KidZ at Heart Podcast

Our good friend, Melissa J. MacDonald, returns to the podcast nearly two years after she helped us launch KidZ at Home. At the onset of the global pandemic KidZ at Heart discerned the need for a free resource to get into the hands of parents, grandparents, teachers, and ministry leaders. Something that could be used at home as a supplement to churches and children's ministries who were all trying to figure out how to embody the phrase, "the Church has left the building."Melissa was instrumental in helping us launch our video series and accompanying resource guides for KidZ at Home in March of 2020. Shortly thereafter, the KidZ at Heart Podcast was developed as a way to listen to the new KidZ at Home episodes that were being created weekly, at first, and then monthly. We decided to increase the frequency of podcast episodes by hosting additional conversations with other ministry leaders and practitioners in the areas of children's ministry and spiritual formation. We are excited to see our community grow as more and more people are finding their way to the KidZ at Heart podcast. So, we decided to spend some time with Melissa and celebrate what God has done over the course of these past two years. We also share some news about the future of KidZ at Home in this episode.Even though we're still in the midst of hard times, we can celebrate our God who is always  faithful, always present, and always giving us new songs for every new season. Melissa MacDonald is a speaker, trainer, author, coach, lover of the church, and one of the leading voices in children's ministry. She would love to connect with you! Simply visit www.melissajmacdonald.com. You can connect Melissa's social media or send her an email by scrolling to the bottom of her home page.Please rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)

We're really happy to welcome Curtis Zackery to the KidZ at Heart Podcast to talk about living in rhythm with God, nurturing our desire to continually say "yes" to the Holy Spirit, and setting ourselves up to sustainably live out our calling.Curtis Zackery is a popular speaker, teacher and author, with decades of pastoral experience in the local church. We can't say it any better than what is already written on his website:"I've had the privilege of opening the word, serving, and working with some super cool folks, partnering in pointing to hope. It's a beautiful mystery as to why the Lord has allowed me to experience such grace, but I'm just a beggar trying to show other beggars where the bread is."Along the way, I wrote a book called "Soul Rest" that came from a season of deep learning and growing. It connects to my absolute belief that God's desire for humanity is that we would find rest in His finished work. I've had some fantastic opportunities to share this hope with churches, ministries, businesses, and organizations around the country."Curtis was a main stage speaker at 2022's Children's Pastor Conference in Orlando, Florida. His message of soul rest was well received by thousands of leaders on the front lines of ministry to children. We're thrilled to offer this conversation as a "coda" to the melody of soul care that was lifted up in Orlando and will continue to be spread all around the world...for such a time as this!Be sure to pick up his book: Soul Rest: Reclaim Your Life. Return to Sabbath. Also, Curtis would love to connect with you on social media, or at his website: www.curtiszackery.comPlease rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)

Gordon West and Adam Ormord welcome Justin Earley to the KidZ at Home Podcast to discuss the habits that form us.Justin Earley is a husband and father, an attorney, a former missionary to China, a speaker, and an author. Justin hosts a blog, "The Common Rule," and is the author of the recently released book: "Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms.This is part two of a conversation we began in Episode #2, "Purposeful Life Practices," with Melissa MacDonald.  We're excited to continue the conversation with Justin on the topic of purposeful life practices, also known as a "rule of life."Having purposeful life practices is all about finding ways to create space to be with God, so we can be transformed us by God's Spirit. These habits are not imposed on us as burdensome obligations. They are invitations to enjoy rhythms which will bring us into abundance. These routine practices are gifts that will refresh, rejuvenate, and re-center us – and our children - in the loving presence of God.Recommended Resources:The Common Rule (www.thecommonrule.org)To download our free Resource Guide for this episode, please visit www.kidzathome.org and scroll to the bottom of the page. This episode is listed under the category "Receive God's Love."Please rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)

