Crossroads with Jenny Bushkell

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105. With so many dark things going on in our world, it's a blessing when someone comes along to remind us of joy in everyday life.  My guest is Author, Musician and Singer/Songwriter Jason Mikles. He's the Worship Pastor and Director of City Hills Academy in Knoxville, TN and He is the author of his latest book, "Stories that will Change your Life" - 40 Stories To Deepen Your Walk With God."  Jason tells us about so many hidden gems in scripture and shows us how the Bible still applies to us today. He wants us to have a deep, fresh hunger to know and trust God and His word. He takes our everyday life and shows us how exciting it can be to walk with Jesus!  He's so full of wisdom and love for The Lord and scripture! Such an inspiration! Thanks to our Title Sponsor & Ministry Partner Campbell Dental Care with an assist from Denise King, Realtor, - Noble Realty.  Crossroads With Jenny Bushkell 5- 6pm on Friday and Sat. and 10:00 pm Sunday. AM620, 102.5FM, 99.5FM Sevier County, streaming at wrjz.com or download the Joy620 App. On Podcast on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts! 

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." ~ Isaiah 9:6    "Its time once again for the story to be told!"  Sometimes we get lost in all the excitement and forget the real reason we celebrate it!  Finding the real joy in Christmas is when you make Jesus the center of the season. Jenny's guests today are Jen Corbin, President of the Nativity Pageant of Knoxville Board of Directors and Julie McMurray, Publicity Chair to talk about the 57th Nativity Pageant of Knoxville and how Jesus has worked in their lives to lead them there! Take time this Christmas season to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by glorifying the One who came because He loves us.  God with us - Immanuel, left Heaven and joined his human creation. Through His life, death and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled God's plan of redemption that HE planned from the beginning of the world.  Thanks to our Title Sponsor & Ministry Partner Campbell Dental Care with an assist from Denise King, Realtor, - Noble Realty.  Crossroads With Jenny Bushkell 5pm - 6pm EST on AM620, 102.5FM, 99.5FM Sevier County, streaming at wrjz.com or download the Joy620 App. On Podcast on Apple, Spotify HisAir.net, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

She chose life. He was adopted across the country by wonderful parents. And now he details his journey to finally find his birth mother.  Today he shares his thoughts, struggles and blessings - to find he is exactly where God planned him to be! Jenny's  guest is her friend Phil Arlinghaus. He is the Operations Manager for four radio stations, an Executive Producer, and he's been a Radio Show & Podcast Host.  The journey of finding a birth mom can be emotionally complicated and he talks about the ups and downs he's experienced. We have heard some children who were adopted will internalize their own story and worth with the words spoken over them or shared with others. It can affect how they view their birth family, themselves and adoption as a whole. 

Lives and relationships are being destroyed by the effects of compulsive sexual behavior.  If you are struggling with pornography, sexual addiction, or other compulsive sexual behaviors and feel stuck - you're not alone. There is HOPE, Healing and Freedom!   Jenny interviews Ashley Jameson, Director of Programs and Partnerships with Pure Desire Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit that tackles porn and sexual addiction. She has overcome her brokenness & her own sexual addiction and knows first hand the impact of walking with others through recovery to freedom! There's devastating impact of porn & sex addiction-  including men & women in America's churches. Secrets, isolation, and shame keep people trapped - whether you're the addict or the betrayed. Ashley, along with Pure Desire Ministry's Executive Director Nick Stumbo have written the book:  Hope, Healing and Freedom: A Pathway Beyond Pornography, Compulsive Sexual Behavior, and Betrayal. You can find more information and resources on pure desire.org.  Also available is Pure Desire Podcast, Unfiltered Podcast on Sex & Love, youth leader library that's free with videos, parent training course and videos on Youtube, online groups for men and women, and the book at their website.  And you'll be able to see this episode on Youtube!

