StoryTellers Live

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecc. 3:11   God’s timing in the plan of your life is everything. But what do you do as you wait for that plan to unfold? Today’s storyteller reminds you exactly what to do: you pray, you seek, and you trust!   Jessica Prier, from our Vestavia, Alabama, community, shares her journey of growing in her faith and in her gifting as she recalls the ways in which the Lord has led her to where she is today. If you’re in a season of needing guidance from the Lord, this story is going to remind you to have patience and know He is working behind the scenes to bring good to you and glory to Him.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - God places giftings and talents within each of us early on in life. - Sometimes, God closes a door and opens another one. - God wants to do immeasurably more than you could ask or imagine.   Links:   Listen to Jessica’s mother-in-law’s story-  Marilyn Prier- Ep. 15: "Giving God the Frat House"    Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Jessica and past storytellers   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content!   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!   Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story   Our 4th Annual Stories of Hope Luncheon is on March 12th!

“Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” John 21:25   When life doesn’t go as planned, do you get paralyzed by your circumstances, or do you focus on God and His past faithfulness? Today’s storyteller, Meghan Brown, from our Fairhope, Alabama community, will encourage you to see the love of God in the midst of life's twists and turns.   Through detours, disappointments, and a devastating loss, Meghan shares her story of learning the importance of looking intently for God’s goodness, especially when life's challenges leave you asking why.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:   - In challenging moments, focus on the characteristics of God. - There is a difference in believing what is true and resting in what is true… believe God’s plan is good because He is good. - Good things, hard things, and holy things can occupy the same space.    Links:   Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard   “Goodness of God” by Cece Winans     Listen to a similar story: Leslie Presson- Ep. 223: “Hope Blooms”   Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Meghan and past storytellers.   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a bonus story from Lacy Isbell of our Trussville, Alabama community!   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!   Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story   Our 4th Annual Stories of Hope Luncheon is on March 12th!

As believers in Jesus Christ, we know we are not immune to grief, but as believers in Jesus Christ, we grieve with hope - hope in life after death, a new world that awaits us, and an eternity filled with the glory of God.   Diane Lee, from our community group in Montgomery, Alabama, reminds us of these truths as she shares her journey of finding purpose in the loss of her daughter. This story will point you to the many promises found in God’s Word when you are walking through sorrow and suffering, and Diane’s joyful delivery will leave you strengthened in your faith and God’s love in the most heartbreaking of circumstances.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - In dealing with grief, allow God to be your strength. - Your suffering is never in vain. - Your pain can fuel your passion - use your story to glorify God and comfort others.   Links:   Do you need help with mental illness, or do you struggle with suicidal thoughts?   Wellspring Christian Clinic  Suicide Hotline   Listen to a similar story:  Toma Knight- Ep. 254: “Living In Light of Eternity.”   Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Diane and past storytellers.   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Q & A from the room after Diane shared her story.   Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!   Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings!   Our 4th Annual Stories of Hope Luncheon is on March 12th!

This Valentine’s Day week, we’re bringing you a couple’s story that is rare and raw. From our Homewood community, JT and Katie Thornbury openly share about the profound emptiness in their lives and marriage prior to knowing Christ—and how they miraculously came to know Him, together, well into their 30s.   For years, troubled pasts and past experiences influenced how JT and Katie approached life and faith. Plus, striving in their careers and in their parenting meant they usually focused on themselves and not on each other. But through a series of hard circumstances and intense searching, JT and Katie found their hearts and marriage healed by Him.   What better way to celebrate Valentine’s than to cheer on the Thornburys and their saved marriage? And even better, their secured salvation in Christ!   In this episode, you will learn:   –Without Christ’s loving direction, all areas of your life will bend toward emptiness.   –Seek Him and you will find Him; He can use your doubts to draw you to Himself.   –Even after we come to know Christ, every day requires surrender and dependence.   Links:   Reason for God by Tim Keller   Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis   The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel   Listen to a similar story:  Andrea & Greg Carlisle- Ep. 98: “Broken & Restored: A Marriage Story and  Sand & Oscar Price- Ep. Taste of Patreon   Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Katie & JT and past storytellers   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content   Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!   Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings!   Our 4th Annual Stories of Hope Luncheon is on March 12th!

