MAKE LIFE MATTER: Captivated by God’s Love – Nonda Houston
Can you imagine what might change if we truly lived captivated by God’s love?
Join Bible teacher and author Angela Donadio for compelling conversations with leading voices that will inspire you to discover miracles in the messiness of life and ground your worth in the Word instead of the narrative of the world. Filled with insights from her vast ministry experience and adventures, this is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to make their life matter no matter what.
Can you imagine what might change if we truly lived captivated by God’s love?
Victoria Riollano, mom of 8, knows it’s not easy raising faithful kids in the world today
Each month I’ll take you behind the scenes of ministry, adventures, things I’m loving, and insights God’s downloading.
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.
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.
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.”
In the face of unthinkable circumstances, Noree Bowbeer’s uncommon courage gave the gift of life to her son, Christian Johnson.
Is unbridled freedom dividing America?
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.
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.
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.
Alisa Childers helps us understand progressive Christianity, deconstruction, and the non-negotiables of faith in Jesus Christ.
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?
Today’s episode offers encouragement to any woman praying about a call to ministry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How do we hold onto our faith through pain and suffering? Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a hope concierge!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is your “thing”? Surely, there is a better way to view it than through a lens of striving and worldly achievement.
What does it mean to be blessed? Are Christians entitled to happiness, fulfillment, and perfect peace?
How do we continue to live our lives with purpose when things don’t look the way we thought they should?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
How do we develop resilience to live, love, and finish well?
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.
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.”
Angela sits down with Don Johnson of Filter of Hope to talk about her amazing mission trips with them to Costa Rica and how we can be involved in providing clean water and the love of Christ around the world.
After years of training polo horses and working as a flight attendant, hairdresser and bartender, Lisa Boucher reconstructed her life and settled in as a registered nurse. For the past twenty-seven years, she’s worked with hundreds of women to help them overcome alcoholism, live better lives and become better parents.
There comes a time when every child steps into adulthood and begins making their own choices. So, how can today’s parents continue to guide their adult children, even if they disagree with their kids’ decisions?
Sibil Fox and Robert Richardson are a New Orleans-based couple who endured 21 years as an incarcerated family and whose story is told in the acclaimed, award-winning documentary TIME. Together they have six sons and continue their advocacy for incarcerated families.
What if this year could bring your greatest adventure? You’re invited to join Tabitha Deller on the adventure of drawing near to God.
This conversation helps us stop feeling intimidated by theology and live awakened to the truth and known by God.
What if the unexpected delays and detours in your life are not random?
Many Christians believe that the Bible is the Word of God but never actually read it. Or they may read bits and pieces, one verse or passage at a time, but struggle to apply it to their daily lives. What if we could change that this year?
What is the path to a life of abundance and blessing that isn’t what we expected? We all want a blessed life, but we often search for it in the wrong places.
Dr. Sasha shares insights from her new book, Brave Boundaries: Strategies to Say No, Stand Strong, and Take Control of Your Time to help us move from simply surviving to thriving.
Ever wonder if God is good when life is not? Angela sits down with her hero – her father, Rev. Hubert Morris, the co-author of their brand-new book, “Brave Enough to Believe – How the Life of Doubting Thomas Answers Our Hard Questions.”
Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone and into your calling in 2023? You will love this conversation with Mary Snyder!
What’s holding you back? The risk? The unknown? The unwillingness to shake up the comfortable status quo? Whatever it is, if you’re not in God’s best place, you’re missing out on something great. The Lord is calling you into a Promised Land.
Although we may not know what the future holds, Dr. Robert Morgan helps to demystify end-time events and the book of Revelation through his comprehensive, yet easy-to-understand, The 50 Final Events in World History: The Bible’s Last Words on Earth’s Final Days.
For those who have lost a baby through miscarriage or stillbirth, a subsequent pregnancy can be a time filled with anxiety, fear, and doubt. Today on the podcast, Jenny Albers shares her story of not only experiencing one pregnancy loss but two.
Susie Larson shares her powerful story and encourages us to trust God for victory.
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.
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.
Author and New York Times best-selling ghostwriter Kyle Duncan spent three weeks in Poland and western Ukraine earlier this year to capture and compile true stories into Hope for Ukraine.
Alisa Childers helps us understand progressive Christianity, deconstruction, and the non-negotiables of faith in Jesus Christ.
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?
Today’s episode offers encouragement to any woman praying about a call to ministry.
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.
Episode #51 – In Holley Gerth’s own words, she likes humans, words, and good coffee. She knows what it’s like to fight anxiety and depression, perfectionism and insecurity, doubt and burnout.
Episode #50 – Candace Payne is an author, speaker, podcast host, and a viral sensation whose Facebook Live video of trying on a Chewbacca Mask became the most-viewed Facebook Live video to date (collectively over 300 million views). Also known as“Chewbacca Mom,” she has been featured in more than 3,000 media outlets and has interviewed with major media such as “Good Morning America,” The LateLate Show James Corden,” The New York Times, and PEOPLE.
