MAKE LIFE MATTER: Warrior Mother – with Victoria Riollano
Victoria Riollano, mom of 8, knows it’s not easy raising faithful kids in the world today
Victoria Riollano, mom of 8, knows it’s not easy raising faithful kids in the world today
By being a good neighbor, we open our hearts and homes to unexpected blessings and the joy of shared experiences.
What do you do when you find yourself embedded in a narcissistic church culture? Should the leadership be removed altogether or can restoration happen and the leaders continue to lead? What would it take to change the culture? Who is at fault when narcissistic leadership emerges?
Each month I’ll take you behind the scenes of ministry, adventures, things I’m loving, and insights God’s downloading.
How do we get so caught up and miss what is actually happening right in front of our faces? How do we miss the people who are being hurt, disowned, and even excommunicated by the organization that we have given our lives to? How do we allow narcissism to run rampant in our churches and community?
In Loving Samaritans, pastor Terry Crist demonstrates how it’s possible to live a life of radical inclusivity without compromising one’s beliefs or the truth of the Gospel.
Part 35 – If living Whole-Brained is truly how God created us, why don’t we? Why does it seem so hard to live relationally? What are we missing, or is this really just an unrealistic utopian dream? Or does it simply come back full circle to maturity?
Acknowledging our flaws and struggles creates a bond of shared humanity.
Imagine writing love letters to the man in the future whom you will one day marry but have yet to meet. Cally talks about embracing singleness, waiting for God’s best, and celebrating God’s plans for you right now.
Love never turns the handle on the wound and risks placing an embarrassed or hurt person further out in the spotlight.
Part 34 – Tennison and Ginelle continue their conversation about practical skills that, when practiced, will help you live more relationally aware and mature. They will also talk about what your results could be when these skills are practiced.
Like so many of us, Bible study mentor Sarah Frazer found herself saying, “God, this wasn’t part of the plan. I didn’t sign up for this.”
Thankfully, there will be times when your heart connects deeply with another.
Part 33 – If living Whole-Brained is truly how God created us, why don’t we? Why does it seem so hard to live relationally? What are we missing, or is this really just an unrealistic utopian dream? Or is it simply, we don’t have the relational skills?
In the face of unthinkable circumstances, Noree Bowbeer’s uncommon courage gave the gift of life to her son, Christian Johnson.
Part 32 – In this episode, Tennison and Ginelle will be discussing what Whole-Brained relational mature pastors and leaders look like. What character traits that we should be looking for, and be seen, in our leaders. What is the purpose of the titles, Apostle, Pastor, Prophet, Teacher, Evangelist, that we give our leader
Is unbridled freedom dividing America?
Part 31 – Join Tennison and Ginelle as they begin to unpack Whole-Brained Christianity. In this episode, they will revisit the 4 ingredients for healthy soil and what a Whole-Brained church could look like.
Stephanie Rousselle’s hope-filled story as a former atheist to the founder of Gospel Spice Ministries is unforgettable. She helps us to start this year by trusting the goodness of God.
Part 30 – Join Tennison and Ginelle as they discuss the ways to protect your community from the disease of narcissism, the importance of a mature community, and the formula needed to eradicate this disease from our churches, communities, and family.
Do you feel too busy to pray? Then you’re invited to find REST in God’s loving presence. Today’s guest, Asheritah Ciuciu, offers you a respite from your spiritual to-do list in her book, Prayers of Rest: 365 Prompts to Hear God’s Voice.
Jesus prayed all night about who to choose as His twelve friends and He made them His family.
Part 29 – Join Tennison & Ginelle as they discuss and dissect these two very different ways to operate in enemy mode, the effects of each, and what is happening in your brain and the brain of the narcissist while this is happening.
How do we exchange hurt for hope? As a recovered drug addict, stage-four cancer survivor, and former widow, Sheryl fought anxiety, depression, and despair for years before understanding her identity in Christ.
Part 28 – Self-justification can come in many forms, everything from, “You’ll never understand in a million years!” to “How dare you question me!” to ” God told me to do this.”
