What an amazing story of God’s faithfulness in this family’s life. What He taught this mom through her son’s cancer journey was profound!
Month: September 2015
October Lineup of Guests
October 2, 2015 – First Friday In-Studio with Bette Nordberg – Join us afterwards as we continue the conversation over a late lunch at the Arbor Deli on the Crista campus!
BETTE NORDBERG ON HOW PURE SEX CAN BE GREAT SEX
More than a year ago, 50 Shades of Grey became a cultural phenomenon, and Bette began to ask the question, “How does culture shape a believer’s sense of right and wrong?” Those questions led to another. “Does God even care about married sex?” As she studied, she came to believe that He does, very much. Using Biblical truth, modern medicine and hard-earned wisdom, this frank study of married sexuality will help women to discover the secrets to lasting sexual fulfillment.
Bette Nordberg addresses matters of the heart head on: choosing our thought life, choosing purity and holiness. But she also shares about medical, chemical and physical matters that are seldom talked about so honestly and clearly. “Pure Sex, 
Great Sex” has shifted my thoughts on sex in a gentle way which has already been so great for my marriage, and so great for me as a woman. I have eagerly encouraged other married and engaged women from my church to read this very helpful and encouraging book! It is easy to read, yet packed full of useful information, with discussion/reflection questions at the end of each chapter. Highly recommended!
Author of 12 books, and currently working on 13, 14 and 15, Bette encourages women to trust in God’s faithfulness through her writing and ministry. Visit her at www.bettenordberg.com.
October 9, 2015
CYNTHIA RUCHTI ON MENDING OUR BROKENNESS
A crumbling statue. A torn tapestry. A discolored painting.
Artisans can reclaim exquisite beauty from the broken, frayed, and hopelessly shattered—perhaps once thought beyond repair. But what about us? What of the wounds that keep us from living the life we want to live?
In Tattered and Mended, readers walk through a gallery of reclaimed and restored art as well as broken and restored lives of those who have gone before us. With a gentle touch and personable wisdom, Cynthia Ruchti shows how even the most threadbare soul can once again find healing and hope.
Cynthia Ruchti tells stories “hemmed in hope.” She’s the award-winning author of sixteen books and a frequent speaker for women’s ministry events. She serves as the Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, where she helps retailers, libraries, and book clubs connect with the authors and books they love. She lives with her husband in Central Wisconsin.
October 16, 2015
LAURA COOMBS ON FORGIVING THE UNFORGIVEABLE
When her father was murdered, Laurie Coombs sought justice and found it.
His murderer now serves two life sentences with no possibility of parole. Yet, despite the swift punishment of the killer, Laurie found herself increasingly full of pain, bitterness, and anger she couldn’t control. After coming to faith, she realized she was being called to seek something infinitely more difficult than justice: forgiveness.
This is an extraordinary true story of grace, mercy, and the redemptive power of God to change lives. The reader is swept along with Laurie as she undergoes the life-changing transformation of becoming a Christian. As she studies Scripture, seeing God redeeming losses and healing deep wounds time and time again, she starts to understand that her own healing would require her to love her enemy in a real, practical way.
Using her incredible correspondence with the man who killed her father, Laurie reveals a compelling journey of transformation, not only in her life, but in the lives of those whom many would call irredeemable.
Laurie A. Coombs is a passionate writer and speaker on the issues of forgiveness, redemption, and the hope that is found in Jesus. Her story was featured in Billy Graham’s new film, “Heaven.” She is a featured writer and blogger for iBelieve and Crosswalk. Laurie and her husband, Travis, make their home in Nevada along with their two daughters.
October 23, 2015
LINDSAY HOLCOMB ON PROTECTING YOUR CHILD FROM SEXUAL ABUSE
It’s perhaps a parent’s greatest fear – that at some point his or her child will become a victim of sexual abuse. The statistics are alarming: Approximately one in five children will become victims by his or her 18th birthday. Authors Justin and Lindsey Holcomb have responded to parents’ concerns by writing God Made All of Me, a resource for moms and dads who want to protect and educate their children.
Parents of young children themselves, the Holcombs regularly counsel victims of sexual abuse and are profoundly aware of the dangers kids face. They know a child is more likely to be abused by someone he or she knows than a stranger; 34% of assailants are family members, and 58% are acquaintances. “It is important to teach kids how to say ‘stop,’ ‘all done,’ and ‘no more,'” the Holcombs stress. “You can reiterate this by stopping immediately when your children express they are all done with the hugging or tickling. Your reaction demonstrates they have control over their bodies. If there are family members who have a hard time understanding, explain you’re helping your children understand their ability to say no to unwanted touch. For example, if your children do not want to kiss Grandpa, let them give a high five or handshake instead.”
Allowing moms and dads to approach this topic gently, God Made All of Me will help facilitate open conversations within the family. It will be a critical tool in every parent’s hand as they seek to fulfill their important role of shielding their children from harm. “We want to remind parents some people are looking to prey on our children. We have a duty to protect and prepare them for the world and to fight for them,” the Holcombs explain. “By talking with our kids candidly (and in 
developmentally appropriate ways) about their bodies, we are setting up safeguards around them.”
Lindsey Holcomb is a former case manager at a sexual assault crisis center and a domestic violence shelter. Together with her husband, they helped co-found REST, and they conduct a variety of training seminars on how to prevent, recognize and respond to child, sexual and domestic abuse. They have also written a number of books together, including Is It My Fault? (2014) and Rid of My Disgrace (2011).
