A Gem to Remember

In this final episode of A Gem To Remember, Julia wraps up the year by recapping special episodes and admiring the many gems revealed throughout the first season. She reminds us of beautiful truths brought to light through the stories and testimonies of featured guests. Join her as she shares her newfound understanding of hope for the future. How finding old journals in her room prompted a recent personal reflection of what God has done in her life over the past year. She talks about looking back at moments she remembered as restless and even painful, but now fills her with peace and hope. Join in as Julia describes giving up her endless chase for a pre-planned life for one that extends a trust in Jesus into the future. He knows where we are going, we have only to say yes to each little step he calls us to take. Come reflect on your year and prepare for the next. Receive encouragement on how to avoid busying yourself with resolutions or checklists, but rather to prayerfully invite God into the areas where you can grow. Believe that you are His beloved and that He has immense love to pour out over you and your life this next year! Happy New Year, friends! 

Two of the Trainer brothers, Sam and Gabe, join us for this week’s episode about faith in the family. They talk about what it’s like being involved in faith at college with brothers (including their younger brother Joey) and how that helps them keep each other accountable and have someone in their corner. Sam and Gabe share specific ways their dad and mom have implemented faith as the foundation of their family and how valuable it has been to have “here’s the deal” moments. They reflect on the importance of loving & supporting your family, leading by example, and knowing that whatever you do on God’s behalf will be good. Come be reminded that each time we go back home to our families we have the chance to share what God has been doing in our lives to give Him glory.

Lifehack:

#1 - give the Panchero’s worker a Hershey pie from Burger King if you want extra queso and a bigger burrito!!!

#2- Put a damp washcloth in the dryer with wrinkly clothes to get wrinkles out!!!

Whitney Klym, a third-year FOCUS missionary and team director, joins us for this week’s episode of A Gem to Remember to show us the heart of a missionary. She talks about what FOCUS is and what it meant to her while at the University of North Dakota. During some of her first small groups in college, she had spiritual conversations with ladies which taught her that Jesus is a friend. She shares the impact of one person who invested in her and sparked her desire to say “yes“ to helping others encounter and know the Lord. Whitney speaks into the sacrifices worth making while living mission as well as the misconception that one must have the title of a missionary to live it. Tune in to hear how Jesus humbly teaches us “the little way” so we can reach souls and make disciples of all nations.

Lifehack: Buy your letters/cards & stationery at TJ Max or the Dollar store to snag some good deals!

This week we are joined by entrepreneur and retired business teacher, Diane Goudy, to talk about how trusting getting comfortable with being uncomfortable moments can help you fully embrace your purpose. She tells of how God made a shift in her life as she was teaching and gave her a desire to connect with students and invest in them. She learned that the best growth happens when we challenge ourselves to do new things and be the best we can be. Tune in as we talk about doing God’s work even when we can’t see the outcome, being willing to walk with others, and trusting God above all things because He will allow good to come.

Lifehack: Turtle rock - slow and steady wins the race

Matthew 7:24-27. Life is fast-paced... full of things to do, people to see, and places to go. Even the good things in life can start to become overwhelming. Then out of nowhere, there is loss, sickness, failure, and pain. When everything is stripped away, what are you left with? What makes you say, "If all else fails, if I don't have anything else, at least I have this"? We have to pause and ask ourselves what our foundation is. We have to consider what we've built ourselves on: rock or sand? No title, relationship, test, or accomplishment was made to hold you. Those things are merely sand, made to wash away and come out from under you. Jesus is our own true foundation. Solid. Lasting. Unwavering. If all else fails, crumbles, is destroyed, taken away, ruined...He will remain.