Nourish Podcast With Kim Bakaev

Abi Spencer is back!  We haven't seen each other in a while to really catch up, so I decided to share it with you!  We discuss her incredible trip to Beirut, Lebanon, swoon over the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and share our favorite gift ideas from companies that are either owned by women or promoting dignified work for women around the world.   Companies mentioned in the episode: http://www.akouo.net http://www.noondaycollection.com https://tierramiastyles.com http://www.nickelandsuede.com https://www.livefashionable.com http://www.freetolaunch.com/heavenskeys/ https://www.shopetnika.com https://www.facebook.com/imperfectlyperfectearrings/ https://gracelaced.com https://www.etsy.com/shop/chrissiegraceart http://www.ambermarieandcompany.com        

Hattie Vance is one of my favorite people on the planet.  I first heard her story a few years ago at a retreat, and she captured my heart immediately.  Although her story is full of addiction, heartbreak, and prison, the greatest part is the redemption of God.  Hattie shares honestly about the painful parts of her past, but the mercy and grace of God is a constant current throughout.  Today, she and her husband Joe lead Celebrate Recovery in their community in Arkansas and continue to minister to incarcerated men and women, giving them hope and tools to succeed in Christ.  

Holly Tumpkin and I met our freshman year of college in the dorms at ORU.  Our lives went in different directions, but our paths crossed again several years ago and we've been journeying together in our pursuit of God's calling on our lives.  Holly's experience as a mom of three girls led her to have a heart and ministry that helps ground girls in who they are.  This is Holly's story of answering God's call on her life and how she relied on him when the curveballs came, one of them being brain cancer.  Two years after her diagnosis and surgery, Holly has picked up her calling for Girls 101 again and she's on fire!     www.girls101.org email Holly at holly@girls101.org photo cred: Jadyn Winn 

I met Terri Paxton through a former guest on the podcast, Tammy Houghton (episode 28).  Within five minutes of our first conversation on the phone, I fell in love with Terri!  She has a beautiful heart for her family and the Lord.  I instantly responded to her honesty and willingness to lay down her own desires for God's best.  Little did she know that when she released her son to move to India as a missionary, her life would be changed in ways beyond her wildest imagination.  Eventually, Terri and her husband would have the honor of funding the building of a children's home in India where the lives of 25 kids would be changed forever.  This story will inspire you like crazy!!

What started as her project for a class, Bri Hoyt created an amazing international movement called the Two Cents Project.  Her original intention was to express love to the homeless population of Charlotte, NC, but it developed into so much more.  Her heart is to help people, especially youth, be part of loving the poor as Christ does.  Her story is unconventional and surprising and absolutely inspiring!

Ashley Cross is the founder and executive director of Launch Outreach, whose mission is "to see youth excel through higher education, strong morals and ethics, and practical living skills."  Having been part of a family that fostered and cared for kids her whole life and after visiting an orphanage in Brazil on a college missions trip, she knew she wanted to dedicate her life to helping young women who have been part of the foster care system be all that they were created to be.  Her passion became reality when she shared a home with four girls after graduating from college. Her dream and vision sparked in others and now Launch Outreach has three prongs of service--Manna House (a group home for young women, Heaven's Keys (a jewelry business run by the women), and the Empowerment Center (a place for youth to graduate and learn life skills).  This amazing woman blew me away with her devotion and passion for youth.  Prepare to be inspired!! To find out more about these programs and how to volunteer or support La

The first attempt at this podcast with my dear friend Joan Stuehm somehow got partially deleted.  So, she graciously let me come over one night to re-record it.  When I went to go edit it together with the original, something else got deleted!  It's taken me a couple of months to get back on the horse and try it a third time.  Another portion had "disappeared" but after digging through my files, I was able to relocate it and splice it all together!!  For some reason, this message is clearly a threat!!  It's been a great opportunity for me to press on even when things are not perfect or easy.  But, the work that Joan and her friends are doing is important Kingdom work, so I knew I had to make it work. Joan faced a new chapter in her life when she was facing being an empty-nester.  A dedicated and involved mom in each of her three daughters' lives, she started to lose her way a bit as she struggled to find purpose.  In her routine of getting her nails done, the LORD whispered something in heart about loving oth

Lisa Goins is an amazing renaissance woman!  She is mom of four grown children, entrepreneur, realtor, co-pastor Faith Church in Tulsa, OK, with her husband Kelly, and champion of others.  Throughout our conversation, you'll hear "how did I get here?" numerous times in her story.  Lisa is a woman who decided to say no to her fears and perceived limitations and has become a successful business owner and communicator of truth.  Her story will inspire you to dream big and push yourself beyond your comfort zone.   You'll want to stay tuned to the end for a special treat from Lisa just for NOURISH listeners! Faith Church is located in south Tulsa at the NE corner of 81st and Memorial, Sundays at 10:30.  www.tulsafaith.com Lisa's gift company is Surprise Gift Co at www.surprisegiftco.com Lisa refers to The Go Giver by Burg and Mann

Tammy Houghton is owner of the south Tulsa women's boutique, Purse-a-nality.  At a recent women's event, I heard her share a beautiful testimony and I knew I had to have her on the podcast.  A small offense from a friend was allowed to fester, and days turned in to weeks and then months and then over a year.  Avoiding a hard conversation had destroyed a friendship and built a wall around her heart.  But, the Lord wasn't going to let things stay that way.  I know you'll be nourished and inspired by Tammy's life and her obedience to the Father.     You can find Purse-a-nality on facebook and at purseanalitytulsa on Instagram.  