October 30, 2015
TRICIA GOYER ON ENCOURAGING TEEN MOMS
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than a quarter of a million babies are born to teen moms in the U.S. each year. Best-selling author Tricia Goyer has written Teen Mom: You’re Stronger than You Think because she doesn’t want one of them to fall through the cracks of the culture.
Everything changes the day these young girls discover they’re going to be moms, and the pressures they’re under can be crushing. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy reports teen moms are more likely to drop out of high school and nearly half of them live below the poverty line.
Tricia Goyer understands. Born to a single mom, Tricia found herself pregnant at 17, and she remembers what it felt like to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders. “My boyfriend was out of the picture, and I faced raising a child alone with little education, no money and maybe, according to the world, little hope for my future,” Goyer admits. “Yet, I am not a statistic. And you know why I’m not a statistic? Because God doesn’t do them.”
Goyer has gone on to be an award-winning author and popular speaker. She’s also been the coordinator of a teen MOPS group for more than 12 years and has cheered on many young mothers — from all walks of life — through their journeys. “Every moment I’ve spent volunteering in these teen mom support groups is worth it. I
remember being the one who needed to hear about Jesus’ love and forgiveness. Somebody talked to me, and it cost them too. There is someone in your community who needs to hear too.”
While most young moms would never trade their children for the world, some days are just hard. Baby-daddy drama, dealing with their parents, and worries about the future slam them. They find their friends can’t relate to their little family, and some girls will begin to wonder if God has turned His back on them. In Teen Mom, Goyer
pours out her heart and provides encouragement to these young, single mothers, reminding them they can be the mom their children deserve — not in their own strength, but in the strength God provides.
In addition to encouraging these moms, Goyer says she hopes Teen Mom will equip church leaders, pregnancy crisis centers, counselors and anyone involved in the lives of young mothers to broach challenging topics such as purity, sexual abuse and bad boyfriends. Questions found at the end of every chapter will help them discuss these difficult issues, while giving teens a chance to open up and share their experiences.
Teen Mom ultimately serves to remind us all that every young mom is worthy of the love, forgiveness and hope for the future that can only come from God’s love.
USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and “Lead Your 
Family Like Jesus,” (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children. You can find out more about Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com.
Podcast from 9/11 Show on Grief with Susan VandePol
Susan VandePol, Grief Coach and author of Life After Breath
September Lineup of Guests
Starting on Friday, September 11, I’m thrilled to start introducing you all to some amazing women of God whose life stories exude the faithfulness of God!
September 11, 2015
IN HONOR OF THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES IN 9/11
Susan VandePol founded the “Families of the Fallen” protocol for fire departments and the “Life After Breath” protocol for churches and faith-based organizations after the duty-related death of her husband on 2005.The protocols are used by fire departments and churches around the country, and are endorsed by experts. Susan is a certified Grief, Crisis, and Trauma Counselor, Grief Coach, Master Life Coach, and Mediator. She is also certified in Victim Response and Individual Crisis Intervention.
Who knew a book on grief and loss could be a “page-turner”? Writing with a style reminiscent of C.S. Lewis, Susan VandePol recounts 
the story of her loss—but so much more. Her account includes the spiritual and practical lessons she learned through “embracing the horrors” of a prolonged illness and the ultimate death of her husband. This book presents itself as a devotional (minus the predictable platitudes) with incremental chapters that are like windows into moments of her journey. Each chapter is rich in content, beauty and hope. Although the book is directed towards widows, I could see it being a comfort to anyone who is grieving—as well as a valuable resource for counselors.
September 18, 2015
BEST SELLING MUSIC ARTIST LAURA STORY RELEASES PERSONAL STORY
Worship leader and recording artist Laura Story’s life took an unexpected turn when her husband, Martin, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Over the past decade, they have faced the logistical challenge of living life with disabilities resulting from Martin’s brain injury but have also wrestled with the deeper challenge of understanding why a good God would allow such pain and confusion in their lives. And yet, Laura has found joy and a deeper intimacy with Jesus through this and other broken dreams.
Laura Story is a Bible teacher, worship leader, GRAMMY award-winning 
singer/songwriter, and best-selling author. Blessings was certified GOLD in 2011 and inspired her first book, What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops? Laura’s music and writing show God’s love and grace intersecting with real life and serve as a reminder that despite questions or circumstances, He is the ultimate author of our story. Laura and her husband welcomed twin boys Ben and Griffin last September joining 2 and a half-year-old big sister Josie. Laura lives with her family in Atlanta, Georgia, where she serves at Perimeter Church as a worship leader.
September 25, 2015
SEPTEMBER IS CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Zach Sobiech’s story captivated the nation as the teen’s documentary My Last Days went viral with his song Clouds. Now more than two years after his 
passing, Laura Sobiech is sharing her story and gaining awareness for childhood cancer through her book Fly a Little Higher: How God Answered a Mom’s Small Prayer in a Big Way.
In addition to raising funds to further research, Laura’s reasons for writing are personal, driven by a desire to explore the true meaning of hope and to help people live for today instead of for a perennial tomorrow. The exercise of writing itself was therapeutic, and the glimpse into the ways in which she and the rest of Zach’s family and friends each continue to live and honor his memory is a testament both to them and to him.
Ultimately, FLY A LITTLE HIGHER is also true to its title – a window into an 
intimate prayer that was fulfilled in ways the prayer’s speaker could never have imagined: “Okay, Lord, you can have Zach,” Laura writes. “I want him, but you see a bigger picture. If Zach must die, please just let it be for something big. I want it to be for something big. Just one soul changed forever.”
Always Faithful 