God In The Ordinary

Is it possible that marriage is a tool God uses to reveal Himself to us? Can God help us to grow through what we learn from being a good spouse? In this episode of God In The Ordinary, professional counselors Chris & Jamie Bailey, who’ve helped countless people find new hope and freedom, bring some deep wisdom and help us to think about how God shows up in our marriages. Chris & Jamie share important and practical steps for moving from being broken hearted to healed; talk about the root of many of our marital stressors and how to deal with them; and we also touch on how to love a spouse through chronic sickness, and how good grandparenting is another way to build strong marriages. Chris and Jamie Bailey have a real heart for marriages and are passionate about helping people rebuild what was once ruined. They believe in the power of love – God’s love - and have experienced how bringing Jesus’ love into a marriage can change a generation. Their ministry, Expedition Marriage, encourages us to enjoy the journey and you'll certainly enjoy this great edition.

Presented by Sharon Tedford. Produced by Gary Dell. Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

Have you ever declared that you're not creative? Do you believe that creativity is for other people who can do all that fancy stuff? Perhaps you struggle to believe that creativity is of any use to God? Well, we’d like to help you change your mind! Our guest today lets us see how to use many different strings of creativity to reveal God to those around us, and how God can use it to reveal Himself to us, too. Fiona Stewart is, among other things, a British playwright, podcast host, poet, and the creative director of Foolproof Creative Arts. Fiona tells us about how her life has taken some surprising twists and turns, leading her to where she is today; shares about how creativity really matters and how even our own foolishness can be used by God: her faith and delight in Jesus are obvious and infectious! Do join us in this episode as Fiona and host, Sharon Tedford, take an inspiring wander around the world of theatre, parables, mystery, and communication. Learn how good communication skills are important as we share the good news of Jesus. And stick around to the very end for an extra special treat from our guest with a beautiful 'Scottish burr' - you won’t be disappointed!

Presented by Sharon Tedford. Produced by Gary Dell. Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

Do you think of yourself as an adventurer? Perhaps you enjoy extreme sports or take delight in activities that keep you on the edge of your seat? In this episode Sharon Tedford talks with avid adventurer, author and podcaster, Ryan George, who helps us to learn that living a Jesus life is the most exciting voyage we’ll ever make. He has found he's able to communicate more honestly with God as he undertakes adrenaline-charged experiences and invigorating pursuits. Ryan tells us some tales of where God has met him in his moments of surrender and how something as simple as thankfulness has become a frequent part of his daily practice; about his newest and most exhilarating adventure of adoption, sharing the uplifting story of how that came about for him and his wife. God interrupted the life direction that Ryan had so carefully laid out for himself, and this new role of being a dad has shown that God loves to out-dream us. We learn how submitting to God’s way leads to some beautiful and life-changing outcomes. Ryan talks about how he reveals God to others whilst on the side of mountains, and how he frequently discusses the truth of Jesus in his church parking lot. He clearly has a passion for sharing the gospel and has learned how to recognize and respond to the voice of God no matter where he is. Even if you don’t identify yourself as someone who enjoys adventure, Ryan helps us see that the Christian life is an adventure and that following God’s plans for us with honest vulnerability, will lead to a life that reveals God to others. This episode will encourage you to pray more intentionally and to step outside of your comfort zone as you see where Jesus meets us in the adventure of Christian faith.

Presented by Sharon Tedford. Produced by Gary Dell. Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

Although God may have made it possible, have you ever found your dream job isn't what He had in mind for you all-along - but that He equipped you through that for His service later on? That's the story of our guest in this edition. Jen Swallow gained an unusual university degree that enabled her to train animals for the movies! Now, as the parent of a son with special needs, she uses that experience to help other parents of similar children. Jen talks with us about her childhood journey from England to the USA - and back again; how living in California enabled her to study for her dream job in the film industry; how her USA qualifications helped her work on Disney movies filmed in the UK; and about the reality of working as a believer in the film industry. She shares openly about her journey as the mum of a child with special needs; where she finds God in all of that; and how He enabled her to start special needs provision at the church she now works at. As someone gifted with the voice of an angel, Jen shares about her love of worship music and how worship enables her to get closer to God. If you have the same heart as Jen, you'll love listening to this episode - her enthusiasm for God's love and care for us, and for life as a believer is infectious!

Presented by Sharon Tedford. Produced by Gary Dell. Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

Do you long to be able to share the truth of Jesus during the Christmas season? Our special edition shares the stories of people who are revealing God intentionally at this time of year. We’re excited to chat with guests who are doing their part to help their communities see more of Jesus: a group of ladies blessing new mothers in a fun way; a man who’s meeting needs in his community; a lady who’s learned to find the joy of Jesus; and a mother who worked on something exciting with her young daughter. We also hear from our host and producer, Sharon Tedford and Gary Dell, and their thoughts on how to share 'God in The Ordinary'. Our prayer is that hearing from people who are loving others on purpose will encourage you to do the same. So join us and get ready to be inspired by these dynamic guests as we help you to find ways to reveal God this Christmas.

Presented by Sharon Tedford. Produced by Gary Dell. Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito