Your Story With Melinda

This week's story is from Pam Sykes, a wife, mom, and clean living blogger at CleanLifeHappyWife. She blogs about a lot of things like parenting, crafts, baking, and marriage, but ut it's that last one that we're really focusing in on this episode of Your Story. Pam opens up about her own marriage to singer-songwriter Greg Sykes, as well as some of the hardships they've faced as a couple. You'll learn three things that will help you and your spouse work through issues and how to come back from the brink divorce to find love again in your marriage. https://youtu.be/92fgyeOM84Q Episode Links Connect with Pam: http://cleanlifehappywife.com http://www.facebook.com/Greg.and.Pam.Sykes http://twitter.com/cleanlifewife Explore the Faith Strong Podcast Network: http://faithstrongtoday.com/podcasts Join the Faith Strong Community: http://faithstrongtoday.com/forum http://facebook.com/faithstrongtoday http://twitter.com/stayFaithStrong See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's story is from Mike Gordon, a passionate speaker who has ministered to tens of thousands of people over the years with a message of hope. His personal steps to Chris wasn't exactly an easy path, experiencing family issues, drugs, alcohol, and crime throughout his early life. Imagine those beginnings with his life today, sharing the stage with the likes of Nick Vujicic, Francis Chan, Hillsong United, and Lecrae. It's a powerful testimony that helps him share Jesus' love and bring people together young and old. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIEftVIH7vk Episode Links Connect with Mike Gordon: http://mike-gordon.ca Explore the Faith Strong Podcast Network: http://faithstrongtoday.com/podcasts Join the Faith Strong Community: http://faithstrongtoday.com/forum http://facebook.com/faithstrongtoday http://twitter.com/stayFaithStrong See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever struggled with an apology? Well, Andrew Blackwood, aka Coach Drew, is here to help. This episode of Your Story with Melinda is all about three things: learning, healing, and growing. Coach Drew is a Registered Psychotherapist and his own personal journey has brought him to The Art of A Genuine Apology, a new book that highlights where unhelpful interactions start and describes how to address hurtful situations with confidence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M20lYptHAUk Episode Links Connect with Andrew: http://coachdrew.ca http://twitter.com/coachdrewcan http://facebook.com/coachdrewcan http://instagram.com/coachdrewcan Get a copy of The Art of A Genuine Apology: http://amzn.to/2hmZVcu Explore the Faith Strong Podcast Network: http://faithstrongtoday.com/podcasts Join the Faith Strong Community: http://faithstrongtoday.com/forum http://facebook.com/faithstrongtoday http://twitter.com/stayFaithStrong See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a former professional actor who made a career being someone else, Allison Allen knows a thing or two about playing a character. But we can all understand the pressures to act like someone we're not. On this episode, Allison shares her journey from actor to Bible-teacher and helps us shine in the role God made for us for. https://youtu.be/NBCp_Pw4Xk8 Episode Links Connect with Allison: http://allisonallen.net http://twitter.com/AllisonAllen http://www.facebook.com/AllisonAllenspeaks http://instagram.com/allisonallen Explore the Faith Strong Podcast Network: http://faithstrongtoday.com/podcasts Join the Faith Strong Community: http://faithstrongtoday.com/forum http://facebook.com/faithstrongtoday http://twitter.com/stayFaithStrong See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's story is rather special because it comes from my dad, Paul Estabrooks. Beyond adopting me, he has led an incredible life in ministry and broadcasting, which clearly inspired my own journey. Of course, we talk about my adoption and share a few family stories, but this episode of Your Story with Melinda is more about his testimony and how we can look back on a life well lived. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_My3dmLd5yo What we talk about: * His story and a life in ministry * Travelling in the Philippines * My adoption from his perspective * Working 38 years before retiring * His book and real-life drama of Project Pearl * Looking back at life and what surprises him Episode Links Get a copy of Night of a Million Miracles: http://amzn.to/2yCF1fc Explore the Faith Strong Podcast Network: http://faithstrongtoday.com/podcasts Join the Faith Strong Community: http://faithstrongtoday.com/forum http://facebook.com/faithstrongtoday http://twitter.com/stayFaithStrong See omnystu