Gordon and Adam welcome Shelly Henning (Co-founder & CEO of Grow Family) to the podcast for a conversation on the urgency and intentionality of Christ-focused mentoring in the lives of our children.Shelley Henning has served, not only as a children’s pastor, but also in the training and mentoring of pastors and ministry leaders. In addition to being a wife and mom, she serves as the Children’s Ministry Catalyst for the Reformed Church of America. She is the co-author of the Mourning Star Grief curriculum for children, teens, and adults, as well as "24 Family Ministry Events for the Holidays" from RoseKidz.Jesus continually mentored and repeatedly invited us to “follow” as he showed us how to live and how to love – even to the point of dying. Mentoring is a mandate from God for the benefit of all his people. “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24 NLT). Scripture invites us to share in one another’s transformational processes. But only as we, ourselves, have a familiar walk with God can we say to the children we love, “You should imitate me as I imitate Christ.” (I Corinthians 11:1 NLT).Mentoring and parenting are inextricably bound. Mentoring and Christian community are inextricably bound. And there is no age limit. Even children can enjoy the formational practice of having a mentor – and being a mentor, helping someone else know how to live life with God.Recommended Resources:Grow Family (www.growfamilyministry.com)To download our free Resource Guide for this episode, please visit www.kidzathome.org and scroll to the bottom of the page. This episode is listed under the category "Reflecting God's Love."Please rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)

We're excited to welcome Ann van der Merwe to this episode of the KidZ at Heart Podcast. Ann's greatest joy is using the creativity God has given her for his glory. She grew up singing and dancing, which led her to pursue a BM in Voice at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She then explored creativity more deeply and discovered a love of writing while earning an MA and PhD in Musicology at The Ohio State University.She met her husband Geo, a native South African, while in graduate school. After they married and welcomed a daughter and a son to their family, Ann began to use her creative gifts in Children’s Ministry. She quickly realized that God had been preparing her for this all along, and she has become passionate about engaging children in scripture in creative ways, helping them unleash the creativity God has given them, and reminding them of God’s presence in their everyday lives.Ann is excited to bring her creativity to the KidZ at Heart community as the Director of Content Development. Working alongside others, she will use her talents to develop resources that help leaders and children fall deeply in love with Jesus.The Trip by Ann van der Merwe (at the 54:52 mark) Have you ever thought about a long trip as a good thing? I'm guessing not. Long hours in the car probably just seem boring...not something for which you are thankful, right? But what if it is actually good for us to go on that long drive? What if waiting to get where we want to go is a gift from God? What if we need that time to learn...to see...and to be even more thankful for what we experience when we get there?Think about the journey of the Israelites after God parted the Red Sea and rescued them from slavery in Egypt. They were so excited for the place God had promised them...they even called it the Promised Land! It was going to be great! But God did not take them straight there. They had a long trip ahead of them. They complained. They got tired. They were probably bored. They might have even asked, "Are we there yet?"How could that be good? Well, during that trip, God gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments...and a lot of other guidelines for living. During that trip, God worked miracles before their eyes. During that trip, God forgave them when they disobeyed and complained. During that trip, God was working in the lives of the Israelite people.God is working in your life in every trip you take, too...and I don't just mean road trips. God works in our lives even when we are between the big things. Maybe you feel like you are on a trip right now...away from the last big thing that happened and waiting for the next one to come. Maybe you are starting to feel bored, or worried, or asking God, "Am I there yet?"If so, remember the Israelites. Remember that God not only keeps his promises; he sticks with us while we wait for them to come, teaching us and guiding us to make sure we end up in the right place knowing everything we need to know. When we remember that God is faithful, we can be thankful not only for where he leads us but for the things he shows us along the way.Recommended Resources:Guerillas of Grace: Prayers for the Battle, by Ted LoderPlease rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)

Keith Ferrin is an author, speaker, and an advocate for enjoying God’s Word in deep ways. Here's how Keith describes his ministry: "My passion and mission is helping individuals, families, and entire churches realize that the Bible isn't only true and relevant. It's also outstanding and enjoyable! I always believed the Bible was true. I was a Christian for 25 years before I realized it was awesome! I want to make sure it doesn't take you that long." (www.keithferrin.com)Join Gordon and Adam as they invite Keith into a rich conversation on the spiritual practices of memorization and meditation. Keith uses the word "internalizing" as a way of bringing memorization and meditation together in our hearts and minds. This is a fantastic conversation that is sure to inspire and challenge you to "know the Word" rather than merely "knowing the words."As a special gift for our KidZ at Heart community, Keith is offering a discount of 30% off his new course, "The Simplest Way to Internalize (Not Just Memorize) Any Verse, Chapter or Whole Book in the Bible."Simply go to www.keithferrin.com/internalize and use the code: KIDZ30Recommended Resource:Bible Praying for Parents, by Keith Ferrin and Judy FetzerTo download our free Resource Guide for this episode, please visit www.kidzathome.org and scroll to the bottom of the page. This episode is listed under the category "Receiving God's Love."Please rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)

 Special guest, Elaine Baillie, and her husband, Ray, have been married for 44 years and have 3 married daughters and 5 grandchildren. They have pastored throughout Alberta and are presently pastoring New Destiny Church in the urban center of Edmonton. Ordained in 2010, Elaine holds her license with the Ministers Network of Canada. Her love for children and youth is what led Elaine to work as an Educational Assistant at Fort Saskatchewan Christian School, beginning in 2004 In 2015, Elaine took on the full-time role of Chaplain at her school. She joyfully filled that role until her retirement in 2020. Teaching and equipping children to hear the voice of God has been, and continues to be, the highlight of Elaine's ministry.Gordon and Adam welcome Elaine to the KidZ at Heart podcast to share some incredible stories from her time with the "New Generation Prayer Team," a special group of kids who learned to listen to God through prayer and respond with awe-inspiring courage and boldness. This group of children embodied Daniel 11:32, which says, "...the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits (for God)."Elaine's book, "Youth Called to Make a Difference," is the retelling of the exploits of a dedicated group of children who dared to believe that God was (and is) speaking to us and calling us to action. All we need to do is slow down and learn to listen.If you would like to purchase Elaine's book, you can find it here: pagemasterpublishing.ca/shop/youth-called-to-make-a-differenceWe're excited to share Elaine's stories with you in this podcast episode. We hope they will inspire you, too, as you continue to invite your children to draw closer to God's heart and listen for that still, small voice of love.If you have a story you would like to share on the KidZ at Heart podcast, please send an email to info@kidzatheart.org. We would love to share your testimony of God's faithfulness and goodness as a source of encouragement to others all around the world. You really are making a difference in the lives of children...and in the world!Please rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)

We're thrilled to welcome Holly Catterton Allen to the podcast to revisit the spiritual practice of lament. We encourage you to go back and listen to our initial conversation with Michayla White on Episode #8 of The KidZ at Heart Podcast.Holly Catterton Allen (PhD, Talbot School of Theology) is a professor of family studies and Christian ministries at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. She has previously taught at John Brown University, Biola University, and Abilene Christian University.Allen is the author of Forming Resilient Children: The Role of Spiritual Formation for Healthy Development (IVP Academic, 2021). She is also the editor of Nurturing Children's Spirituality and InterGenerate and the coauthor of Intergenerational Christian Formation.Lament comes as we face the inevitable dissonance found in a world broken by sin. While, as adults, we may have a more comprehensive understanding of the reality of life in a broken world, we don't need to be "all grown up" to be invited into the spiritual practice of lament. This is a fundamental way to help strengthen our children in their relationship with God.Lament, as we will discuss, is different from complaining. It takes our complaints a step further and allows us to be formed into a people of hope who yearn for a deliverance found in the character of God.Showing our children biblical habits of lament will invite them to enjoy the companionship of the Comforter. Practicing facing and feeling the inevitable hard things of life gives them the ability to adapt and increases the likelihood that they will endure.To download our free Resource Guide for this episode, please visit www.kidzathome.org and scroll to the bottom of the page. This episode is listed under the category "Respond to God's Love."Please rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)

Get ready for a conversation that will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you want to get some yogurt with sprinkles. We're thrilled to welcome Amberly Neese to the podcast to talk about what it looks like to follow Jesus in our own unique ways... ...and to nurture GREAT children who are crazy about Jesus!Amberly Neese is a popular speaker/teacher, comedian, author, and all-around encourager dedicated to helping you become the joyful person you were created to be. She is a featured speaker for the Aspire Women’s Events and the main host and female comedian for Marriage Date Night, two popular Christian events that tour nationally. Amberly has written three studies and devotionals:Common Ground: Loving Others Despite Our DifferencesThe Friendship Initiative: 31 Days of Loving and Connecting Like JesusThe Belonging Project: Finding Your Tribe and Learning to ThriveAmberly and her husband have two teenagers and live in Prescott, Arizona, where they enjoy the great outdoors, the Food Network, and all things Star Wars.You can learn more about Amberly by visiting her website: www.amberlyneese.com Special Gift! Amberly wants to connect with you and give you a free resource: 50 Ways to Initiate Great Connections With Others. Simply visit www.amberlyneese.com/join and sign up to receive her newsletter.Please rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)

Gordon West (President/CEO of KidZ at Heart) and Adam Ormord (Chief Culture Officer) share a rich conversation with Dr. Deb Moncauskas about the spiritual practice of encouragement.Deb is a minister, coach, wife, mother, and grandmother. She currently serves as a children’s pastor and professor at Bethel Seminary. Certified in StrengthFinders, Deb is a sought after leadership coach, writer, teacher, and speaker. Her doctoral dissertation focused on strengths-based leadership development for children ages 10-12.You can learn more about Dr. Deb Moncauskas at her website: https://www.doc-deb.com/We're thrilled to welcome Deb to the podcast to address some of the following questions: How do we come alongside children with encouragement so that they are built up to be courageous and strong? How is encouragement different from praise? What are some key words and phrases we can use when helping children know they are seen and deeply loved? How do we help children engage in the practice of encouragement?Deb is a good friend of KidZ at Heart and International Network of Children's Ministry (INCM). Please visit https://www.incm.org/ to learn more about INCM and the annual CPC conference. Deb will be there, and so will KidZ at Heart!To download our free Resource Guide for this episode, please visit www.kidzathome.org and scroll to the bottom of the page. This episode is listed under the category "Reflect God's Love."Please rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)

Amy Linnemann is a writer, public speaker, mother, child advocate, home educator, and roller derby enthusiast. Along the way, she looks for opportunities to feed hungry people (because she has been hungry), share water with thirsty people (because she has been thirsty), and spend time with people who find themselves trapped or suffering (because she sometimes finds herself trapped and suffering).Gordon and Adam (KidZ at Heart) welcome Amy to the KidZ at Heart podcast to discuss the topic of parenting with God through all the adventures that come our way. Amy reminisces about her own upbringing as a PK (Pastor's Kid) as she connects her parent's early messages of grace to the way God continually invites us to come back home. You'll especially want to tune in at the 30:00 mark as we learn about Amy's adventures in roller derby. We don't want to spoil it, but get ready to meet METAPHOROCIOUS!This is fun and rich conversation from beginning to end. We hope you'll check out Amy's website, www.amylinnemann.com, as well as her non-profit, www.belovedbags.org. Amy is also active on Facebook at amylinnemannwrites.Please rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)

Gordon West and Adam Ormord sit down with Michayla White for a complicated and heartfelt conversation on the spiritual practice of "Letting Go of Getting Even."Michayla White is the Executive Director of the International Network of Children's Ministry (www.incm.org), an important partner with KidZ at Heart. She is also a wife, a mother, and our dear friend.The benefits of forgiveness go deep. A healthy, loving environment is cultivated by forgiveness. "Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends." (Proverbs 17:9 NLT)Forgiveness really is a gift we give ourselves, as well as a gift we give to others. Forgiveness frees us to live at rest under the protection and justice of our powerful God. Forgiveness and freedom are impossible to separate.Even though we see the benefits of forgiveness, we also recognize the layers of hurt and pain that make forgiveness so difficult. In fact, it is not something we are capable of doing on our own. Thankfully, God is right there with us, reminding us of the incredible grace and mercy being extended toward us each and every moment of our lives.It's a challenge, for sure, but as we trust God and give way to forgiveness, we are set free from the bondage of bitterness. As leaders helping children fall deeply in love with Jesus, this is a very important subject. Please listen and download our free resource guide. We pray these resources will be an encouragement and an inspiration!To download our free Resource Guide for this episode, please visit www.kidzathome.org and scroll to the bottom of the page. This episode is listed under the category "Reflect God's Love."Please rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)

Gordon West and Adam Ormord welcome Debby DeBernardi back to the podcast to discuss the spiritual practice of "Reviewing the Day."Debby is a pastor, an experienced children’s minister, a mother and grandmother - and the spiritual director for the KidZ at Heart board.“Reviewing the Day” is the simple habit of using questions to notice God.The Holy Spirit uses our questions to help us pay attention to when we noticed God in our day, when we weren't aware of him, or when we failed to trust him. It’s a time of reflecting on God’s blessings and learning to be more consistently sensitive to his intervention. It’s pausing to remember when we noticed his nearness or when we didn’t acknowledge him at all. It’s “listening deeply to the data of our lives.”We can help children develop their own listening souls as we invite them into this rich, time-honored, practice with God. Practiced regularly, this will help children partner with God more and more as they grow in faith and discernment. Can you imagine how their love for God will be nurtured as they practice noticing him in all of life? The same is true for you!To download our free Resource Guide for this episode, please visit www.kidzathome.org and scroll to the bottom of the page. This episode is listed under the category "Respond to God's Love."Please rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)

