A Frayed Knot

Kim McPhillip's story will blow you away! Imagine becoming pregnant during your senior year of high school and telling NO ONE, not one person, until the day of giving birth! This actually happened to Kim and it is a miraculous story. God never promised an easy road, but He promised He'd be with us through it all. Kim has been married for 25 years and has three children: Spencer, Shelbi, and Johnathan. Theirs is a beautiful story filled with miracle births, adoptions, and listening to Jesus along the way. Her children are all ten years apart and you will be amazed as Kim unfolds her story through surprising twists and turns. As a trigger warning, there is mention of rape in this story. Please take care while listening. Recommended Song: Do It Again, by Elevation Worship #afrayedknotpodcast #adoption #fosterfamily #miraclebirth

Can you imagine being 20 years old and already having been burned in a fire, as well as having a rare neurological issue? That is what happened to our friend, Addison Hudler. She has overcome so many difficult situations, and is still standing strong in her faith. Addison is currently a junior at Ouachita Baptist University. You may remember her mother, Amber Hudler, was on our first episode, and also our guest for Episode #126. In that first episode, Amber also discussed some of the topics we talk about with Addison, but now you will hear from the daughter's perspective. These episodes go well together. Addison was only 7 years old when there was an accident during a bonfire that caused 2nd degree burns on her face and hand. She was 12 when she started to develop strange symptoms that sent her to many doctors and hospitals, with no answers for a long while. They did finally get answers and treatment, but not without continued work. There is a quote from Jeremy Freeman which Addison likes to quote. It is this: "Sometimes God gets the most glory when someone is healed on earth. Sometimes God gets the most glory when someone is healed in heaven, and sometimes God gets the most glory when someone spends a lifetime enduring." Recommended Resource: Firm Foundation, song by Chandler Moore and Cody Carnes #afrayedknotpodcast #burn #pandas #purpose

Jessica Callahan has such a fascinating story! When she was five years old, her father was arrested and imprisoned. During his incarceration, he learned about Jesus and gave his life to the Lord. This changed the whole trajectory of his life! Jessica and I (Jill) met while serving at God Behind Bars, a ministry that goes into prisons to share the gospel with those behind bars. When I heard her story of why she serves, I knew we needed to have her tell her story. She also helps lead worship once a month when going into the prison. Jessica joined the Navy and served for 12 years. She is very adventurous and tells us about her love for skydiving which she has been doing since 2008. She is a go-getter and loves being in the air! The main thing she shares today is about overcoming a dependence on alcohol. This was a tough journey as she began to realize she was using it to cope and to self-medicate. There was pain she was numbing and needed to finally come to grips with. It forced her to become humble and search for help. Though not an easy road, she is now 861 days sober! You are going to love her and her story! This Naked Mind, Control Alcohol by Annie Grace #afrayedknotpodcast #alcoholism #fearofchange #skydiving #GBB

This is such an amazing story!! Jessica Thompson lives in Colorado Springs. She is married to Thomas and they have four kids. Jessica is a Regional Vice President with Arbonne. Her husband is an Executive Coach and an advisor to the mayor. Jessica tells us an incredible story about a woman she met in Rwanda. They created a bond that has travelled countries and sustained years. Gaudence made such an impact on her that she got a message from God to go back to Rwanda and find her! You will not believe the twists and turns in this journey. She tells us to feel the fear, and do what God says anyway! This shows how much God sees us and will use us, when we let Him, to change the world! Ephesians 3:19-20 Purpose Driven Life- Rick Warren #afrayedknotpodcast #reconciliation #Rwanda #forgiveness

Kelley La Marr is the sweetest! She is the Ministry Assistant for the Preschool Ministry at First Baptist Church of Owasso. She loves serving the staff and the little ones. She is a great addition to the ministry! Kelley was adopted as a child and raised with a wonderful family. She grew up, married the love of her life, Rocky, and had two children. Then in 2016 she had the joy of meeting eight out of her twelve blood-related brothers and sisters! However, 2016 ended up being a rough year for her. Four months after her joyous reunion with her birth family, her husband suddenly passed away. They had been married for 32 years and had built a wonderful life together. She also had several other close relatives pass away soon after that in a very short amount of time. It was grief upon grief. Yet, she carried on. Kelley talks about grief and what happens when it is pushed down, eventually it has to show. She also discusses how she took care of others and provided a place of respite for others during this difficult time. She is an example of love and keeping open hands. She encourages all of us to minister to the one person that God places in your life each day, however small that may appear. It is not small to God. A Frayed Knot, Meredith Wade Episode, #132 Psalm 143 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Exodus 15:26 Isaiah 57 Ruth Myers books: 31 Days of Praise 31 Days of Prayer 31 Days of Experiencing God's Love The Satisfied Heart Ed Young book: Path through Pain #afrayedknotpodcast #grief #hospitality #ministrytotheone