Can we be comfortable with uncertainty? It is a notion our guest this week, Nate Petersen, has embraced fully in what he calls the Pilgrim's Process. Nate has been hitchhiking across Canada and he joins us on this podcast to discuss his encounters with people who have loved him even in their differences. https://youtu.be/9eVk_BpztiU Episode Links Connect with Nate: http://pilgrimsprocessorg.wordpress.com http://facebook.com/pilgrimsprocessu http://instagram.com/pilgrims_process/ Explore the Faith Strong Podcast Network: http://faithstrongtoday.com/podcasts Join the Faith Strong Community: http://faithstrongtoday.com/forum http://facebook.com/faithstrongtoday http://twitter.com/stayFaithStrong See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope, and there's no better proof than that than our story this week. Elizabeth Correia has been through a lot: teen pregnancy, an abusive relationship, and depression for starters. However, she has not only survived but thrived, coming out on the other side with an inspiring purpose. You'll hear all about it on this week's episode of Your Story. https://youtu.be/OkBZuaGI7PM What we talk about: * Elizabeth's story * Getting pregnant at 16 years old * If Jesus always protects us * Feeling broken in an abusive relationship * Battling depression * Finding her faith and being saved Episode Links Connect with Elizabeth: http://elizabethcorreia.com http://twitter.com/devainyou http://instagram.com/msselizabethcorreia Explore the Faith Strong Podcast Network: http://faithstrongtoday.com/podcasts Join the Faith Strong Community: http://faithstrongtoday.com/forum http://facebook.com/faithstrongtoday http://twitter.com/stayFai

With his incredible testimony last week, Clayton King shared what he's learned from his 30-years in ministry. Now his story continues as we dive deep into his new book Overcome and how our false beliefs can hold us back from the things God wants for us. On this episode of Your Story, learn how failure can turn into shame, but love and forgiveness can set us on the path to truth. https://youtu.be/6vRRqRp1tYM Episode Links Connect with Clayton King: http://claytonking.com http://twitter.com/Clayton_king Get his new book Overcome: http://amzn.to/2eRitwI Explore the Faith Strong Podcast Network: http://faithstrongtoday.com/podcasts Join the Faith Strong Community: http://faithstrongtoday.com/forum http://facebook.com/faithstrongtoday http://twitter.com/stayFaithStrong See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the base of every broken life is a lie, and at the root of every lie is fear. With over 30 years of ministry, Clayton King knows this better than most. Now in the first of a two part interview, Clayton is sharing his inspiring story with us and helping us overcome what is holding us back from an enriched, spiritual life. You'll learn how he became the pastor and leader he is today, as well as what it takes to feel alive in that good place. https://youtu.be/G3yfVGxkr9I Episode Links Connect with Clayton King: http://claytonking.com http://twitter.com/Clayton_king Get his new book Overcome: http://amzn.to/2eRitwI Explore the Faith Strong Podcast Network: http://faithstrongtoday.com/podcasts Join the Faith Strong Community: http://faithstrongtoday.com/forum http://facebook.com/faithstrongtoday http://twitter.com/stayFaithStrong See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's story is from Jen Lawrence, an author and blogger who writes about style, books, being forty-something, and returning to faith. But diving deeper into her personal journey reveals that above else Jen is a survivor having faced postpartum depression, divorce, and abuse in her life. Perhaps most inspiring is that she doesn't view these tribulations as a burden, rather a gift to help embrace the next season in her life. https://youtu.be/KgAOSCaPWL0 Episode Links Connect with Jen Lawrence: http://dwellonthesethings.com http://twitter.com/readjenlawrence http://facebook.com/jenlawrencewriter Explore the Faith Strong Podcast Network: http://faithstrongtoday.com/podcasts Join the Faith Strong Community: http://faithstrongtoday.com/forum http://facebook.com/faithstrongtoday http://twitter.com/stayFaithStrong See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can we as Christians effectively share the Gospel? It's a question Peter Marshall looks to God to answer every day as President of The Gideons International In Canada and ShareWord Global. But his path to personal evangelism and Scripture distribution might not be what you expect. On this episode of Your Story with Melinda, Peter opens up about his encounter with God, a story and testimony that would radically change his life. https://youtu.be/QDq17zPcxpQ Episode Links Connect with Peter Marshall: http://twitter.com/Peter_JMarshall http://gideons.ca http://sharewordglobal.com Explore the Faith Strong Podcast Network: http://faithstrongtoday.com/podcasts Join the Faith Strong Community: http://faithstrongtoday.com/forum http://facebook.com/faithstrongtoday http://twitter.com/stayFaithStrong See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you are star-eyed in love or struggling to make it work, this episode of Your Story will show you how to keep your marriage healthy, strong, and fulfilling. We are joined by Kevin Thompson, a pastor and writer, who knows that great marriages don't just happen - they're made intentionally. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2T0PIExULo What we talk about: * what it takes to make your marriage work * walking side by side on a foundation of friendship * what a real partner looks like in a relationship * how do you know when things are going right * respect and when intimacy shouldn't happen * why most marriages won't make it * the role of Jesus and faith in marriage Episode Links Connect with Kevin Thompson http://kevinathompson.com http://twitter.com/kevinathompson Get a copy of 'Friends, Partners, and Lovers: What It Takes to Make Your Marriage Work' http://amzn.to/2vaYZNq Explore the Faith Strong Podcast Network: http://faithstrongtoday.com/podcasts Join the Faith Strong