Alisa Childers helps us understand progressive Christianity, deconstruction, and the non-negotiables of faith in Jesus Christ.
Part 27 – Join Tennison and Ginelle as they continue to unpack the relational infection known as narcissism. What are the effects on the people who are under the leadership of a narcissist?
Cancer touches everyone and yet churches are often under-equipped. How can cancer be a blessing? How do we best minister to cancer patients and caregivers?
Part 26 – Believe it or not, we actually look for, find, put in leadership, and hire people with major narcissist tendencies and call them strong leaders and follow them blindly. All while there is a wake of destruction behind them.
Today’s episode offers encouragement to any woman praying about a call to ministry.
Part 25 – How do shame and narcissism intersect? What happens when people are not taught how to metabolize shame? Join Tennison and Ginelle as they continue their conversation on the relational infection. In this episode, they will continue to unpack this disease and the motivations behind the actions and motives of the narcissist.
Heated arguments between keyboard warriors, “unfriending” family or friends who believe differently than us, and wars on the international stage—our world is full of conflict. Dr. Oletha Barnett believes God created diversity far beyond race and that He designed diversity, which can often lead to conflict, to grow us, and give us opportunities to practice biblical principles. Through that, we can find unity.
Part 24 – Narcissism may not be what you think is actually very easy to overlook and encourage. Sometimes it is hard to recognize until it is too late. The church, in its current structure, is the perfect breeding ground for narcissism to grow, thrive, and return if the relational connection of its people is not strong. Join Tennison and Ginelle as they begin to unpack this insidious disease.
Episode #199 – Today’s episode is a much-needed candid conversation for anyone who is tired of hustling and never feeling enough, and longing to truly embrace grace. Blake helps us know how to take a bold stand for Christ in today’s contentious culture.
Part 23 – SIn this episode, Tennison and Ginelle finish their conversation on healthy correction by taking a good look at toxic shame and why it must be rejected at all costs! The power of shame was never meant to be welded the way most commonly do. But until God’s way becomes the norm, we must recognize and reject shame and correction that is toxic in its nature.
If you want to thrive instead of strive in your marriage in 2024, this episode is for you! Christa Hardin, MA, is a relationship expert, author, and podcast host. We talk about practical ways we can better understand and support each other.
Part 22 – Shame is an emotion that God has hardwired into in our brain, so we must learn how to use it. Join us as we unpack this controversial thought and see how God has designed us to feel shame but not wear it.
Episode #197 – Carol shares her powerful story and helps us: 1) Make hope-filled choices during a crisis, 2) Understand the value of community, and 3) Relinquish control and trust God with our children and circumstances.
Part 21 – Correction is necessary to shape and mold character. However if it is not done in a healthy way, it will cause more hurt, and division in your relationships. Join Tennison and Ginelle and they begin to unpack what healthy correction looks like and why it is so important.
We talk about this unique science fiction-romance inspired by the book of Job and Brock’s own story of faith, hope in grief, and staying true to your calling.
Part 20 – Today’s episode will focus on the how of healthy group Identity. It starts with a group identity statement that says, “We are a people that…..”
Are you concerned about raising children and grandchildren in today’s cultural climate? How can prayer release heaven on earth? Sharon Jaynes helps us know how to use the words of Scripture to pray powerfully and purposefully over our children.
Part 19 – Today’s episode will focus on the how of healthy group Identity. It starts with a group identity statement that says, “We are a people that…..”
Episode #197 – Carol shares her powerful story and helps us: 1) Make hope-filled choices during a crisis, 2) Understand the value of community, and 3) Relinquish control and trust God with our children and circumstances.
Part 18 – Healthy group identity is something that is very important to have a strong community and something that is not normally talked about. Join Tennison and Ginelle as they begin the conversation about healthy group identity, who forms it, what it is, and how it is formed.
How do we hold onto our faith through pain and suffering? Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a hope concierge!
Part 17 – Join Tennison and Ginelle as they discuss some very easy ways that churches and community build their group identity around very toxic and potentially destructive things. These usually start as a “great way to minister” to a group of people, but if gone unchecked you can begin to identity yourself as your malfunction, (who we are when we are not acting like ourselves.)
Julie Seals left her life as a drug addict and dealer behind and now inspires and challenges people from all walks of life to encounter, know, and live for Jesus.
This kind of friendship recognizes that God has great plans for each person.
Part 16 – In this episode, Tennison and Ginelle will be talking about different ways we try to form strong group identities that are, in reality, very weak and shallow. These group identities have missed the mark on who we should be identifying with and do not help us transform into who God has designed us to be.
Many women carry the pain of insecurity and loneliness. In She’s Not Your Enemy, popular blogger and podcast host Jenn Schultz helps us know how to combat the lies of our real enemy and see ourselves the way God sees us.
Part 15 – What if Jesus was constantly creating Identity statements for His followers to grab ahold of? What if the Sermon on Mount was one big identity statement? How would that change how we read it? Tennison and Ginelle will discuss these questions and more in this episode.
In the thick of Alaskan adventures, Steve Jamison heard the voice of God for the first time, calling him into ministry, and realized there’s no greater thrill than discovering God’s calling on your life.
Immanuel Journaling is a simple way to improve your awareness of God’s presence and understand His goodness. The practice will build a secure attachment to God and strengthen your identity.
Without sugarcoating or ignoring the darkness of our world, former national sportscaster and speaker Rachel Joy Baribeau shows us how to chase, find, and keep the joy in life.
Living in a constant state of appreciation is crucial for our own well-being and the deepening of our relationships.
Episode #196 – What is your “something?” Angie Grant teaches us that not everyone is called to foster and adopt, but we can all do something.
Part 14 – In every relational interaction we have, we are always asking two questions; Who are we, and How is it like my people to act? The answers to these questions come from the group of people you belong to, and your relational experiences with those people. These actions, responses, expressions, happen pre-consciously and reveal your character.
What is your “thing”? Surely, there is a better way to view it than through a lens of striving and worldly achievement.
God created us as relational beings, and throughout Scripture, we see the importance of living in community.
Part 13 – What is it? Why is it so important? How is it formed? Did Jesus create a Group Identity? What happens when Group Identity is shallow or toxic? These questions and more will be answered over the next several podcasts as they unpack Group Identity.
What does it mean to be blessed? Are Christians entitled to happiness, fulfillment, and perfect peace?
Everyone wants to experience the connection of healthy and meaningful communication.
Part 12 – In this episode, we will focus on how “Sharing weakness and being vulnerable” in safe community builds Hesed. We also introduce how narcissism directly opposes Hesed and why narcissist people are threatened by it.
How do we continue to live our lives with purpose when things don’t look the way we thought they should?
Part 11 – Hesed is the relational glue that holds us together. That glue does not apply itself to your relationships. Building Hesed just doesn’t happen on its own. It takes intentional time and practice. Listen in as we begin a conversation and talk through the four ways to build Hesed in your community.
There is a direct correlation between how much joy you experience and how deeply connected you are.
The new film, Never Give Up, shares Brad Minn’s inspirational true story and encourages us to push past any barrier to make our lives matter.
Part 10 – If Hesed is lacking fear, shame, weakness, withdrawal, and performance will rule. Join us as we conclude our conversation and answer the question, How much Hesed is in your community?
Simple ways to promote friendships in your life.
Episode #195 – A homeschool mom of four boys, Monica Swanson is the author of Boy Mom and the host of the Boy Mom Podcast. Her popular website offers blogs and tips for parenting and healthy living.
God knows what I’ve been through, the traumas I’ve faced, and what has shaped me to make the choices I make.
Once we see and understand who and what God truly is, He will cease to be how we acquire our treasure and become our treasure.
We can love people where they are while letting God move them where He wants them to go.
Episode #194 – This episode is for parents who are tired of their children being grumpy, distracted, disobedient, and dependent on tech; want to prioritize family time by removing the temptation and distraction of technology: and don’t know how to unhook their family from technology and are fearful of the outcome.
Once we see and understand who and what God truly is, He will cease to be how we acquire our treasure and become our treasure.