Her mother attempted to abort her, but God intervened in a miraculous way. The Lord has touched her life in so many ways and it's amazing how my two guests met!  Today, Adriana's testimony is one of forgiveness, redemption, and hope—and it's incredible how her path crossed with Jenny's second guest, Melanie Azarcon, Partner & Church Liaison for Health Bridge Global. They are partnering to help build "Life Medical Hospital", a women's hospital in Romania so women don't have to resort to abortion for birth control. The plan is to care for women from conception to post birth. How do you forgive your mother who tried to abort you, reminded you of it throughout her life, and aborted your siblings? How do you forgive? Only JESUS!  And now Adriana and her husband have two beautiful children of their own! Her story also reaches beyond her own family: She shares a heart-wrenching story of how an abortion 30 years ago affected a family here in the States and how God used Adriana to help them heal and break those lies of the enemy. This conversation is raw, inspiring, and filled with hope—a powerful reminder of God's ability to transform pain into purpose. If you or someone you know needs emotional healing after abortion, Deeper Still Ministries can help. (deeperstill.org) - Find freedom from your abortion wounded heart.  Hope Resource is a pregnancy resource center who will walk beside you to empower you to choose life. (knoxvillehope.com). Both of these organizations bring hope and the love of Jesus Christ. You can find more about Health Bridge Global at healthbridgeglobal.org.

Against the constant persuasion to abort, this mother and dad clung to their faith and chose to trust God and his providential plan for their child. Their 13 remarkable miracles began while their baby, Katelyn was still in the womb! That sweet baby is in her early twenties, played softball on a scholarship, graduated college and got married this year! We are talking miracles, overcoming the odds, set-backs, spiritual warfare and the power of prayer with Author, Heather Wilber who has written a book on their story "Never Will I Leave Thee Never Will I Forsake Thee:: A Mother's Testimony of Hope and Miracles."She and her beautiful daughter Katelyn Wilber Kennedy are with me to talk about all this and more! Despite the daunting statistics that one in 500,000 babies survive birth with this rare heart condition, Katelyn's life has defied all medical odds! Heather also shares some on forgiveness after a tragic rape. Heather has a Podcast called "Answer The Call," has written a devotional, and they are making a documentary! To find more go to Heatherwilber.com. 

We live in a world bombarded by influences all around us, it's no wonder we can begin to feel insecure. Understanding our identity in Christ has so much for us. Jenny's guests are speaker Dr. CarolMarie Smith and singer/speaker Jihan Cox. Jihan shares a powerful story of how prayer led her to Jesus and what He revealed to her! And CarolMarie shares her devastating loss as a young wife. But God showed her so much. Your prayers are important and God brings you into your legacy. They share about prophetic and intercessory prayer and the legacy prayer leaves. Their "Legacy Women's Conference" on Friday, Nov. 14 th. and Saturday Nov 15th is a time for getting refueled so we can be a greater light in the dark places! Do you know you're a treasure? This conference will be held at the Grand Smokies Event Center in Pigeon Forge. It's going to be a special time with the Lord and what you can learn and share with other believers. This episode will encourage you and bring you hope! Dr. CarolMarie Smith is the founder of Anna's Gate Ministries and GLLOW Ministries. You can find more about them and get tickets at: drcarolmarie.com and jihan@redemptionlife.net. or redemptionlife.net. You can find them on social media and Youtube. 

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." — Jesus. Imagine finding out family secrets that wrecked your world and left you feeling betrayed and abandoned. How do we move past that and forgive? Jenny's guest, Author and Pastor Micah Davis shares his personal story and a pathway of healing. He says unforgiveness leads us to a "Prison of Unforgiveness" that we put ourselves in and ironically, we have the keys to unlock the prison door and let ourselves out!  He shows us that the other side of our failures and hurts is forgiveness and true freedom. And reminds us, the way of Jesus is forgiveness. He shares the beauty of forgiveness and why it's essential to healing relationships with ourselves, others, and God. Micah is a Pastor of Teaching & Vision at The Sanctuary in Illinois & author of his latest book: "Three Strikes You're Forgiven:: Encounter a God Who Wants to Redeem Your Past, Restore Your Present, and Transform Your Future." He invites us to let go of our restless pursuit of perfection and to find rest in Christ. You can find Micah on social media, at micahdavis.com, and on YouTube.