After a series of traumatic losses, Pastor John Westfall realized that when everything feels like it's ending, sometimes God is starting something new. Hear his dramatic story on this episode and learn why you don't have to wait until life is perfect to follow God into a new adventure. https://youtu.be/7QS85sGmHZU What we talk about: * his story and what made him carry on * why some people keep others at arm's length * the advantages of taking risks in life * learning to let go of your past and how to move forward * his book "I Didn't Sign Up for This" * surviving the storms of life and setting healthy expectations * why it's good to share your story Episode Links Connect with John Westfall: http://johnfwestfall.com http://twitter.com/johnwestfall1 Get his book: http://amzn.to/2eKTpKQ Explore the Faith Strong Podcast Network: http://faithstrongtoday.com/podcasts Join the Faith Strong Community: http://faithstrongtoday.com/forum http://facebook.com/faithstrongtoday http://twit

http://youtu.be/zUyUQkRYDww It's so easy (and common) to put others at arm's length and put up walls, but author Deidra Riggs calls us to put our focus on self-preservation aside and, like Jesus, make the first move toward reconciliation. Her story helps us understand that we are secure in God's inexhaustible love, making us free to love others lavishly. Episode Links Connect with Deidra Riggs: http://deidrariggs.com http://twitter.com/deidrariggs Subscribe to the Audio Podcast: http://faithstrongtoday.com/podcasts/ Connect with Faith Strong Today: http://facebook.com/faithstrongtoday http://twitter.com/stayFaithStrong See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