Hunter Wadlington is the Director of Programs at the Mission Community Resource Center in Owasso. She is so vital to helping those in need with resources and has added so much to the program. Her road to getting there is part of what we talk about. Sometimes our roads are not linear and we don't know where they will end up. Hunter and her husband, Christien, have been married for a little over two years. They met in their freshman year of high school and stayed best friends for ten years before realizing they were meant for each other! They are an amazing couple who help serve their community in Tulsa, OK. Hunter is originally from Virginia and her story of getting to Oklahoma is interesting with lots of turns. God had a plan the whole time, from the degree she wasn't sure what to do with, to her reluctance in moving to Owasso. Hunter's story encourages us to simply say "yes" to God. Esther 4:14 Colossians 1:17 #afrayedknotpodcast #journey #suchatimeasthis #theMission #Frozen2

Where do we start with this guest? She has been a pillar of strength and an example of love and grace. We are so in awe of her and excited for you to hear her story of redemption. Jennifer Beardslee is a dear friend to both of us! She and her husband, Bobby, have been married for 10 months. She has three amazing kids and one daughter-in-law: Camden and his wife, Maddie, Ryleigh and Valerie. In 2016 her life was hit with several bombs. In March, her very young nephew passed away. In June, she found out her marriage was in trouble, and she tried with all her strength to work it out for several months before he left. In March of 2017 she got the “pink letter” and found out she had breast cancer. To say this woman has been through it is an understatement. Her story doesn’t end there! She tells us the scars are always there, but they fade. We talk about being refined in the fire. He has restored what the locusts had stolen! Psalm 91 Daniel 3:19-27 Ephesians 2:20-21 Matthew 7 Isaiah 43:18-19 Proverbs 3:5-6 Forgiving What a you Can’t Forget- Lysa TerKeurst King of the World- Natalie Grant Goodness of God- CeCe Winans #afrayedknotpodcast #divorce #cancer #grief #restored #fieryfurnace

Rhonda McAlister and her husband, Jon, have been married for 35 years and have three sons, three daughters-in-law, three grandsons, and one granddaughter! She is a Pediatric Physical Therapist and works within schools to help students with special needs. She has a lot of style and can decorate a room like no other. Rhonda was adopted as a baby and tells us her story about what it was like to find out that she was adopted at five years of age. She grew up with amazing parents whom she loves dearly, and for whom she is extremely grateful. She feels so blessed. They were supportive of her and made her feel special. Through all of this, she was still interested in meeting her birth mother, to thank her for giving her life and to find out if she knew Christ. Her mother also used to say she wanted to meet her to thank her. She got this chance through Ancestry.com when one of Rhonda's sons decided to try it. It became an amazing story that you can hear today. Psalm 139 Matthew 22:3 No Longer a Slave- Bethel Music The Goodness of God- Bethel Music Wayne and Gloria Yeckley, A Frayed Knot, Episode # 113 Kaitlyn McAlister, A Frayed Knot, Episode #24 #afrayedknotpodcast #adoption #allaboutHim

Katelyn McCormick is a joy to be around! She's bubbly and kind with a beautiful singing voice. She loves Jesus and you can see it all over her! Katelyn and her husband, Noah, have been married for eleven years. They have two children and were high school sweethearts. Noah is the Student Minister at Central Baptist Church in Owasso, and Katelyn has her own cookie shop, Cookie Joy Co. (By the way, we highly recommend her delicious and beautifully-decorated sugar cookies!) Today, Katelyn shares about going through self-esteem issues and depression while she was growing up; she also shares about her struggles with postpartum anxiety. It's a situation with which we can all relate. Depression and anxiety affects most of us at some point. Even as believers in Christ, we still have an enemy that tries to bring us down. We can look to Jesus for our peace. I Believe- by Phil Wickham Quiet- by Hillsong Genesis 16 #afrayedknotpodcast #depression #selfesteem #panic/anxiety #cookiejoyco

