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

Have you ever been in a situation where there’s a clear need? Have you prayed about that, asking God to meet the need, only to be surprised when God asks you to be the one to provide the solution?! On this week’s edition we meet Jenni and Ben Tice, founders of Lily Pad Inc. There's a shortage of foster homes in the USA, and it’s difficult to place children quickly. Often children and youth must stay overnight in the offices of their care workers, while waiting for placement in a foster home. Image how that feels – already traumatised and now having to sleep on a blow-up bed or under a desk in a strange office. Case managers do their very best; but Jenni and Ben, experienced foster parents themselves, realised there could be a better way. They knew God was calling them to do something about this issue, and Lily Pad was born. With the help of volunteers, Lily Pad (a donation-funded charity) reveals God by establishing and maintaining a safe space for young people entering the foster care system. They create comfortable, secure, and familiar rooms where children and youth can have a soft place to land before they are placed into a foster home. This organisation is revealing God in extraordinary ways, using very ordinary means. As you listen to our conversation you'll be encouraged to allow God to use you in your ordinary, wherever that may be. There are no excuses – when God calls, we answer. Are you willing?

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

Happy birthday to us! How have we reached our ONE YEAR mark already?! God In The Ordinary is one year old and we’re celebrating by sharing inspiring and insightful clips from lots of episodes over the past year. We’ve had excellent guests from all areas of life so it was a hard job to choose some of the best bits; but we know that what we’ve put together will really encourage you. Our guests all have something important to say about how we live our lives, being transparent in how we share the truth of Jesus with others. One of our favourite things about this episode is that we got to record it together in the same room. Sharon lives in Dallas but was on a visit to England so there were rare sightings of Sharon and Gary together! You’ll hear from host Sharon Tedford and co-producer Gary Dell as they share their thoughts on the last year. Don’t miss this episode, and make sure you catch up on past shows as you celebrate our one-year anniversary with us. THANK YOU for joining us on this great podcast adventure. We certainly do appreciate you!

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