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You most likely know someone who is estranged from their family.

How do we find healing when life pulls us apart?

Welcome to Staying Real About Faith & Family. If you’re looking for a community where you can get real about life without resistance, you’re in the right place. I’m Linda Goldfarb. Each week, my co-host Heather Greer and I, along with our guests, offer personal insight to encourage transparent living from a biblical viewpoint with practical applications. Staying Real with the Holy Spirit’s leading is what we’re all about. We pray today’s episode blesses you.

Today’s guest is Jodi LaRae Cunningham. Jodi is a mother of two adult children. She owns LaRae Faith Ballroom Fashions, is an Author Strategist with Authors on Mission, and has a master’s in divinity. Jodi is a licensed Chaplain with the International Fellowship of Chaplains. She assists 65-plus children in Mityana, Uganda, who live in the orphanage Artists Against Hunger. Jodi has helped give the girls a safe home and the boys a safe farm home.

The boys and girls in Mityana farm a 10-acre field. The field is named the Isaiah Faith Fields in honor of her estranged adult children. She hopes that all who hear this will know their value and will live a life abundantly full of good moments, solid friendships, and hope for today and the future.

We’re happy to have her join our conversation as we discuss – Estrangement: Healing for Mothers and Daughters.

LINKS

Email Jodi at JodiLaRaeCunningham@gmail.com for a free membership link to my Skool account and access to all videos. https://www.skool.com/estrangement-momsdaughters-9229

Check out Jodi's book - Estrangement: Healing for Mathers and Daughters

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Have you unlocked your inheritance?

Let’s Journey Together and spend a midweek Moment with Father.

I’m Linda Goldfarb, and I want to encourage and inspire your walk with the Lord. For more encouragement, please visit LindaGoldfarb.com. I’m so glad you’re here.

We usually consider an inheritance as something we receive after a loved one has passed away. Many people count on their inheritance to get them out of a bad situation, to satisfy a debt, and to make their dreams come true.

Growing up in a family of modest means, the thought of an inheritance never entered my mind. Earthly comforts were never denied me and my bookend brothers, yet we didn’t live an extravagant lifestyle. Our needs were met, our home was safe, and we were loved. My parents were hard workers who instilled in their children a mindset that you only get what you work hard for. An inheritance our families benefit from still today.

Yet, there is an inheritance each of us can unlock right now, and hard work on our part is not required.

God's grace and mercy provide us with a key to living hope in Jesus Christ. He is the key to unlocking an imperishable inheritance.

We read in 1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,”

Father's inheritance of love for us is undeniable—yet so many are not experiencing Him.

We all have loved ones who are hanging on by a thread, trying in their own might to make it through another day. The words of Truth we share with them can change the trajectory of their lives, unlocking an eternal inheritance. When we reach out in love to extend a hand of mercy, supportive grace, or a word of encouragement, we are, in essence, handing them a key to their inheritance.

Oh, my friend, the time is now. Let us choose to create memories of inheritance in the lives of our children, family, and friends. Let us share the truth of Christ as we gather together. The Living hope of our eternal inheritance.

How can you share Jesus with those you love?

Let’s journey together

Help me, Lord.
Remove any hesitation to share the Good News of Messiah.
Give me strength and wisdom.
Guide my thoughts and actions.
Open doors where I can lend a helping hand of mercy.
Provide moments where I can share my Jesus stories.
Thank You for Your Son. Thank You for the Holy Spirit.
May all I do bring You honor and glory.
In Christ, Your Son, by His power.
Hallelujah.

Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves; do what it says. James 1:22

May YHWH bless you, keep you, and guide you in all you do. Until next time, this is Linda Goldfarb, and I’m so glad we are on this journey together with Father.

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Are you a Grandparent who desires to develop great relationships with your grandchildren? Stay tuned as today’s guest helps us explore the adventures of spontaneous grandparenting…Staying Real About Faith & Family begins right now!

Welcome to Staying Real About Faith & Family. If you’re looking for a community where you can get real about life without resistance, you’re in the right place. I’m Linda Goldfarb. Each week, my co-host Heather Greer and I, along with our guests, offer personal insight to encourage transparent living from a biblical viewpoint with practical applications. Staying Real with the Holy Spirit’s leading is what we’re all about. We pray today’s episode blesses you.

Hey everyone...this is a solo interview today as I’m on-site at the FCWC. I’m so happy to have Linda Gilden join our conversation as we discuss – Spontaneous Grandparenting

Linda Gilden is an experienced bestselling writer, speaker, award-winning editor, marketer, speaking coach, ghostwriter, and writing coach. Author of 40 books and 1,500+ magazine articles, Linda believes that with our stories, we can change the world one word at a time and loves to encourage others through writing coaching and personal tutoring. Her newest book, Trading Shadows—Exchanging a Life of Secrets, Fear, and Doubt for a Life of Freedom with the Almighty, was released in November.

Linda’s greatest joy is time with her family, where their secret love note is folded potato chips. Her favorite activity is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by the cutest grandchildren in the world, which is great fodder for writing.

What is spontaneous Grandparenting?

Isn’t grandparenting supposed to be an extension of the parenting in the family?

So, shouldn’t grandparenting be different in many ways?

Today’s thought Consideration – Grandparents …you are needed and loved by God

LINKS
Linda Gilden

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Do you boast gladly of your weaknesses?

Let’s Journey Together and spend a midweek Moment with Father. I’m Linda Goldfarb, and I want to encourage and inspire your walk with the Lord. For more encouragement, please visit LindaGoldfarb.com. I’m so glad you’re here.

Shhh... I have weaknesses.

I’ve never gotten out of bed with the intent of shouting to the world, “Good morning, may I share my weaknesses with you?” In fact, the less anyone knows about my weaknesses, the better. Right?!?

Several of my weaknesses woke me up over the last week, and ignoring them was not an option.

As a get-it-done gal, I naturally move fast, work until the cows come home, and check off boxes with glee. Not so much of late.

And I’m struggling to be okay with my weaknesses. Can you relate?

Giggling out loud is the answer to my exposed weaknesses. Seriously. They are what they are, and denying the fact just doesn’t cut it.

I’m in tortoise mode.
The cows are coming home without me.
And most boxes are left unchecked.

And God.

Despite. No...

In the midst—of my weaknesses, God’s power prevails.

We read in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV).

And God is able to use every aspect of my life to reveal His power in and through me. Whoa! Imagine everything we see as a negative used to magnify the glory of God.

He is beyond amazing. He is our Everything.

What weakness do you want to boast about?
How are you seeing God in the midst of it?

Let’s journey together

Hello Father. What an amazing day You have given me.

One more opportunity to share Your Grace stories with friends and family.

Open my eyes to the wonder of Your Majesty.

Help me recognize Your hand at work in and through my weaknesses.

Remove negative thoughts preventing me from experiencing Your grace in a mighty way.

Use me, in my weaknesses, to glorify Your name.

Let the power of Christ rest on me today.

Hallelujah.

Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves; do what it says. James 1:22

May YHWH bless you, keep you, and guide you in all you do. Until next time, this is Linda Goldfarb, and I’m so glad we are on this journey together with Father.

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Is your marriage all you want it to be?

Today’s guest talks about the number one reason marriages are struggling today and what we can do about it.

Welcome to Staying Real About Faith & Family. If you’re looking for a community where you can get real about life without resistance, you’re in the right place. I’m Linda Goldfarb. Each week, my co-host Heather Greer and I, along with our guests, offer personal insight to encourage transparent living from a biblical viewpoint with practical applications. Staying Real with the Holy Spirit’s leading is what we’re all about. We pray today’s episode blesses you.

Hey everyone...this is a solo interview today. As I’m on-site at the FCWC, I’m so happy to have Patricia Hartman join our conversation as we discuss – Forensic Christian Living – What Makes or Breaks Your Marriage

As a forensic CPA for matrimonial law, Patricia Hartman has witnessed thousands of divorces and studied what makes or breaks marriages. She helped bring a marriage ministry to her area and wrote the ground-breaking book The Christian Prenuptial Agreement—a handbook for getting it right before or after the altar. And she is here today to help us take better care of our marriages.

l. What does a forensic CPA for matrimonial law do?

2. What would you say is the greatest problem in marriage today?

3. What can couples do to reinforce the vows they took?

LINKS
Do You Really Mean “For Better or Worse”? PDF

https://www.facebook.com/hartmancpa

https://patriciahartmanauthor.com

https://christianprenuptial.com

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Do you participate in mutual encouragement?

Let’s Journey Together and spend a midweek moment with Father. I’m Linda Goldfarb, and I want to encourage and inspire your walk with the Lord. For more encouragement, please visit LindaGoldfarb.com. I’m so glad you’re here.

For those who know me, this will not come as a shock; I'm a wordy girl. I admit it. I talk a lot.

I recognize silence as a vacancy sign that reads —“Please fill me with words!”

As a wordy girl, I use my voice to encourage others.

“Have a blessed day.”

“How may I pray for you?”

“I appreciate you.”

“Tell me more, I’m listening.”

How do you encourage others?

I am often encouraged by individuals who write cards, send emails, make phone calls, and such. How about you?

During my Bible study this morning, I read this timely truth from the book of Romans, “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” (1:11-12 ESV).