Hannah Finch, of our Oxford community, always looked forward to married life and mom life. As the years crept by, however, she found herself decidedly single. Disappointment and sadness settled in her soul.    Hannah never expected the reality of singleness—in fact, she had bigger expectations of God, initially believing that if she did what God asked, He would deliver.    Listen as Hannah walks us through her important and profound journey of fighting for faith while living in singleness. It’s what she stakes her life on these days—but no one said it's easy. Hannah gets honest about her big feelings and unmet desires, and proves that accepting how we are made is what allows God to meet us where we are.    Do you need to hear that God doesn’t cause your disappointments, but is there when they happen? Hannah’s story will do your weary heart some good.   In this episode, you will learn:   –Sometimes, even the good desires God gives you may remain unrealized.   –God is in control. He is on your side, and He is not holding out on you.   –You can trust God’s heart even when you can’t see His hand.   Links:   The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis   Listen to a similar story:  Jenna Tyson- Ep. 90:  “The Gift of Waiting: A Story of Singleness”   Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Hannah and our past storytellers.   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus contact~ including a “Where Are They Now?” with past storyteller Whitney Hubbard from episode 26: “Gaining a New Heart and a New Perspective.”   Register for the online workshop being offered on February 6th-  Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story.   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings! Our 4th Annual Stories Of Hope Luncheon is March12th!

It’s February and we’re bringing you some love! Jeanne Anne Love, actually.    From our Vestavia community, Jeanne Anne and her heart transplant story are a perfect nod to American Heart Month—and to the lifelong goodness and faithfulness of her Heavenly Father.    For as long as she can remember, Jeanne Anne suffered heart issues and related illnesses. Though she lived a pretty normal childhood, come middle school, a heart transplant was needed.    As Jeanne Anne walks us through this story, what seem to be minor details suddenly resurface as major moments—and it's exciting! The Lord even brought Jeanne Anne comfort through a supernatural encounter.   Now, nearly 30 years after receiving a new heart, Jeanne Anne is working with heart patients and parenting a child with a cardiac condition. Listen and be encouraged that the Lord is working every detail of your every day.   In this episode, you will learn:   –In all your trials, God is right there with you.   –Be on the lookout for sweet reminders of His love and care throughout your hard journeys.   –You can trust God; He is intimately involved in every area of your life.   Links:    Listen to a similar story: Whitney Hubbard- Ep. 26: “Gaining A New Heart and a New Perspective”   Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Jeanne Anne Love   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a bonus story from Taylor Gindlesberger of our West Cobb community!   Register for the online workshop being offered on February 6th-  Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!   Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings!

Tuning into the Lord’s plans requires step-by-step surrender. In the case of Kahlie Metz from our Tulsa community, surrender was season to season and even state to state.   Kahlie shares about years of uprooting and change, including a rocky relationship with her father, lost friendships, and several moves. An actress and singer, Kahlie says to combat the spiral of busyness and stress that had become her life, she performed at home just as much as she performed on the job.   But as Kahlie started pouring into the Word, working on emotional wounds and taking her devastations to the Lord, she found peace even in her shakeups. He began speaking clearly to Kahlie through others, and her desires began aligning to His. This Scripture-filled story will remind you: He takes care of you!   In this episode, you will learn:   —His grace is always sufficient for you.    –You can trust Him to lead you through life.    –Lean into the Lord, and He will lean into you   Links:   Listen to a similar story:  Allison Holt- Ep. 253:  Look at What the Lord Has Done. Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Kahlie.   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a bonus story from Kim Currie of our Homewood community!   Register for our online workshop ~ Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story, offered on February 6th!   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!   Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings around the country!