Dr. Erwin Lutzer, Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church is back with Jenny to explore the cultural and theological crisis facing America today, emphasizing the need to return to a biblical understanding of God amidst rising secularism.  Dr. Lutzer shares wisdom and insight on our culture and the distorted view it has of God. He shows us how to engage people with truth, as he encourages believers to persevere and be the light in an ever increasingly dark world. His latest book, "The Eclipse of God:: Our Nation's Disastrous Search for a More Inclusive Deity" exposes our nation's disastrous efforts to redefine God in its own image. The resulting damage is evident in our world and churches today. "Americans don't mind saying they believe in God, just as long as they get to choose the God in whom they believe." He explains objective truth has existed outside of us, but now the criterion of truth has now moved to inside the individual human being, so that's why there is so much confusion in the world today. "Love and Truth are not enemies - love rejoices in the truth." God has not changed. We need God for truth, for morality and law. Dr. Lutzer emphasizes we need to return to the God of the Bible and not the gods of popular culture. As believers in Christ, we need to make sure we do not bow to the culture, but teach what the Bible teaches and live with the consequences. The question is,"What price are you willing to pay for  truth?" You can hear Dr. Lutzer on his daily radio broadcast "Running To Win." He is an award-winning author of over 50 books, including "We Will Not Be Silenced." You can find Pastor Lutzer's sermons, articles, and media at moody church.org.  Their interview is from at the 2025 NRB - International Christian Media Convention. You can hear the entire interview on a future "Crossroads With Jenny Bushkell. You can see his videos on you tube and for more info on Dr.Lutzer, his books and "Running To Win go to: moodymedia.org.

Jenny interviews Lucas Miles, Sr. Director of Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA FAITH.  He's a  Speaker, Host & Best Selling Author. In his latest book, "Pagan Threat: Confronting America's Godless Uprising" he takes a look at Modern paganism that is infiltrating the church and society, particularly affecting young women. Lucas shares some insight on his dear friend Charlie Kirk and what he sees in the future as they move ahead. Lucas highlights the importance of returning to biblical teachings and resisting the allure of New Age practices. He delves into the alarming resurgence of pagan ideologies within the US, posing significant threats to the church, the nation, and the world. The connection between Woke ideology and Paganism is not merely a coincidence but a natural progression. Lucas says we have a generation in trauma and discusses how this has come about. Many have turned to the occult, different religions, all of this in turmoil. He warns us we need to be on guard from blatant idol worship - putting anything before God. In this interview and his book, he equips and inspires us to rise to the challenge and invites us to embark on an adventure of spiritual awakening; To seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, embrace the transformative power of revival, and stand resolute against the encroaching darkness. Lucas Miles is the Lead Pastor of N Fluence Church. He is the host of The Epoch Times' Church and State with Lucas Miles, Edifi's award-winning The Lucas Miles Show, and a co-host of The Church Boys podcast.  He Hosts "The  Strong Church" Podcast. Lucas and his work have been featured in books and on TV and radio programs, as well as syndicated in articles across both political and religious news outlets. He's author of several books and his latests is "Pagan Threat: Confronting America's Godless Uprising." For more info go to his website:  lucasmiles.org

In a world where anxiety, depression, loneliness and teen suicide are on the rise, there is a distinct struggle taking place as people fight to feel seen, heard and valued. But the truth is, your life has purpose—right now, as you are. Jenny's guest is international Speaker & Author Dean Sikes who shares a message of hope and purpose. He hosts "YOU MATTER" Television, a national broadcast, and engages with tens of millions on social media annually.  In his book, "You Matter" he shares his powerful testimony of how trauma, abuse, bullying and carrying secrets affected him. And now he gives insights to help you break free from hopelessness and find meaning in your everyday life. He shares how God got his attention when his mother attempted suicide.Through it all Dean found God's purpose and how to forgive. Since January 1993, Dean has dedicated himself to spreading messages of hope, traveling extensively to high schools, Teen Challenge Centers, and prisons across the US and internationally. He has stories of how God is changing young lives from hopelessness and near suicides to them finding The Lord, forgiveness and purpose! To date, he has participated in over 4,200 events, delivering the empowering "You Matter" message to millions of teenagers. You can get connected with Dean at his website youmatter.us. Find more about his book, videos, and speaking there.

Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28. Our world is wired for stress, for activity, not for being sedentary.  When we live in a chronic state of stress, we feel exhausted and stuck.  What does it mean to simply rest and be beloved by God and know how to rest in Christ!? Jenny's guest shares how stress affects us and offers practical ways to decompress and focus on our inner self.  Anna Christine (A.C.) Seiple,  is a Licensed Counselor and Author of The Sacred Art of Slowing Down;  Find Relief from Rushed Living, Soothe Your Soul, and Restore Wholeness Within. She reminds us we are human beings, not "doing beings!" With all going on in our lives and the world, is it any wonder we are stressed?! Seiple encourages us to make deliberate decisions to tune in to what's happening in our bodies because this also impacts our spiritual, emotional, and physical wellbeing. We constantly move through a mixture of emotions in life—everything from fear, joy, pain, surprise, grief, rest, and panic" says Seiple. "These can overwhelm us. Freeze us. We can't stop the complexities of life from being messy." But, we can make some changes! You can get connected with Anna at her website acseiple.com  and you can find more about her book. Her book is available at bookstores, Target and online.