My thoughts gravitated to “that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” At that moment, I smiled.

I have several friends who encourage me with their faith.

Friends who, though going through great difficulties, shine with a light that surpasses their circumstances.

Friends who share their faith with abandon.

Friends who go out of their way to physically help others in need.

Friends who take the time to sit and listen.

Friends who walk out an others-first lifestyle.

How do others encourage you?

Father is quick to offer opportunities to encourage others with hope and kindness. How we respond to the opportunity can be a blessing indeed.

Let’s journey together.

Father, thank You for your truth.
Thank You for opening my eyes to the need for kindness in this world.
Thank you for touching my heart to reach out in faith and encourage those in need. Help me to take action. Help me to see your children as part of my family.
Guide me to live a life bigger than myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen, and amen. Hallelujah

Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves; do what it says. James 1:22

May YHWH bless you, keep you, and guide you in all you do. Until next time, this is Linda Goldfarb, and I’m so glad we are on this journey together with Father.

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How do you respond when life slows down?

Maybe you’re ready to embrace life at a slower pace. Today’s guest shares how we can see God in the slow lessons of life.

Welcome to Staying Real About Faith & Family. If you’re looking for a community where you can get real about life without resistance, you’re in the right place. I’m Linda Goldfarb. Each week, my co-host Heather Greer and I, along with our guests, offer personal insight to encourage transparent living from a biblical viewpoint with practical applications. Staying Real with the Holy Spirit’s leading is what we’re all about. We pray today’s episode blesses you.

Today’s guest is Kelly Brinkman, a working artist, author, and public speaker who uses her live pottery wheel studio at events. She came to faith in Jesus in her teen years by connecting her faith to art making. Kelly is the recipient of the 2024 Christian Independent Publishing Association 2024 Christian Indie Awards for the Christian Living Category and second place for the Christian Authors Network 2024 Excellence in Marketing Award for Physical Media. She serves as a writer, public speaker, and creative instructor in her community at her studio, Art & Souls Creative Studio. Her husband serves as a judge in their county, and they are raising their three school-aged children to know and love the Lord.

We’re happy to have Kelly Brinkman join our conversation about Seeing God in the Slow Lessons of Life.

Thought for today - Toss your clay in the bucket... God is reclaiming you!

LINKS
5 Ways to Creatively Study the Bible, featuring tools geared for visual and experiential learners (and ladies who like to have a little fun!).

Art & Souls Creative Studio

Art for the Soul: Growing Your Faith Through Creativity by Kelly Brinkman

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Are you excited to say grace?

Let’s Journey Together and spend a midweek Moment with Father. I’m Linda Goldfarb, and I want to encourage and inspire your walk with the Lord. For more encouragement, please visit LindaGoldfarb.com. I’m so glad you’re here.

Sam and I watched the past episodes of Blue Bloods, starring Tom Selleck, awaiting the new season. Our favorite scene in almost every episode is the Sunday family dinner.

Frank Reagan, Selleck’s character, asks who wants to say grace. Sometimes, there’s hesitation; other times, one of his kids or grandkids offers to lead out in thanking God for His provision.

The act of “saying grace” is said to originate from a couple of passages in Scripture.

Jesus said a blessing over the bread with His disciples. “When he was at (the) table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them” (Luke 24:30 ESV).

When Paul was a prisoner on a ship crossing the Adriatic Sea, a storm came up, and he encouraged the crew to eat to keep up their strength.

“And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat” (Acts 27:35 ESV).

What an honor it is to “say grace” before partaking in a meal, or a snack for that matter.

As a child, my daddy would bless the meal. As I grew and opportunities opened up, I would say grace, not often, but on occasion. Truth is, I really didn’t understand the privilege of saying a blessing over our food. To acknowledge God’s provision in my life.

All I have, all of it, is a blessing from God. Wow! What amazing grace we live under.

Out of curiosity, are you the first or last to volunteer to voice your thanksgiving to Father?

What holds you back from jumping at the chance to say grace?

Many of us hold back because we have no idea what to say.

Some hold back because we’ve heard grace spoken at mealtime yet have never experienced a grace-filled home.

Others have never been exposed to grace. True grace.

Here’s wonderful news: no matter our age, background, or biblical knowledge, we can all say, “Thank You, God. Amen.”

No pomp and circumstance required. A simple yet sincere thank you. Recognizing God as our Provider.

May we be forever grateful for God’s grace.

Let’s journey together

Heavenly Father, we thank You for all You give us this day.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves; do what it says. James 1:22

May YHWH bless you, keep you, and guide you in all you do. Until next time, this is Linda Goldfarb, and I’m so glad we are on this journey together with Father.

Staying Real Just Got Easier!
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