Kelly Connelly, of our Vestavia community, tried to control (and cure) her husband’s addiction to prescription painkillers. It seemed like a perfectly reasonable response from a wife. Only, it wasn’t working—and life wasn’t letting up.   The substance abuse continued, and infidelity and divorce entered the scene, making Kelly’s life unmanageable for many years. But that was just it: her life was, actually, unmanageable. And admitting it made all the difference.   Kelly came to grips with her shame, perfectionism, and powerlessness through the help of a Bible-based Al-Anon group. She learned to live hope-filled and happy without “The Happy Ending.” When she began working on “me” and giving control over to the Lord, rich truths bloomed among very poor circumstances.   In the episode, you will learn:   –The Lord will redeem what the enemy has destroyed in your life.   –Shame snowballs and can cause you to feel alone. But you are never alone in Christ.   –When you come to God—and He wants you to—walls come down.   Links:   Listen to a similar story: Lindsay Morris- Ep. 2: "Supporting Her Spouse Through Addiction"   Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Kelly.   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Q & A from the room after Kelly shared her story. Register for the Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story workshop being offered on January 29th (live in Birmingham)-and February 6th (Online)!    Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!   Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings around the country!

Get ready for some real talk. This raw account of addiction and recovery is also packed with self-reflection and Scripture throughout. Join Kristy Bridgers of our Oxford community as she drills down to the truth in more ways than one.   Growing up with an alcoholic father and in a performance-based family culture, Kristy learned to function among secrets and to never ask for help. Into adulthood, with an unexpected pregnancy and stressful newlywed season, Kristy played the part, first putting out the “fires” in her life with caretaking and busy-ness—and eventually by numbing out with alcohol.    But when she got sober, Kristy gained a sober view of herself—and the unearned love of the Lord.    In this episode, you will learn:   –When all other measures of comfort fail (and they will), the Lord stands ready to comfort you.   –We are all recovering from something. Getting real with God and getting real with yourself leads to healing.    –You do not have to earn the Father’s favor; you are worthy of His love.   Links:   Listen to a similar story: Suzanne Jones- Ep. 69: "Overcoming Addiction"   Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Kristy.   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content ~ including an interview with social worker and clinician Tammy Bond from Wellspring Christian Clinic. She’ll be using her clinical background in addiction theory to answer Amy’s questions as it relates to alcohol addiction.    Register for the new workshop being offered on January 29th- Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!   Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings around the country!

Welcome to the New Year! Our kickoff story is all about new beginnings—but it’s not what you think. This truth-filled tale will inspire you to get your heart right for 2025.   Jane Menendez, of our Mountain Brook community, openly shares about a seed of bitterness that settled in her heart long ago. The seed grew into a grudge, which Jane watered and nursed for more than 15 years. Jane bears it all, covering a lawsuit, financial insecurity, and eventually confessing the repetitive ways she entertained resentment in her heart.   For decades, Jane tried hard to love, and she tried hard to forgive. Ultimately, only a right view of her own sin could bring about change. As you listen to how Jane learned to face the truth of herself, we think you’ll do some necessary soul-searching, too.   In this episode, you will learn:   –The Lord will show you your sin, but He will also show you His love and faithfulness.   –Repentance is uncomfortable but freeing.   –If you’re feeling stuck in your situation, you can candidly ask the Lord to help you forgive. Links: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers Listen to a similar story:  Ep. 72- Ivy Holmes: “Freedom of Forgiveness.” Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Jane.   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a “Continue The Conversation” with the podcast hosts!   Register for the new workshop being offered on January 29th-  Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith   Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates!

Happy New Year! 🎉 As January kicks off, we at StoryTellers Live wish you a wonderful start to new beginnings and pray God's blessing and favor on you in 2025. We have another incredible repost story for you today, featured in the "When God Shows Up—Discovering God in Stories of Faith" Bible study.   87-year-old Doris Slappey, whose story was originally aired on 9/27/23 as Episode 239, shares her amazing life journey and how God met her when she needed Him most. Through vulnerability and humility, Doris' story will teach you about the pursuing love of our Heavenly Father - the perfect reminder we all need as the new year begins!   Listen to Doris’ original episode- Ep. 239:  “God’s Power in Surrender.”   Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Doris.   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content.    Shop for our When God Show Up Bible Study series~ including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Sign up for StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates~ including details on our new workshop offered in January, Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story.