"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8 Anyone who is old enough has memories of where we were when our world changed forever when the Al Qaeda terror attacks happened on Sept 11, 2001. I am commemorating the anniversary of 9/11 by speaking with Jenny's guest, Darin Kinder, a U.S. Secret Service agent was inside the World Trade Center in New York City preparing to go into a meeting when the twin towers were hit by two hijacked jetliners as debris from the plane, chunks of the building, and burning jet fuel rained down.  Amid the chaos and destruction, Darin felt God speak to him, assuring him that he was not alone.  In the midst of this harrowing event, he and some co-workers led others to safety. This traumatic experience would change his life — and set him on a mission to discover God's purpose can come out of pain. He earned the U.S. Secret Service's highest award for bravery - the Medal of Valor for his heroism that day. He's a Speaker & the Author of "Bury Me In A Dirty Suit,"  a compelling eyewitness account of 911 and explores what it means to live with a valiant purpose.  He's the founder of Fierce Faith, a Christian organization that encourages men to live purposefully serving God.  His book is dedicated to the 422 first responders who died in the line of duty responding to the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001. Find more at: darinkinder.com and fierce-faith.com 

In a world that can leave us skeptical, stressed and overwhelmed - all of us can use some humor, a dose of wisdom and a reminder that God is at work in our lives. Jenny's guest, Marci Seither shares it's about learning to spot pivotal points when He's moving us and saying "yes" to HIM.  Marci Seither is a storyteller, radio & podcast host of "The Biscuit Club," Editor for "Southern Christian Writer" and Author of four books and hundreds of articles for local papers as well as written for Guideposts, Light & Life, and been a guest on Focus On The Family. And a mom and grandmother!! Besides writing, she's a blogger, teaches workshops, she's a speaker, enjoys food photography, canning, and anything that involves using real butter!! Get connected with Marci at marciseither.com. and you can find more about her books and articles and see her video from her appearance on "Focus on the Family." Her show "The Biscuit Club" airs Saturdays at 10:30 am and is on podcast. Two book-loving friends—having a cozy, front-porch-style talking about books, biscuits, and everything in between! Thanks to our Title Sponsor & Ministry Partner @Campbell Dental Care and @Denise King, Noble Realty. Crossroads With Jenny Bushkell 5pm-6pm 5pm - 6pm EST, Fri. & Sat. and 10 pm Sun. evening on JOY 620WRJZ. 620AM, 102.5FM, 99.5 Sevier County, streaming live at wrjz.com or download our JOY620 App! You can hear this on Podcast next week wherever you listen to your Podcasts.

Life can be really difficult and sometimes we get stuck in our brokenness - broken relationships, addictions, and replaying past hurts and mistakes!!  We may be stuck in toxic resentments, childhood trauma, or grief.  We talk about "stinkin' thinkin'" in recovery and sometimes we just don't know how to get out of that and all the dysfunction. And - did I mention emotions!!! Oh how our emotions can steer us & play havoc in all of this!! Jenny's guest is Debbie Chavez - former top-rated news anchor & talk show host and an award- winning manager at a news-talk radio station for 27 years. She's an Author, Podcaster and Speaker and founder of Squadron of Sisters - a ministry geared to help women in areas of brokenness, trauma and grief -  and she's a Pastor's wife. Debbie shares her story - and "some good news" in her book, "Pivot - How to Break Free From Grief, Heartbreak, Past Abuse & Resentment."  Debbie reveals how she broke free from a victim mindset, found forgiveness and healing after abuse, and discovered her true identity in Christ.  debbiechavez.com

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.." Is 43:2. - a promise of God's presence in life's deepest trials.  Jenny's guest shares her inspiring journey of faith, trust and gratitude offering valuable insights for handling life's transitions and seasons. There are times in our lives to be grateful we didn't know about the outcome. We've heard hindsight is 20/20 and especially true if we look back in life's valleys and see the many ways God was there and how Jesus carried us through. Author and Speaker Vonna Laue knows the emotional turmoil, and uncertainty experienced during challenging times. Her new book entitled "Glad I Didn't Know: Lessons Learned Through Life's Challenges and Unexpected Blessings" shares stories centered on the importance of trusting God in seasons of uncertainty, the value of sharing our testimonies, and the surprising blessings found in difficulty and obedience. She shares how gratitude can shift our perspective—even in the darkest times. Whether you're facing uncertainty, grief,  or simply seeking a reminder that hope is never out of reach, this conversation will uplift and encourage you. Tune in and discover how unexpected blessings often come wrapped in life's hardest moments.You can find more at gladididntknow.com