http://youtu.be/GotOHyMJe1I From working in a leper colony in Madagascar to teaching in South Korea and China, Mei-Lyn Freeman has thrown herself into new experiences with curiosity and wonder. Her view of the world is so inspiring that you are sure to walk away from this story with a desire to connect with others and explore new cultures. Mei-Lyn talks about: + her nearly 30-year friendship with Melinda + growing up and being a third world adult + living in Madagascar and how it changed her outlook + the positive effects of experiencing different cultures + traveling, moving, and teaching in other countries + parenting and family life while living abroad Episode Links Subscribe to the Audio Podcast: http://faithstrongtoday.com/podcasts Connect with Faith Strong Today: http://facebook.com/faithstrongtoday http://twitter.com/stayFaithStrong See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://youtu.be/nUFKJjSCmOM We often overlook the mountaintops and valleys endured by those who help others. For Mark Petersen, CEO of Stronger Philanthropy, those high-impact grants and dead-end disasters parallel a physical pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago. Learn from his journey the real reason we need to give back and work together. Mark talks about: * what the Camino is and why he chose to walk it * how long it takes and the interesting people you meet along the way * if we've lost the faith and hope that God will provide * what we can do to give back in our everyday lives * his book and what a philanthropist is * how he and his family became givers themselves * why philanthropy and pilgrimage work together * taking things slowly and fathering people along the way "But you can move beyond [giving being a transactional experience], to letting giving become a transformational event in your life." Episode Links Connect with Mark Petersen: http://strongerphilanthropy.ca h

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNUI6b0iJf4 "Why did you bring me out to the desert to die?" is just the start of Lynne Hartke's journey. Under the Desert Sky is her powerful testimony about redefining hope and beauty. You won't want to miss this episode as she tells all about her battles with cancer and how God manifests Himself in the darkest of times. Lynne talks about: * her background, early life, and getting into ministry * moving to the desert and pastoring with her husband * being diagnosed and how cancer stole her words * both her parents being diagnosed with cancer as well * the "whys" of life and what she never got answered * how God manifests Himself with compassion and power * getting through each day during such a difficult time * her hope for those reading 'Under a Desert Sky' * good advice for those supporting someone with cancer * how she feels today and her next chapter Episode Links Connect with Lynne Hartke: http://lynnehartke.com http://twitter.com/lyn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVeaaRHuZik This week's story comes Kay Warren, co-founder of Saddleback Church with her husband, Rick, as well as an international speaker and best-selling author, who shares deeply personal stories and wisdom gleaned from decades of experience as a pastor's wife. Kay talks about: * growing up and living in a ministry home * being molested as a child and battling with depression * how she met Rick and getting engaged after one date * why her emotional past set her marriage up for failure * her "fairy tale" marriage actually being "marital hell" * looking at your future and making the best choices to get there * deep struggles with God and rebuilding from those struggles * her book 'Sacred Privilege' and helping others in ministry Episode Links Connect with Kay Warren: http://kaywarren.com Get a copy of 'Sacred Privilege': http://amzn.to/2rWROag Learn about Saddleback Church: http://saddleback.com Subscribe to the Audio Podcast: http://faith

https://youtu.be/E0HgOF5dOt4 This week's story comes from David Anderson, Director of Brooksdale Environmental Centre in Surrey, British Columbia. His experience in outdoor recreation, biology, church ministry and teaching comes together at A Rocha, an organization that helps ecosystems across Canada thrive through environmental stewardship. David talks about: * growing up and what brought him to A Rocha * what A Rocha is all about and aspires to do * practical first steps to help the environment * getting kids outside and utilizing technology * the Girls in Action program and helping at-risk youth * why we need to take care of God's creation Episode Links Get involved with A Rocha: http://arocha.ca Subscribe to the Audio Podcast: http://faithstrongtoday.com/podcasts/ Connect with Faith Strong Today: http://facebook.com/faithstrongtoday http://twitter.com/stayFaithStrong See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_i3wg19aY4 This week's story comes from Elizabeth Pierce, a clinical social worker who is helping others discover the deep, soulful places where God’s presence can be known. You'll learn why these places are important and how embracing His love will have you living a free life filled with hope, joy, and faith. What we talk about: * her story and growing up in a blended family * how parents can help their kids build a relationship with Jesus * reacting with your kids when they are dealing with things * building better connections with our loved ones and God * the benefit of opening yourself up to God * her journey writing her book and dealing with fear * being tangled by lies from the enemy and how to help each other * the meaning behind and importance of 'Deep, Soulful Places' * abuse and what the Bible actually says about a woman's role * the fear of aging and women struggling with their identity "Your story in someone else's life is more p