This conclusion of the Best of Season 1 3-Part Series features excerpts from conversations with Amy Carroll, Alisha Illian, and Sue Duffield. These impacting moments will help you balance a tender heart and a strong voice, ground your identity in Christ, and embrace the healing power of humor.
Sometimes our undone moments are God’s intended miracles. Perhaps nowhere is this more true than in Mary and Joseph, the central characters in the Christmas story. Unexpected. Uninvited., Undone. Yet exactly what God intended.
Episode #49 – In this 4-part Series, Angela looks at the lives of Jesus, Elijah, David, and Ruth, and shows us how we can move from desert to destiny. In today’s episode on the life of Jesus and His desert experience, we learn to recognize the ways we are tempted, resist temptation through Scripture, and realize God is propelling us to destiny.
Angela shares some of the most memorable moments of Season 1, exciting updates, and a sneak peek into Season 2 launching in February! Part 1 of the Best of Season 1 3-Part Series features excerpts from conversations with Carol McLeod, Jessie Seneca, Manouchka Charles, and Dr. Hakeem Collins. These impacting moments will encourage you to move forward in 2021 with confidence in God no matter what.
Angela shares some of the most memorable moments of Season 1, exciting updates, and a sneak peek into Season 2 launching in February! Part 1 of the Best of Season 1 3-Part Series features excerpts from conversations with Carol McLeod, Jessie Seneca, Manouchka Charles, and Dr. Hakeem Collins. These impacting moments will encourage you to move forward in 2021 with confidence in God no matter what.
Episode 44 – Tammie Southerland is a strong voice that empowers others to live passionately for Christ. However, drugged and raped as a freshman in college, trauma shut her down and shut her up—until God intervened.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Episode #189 – Jennifer Rothschild became blind at age fifteen and now helps others live beyond limits. Jennifer is a nationally known author, speaker and Bible study teacher who has written 17 books.
Episode #188 – While the Make Life Matter podcast is on a summer break, enjoy this repost of one of my favorite episodes!
Episode #187 – Abby Johnson was Planned Parenthood’s Employee of the Year in 2008, but she walked away from her job after witnessing the abortion of a 13-week-old fetus during an ultrasound-guided abortion.
Episode #186 – In 2018, Manouchka was involved in a horrific car accident that put her life at risk. Faith, and those around her, helped Manouchka get through this difficult season of her life. Through her testimony, she is encouraging and has a great impact on the lives of people around the world.
Episode #185 – God knew you before you were born. He created you on purpose and with purpose. Angela Donadio shares a timely and poignant message of truth, healing, and hope, for anyone living in the shadow of abortion and for those seeking a Biblical perspective on the sanctity of life.
Episode #184- Dave Roever helps us to move past bitterness, embrace life, and maintain a sense of humor even in adversity. In over 50 years of full-time ministry, he has shared Jesus Christ with millions of people, seeing them transformed by the Word of God.
Episode #183 – Author and Speaker Tracey Mitchell is here to help us know how to step out of the shadows and into God-confidence, stop top letting betrayal steal our dreams, and awaken courage in others.
Episode #182 – JT Jester shares his incredible story of how he overcame what seemed like insurmountable medical odds to make life matter as an adventure enthusiast who encourages us to embrace challenges, find our tribe, and live by the motto that there are no bad days – only hard ones.
Episode #181 – The Forgotten Pandemic is a short but compelling documentary that sheds light on how opioid addiction has quietly become a pandemic in the United States. It also offers stories of hope and freedom through Christ-centered recovery.
Episode #180 – Is it possible to fearlessly, sincerely, and intentionally pursue a life in Christ as a modern young woman? Cally Logan is a fresh voice of encouragement for women longing to navigate today’s challenges with authentic faith.
Episode #179 – Our hearts and minds are reeling this week here in the United States after the horrific shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. What do we do when our expectations are shattered? This short devotion encourages our fragile hearts and reminds us that we can truly experience hope in heartache.
Episode #178 – What do you do when you’re suddenly navigating a life you didn’t sign up for? Lisa Appelo understands deeply. She’s experienced the raw emotions and uncertainty that come when everything falls apart.
How well do you know the Holy Spirit? How real is He in your everyday life? Becky Thompson, bestselling author, and creator of the Midnight Mom Devotional (a community gathering of more than one million moms in nightly prayer,) invites us into a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit.
In this very special episode, I sit down with filmmaker Tracy Robinson to talk about the award-winning documentary, The Matter of Life. The leading human rights issue of our day, one million babies die by abortion in the United States every year.
How can you celebrate and thank the mom in your life for all she does? The one who has loved you as a mom or is the mom of your children deserves to know how valuable she is.
An overwhelming majority of Americans feel defeated and alone, struggling in our current times of crisis and uncertainty. My guest today puts language to it – soul fatigue.