Meredith Wade and her husband, Andrew, have been married for thirteen years and have three children. Andrew is the Student Minister at FBC Owasso and Meredith is busy homeschooling. Their road to this part of their journey has not always been easy, however. Meredith shares a painful time when they had tried to have a second child for several years and then miscarried. We talk about things to say and not to say to people who are going through things, or when we don't understand their timeline. Sometimes we say things meaning no harm, but those comments actually can be hurtful. Meredith shares her story with honesty and vulnerability. Recommended Resources: I Am Not Alone-Kari Jobe Glory Baby- Christy Nockels God, I Look to You-Bethel Psalm 23:6 Matthew 6:25-27 #afrayedknotpodcast #miscarriage #infertility

Imagine living in a place you love, in a community you adore, when you are told suddenly one day you can’t live there anymore. You are ushered out in a matter of days. That is what happened to Melissa Robinson and her family when they were working as field workers for a sending organization on a small island. The new government decided they were no longer welcome. Chris and Melissa Robinson and their three boys now live and work in Latvia. It is an interesting, exciting place that we don’t often hear about in the USA. Melissa has used her gift of playing guitar and singing Latvian music to invite their community members to attend house music concerts in their home. She shares the gospel in song and finds open doors for sharing Christ through music. She also volunteers for Lighthouse Latvia- an organization that cares for people who have aged out of their school system. Additionally, Melissa and two of her friends have collaborated to create a podcast together called "It’s Tea Time Somewhere". The Robinson family has a story of faithfulness even when questioning what is happening. It’s very applicable to all of us. #afrayedknotpodcast #itsteatimesomewherepodcast #latvia #questioning #trustHim

Happy 2024! We are so excited to start this new year with you all. We are ready to see what stories God will bring to us! We are beginning this year with Niki White. Niki’s story has many turns in it and God has carried her through a lot. She has been through divorce, domestic violence, and the loss of a child. Even still, she tells us that fear is a tool of the enemy. Niki is in a blended family and has four children. She works for Tulsa Tech teaching Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy. She is also a scuba instructor! Niki sings at Victory Christian Church and has trusted Jesus through all of life. Niki shared her story with honesty. She tells us, "You don’t have to understand; His ways are higher." We are honored to have her share with us. Psalm 64:2,5,8 Luke 8:41-56 13-Part Series: "Fear," by Keith Moore Flcbranson.org #afrayedknotpodcast #grief #lossofchild #domesticviolence #dvis

This story today is so precious! We are excited to welcome Lori Beth Fowble! Lori Beth is married to Arin and, between them, they have four children. Lori Beth teaches us what it means to have the audacity to hope again! After going through a devastating divorce that rocked her world, she eventually reconnected with an old friend who helped spark that hope. She shares her heart openly and is vulnerable about not wanting to walk through this pain, but understanding that Jesus also had to walk through pain He didn't necessarily want to walk through. If God never wastes our pain, then we shouldn't either. She is a great example of "holding the lantern" for others going through similar burdens in which we can use our experiences to help. You don't always move on from things, but you move forward. You are going to be encouraged by her words. Genesis 50:20 Hebrews 4:15 Defender- by Upperroom Living Hope- by Bethany Wohrle #afrayedknotpodcast #blendedfamily #divorce #holdingthelantern #Godrestoresthings

April Brown and her family have spent many years reaching people overseas for the gospel! They spent a lot of time in the Czech Republic before moving to Italy. April and her husband, Steve, have been married for 25 years and have four kids, and they are missionaries with the International Mission Board. A few of their children are attending college in the United States. Imagine being in another country and getting a call that one of them was in a horrible car accident in California. That is what happened to them. They had to really trust that God was in control, no matter what. This story has a happy ending and there were wonderful people who stepped in to help their daughter until they could get there. The way these events took place is truly miraculous; their daughter Chloe was covered in protection. April tells us that God is faithful, always, even in the valleys. Isaiah 64:4 Isaiah 41:10, 13 W3: Women, Worldview, and the Word by Iva G. May #afrayedknotpodcast #missions #caraccident #trustinGod

We have been up and running on this show for five years now, and this is our official 5th anniversary episode! To commemorate this, we invited two very special guests (for the third time), Chris Wall and Shaun McCormick! [We have a lively debate over how many times they have appeared on our show, and guess who was right?! :) ]. Friends, I don't even know what to say about this episode! We are all over the place, but it was a good time. We have a lot of discussion about raising adult children and being empty nesters, as well as the importance of cultivating marriage and still pursuing our kid's hearts. Psalm 119:105 Matthew 6 #afrayedknotpodcast #embracethemadness #emptynest #marriage

It’s been five years, y’all, so who better to talk to than our very first guest, Amber Hudler! She’s such a joy to talk to, and she shares so much wisdom. We laughed and cried together in this conversation! Amber has been married to her husband, Matt, for 21 years, and they have three kids. She is the Children’s Minister for First Baptist Church of Owasso and does a phenomenal job! She has a heart for meeting people where they are and sharing the love of Christ with them. This episode is so full of information and wise counsel. She will share what got her into ministry, and the things she has learned on her journey. You will love her! Acts 4 Matthew 10 It’s Always Been You- Phil Wickham Wait on You- Elevation Worship and Maverick City #afrayedknotpodcast #ministry #takingthenextstep #obedience

Addiction is a difficult road for those in it and those around it. This reality is something with which Misti Marley is very familiar. Addiction greatly affects everyone involved. Misti has been married to her husband for 23 years. They have three boys, and both of them work for Rejoice Schools. They are dedicated to their family and their students. When Misti was growing up, her mother began struggling with addiction issues that she hid from Misti until her teen years. Her mother's addiction took them both down a path they did not see coming. After many rehabs and “two steps forward, one step backward”, her mother is currently sober, doing well, and they have a strong bond as mother and daughter. Misti shares a lot of information for those in the heartbreaking grip of addiction and for those who love them. 2 Timothy 1:7 Philippians 4:4-7 Romans 15:13 #afrayedknotpodcast #addiction #codependency #FindingHopeOrganization #HopeisAlive

Amber Sander has a beautiful family with three children. She and her husband, Joe, have been married for twelve years. They are raising Evelyn, Dahl, and Sylvia. Sylvia was born with a rare complication of having no arms and short femurs of different lengths. This was discovered during ultrasounds and created some anxiety of what life would look like for her. However, Sylvia is a beautiful and creative almost-five-year-old now! She is thriving with help from The Little Lighthouse School and much support from her family. Amber says it is our job as parents to nurture the mind, heart, and soul of our children. This conversation is a great reminder of God's sovereignty in every situation, and how sweet it is to trust in Him no matter what. You will love hearing her story! #afrayedknotpodcast #nurture #parenting

To know Jenny Tooley is to love her! Jenny is one of the funniest, most genuine people you will ever meet. She is full of laughter and always up for a good dress-up theme day. She is the ultimate youth worker! Jenny and John have three children: Cody, Kyle, and Lindsey. When Lindsey was in high school, she had a strange thing happen physically. She started limping and having pains that did not have an explanation. After several doctor and specialist visits, they finally realized she had CIDP, an autoimmune disease. Lindsey went through a lot of turmoil throughout the rest of her high school years often having to get IVIG blood treatments. However, they had many "God-experiences" in this journey, including a visit from possible angels! The story you'll hear in this episode reminds us that our help comes from the Lord, especially in seasons of trouble and trial. God is good, all the time. Deuteronomy 31:8 Proverbs 3:27 Exodus 14:14 Psalm 46:10 Psalm 121 Isaiah 41:10 Mercy Me- "Even If" #afrayedknotpodcast #CIPD #TribeofFriends #EvenIf

Tammy Jensen and her husband, John, have been married for 29 years and were high school sweethearts. They have been through lots of ups and downs together. They have three children, Mac, Malcom, and Hannah. Their daughter, Hannah, has a special story. She was diagnosed with both Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome and Dandy Walker Syndrome. These syndromes caused her to have needs that will require care throughout her lifetime. Hannah is an absolute joy to be around! She is involved in special needs cheer, track, and dance, and she even has her own TikTok channel! The Jensen Family motto is "Live like Hannah," because she is not afraid to try anything and she is filled with joy. On top of meeting all of Hannah's needs, Tammy's mom is in Memory Care and her dad has Parkinson's and lives with them. She is in that sandwich generation which includes taking care of children and parents at the same time. All through Tammy's story, you can hear how God has weaved joy into sorrow, and a beautiful purpose along the way. It is not always easy, but they know whose hands they are in. You will love the heart of this family! Psalm 139 LiveLikeHannah #afraidknotpodcast #livelikehannah #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #sandwichgeneration #specialneeds