Gordon and Adam welcome special guest, Jan Johnson, to this episode of the KidZ at Heart podcast to discuss how we can invite children to join God in the adventure of being 'on mission' and growing in compassion for the people around them. Jan Johnson is the author of twenty-three books and more than a thousand magazine articles and Bible studies. Also a speaker, teacher and spiritual director, she lives with her husband in Simi Valley, California. She holds a D. Min. in Ignatian spirituality and spiritual direction and writes primarily about three things: spiritual formation, partnering with God in caring for the voiceless, and living with purposeful intentionality. Visit Jan at her website: www.JanJohnson.orgJan is a board member of Dallas Willard Ministries as well as a lead instructor for their cohort-based School of Kingdom Living, an "18-month immersion experience in community with fellow believers learning to ‘put on the character of Christ’ through the many facets of biblical discipleship." If you’re interested in learning more about School of Kingdom Living, visit www.dwillard.org for more information. Please rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!Recommended Resources:Growing Compassionate Kids: Helping Kids See Beyond Their Backyards, Jan Johnson (Upper Room Publishing, 2000)Invitations to the Jesus Life: Experiments in Christlikeness, Jan Johnson (NavPress, 2008)You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit, James K.A. Smith (Brazos Press, 2016)The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to stay emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the modern world, John Mark Comer (Waterbrook, 2019)KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)

Gordon West (KidZ at Heart President/CEO) welcomes Scottie May back to the podcast to talk about the spiritual practice of Visio Divina, or "Worshiping God with Our Eyes."Scottie May is a retired professor (Wheaton), author, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and KidZ at Heart board member. This is Scottie's fourth time as a guest on our KidZ at Home Podcast. Be sure to listen to her other conversations  (#5, #19, #21). What is Visio Divina? It's a way of paying attention, noticing, and communing with God through various forms of visual expression. Visio Divina is literally "Divine Seeing," or the practice of worshiping God through thoughtful engagement and wonder.  You’ve probably felt that sense of the Creator existing and inviting you beyond the created, and you may not have known what to call it. Children are masters of noticing, and they will help you learn how to experience God through this spiritual practice of Visio Divina, or divine seeing.There is something very special about how our hearts are drawn to God when we experience creation and allow the impact on our eyes, ears, and heart to be noticed and reflected upon. And that’s why this KidZ at Home discussion is vital for helping children fall deeply in love with Jesus!To download our free Resource Guide for this episode, please visit www.kidzathome.org and scroll to the bottom of the page. This episode is listed under the category "Receive God's Love."Recommended ResourcesSoularium from Cru ( 50 original photographic images and 5 simple questions) Soularium® | CruInvisio Cards by Gem Fadling at UnhurriedLiving.com (combines beautiful photography and thoughtful reflection questions.)KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)Please rate, leave a review, subscribe, and share this podcast with others. Thank you!

Gordon West (KidZ at Heart President/CEO) and Adam Ormord (Chief Culture Officer) welcome Aja Carr-Favors back to KidZ at Home for an honest conversation on the spiritual practice of gratitude.Aja is a KidZ at Heart board member and an attorney for a large church denomination. She has also been appointed to the Medical Disciplinary Board for the State of Illinois. Most importantly, Aja is a mother of a delightful kindergartner.Staying thankful (practicing gratitude deep at the core of our being) becomes an unshakable part of who we are as we fix our focus on the reality of God’s presence and how he continually cares for us. Gratitude is not found momentarily at the end of difficulty. If it is a part of who we are, it will carry us through the middle of hard things. Gratitude and stress cannot co-exist, but gratitude and peace cohabitate beautifully.Scripture tells us, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:18) And that is echoed in Philippians 4:6, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” Let's choose to give thanks to God through anything, because our God works through everything.Recommended Resources:Take the Joy Dare (free printable) by Ann VoskampLast Stop on Market Street, by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian RobinsonKidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)

Trillia Newbell is the author of several books including A Great Cloud of Witnesses, Sacred Endurance, If God Is For Us, Fear and Faith, and the children’s books, Creative God, Colorful Us, and God’s Very Good Idea. When she isn’t writing, she’s encouraging and supporting other writers as an Acquisitions Editor at Moody Publishers. Trillia is married to her best friend, Thern, and they reside with their two children near Nashville, TN. You can find her at trillianewbell.com and follow her on instagram and Twitter at @trillianewbell.If you are interested in learning more about how to invite your children into living on mission, please visit our website here. KidZ on Mission is a free tool for you to use anyway you choose. Each month you can download a new set of resources (ideas, stories, videos) to help engage your children in loving their neighbors as themselves in tangible, practical and relational ways.Recommended Resources:United: Captured by God’s Vision for Diversity, Trillia Newbell (Moody Publishers, 2014)Creative God, Colorful Us, Trillia Newbell (Moody Publishers, 2021) God’s Very Good Idea, Trillia Newbell (The Good Book Company, 2017)KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)Please rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!