I had the best conversation with my sweet friend Anna Lukes.  Anna is the CFO of her family's company, a licensed drug and alcohol therapist, and leads the young adult group at her church.  She has a passion for seeing sons and daughters return to the family of God, and her understanding of the Kingdom of God is transforming.  I had the best time digging deep with her about being citizens of the Kingdom. Note:  During our conversation, I refer to a podcast by Emily P. Freeman called "The Next Right Thing". -Neighborstable.com

My friend and ministry teammate, Monica Epperson, is my guest today.  Monica is an adjunct professor at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, author and speaker, and co-founder of The Child of Divorce, a nonprofit for children of divorce, which was recently acquired by ChristianWorks for Children of Dallas-Ft.Worth, TX.  Her story is one of God's redemption from abuse, multiple divorces among her parents, and unhealthy patterns that she carried into adult and her own marriage.  Monica has a passion for Jesus, the Word of God and helping coach others into healthy relationships with God, themselves and others.  You'll most definitely be inspired by her story and insights. References:  "The Relational Soul" by Plass and Cofield www.Christian-works.org  

My guest today is longtime friend, the energetic, life-loving, never-know-what-she's-gonna-say Martha Weldon.  You never know whose life you may impact without even realizing it.  Martha and I were sitting in a history class at university when I mentioned getting a masters degree in TESL (teaching English as a second language).  She'd never been out of the country before and her ears perked up.  She went on to get her masters degree and live and work in multiple countries around the world, all after she was in her fifties!  She's also been heeding a call to write children's books through the eyes of her cats, revealing how fun God is.  This episode will leave you smiling and inspired for sure!   Martha can be reached for speaking engagements at her website: meweldon.com Her fb support group is Treasures in Heaven.    

The light that is Lisa Bain founded the charity "Joy in the Cause" during a time when most people would be at their lowest moments.  Her mother's five-year battle with cancer birthed a beautiful movement that is rooted in choosing joy in every situation.  Joy in the Cause and its off-shoots, the Purpose Project, Joy to the Rescue and Joy in the Adventure,  brings hope and light to individuals, young and old, who are facing traumatic situations.  Lisa's sidekick, Mavis Pearl, a six-year-old, tutu-wearing English Bulldog, ministers love and joy to countless kids and adults daily.  No small act of kindness is ever wasted, and Joy in the Cause is a great place to get plugged in to give joy to others.  I know Lisa's story and inspiring words will nourish you today. www.joyinthecause.org  

Award-winning teacher Annmarie Wright has many passions--literature, travel, the persecuted church, history, Mr. Darcy, just to name a few.  She and I met while we were undergraduates in college, studying in the same degree.  She, however, went in one direction, and I in another.  This week she is beginning her 26th year of teaching at the same high school, and actually still LOVES what she does.  That passion has translated into success in her classroom and impacting thousands of students over the years.  Annmarie loves teaching and uses that gift in such an inspiring way.  I know you'll be nourished as you listen to our conversation about how she makes history come alive, shares wisdom for interacting with teenagers, and shares her passion for the persecuted church.  

I caught up with Sarah Lout recently while she was on a home visit in the US from Kinshasha in the Dem. Republic of Congo.  She teaches at an international school there, while her husband Scott serves as the country director for World Vision.  Having both been been raised as missionary kids in Africa, the Louts have a clear understanding of what it takes to create a healthy environment for their third culture kids.  They have lived in 5 countries over the past 11 years.  You'll enjoy hearing how they got started, how they maintain their sanity and healthy relationships, and how they lean on the LORD in every adventure.

I'm a firm believer that everyone has a story worth sharing, and Anna's is no exception.  This incredible young woman experienced a loss that no little girl should.  Father God has proven Himself to be more faithful than she ever imagined.  You will be nourished for sure as you listen to this bright young millenial and her beautiful testimony.

I have loved every one of my guests on the podcast, but my time with Kirsten LaCourse was so beautiful and the presence of the LORD was so precious.  Kirsten was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, something that was completely unexpected.  How she and her family responded to the news, how they and friends supported her through treatment, and how her faith grew even deeper will truly inspire you.  I was so nourished after my time with her and I know you will be too.

Carol Matza is a writer, producer, and media promotion specialist.  Her company, Provision Enterprises, promotes musicians, businesses, and events.  She has worked closely with the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and the National Fiddler Hall of Fame.  She's authored children's books, produced and hosted tv shows, but her favorite role of all is grandma to her beloved grandkids!  Carol is one who is always looking to promote the gifts and talents of others, both professionally and personally.  Her life has been about following a dream, being in the right place at the right time, and walking with integrity before the Lord.  

If you know anything about children's consignment, then you are sure to have heard of Just Between Friends.  What started out as a great idea and simple gathering of moms, JBF has become an award-winning, highly sought-after national franchise with Shannon Wilburn at the helm.  In this episode, you'll hear Shannon's story of how JBF got started, it's evolution and huge success, struggles she's faced and things she's learned along the way.  Her enthusiasm and joyful spirit is sure to nourish you today!

Brenda Coomer Black is a woman who loves Jesus and has ministered to women for most of her adult life.  This former women's chaplain of Oral Roberts University heeded the call to pursue an advanced degree in counseling after surviving significant personal transition and trauma.  She founded Hope Forward Counseling and Life Coaching, where she serves to bring hope into the lives of men and women of all ages through godly counsel and support.  Her expertise in communication and counseling makes her a sought-after speaker and minister around the country.  In this podcast, Brenda and i talk about breaking down the stigma of seeking counseling and how it can be a significant part of health and wellness in marriages, families, and individuals.  She is a champion of helping people, especially young people, find their giftings and empowering them to live fulfilled lives.  You'll hear Brenda's genuine heart for people and I know you'll be nourished!     www.hopeforward.com www.growingleaders.com