospitals and some rescue homes for gals getting rescued out of the sex trade. We worked in Ughanda Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Nepal, India, different ministries in each of those places. So we find incredible local leaders that have a passion for one of those types of things and then help create some infrastructure and do that." (with Bob Goff)"I have been part of Bible Project since the beginning, because it has been friends that were working on this project. I saw the first two videos that came out in 2014, and just thought 'wow, these are going to be an incredible resource for people.' I was thinking of them globally right away, just because I worked with so many pastors and teachers in other countries that are starving for good Bible resources, and thought these would be a great asset, especially because they are free, and they are so well done.""The reality is Christianity isn't a western religion. It was a Middle Eastern religion that is coming out of Israel...we need to understand history and context."------------------------------------------For more inspiring stories: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/

How many people choose adoption, while single in their twenties? I would imagine, not many. And to have the boys be age 3 and age 4. That is a true baptism into parenting. This isn’t a calling for everyone, but it was a calling for Holland Webb. You will hear how the loss of his own Father at an early age affected him, and how this whole adoption and parenting experience has affected his heart and faith.His life mission and his road to personal redemption are remarkable and relatable.He has co-authored the book 'Adventures in Fatherhood", with Carlton Hughes .Proverbs 31:8- "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute."Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3UxF4Q9-----------Topic Shared:Growing up without a FatherFilling holes from our childhoodSingle parentingHow Americans are perceived in the PhilippinesWorking for non-profit companiesInternational Disability and Development Consortium. Cohosting a podcastChallenging our assumptionsMissionariesAdoption as a single manBiracial familiesFulfilling in others what we lackCaring for parents with dementia Holland's Website: https://www.hollandwebb.com/The Afterword Podcast: https://www.hollandwebb.com/category/blog/ Adventures in Fatherhood: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fatherhood-Devotional-Holland-Webb/ ------------------------------------------For more everyday extraordinary faith stories: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/

Have you ever wondered what it would be like, to move to Hollywood to pursue your dream of filmmaking? Chris Staron brings us right into his experience of dreams fulfilled and disillusionment in Hollywood. He will take us backstage into his own personal foray into the Christian Filmmaking industry. His experience may surprise you. Through all of the ups and downs of his journey, including becoming a starving artist, you will admire the man of God Chris is and see how his faith is anchored.*Mark. 8:35-“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”------------Topics Shared:Homeschooled twinsHis faith storyHeaven’s Gates and Hells FlamesBullied in high school Upstate New York Ithaca College Film ProgramSherwood PicturesCampus Crusade Mentor Interning on the Bernie Mac Show Production Assistant on Hells KitchenIndie Movie DirectorBringing Up Bobby successWriting his book, The Cradle RobberThe story of William Jennings Bryan & the Scopes Monkey TrialAdvice for someone being bulliedAudition tipsTruce Podcast and Website: https://trucepodcast.com/Guest Quotes:“I wouldn’t characterize Hollywood as necessarily anti-God, it’s that they just don’t know who he is… it wasn’t so much that they were against you, it was that you were an alien species.”“We often glamorize those things, and hold up the success stories, but there is nobody out there talking about the real struggle of being a starving artist in the Christian world.”“In most staunch conservative reformed churches, prosperity is there. We believe that nothing bad can happen to you if you are a Christian. But if you look at the Bible, the central character of the Bible is a guy who gets crucified for being exactly where God wants Him to be.”“Paul gets shipwrecked and bitten by snakes and beaten and thrown out of town for being exactly where God wants him to be. So I think our conception of whatsuccess is and what money is, is way off.” “We can’t judge our success based on the numbers and people’s response. Success in God’s eyes is being faithful.”Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3EkWSrI------------------------------------------For more everyday extraordinary faith stories: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/

Life on the run. From the law. Still a child living with his once carefree but now troubled Mom, the remnants of his semi-idyllic remote hippie childhood... faded into a dark season for the whole family. At only 12, Kipp had already experienced 2 lifetimes of pain. He takes us on his journey... of life... of processing his childhood.. of a life-changing divine encounter... and profound moments. All of this led him down the path of healing, to the remarkable albeit imperfect place he is now at in his life.VERSE: Romans 8:15- “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3FW2kUd----------------------------------------------Here are the link to the Mountain & Valley Podcast, where so many wonderful God stories are told:On Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mountain-valley-podcast/id1453868341The Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255& Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/------------------------------------------For more everyday extraordinary faith stories:https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/*FREE APP* Letters From Home Podcast has its own downloadable app., with all of our episodes in one easy place. Search our podcast name in the Apple APP store, and in the Google Play store. All free!We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story. lfhpodcast@gmail.com

What is in a name? And what could your name tell others, and how is it part of your story? We will explore these questions and more. This episode is in part an audio letter to our children, Naomi Praise, Hannah Rose, Havilah Joy, Josiah Pilgrim, Eden Hope, Micah Zion, Jordan David and Elijah Glesener. You will hear our tribute to them, sharing the inspiration behind their names. Enjoy!Episode Verse: Prov. 22:1-“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor better than silver or gold.”Rev. 2:17-“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.”Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3gIpRxB-------------Topics Shared:We asked this question to a few previous guests. Is there a name that is special to you?You will hear from Nii Akofio-Sowah, Camille Joy, Cynthia Tobias, Rhonda & Conell Hollins and Lois Gaydos.Here are some other bonus episodes to hear more from my family:Ep. 20 - Bonus Episode 20- “Everyday Extraordinary Characters”https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/podcast/everyday-extraordinary-characters/Ep. 30 -Bonus Episode- “2020- The Stories We Will Tell”https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/podcast/bonus-episode-2020-the-stories-we-will-tell/Ep.40-"What Does Being a Child of God Mean to You?" Bonus Episodehttps://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/podcast/what-does-being-a-child-of-god-mean-to-you-bonus-ep-40/Credits:Original Artwork: Hannah GlesenerTechnical Director: Jordan GlesenerCohosting an Episode: Eden GlesenerOriginal Music: Jordan Glesener, Micah Glesener, Josiah GlesenerVoice Spots: Elijah Glesener, Josiah Glesener, Eden Glesener, Micah Glesener, Jordan Glesener, Shiloh Glesener. Bonus Episode Appearance: Havilah & Gideon Silva, Shiloh Glesener, Hannah Glesener, Naomi, Nathanael, Kanuah, Kallah and Zaccai Oliver.Bonus Episode Messages: Mike GlesenerUpdated Artwork & Templates: Kyle BeckettTranscription and Social Media Assistance: Debbie SageEditing and Audio Assistance: Scott KarowPodcast Consultant: Rebecca Beckett & the whole Crista Media teamLetters From Home is grateful to be part of the Purposely Podcast Channel and Collective, the Purposely team and the Crista family. We wholeheartedly agree with their message:“Purposely, your life. God’s Purpose. Practical podcasts to help you find and live in God’s purpose for your life.”Check out some many excellent encouraging podcasts at https://onpurposely.com/To God be the glory. ------------------------------------------For more everyday extraordinary faith stories:https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/*FREE APP* Letters From Home Podcast has its own downloadable app., with all of our episodes in one easy place. Search our podcast name in the Apple APP store, and in the Google Play store. All free!We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story. lfhpodcast@gmail.comTo join our Facebook Group for bonus live stories and convos:https://www.facebook.com/groups/3475957805750898For one splashy bright monthly Letters From Home Newsletterhttps://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/newsletter/For Bingeable Series, hover over the “Episodes” tab:https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/episodes/We're on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live :). Just type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and it should pop right up.