Episode #193 – Nicole shares how she chose to pursue a life of anticipation and invites readers to join her on the quest to release fear that hinders our delight, savor the joy of our present life, and find our God-given courage to celebrate.
People that live in this posture believe that God exists to supply what we need or desire. Receiving God’s gifts is the entirety of our relationship with Him. They have reduced God to a Genie to grant us our desires.
Episode #192 – While ALS continues to add physical limitations to Tony Nunez and has deteriorated his body, Tony and his wife, Cori, know God is faithful and has a purpose in all things and are pressing forward through this diagnosis to serve the students and further the gospel at all costs.
Part 9 – Hesed is the relational glue that binds us together. If Hesed is present in your community you will find love, connection, identity, and belonging. If Hesed is lacking fear, shame, weakness, withdrawal, and performance will rule. How much Hesed is in your community?
Episode #191 – When it comes to the third person of the Trinity, many Christians’ views are murky at best. The Holy Spirit has been misunderstood, marginalized, and even maligned. But what if a relationship with the Holy Spirit is the missing link to a fulfilling spiritual life?
People that live in this posture believe that God exists to supply what we need or desire. Receiving God’s gifts is the entirety of our relationship with Him. They have reduced God to a Genie to grant us our desires.
Episode #189 – In her new book, Holding On When You Want to Let Go, Sheila Walsh talks openly about how the global pandemic magnified and exacerbated her struggles and how she continues to hold on to hope each day.
Part 8 – Hesed/Attachment is so important in creating identity. Our connection to God is directly connected to our connection, positive or negative, with the people around us.
Tired of the dieting roller coaster? Laura Acuña understands. She lived the cycle of shame and defeat for almost 50 years … until the Lord set her free.
Living a LIFE OVER GOD means that there is no room or need for God. Our desire to control our environment and mitigate our fears no longer requires appeasing God. Instead, we view the universe as a machine that we can understand.
I’ve learned far more from being outside of a “click” than I probably ever learned from being inside of one.
Some of us feel like donkeys in a world that celebrates racehorses—the shiny and flashy success stories that make us question our own worth and abilities. But life isn’t about competing for gold medals. It’s about discovering our mettle—understanding our unique strengths and using them to mine all the gold that’s already within us.
Our spirit longs to walk in the light, but often, we fall into the darkness of doubt and disbelief.
Living WITH God Series – In this episode, Tennison and Ginelle’s conversation centers around what living a LIFE UNDER GOD looks like, presented in the book ‘WITH: Reimagining The Way You Relate to God’ by Skye Jethani.
We need a community of closely committed friends who will support us even when we feel paralyzed.
Are you ready to say goodbye to what holds you back? Wife, mom, Author, and TV show host Krissy Nelson helps us shatter walls so we can truly believe what God says about us.
LIFE WITH GOD is different because its goal is not to use God; its goal is God. Join Tennison and Ginelle as they begin their new series Living With God.
How do we develop resilience to live, love, and finish well?
Part 7 – God’s plan for his creation was never for us to be “saved” or “born again”, it was and is for us to be attached to Him with a bonded or sticky love. He also intended for us to be attached to each other in this same way. So what does it mean to be deeply attached or bonded to God, yourself, and others?
Christina shares her powerful personal story and helps us implement healthy discipleship practices to grow deeper in our walk with Christ and develop longevity for the long haul.
Part 6 – What are some practices and practical things that you can do to begin cultivating a Joy Fueled community? Listen as Tennison and Ginelle talk about the practical things that they have begun to incorporate into their rhythms of life to create a Joy Fueled community.
Chris Swain started writing a book on family discipleship but unexpectedly passed away before he could finish. Knowing this was Chris’ passion, his wife Melissa took the reins and finished ”Write It On Their Hearts: Practical Help for Discipling Your Kids.”
Part 5 – Joy is the first ingredient for strong, healthy, transformative communities. So many churches/communities function without joy as their fuel. The result is usually a community fueled by fear, shame, and performance where true transformation is not produced.
God provides secure attachment for us and invites us to develop deep connections with others.