Your Story With Melinda

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLPbqFy2KCA This week's story is from best-selling author and motivational speaker, Jay Payleitner. You'll walk away from this episode with some quick tips and easy ways to better connect with your kids, as well as some sneaky strategies to engage your kids when you're super busy. Jay has written more than 20 books that have sold over half a million copies all about parenting, family life, and connecting with God through it all. What we talk about: * his backstory and how he got started * what children really need in life * sneaky strategies to raise great kids * how to more effectively enter their world * the importance of setting limits and why it helps * what children want most from their parents * making your kids your hobby * more quick tips and parenting hacks "Moms and Dads, you think your kids don't want to spend time with you. But with the right tools and right opportunities they do." Episode Links Connect with Jay Payleitner: http://jay

Your Story with Melinda #48 https://youtu.be/ZsHUyXFRiR0 This week's story comes from Barry Chalifoux, a Crisis & Mental Wellness Contractor in Loon Lake, Saskatchewan. His work with First Nations People, combined with his education and training, has given Barry an understanding of the need in communities challenged with addictions, suicide crises, and mental health concerns. But it was his own battles with feeling rejected, as well as God saving him after a failed suicide attempt, that brought Barry to helping others. What we talk about: * his story and when he started his faith journey * growing up in a First Nations Community * attempting suicide and what changed in him afterward * how his personal story guided him to helping others * why God can always provide hope and bring us together Episode Links Connect with Barry: http://barrychalifoux.com http://www.facebook.com/Barry.Chalifoux http://twitter.com/BarryChalifoux Subscribe to the Audio Podcast: http://faithstrongtoday.com/pod

https://youtu.be/LKncruBAAgc This week’s story is from Paul Morris and Matt Hill, two former pastors and now leadership consultants. They join me in-studii to discuss mentoring and the importance of community, as well as share their own stories of what lead them to be experts in their field. Paul and Matt talk about: * their lives and how they got to where they are now * their first real significant mentoring moments * how they met each other * working as leadership consultants * the importance of seeking mentorship * why people are afraid of being judged * why mentoring is important in a community * Melinda's appreciation to Paul as her mentor * some profound words that you need to hear Episode links: Subscribe to the Audio Podcast: http://faithstrongtoday.com/podcasts/ Connect with Faith Strong Today: http://facebook.com/faithstrongtoday http://twitter.com/stayFaithStrong See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's story is from author and blogger Sarah Bessey, who joins Melinda Estabrooks to talk about making peace with an evolving faith. She shares thoughts from her books 'Out of Sorts' and 'Jesus Feminist,' as well as her personal journey, marriage, preaching, and more. Sarah talks about: * the differences between Canada and the US * what a "Jesus Feminist" is and feminism in our faith * a love/hate relationship with the Apostle Paul * what's the role of women and men in the church * experiencing God through "narrative theology" * how to rebrand your life professionally and personally "We think we have everything kind of sorted out, and we know how we're going to fit. We know how we're going to move through our lives. And then, often times, something happens to throw us off that plan." - Sarah Bessey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU1fhQeCclI Episode links: Connect with Sarah Bessey on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sarahbessey Subscribe to the Audio Podcast: http://faithstrongtod

Your Story with Melinda #45 Sharing their story this week is Hollie Sackett-Reid. For the past decade, Hollie has worked in the Canadian Christian radio and music industries. Notably, she is the co-host of The Morning Spin on 105.9 Shine FM, as well as the founder of promotion company Ten16 Entertainment. On top of all that, Hollie is also one of the directors of WIMM Canada, an association of Christian women in music media. A busy and passionate woman to say the least. But Hollie sits down on this podcast to discuss her journey through it all and shares her hope for Christian women in media and broadcasting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v-DOd1Uu9E See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Story with Melinda #44 Sharing their story this week is Alana Walker Carpenter, CEO of Intriciti, an organization that helps leaders incorporate faith and business. Their hope is effect unconventional change within a global context. But Alana starts with her own journey to this role before discussing how she got into integrating ministry and business. Furthermore, she offers an easy, four-point plan to make 2017 your best year yet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JP5GkR1rN2o See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Story #43 It's a Full Circle reunion as Ann Mainse shares her story with Melinda Estabrooks on the first episode of the New Year! Of course, you'll know Ann from her Faith Strong Today podcast Sincerely Yours, which has been topping the Christian iTunes charts here in Canada. But there's a lot more to her testimony that lead her to this season of her life. You'll hear it all in this in-depth conversation between the two "Sofa Sisters." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFwCG2cGJC8 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Story #42 With Christmas upon us, there is no better time to be thoughtful and generous. So sharing their story this week is the President and CEO of Yonge Street Mission, Angie Draskovic. This episode is all about giving and how we should come to Christmas with an open heart. Angie offers a unique perspective to that coming from a Telecommunications background and the social profit sector. You'll hear all about her own faith journey and how it lead her to the work she does now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixT47jmBFuc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Story #41 Sharing their story this week is author Shelly Miller, who joins Melinda via Skype from her home in London, England. Shelly is originally from St. Louis, Missouri and has spent the past 26 years with her husband and kids doing ministry work. She lives a busy life, something most of us can relate to, but that's why she's so passionate about finding the Rhythms of Rest. That's the name of her new book, which aims to help readers find simple, practical ways to rest. Rest is a gift from God, and in this podcast is sure to refresh you mentally, physically, and spiritually. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDpLfmG18lw See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Story #40 You might remember Dr. Merry Lin from Episode 16 where she spoke about absent dads. But if not, Dr. Lin is a registered clinical psychologist who specializes in helping people overcome depression, anxiety, abuse, grief, marital and relationship struggles, and other life stressors. Her passion is to help people of all ages discover their full potential as children of God and to break free from the bondage that prevents them from realizing their purpose and joy in life. And that's why she's back on the show. Her and Melinda cover so much in this great interview that you can listen or watch above. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DKGUynvvF8 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Story #39 Sharing their story with Melinda this week is Robia Scott, an author, speaker, and teacher passionate about seeing lives transformed. Robia has a unique background as a professional dancer and successful actress in Hollywood for 20 years. She has worked with recording artists such as Prince and starred in numerous television shows like Beverly Hills 90210, CSI, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. While working on Buffy in in 1997, Robia accepted Christ into her life, walking away from a thriving career in the entertainment industry to pursue God and follow the call into full-time ministry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKaG3OORgTo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Story #38 Sharing their story this week is author and speaker Linda Evans Shepherd. She is the founder of Right to the Heart Ministries, as well as oversees an online resource for the hurting and suicidal called ThinkingAboutSuicide.com. But Linda is joining Melinda Estabrooks to talk about the existence of spiritual warfare, a reality that every Christian must face. You'll learn how to recognize it and face battles with the enemy in your life. More importantly, you'll learn why the armor of God is Jesus Himself. Linda Evans Shepherd and Melinda talk about... * the spiritual battles she's had along the way * defining spiritual warfare and how to recognize it in our own lives * why the armor of God isn't thought of more by Christians * understanding suffering and the choice we face because of it * finding hope, joy, and love in your own journey http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/content.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/YourStory-038-Linda_Evans_Shephard_nov21-16.mp3 See omnystudio

Your Story #37 Sharing their story this week is Daniel Henderson, a pastor, author, and leadership coach. Daniel spent 25 years in pastoral ministry, but now focuses his efforts to Strategic Renewal, a non-profit Christian organization igniting the heart of the Church. But Daniel's latest book, The Prayer God Loves to Answer, aims to help individuals access Christ's wisdom. Join the discussion today to find out how practical prayer can get you living wisely in a broken world. Daniel Henderson Talks to Melinda About... * growing up and his own faith journey with God * defining prayer and making the switch from desperation to intimacy * why there isn't more emphasis on prayer in Western society * declining Church attendance with a rising population * transforming relationships and why Jesus himself is wisdom * how to pray effectively and communicate with God * his personal prayer for the Church and other pastors * the next generation and getting involved with ministry * authentic C

Your Story #36 Sharing their story this week is Colleen Allan, who offers a sobering testimony that truly shows the hope and healing Jesus can bring. However, we should say that this episode contains sensitive subject matter, including molestation, sexual trafficking, and drug addiction. But these parts of Colleen's journey do not define her. Instead, it's her faith and relationship with God that gave her the strength, courage, and conviction to recover. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk92OqFqOdE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Story #35 Sharing their story this week is Jeremy Enns. He is one of the hosts from the Open Road Podcast, which is all about helping people find more adventure in the everyday. On this episode, Jeremy sits down with Melinda to chat about the intersection of faith and adventure. Furthermore, he shares his personal story of how his faith shaped him into who he is today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW1rcHKQs_w See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Story #34 The newlyweds are sharing their story this week! With the wedding behind them, Melinda Estabrooks sits down with her husband, Chris Orme, to reflect on their exciting new journey together. You'll hear about their big day, the stress and excitement of planning, as well as what this commitment means to them. It's an episode that is sure to keep your faith strong with love. Chris and Melinda Talk About... * a second time around marriage * their vows * being a blended family * what will it take for their marriage to last and succeed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wj9T6Qv53s8 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Story #33 Sharing their story this week is Elle Pyke. Where do we begin with Elle? She's a bit of a jack of all trades: a women's speaker, marketer, teacher, and leader, to name a few. But most recently Elle has been involved with New Leaf, a Canadian network that cultivates and supports starters and church planters. Elle Pyke talks with Melinda About: * growing up and being called to ministry * finding her place in the church as a woman * the need for new ideas to grow the church * getting out of our comfort zone and innovative discipleship * what it means to be a spiritual entrepreneur * balancing life, faith, and following your passions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w_EZASOyHw See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Story #32 Does breaking free mean letting go? Sharing their story this week is Kim Gowdy, an author and life coach who faced that question head on. Kim reached a point where she felt tired, burdened, and overwhelmed. In seeking out change, she was given perspective on how cycles of pain, hurt, and the lies she believed about herself were playing out in her life. She is incredibly thankful for her journey and shares her freedom story with you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwWHcyyf964 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Story #31 Sharing their story this week is journalist and author Les Sillars. More accurately, Les joins Melinda, as well as special co-host Karen Petersen, to share the gripping true story Radha Manickam. Radha lost most of his family along with 1.7 million of his fellow Cambodians in the mind numbing brutality of the 1975 Cambodian Field Killings. The full story is retold in Les Sillars new book, Intended for Evil, but Les joins the podcast to discuss how he met Radha, hearing about his faith and courage during that time, and why he was asked--and compelled--to write his story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-n9CD_ghYY See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Story #30 Sharing their story this week is author and speaker Cathie Ostapchuk. She is also a coach who loves giving women an opportunity to come together and tell their own stories. This opportunity helps create and equip a community of clear, brave, and strong women, unified and diverse in a culture of support. More importantly, it prompted Cathie to launch Gather: Women, a national movement created to gather Canadian Christian women from different backgrounds in order to forge a strong infrastructure of faith and connection coast to coast. Connect with Cathie Ostapchuk * learn more about Cathie and check out her blog at www.cathieostapchuk.com * tell her you heard the show on Facebook or Twitter Finally, make sure you subscribe to the podcast by following the links below. If you've already done so, we'd love for you to rate the show or leave a review to help us reach more people. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hazjLxBMqxc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.