Gordon and Adam welcome Melissa J. MacDonald back to the podcast, one year after she helped launch KidZ at Home, for a special conversation on the spiritual practice of Practicing the Presence of God.Melissa is often found speaking on children's ministry related topics as well as leadership, discipleship, healthy churches, soul care, and more. She's a trainer, coach, and in-demand speaker for kids camps and youth events - and is considered one of the leading voices in children's ministry. Melissa is the author of "Missing: An Urgent Call for the Church to Rescue Kids." Find out more at her website - www.melissajmacdonald.comNothing can bring a sense of fulfillment and make life more significant, nothing can clarify our value more, than to be aware of God's presence as he shows favor toward us and transforms us. What a gift we give our children as they acquire the habit of noticing God’s nearness. They look through heavenly lenses when they evaluate life in light of his presence. God knows. God is near. God is with them.Recommended Resources:It Will Be Okay, by Lisa TerkeurstGod Is Always With Me: Psalm 139, by Dandi Daley MackallFound: Psalm 23, by Sally Lloyd JonesTo download our free Resource Guide for this episode, please visit www.kidzathome.org and scroll to the bottom of the page. This episode is listed under the category "Receive God's Love."KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)Please rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!

Lacy Finn Borgo (Good Dirt Ministries) joins Gordon and Adam on Episode 28 for a timely and important conversation on the spiritual practice of Listening Prayer.Lacy is a spiritual director, and professor, as well as a mother and wife. She also teaches and provides training for spiritual directors. She is the author of "Spiritual Conversations with Children: Listening to God Together." You will also find resources at her website -  GoodDirtMinistries.org.Intentionally listening to God (Listening Prayer) demonstrates that we really believe that God has heard us and has a track record of responding. Failure to listen may mean that we don’t really believe that God will respond. Or it may mean that we don’t really value God's response.The benefits of listening to God are immeasurable – impossible to calculate. We can’t begin to quantify all that we, and our children, can gain from having interaction with our Creator. Hearing from God, being influenced and molded by God's thoughts, will deepen our love relationship and will undoubtedly transform us.How can we invite the children in our lives to listen to God with expectancy and ever-deepening trust?Recommended Resources:Spiritual Conversations with Children: Listening to God Together, by Lacy Finn BorgoTo download our free Resource Guide for this episode, please visit www.kidzathome.org and scroll to the bottom of the page. This episode is listed under the category "Receive God's Love."KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, Chief Culture Officer)Please rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!

Our 27th podcast episode features a very special guest. Thank you to Valerie Hess for joining our conversation on the spiritual practice of "Unity."Valerie is the co-author of “Habits of a Child’s Heart: Raising Your Kids with the Spiritual Disciplines." She is also a retreat speaker, musician, mother, grandmother, and pastor's wife. Valerie was an Adjunct Professor at Spring Arbor University (Michigan) in the Master's of Spiritual Formation and Leadership (MSFL) program.Being together is at the heart of the spiritual practice of unity. Unfortunately, unity is sometimes misrepresented as a kind of spiritual cloning where everyone tries to be all the same, even in thinking and responding. But, biblical unity is not so much about thinking and responding alike as it is about thinking and responding together – as a unit.Growing up in an environment of unity makes it easier for children to live life with God, aware of being in his presence. Being surrounded by an atmosphere where there is joy in being together nurtures an open heartedness towards God. When a place of belonging in a loving “we” is offered, self-serving individualism is not enticing and “me first, my own way” is less likely to be a child’s default.Recommended Resources:The Little Red Hen, Nursery StoryVictory on the Walls: A Story of Nehemiah, by Frieda Clark HymanTo download our free Resource Guide for this episode, please visit www.kidzathome.org and scroll to the bottom of the page. This episode is listed under the category "Reflect God's Love."KidZ at Heart Podcast Hosts:Gordon West (KidZ at Heart, President/CEO)Adam Ormord (KidZ at Heart, CDO)Please rate, leave a review, subscribe and share this podcast with others. Thank you!