Merry Christmas from the StoryTellers Live Team! We hope you are having a wonderful holiday with your family and friends as you celebrate the birth of our Savior. Today's story is a repost that originally aired on 2/1/23 as EP 214 and is also highlighted in our new Bible study, "When God Shows Up—Discovering God in Stories of Faith."   Anna Gualano, from our community group in Vestavia, Alabama, shares her journey of being born with brittle bone disease and living in and through the challenges she has faced. Her inspiring story will remind you that you are uniquely made, your life has immense value, God is consistently purposeful, and He's always working in the waiting.   We know her story will encourage you this Christmas season!   Listen to Anna's original episode -  Ep. 214: "God is Working in the Waiting"   Give to StoryTellers Live Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content. Shop for our When God Show Up Bible Study series~ including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Sign up to receive the StoryTellers Live newsletter for updates~ including details on our new workshop: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story

We are just one week away from Christmas, and we have the perfect story to celebrate how the Light of the world can bring hope and healing in the darkest of situations!   Patti Davis, from our Raleigh, NC community group, experienced unimaginable abuse and neglect as a child and as an adult. As a result, Patti absorbed lies deep into her heart and soul. Yet, in the middle of spiritual darkness and dark nights in general, the Lord put Himself between Patti and her depression. When she felt the most alone, He provided a specific plan, some great friends, and His healing presence.   You will be truly touched to hear quotes from Patti’s time-worn journal as she recounts a season when she learned to ask for help and how friends showed up in droves! Spoiler alert: this story is an all-out spiritual battle, and God wins.   In this episode, you will learn:   – You are weak, and He is strong. You will receive His power when you focus on Him.   – Sometimes, God empties us out to make room for something new. He longs to renew, restore, and regenerate you.   – Bring your disappointments to God, get real with Him, and ask all the questions. He will speak to you.  You are never alone!   Links: Listen to a similar story:  Ep. 290 - Jenny Strickland:  “God’s Healing in a Story of Mental Illness.” Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Patti   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including Amy Grote’s discussion with Ashley McMakin of Ashley Mac’s Kitchen!  Some valuable insights on how to elevate your holiday gatherings (keeping it easy and enjoyable!) await you!   Shop for our When God Show Up Bible Study series   Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates!

Today, we hear from past storyteller Brynn Rogel Knox, who shared her story of recovery from addiction in Episode 120. Four years later, Brynn’s once troubled life has been enhanced by sobriety—but troubles have come in a different form.   In one year’s time, Brynn saw the loss of her father and father-in-law and a pregnancy. Tragedy, regrets, and unknowns threatened to topple her peace and derail her progress. But God.   In would-be moments of weakness, the Lord detoured Brynn’s thoughts and replaced her desires with His strength. He even blessed her with new and rich relationships and experiences. These days, instead of being numb, Brynn faces all the feelings. Listen and learn how God continues to write Brynn’s story (and yours!).   In this episode, you will learn:   – Struggles will come your way that you may never understand, and that’s okay.   – Walking with the Lord allows you to put your priorities in place.   – Beautiful things emerge when you face your hardships in light of His faithfulness.   Links:   Listen to Brynn’s original story:  Ep. 120-  “God is Not Disappointed in You” Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Brynn   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including Amy Grote’s discussion with Alieta Casey on stress-free, budget-friendly tips and tricks for Christmas decorating! Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the third in the trilogy recently released, Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates.  You’ll also find details on the new workshop Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story

12/4/2024 StoryTellers Live is launching our 300th episode today (yes, you read that right!), and we’re praising the Lord for what he’s done through the ministry. All week long our team has been remembering the good while anticipating the great things to come. And this blessed rhythm of looking back and looking forward is just what you’ll hear from Laurel Henson, of West Cobb, in her story about love after loss.   When Laurel’s first husband died of cancer, she became a widowed mother of three at age 36. Laurel was grieving but grinding, saying “I’ve got this” to God on the regular. As the Lord redemptively paved the way for new love, Ephesians 3:20 shone brightly in her world: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”   Listen to Laurel and you'll breathe in the precious providence of God. After all, He is sovereign over not just the bitter details of life, but the sweetest ones, too.   In this episode, you will learn:   – The Lord is always working in your waiting.   – He can redeem the hardships in your life and work them for good.   – When we partner with God by trusting in Him, He will do much more than we think or imagine. Links:   LIsten to a similar story: Ep. 1- Sarah Beth Hagler:  “Finding Joy After Losing Her Husband” Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Laurel Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a bonus story from Tupelo native Francis Johnson!  And… surprises are coming this month for our insiders!   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study Series  Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates!