What happens when a simple money-saving idea transforms into a thriving online platform? Meet Crystal, the Money Saving Mom, who joins us to share her incredible journey from a tiny basement apartment to launching a successful financial career. Crystal's story is not just about financial triumphs but about embracing failures and staying true to one's unique calling. Through her experiences, she inspires listeners to pursue their passions and engage in conversations that matter.Balancing work,...
What can you learn from ordinary people doing extraordinary things? Find out as we celebrate both the Christmas season and the conclusion of Season 6 of Ordinary People Extraordinary Things. As we prepare to ring in 2025, we're thrilled to announce the exciting lineup of guests that will kick off Season 7 on January 5th, featuring thought-provoking stories and valuable insights. Get ready to be inspired by Brad Nelson from Walking the Text, whose teachings have made a profound impact on my fa...
Ever wondered how to tailor your parenting approach to fit each unique child in your family? Join us for a heart-to-heart with Dawn, a remarkable mother of nine from Iowa, whose journey of intentional parenting is nothing short of inspiring. Dawn opens up about the trials and triumphs of adapting her parenting style to nurture the distinctive hearts of each of her children. She underscores the importance of granting ourselves grace as parents, reminding us that flexibility and understanding a...
Today, we welcome Lauren to Ordinary People Extraordinary Things, where she shares her gripping story of resilience and faith. At just seven years old, her world changed dramatically when her father kidnapped her to Jordan, sparking a courageous rescue mission that would later inspire a movie.Join us as we recount the tense and emotional operation led by a team of former military personnel. This heart-pounding chapter of her life involved navigating cultural barriers, time-sensitive planning,...
Tom and Kathryn have turned their love for Christmas into a heartwarming ministry that lights up not just their home but the entire community. Over eighteen years, their festive display has grown into a spectacle spanning two acres with half a million lights. Initially a personal venture, it quickly became a beloved community tradition, offering joy when it was needed most, like during the pandemic. They share how their creative endeavor continues to evolve, capturing the essence of the...
Join us in celebrating the three-year anniversary of "Ordinary People Extraordinary Things" as we welcome back our very first guest, Kay. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience as she shares her evolution from enduring a painful divorce to achieving remarkable personal and professional growth. Kay's journey over the past three years highlights her pursuit of financial independence, career advancement, and spiritual well-being, offering hope and inspiration to all who face similar cha...
Have you ever wondered how small acts of kindness can ripple out to create significant change? Join me for a thoughtful conversation with Mike, the former mayor of Parker, as he shares his transformative journey from an average citizen to a community leader dedicated to empowering others. Mike's stories from his Cub Scout days remind us that leaving places better than we found them is a lesson that can shape a lifetime. We tackle the pressing issues of today, including how social media and te...
What happens when a devout faith is tested by the appeal of nightlife and poor choices? Curtis, our guest on this episode of Ordinary People Extraordinary Things, knows the answer all too well. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in ministry, Curtis carried his strong faith through homeschooling to public high school, proudly wearing the label of "Jesus freak" despite the teasing. Through small decisions, the absence of his accountability partner, and a decision on his 21st birthday that spi...
Ever struggled to trust God due to negative experiences with earthly fathers? Join us on this episode of "Ordinary People Extraordinary Things" as we sit down with Neil, our passionate guest and a proud Tar Heel, who shares his transformative journey of faith by forming genuine, transformative relationships. Our conversation delves into the struggle many face in trusting God due to negative experiences with their earthly fathers and offers insights on how separating divine perfection fro...
After a season of relentless migraines and unsettling numbness, Carrie discovered she had multiple sclerosis (MS). With raw honesty, Carrie talks about her fears and confusion, especially as a single mom with heavy responsibilities, and how she can now say, “I am grateful for the story God has given me.” The critical importance of community support is underscored, from practical help to emotional encouragement, and we delve into how to build meaningful relationships even when it feels dauntin...
What if you felt unworthy of love despite a steadfast belief in faith? Charles takes us on an emotional journey through his early life experiences, revealing how witnessing domestic violence and grappling with gender identity deeply impacted his sense of self and spirituality. His story is one of resilience, finding solace in faith, and ultimately realizing God's unwavering love and protection. From feeling unworthy to embracing divine purpose, Charles's heartfelt recount of his childhood tra...
Can introverts make an impact in faith outreach? You bet they can! We'll challenge the common misconception that only extroverts can be effective evangelists. Through compelling examples from the Bible, like Moses and Jacob, and personal anecdotes, we reveal how introverts can fulfill God's purpose through behind-the-scenes actions and meaningful one-on-one interactions. Understand why spiritual success isn't about the number of people reached but about serving your unique role in God's grand...
Ever noticed how society often equates an easy life with success, while faith teaches us to embrace life's challenges? We shine a light on the paradox of the American dream's promise of comfort versus the gospel's call to embrace our crosses. Reflect with us on Luke 9:23 and John 16:33, as we discuss the transformative power of facing adversity head-on. This episode is a heartfelt prayer for those feeling compelled towards daunting endeavors, reminding you that growth often stems from endurin...
Do we gossip more than we share the gospel? Join me on a reflective journey as we confront the stark reality of our words. Are we known for uplifting others, or do our conversations often tear down those around us? This episode encourages deep self-examination, challenging us to consider whether our words align with the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We'll uncover the significant harm caused by gossip, a seeming...
What if we could identify and dismantle the modern-day "high places" that hold us back from living balanced, meaningful lives? This episode takes a unique turn as we pause our usual guest interviews to reflect on a recurring theme from 2 Kings in the Old Testament. Nancy draws parallels between the ancient Israelites' struggle with idol worship and today's tendencies to either idolize or disparage ourselves and others. Through this lens, we challenge listeners to find a more balanced way of v...
“When the world gives you no hope whatsoever in a situation you have 2 options: you can completely turn away from God. Or you can say, The world gives me no hope, so I’m going to hang on to the one thing that will.” ~Amber HayesNavigating parenthood is often compared to embarking on an epic journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns. In our latest podcast episode, we delve into a family's extraordinary journey of love, resilience, and faith. Amber opens up about the challenges and...
Have you ever wondered how personal narratives shape our connections and build resilient communities? In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Gabriela, a scrappy and empathetic attorney whose journey of faith and determination will leave you inspired. Gabriela opens up about the pivotal role of community and storytelling in her life, sharing how her faith has been a beacon of hope during challenging times. Together, we explore the intricacies of maintaining faith in community after ex...
Have you ever stood at the crossroads of fear and faith, feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders? Our brave guest, Lincoln, guides us through these very intersections as he shares his stirring tale of early fatherhood, profound loss, and the rediscovery of grace. His voice, laced with raw emotion, paints a vivid picture of the turning point in his life that reignited his faith, which had weakened over time.Join us on a voyage through the heart's deepest chambers where familial bonds...
Have you ever sat down for a lunch that altered the trajectory of your life? Our guest Ann would answer with a resounding "yes," as she shares the unfolding of her remarkable journey from a simple meal to dedicating herself to the service of Haiti's most vulnerable. Ann's narrative is a stirring testament to the power of turning ordinary encounters into paths of profound change. Her annual pilgrimages to a Haitian village showcase the incredible difference one person's nurturing heart and ste...
This episode is a call to action—a reminder to look beyond ourselves and our immediate circles, to extend kindness to strangers, and to recognize the humanity in everyone we meet. It is a prompt to practice compassion and to understand that, in doing so, we not only transform the lives of others but also ourselves.In our fast-paced world, where time often feels like a scarce commodity, the episode also touches on the concept of divine intervention in our schedules. Nora discusses her belief t...