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13. Jenny and her guest are bringing hope and a miracle story to you today. Given a 1% chance to live 8 months in Nov 2024, Dr. Pete Sulack has survived what most don't: an aggressive terminal brain cancer.  Instead of surrendering to the prognosis, Dr. Sulack, a nationally respected healthcare provider became his own patient, applying the very protocols he'd developed for others throughout his career. Just four months later, doctors declared him in full remission. Now, Dr. Pete is using his personal miracle, faith and clinical knowledge to transform how we approach cancer and chronic illness. Dr. Pete has an extraordinary story. He's is a chiropractor and an anointed international evangelist and known as "America's Leading Stress Expert." He shares his 5 pillars of health, more about this journey and how Jesus was with him.  He's the Owner of Redeem Health and Chiropractic, and the founder of Matthew 10 Ministries. He is a family man based out of Knoxville, TN. He's actively reaching others through:  The Be Resilient Program and his Redeem Essentials and he's going to be sharing with us today. You can see his videos and reels on FB, you tube and his website: drpetesulack.com

In a world of chaos, life can be challenging. We all need places where hope, inspiration and practical guidance meet us right where we are—. Life's easier when you're not facing it alone. Jenny's guest is John Fuller co-host of the daily "Focus on the Family Broadcast" with Focus President Dr. Jim Daly.   He's the vice president of the Audio team, which creates and produces award-winning audio programs, podcasts and radio features.    Known for his authentic stories, humor, and wisdom - John has spoken globally on everything from faith and family to creativity and workplace relationships. He has written for dozens of magazines and wrote the book, "First-Time Dad: The Stuff You Really Need to Know."     Today he shares insights on his career, family and as always, he's as genuine and relatable as ever -  like the kind of friend you'd want to sit down with over coffee. Their website is focusonthefamily.com.   Focus on the Family Broadcast is heard by millions on more than 1,000 radio stations across the U.S. and streamed worldwide. At Focus on the Family You Tube channel, you can find all sorts people and interviews. Their website is focusonthefamily.com. You can find their Marriage Assessment and Parenting Assessment to help you take a look at where you are and so many great topics and guests.

In today's complex world, parenting is a tough job and especially difficult today because of the adversity we face in our culture. Beyond the difficulties of the changing world we live in, there are also the daily frictions of imperfect people sharing a home together. However, Jenny's guest, Dr. Danny Huerta, Focus on the Family's Vice President of Parenting & Youth, Psychologist, and clinical social worker offers hope and help for you to become an effective parent. His book titled "7 Traits of Effective Parenting" will inspire and equip you to guide children with grace and love—so they may come to understand God's deep love for them and to follow Jesus. God gives us contributors, encouragers and/or influencers in our lives and you may be one or more of these, too! And as we explore these traits together, you may find they not only strengthen your parenting, but also deepen and enrich your marriage. You can take the assessment you'll hear about at Focus on the Family.com /7 traits assessment LP. You can find his book online at Amazon and Focus on The Family. focusonthefamily.com.  For many years, Danny has provided families with practical, biblically-based, and research-based parenting advice on key parenting topics. He has been interviewed by various media outlets including Fox News, Fatherly, Christianity Today, WORLD Magazine, The Christian Post and CBN, and regularly speaks on Christian radio stations and podcasts across the United States. He's also written for various publications and is a regular speaker at retreats, conventions, family camps, online events worldwide, and on various social media channels.

"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. - Hebrews 13:2. The Bible gives us so much about practicing hospitality!  Jenny interviews author and expert at real-life hospitality, Annie McCune will tell you hospitality doesn't have as much to do with the table linens or the food as it does opening our heart to others.  Her book, Practicing Hospitality: The Joy and Grace of Loving Strangers takes us on the adventure of following Jesus! Hospitality breaks down barriers and blesses others, as well as ourselves. When we show hospitality to others, we follow Jesus' example of welcoming all to the table! God's loving Spirit has graced you with the Gift of Hospitality. Are you using it? Annie recounts the story of one such experience being alone in a foreign country in a recent TED/X talk she was selected to present.