That's Just What I Needed Podcast

Hey friend, If you’ve ever wondered how to teach your kids about God in a way that actually sticks, this episode is for you.  On today’s episode, I sit down with Amanda K. Jass about how to make faith simple, engaging, and meaningful for kids without it feeling like a checklist.  We dive into:   Why your story matters  How to have deeper conversations with your kids  How spiritual growth often happens for us as parents right alongside them.  This conversation will encourage you, equip you, and remind you that you don’t have to do this perfectly; you just have to start.  Trust me, this one will meet you right where you are. And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna   Key Takeaways[0:03:03] A Winding Road into Kids’ Ministry and Writing [0:05:56] Childhood Sparks as Clues to Your Calling [0:12:19] A Storm, a Forest, and a 30-Day Faith Adventure [0:18:20] Turning Bedtime Stories into Heart-Level Conversations [0:22:37] Making Space for Kids’ Big Questions About God Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.  It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith.   Connect with Amanda  Adventures in the Friendly Forest by Amanda K. Jass Amanda’s website: amandakjass.com Follow Amanda on Instagram: @amandakjass Let’s Connect: Instagram: @donnaajones     Website: www.donnajones.org     Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, I talk with Cara Shine about her powerful journey from growing up Jewish with painful misconceptions about Christians to encountering the love of Jesus through the quiet faithfulness of two “good Christians” at her school. During the terrifying DC sniper attacks, one hallway prayer changed everything.  Cara shares how kindness, presence, and Scripture softened her heart and opened the door to faith in Jesus. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that the way we represent Christ matters deeply. If you’ve ever wondered whether your quiet faithfulness makes a difference, this episode will encourage you more than you know. I’d love to have you join me at Encounter, a half-day retreat on Saturday, March 21st, at 9 AM at Crossline Church. It’s open to the public, and I would love the chance to meet you there. You can find all the details at  crosslinechurch.com/events  And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna   Key Takeaways[0:03:16] Jewish Girl on a Christian School Bus: Wounds That Last [0:06:00] From Terror to Trust: DC Snipers and a School Full of “Good Christians.” [0:14:12] The Hallway Prayer: One Moment, One Prayer, Total Peace [0:20:12] Walking into Church for the First Time: “Welcome Everyone” Changes Everything [0:31:39] “Here I Am” and What Good Christians Actually Do   Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith. Connect with Cara Shine Website: CaraShine.com Instagram: @carashineauthor You can order The Hallway Miracle on Amazon or through your favorite local bookstore.Be sure to sign up for her weekly emails too—they’re a beautiful source of encouragement and spiritual direction. Connect with Donna  Instagram: @donnaajones       Website: www.donnajones.org     Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, I talk with Gem Fadling, co-founder of Unhurried Living, about cultivating a deeper relationship with Jesus in the middle of a busy, distracted world. This conversation opened my heart and challenged me in the best possible way!  Instead of striving to produce spiritual “fruit,” Gem explains that Jesus invites us to simply remain connected to Him, as a branch to the vine in John 15. Through practices like silence, solitude, and intentional time with God, we can learn to live from a place of presence rather than hurry.  Full disclosure: after my interview with Gem, I practiced what she suggested and-WOW!!!!! I experienced God’s refreshing peace and perspective in a way I want you to experience, too. This conversation is a refreshing reminder that intimacy with Jesus doesn’t come from doing more—but from slowing down enough to simply be with Him. And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.  It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.  If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith. Connect with Gem Fadling You can find Gem and all of her resources at: Website: unhurriedliving.com Podcast: Unhurried Living Podcast Instagram: @unhurriedliving Be sure to sign up for their weekly emails too—they’re a beautiful source of encouragement and spiritual direction. Connect with Donna  Instagram: @donnaajones       Website: www.donnajones.org     Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever heard something about the Bible your whole life… only to find out it may not actually be what Scripture says? Friend, today’s episode is unlike anything we’ve ever done before. I’m joined by Amanda Hope Haley — a Harvard-trained biblical archaeologist (yes, you read that right!) — and our conversation will stretch your thinking in the very best way. Amanda shares how archaeology helps us understand Scripture more clearly, not less. We talk about David and Goliath (and why the “giant” might not be what you think), Mary Magdalene’s misunderstood reputation, and how years of human interpretation sometimes overshadow the actual text. But here’s the beautiful part: leaning into the hard questions doesn’t weaken faith — it strengthens it. This episode will challenge you, inspire you, and deepen your confidence in God’s Word. And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.   It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith.   Connect with Amanda  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandahopehaley/ Website: https://redhairedarchaeologist.com/  Book Stones Still Speak: How Biblical Archaeology Illuminates the Stories You Thought You Knew Connect with Donna  Instagram: @donnaajones     Website: www.donnajones.org     Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When you reach that quiet moment where you think, I don’t know if I can keep doing this, you’re not alone. In this episode, I talk honestly about soul-level exhaustion, the temptation to choose comfort over commitment, and why endurance is essential to spiritual maturity.  Through Elijah’s story in 1 Kings, we see that God meets us not with condemnation, but with rest, nourishment, and a whisper of grace. If you’ve felt weary, discouraged, or on the brink of quitting, this conversation will remind you that exhaustion lies—but God is faithful.  Don’t walk away.  Sometimes the breakthrough comes right after the moment you almost left. Don’t forget – This is your final week to enter the giveaway for A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul. All you have to do is: Leave a podcast review (1–2 sentences is perfect), and you’re entered!! The winner will be announced in the next episode!   Xo, Donna And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!   Listen in to learn more : [0:00:12] When Your Soul Is Tired in a Way Sleep Can’t Fix [0:04:30] The Quiet Moment Right Before You Quit [0:09:24] Choosing Commitment Over Comfort [0:13:45] Training in Small Hard Things to Build Endurance [0:17:30] God’s Gentle Interruptions Are Mercy, Not Abandonment Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my new book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.   It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!   Connect with Donna  Instagram: @donnaajones     Website: www.donnajones.org     Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/     Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.