Joy Through the Journey

Chris Crossen shares the sudden loss of his wife, his journey, and realizing God's plan are not always our plans. He reveals that God still has a perfect plan for his life. "For I know the plans I have for you". Jeremiah 29:11. Have you ever faced a season so dark that you wondered how you'd make it through—only to look back and see God was carrying you the entire time? Chris, soon-to-retire Assistant Chief of the Dalton Police Department, sits down with us to share a story that stretches from a bold college romance to unimaginable loss, and then to a surprising new beginning. Chris and his wife Allison built a beautiful life together—raising two children, putting God first, and keeping their promise to never go to bed angry. But in December 2023, what began as routine knee pain revealed a rare bone cancer, and just ten weeks later, Allison was called home. What happened in that hospital room, and in the months that followed, is a testament to the power of faith, intentionality, and the quiet way God prepares us for the hardest days of our lives—long before we know they're coming. Highlights Chris's unforgettable first kiss with Allison—complete with a cheering squad of roommates waiting to see if he'd keep his word The deal they made before getting married: never go to bed mad How a routine knee surgery led to a devastating cancer diagnosis The thunderous voice Chris heard in the hospital: "I've got you" How losing his father in 2020 during COVID began preparing him for what was ahead The gratitude list Allison left behind on her phone—found by her children after she passed The morning a devotion asked "Who are you?" and Chris realized he didn't want to be "just okay" anymore Reading the Bible cover to cover for the first time and becoming intentional in prayer The mysterious way a high school classmate's Facebook profile kept appearing—and what happened when Chris asked God to make it obvious His sister-in-law walking into a restaurant at the exact right moment Chris's message to anyone in pain: be intentional in seeking God, and He will put you where you need to be Chapters 0:00 – Welcome & Introductions 0:39 – Meet Chris Crossen 1:21 – The Love Story with Allison 5:18 – A Devastating Diagnosis 6:03 – "I've Got You" 8:50 – Losing His Father in 2020 10:26 – Allison's Gratitude List 14:10 – From "Okay" to "Great" 15:00 – Becoming Intentional 16:40 – A New Chapter Begins 19:40 – God's Guidance Through It All 21:40 – Final Encouragement Resources Mentioned The Bible App – Chris used the Bible app's daily guided devotions each morning, which prompted a turning point in his grief journey. Leadership Dalton – Chris and Audrey met through this community leadership program.

Mara Brooker Cobble share her story of meeting a complete stranger she was drawn to during an out of town visit . God placed this person and place at this particular time that help bring her peace and comfort . "Blessed are those who mourn for they for they we be comforted". Matthew 5:4. Mara Brooker Cobble, has buried her son, both of her parents, her mother-in-law, her brother, and her husband's twin sister—and through it all, she says God has never left her side. Mara shares the devastating and unexpected loss of her son Adam in February 2021 and the remarkable way God confirmed Adam's impact on others. From a chance encounter with a young woman at St. Simon's who turned out to be Adam's friend, to Adam's own prophetic words about his cremation and a tree that would remind his mother of the seasons of life, Mara's story is one of grief, grace, and a faith that keeps growing. She tells us what victory looks like now, why heaven gets sweeter every day, and the simple motto she lives by: "Let's make heaven crowded." Highlights Mara lost her son Adam unexpectedly in February 2021, adding to a long list of family losses over the years Just two months after Adam's death, a trip to St. Simon's led to a divine encounter with a young woman Adam had helped escape an abusive relationship Adam prepared his mother for his passing by asking her to plant his ashes in a tree bulb—and explaining how each season would carry a message about life, death, and renewal Mara clings to the verse "My grace is sufficient," trusting that God carries her through the hardest days Heaven has become sweeter and more real to Mara over time, and she no longer fears death Her personal motto: "Let's make heaven crowded—live your life so everybody knows Jesus" Mara volunteers at a hospital holding and cuddling babies, finding nurture and joy in serving others Her parting encouragement: don't forget to open your Bible—God will give you a fresh message each time you read it Chapters 0:00 — Welcome & Introduction 1:07 — Mara's Story of Loss 3:20 — A Divine Encounter at St. Simon's 8:16 — Adam's Tree: Seasons of Life 10:15 — What Victory Looks Like Now 12:04 — "Let's Make Heaven Crowded" 13:46 — Finding Joy in Everyday Purpose 15:00 — Mara's Takeaway: Cling to the Father 16:05 — Closing & Thanks

Judy and Audrey are moved by Sherri’s journey through life-altering events, including the loss of a child and family addiction. Her unwavering faith and hope in the promises of God strengthen her to serve her community with joy. “Praise be to the God who comforts us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3 What do you do when the worst day of your life turns out not to be the worst thing you'll ever face? Sherri is a retired educator, mother of three, and grandmother of three, who opens up about a lifetime of walking through the valley — from losing an 11-day-old daughter to congenital heart defects, to watching her son battle a DUI at 16 and years of addiction, to learning to live with generational patterns of alcoholism in her own family. Sherri shares how her faith, rooted since childhood, carried her through unimaginable grief, how Al-Anon became a lifeline for living "in the middle of the mess," and how she ultimately learned that joy is a choice, not just a feeling. It's an honest, moving conversation about grief, addiction, generational curses, and the surprising grace that shows up in the middle of our messiest seasons. Highlights Sherri introduces herself and reflects on her calling to "shine a light in the path of those coming behind us." The heartbreaking story of losing her 11-day-old daughter to six major heart defects in 1988. How childhood faith, baptism in a West Virginia creek, and a lifelong church upbringing shaped her spiritual foundation. On learning strength and wisdom in the valley, not on the mountaintop. Her son's DUI at 16 and how addiction slowly took hold — including her insight that many addicts are "dual diagnosis" people struggling with anxiety and depression. Discovering generational alcoholism through her second husband's family history, and his 32 years of sobriety. How Al-Anon taught her to live alongside addiction in her family and stop feeling alone in the struggle. The scripture and perspective that carried her: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Choosing joy as a daily decision rather than waiting for it as a feeling. The surprise blessing of her granddaughter, born in 2013, and how God turned a difficult season into unexpected joy. Chapters 0:19 – Meet Sherrie 1:37 – Losing a Newborn 2:49 – Faith Roots and Baptism 4:21 – Strength in the Valley 5:37 – Son's DUI and Addiction 9:11 – Generational Curses 10:26 – Finding Help in Al-Anon 12:46 – Scripture and Purpose 14:25 – Choosing Joy Daily 17:25 – Granddaughter Blessing 20:10 – Closing Encouragement Resources Mentioned Al-Anon Family Groups

Judy and Audrey walk alongside Jana Cransler Clark as she shares her journey through love, loss, and love again. After surrendering, Jana discovers God meeting her in the broken places and leading her toward healing, wholeness, restoration, and immeasurable treasures.“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” Psalm 34:18 What do you do when a dream trip to Rome turns into the worst day of your life — and somehow, years later, you find yourself saying you're actually thriving? Jana Cansler Clark shares her story of losing her husband Tommy suddenly on a trip to Italy, the avalanche of grief, illness, and loss that followed, and how she found joy — real, sustained joy — in the middle of unimaginable suffering. From five hip surgeries and a breast cancer diagnosis to burying her mother and finally opening her heart to love again, Jana walks through what it actually looks like to let God rebuild you piece by piece, and why she believes there are treasures waiting in the darkest seasons of life. Highlights Jana shares how she met her late husband Tommy in high school and their 30+ year marriage before his sudden death in Rome, Italy on July 14, 2014. The unexpected "avalanche" of hardship that followed his passing — a failing business, a burst sewage system, a pantry moth infestation, and her body physically breaking down. Jana’s health battles: multiple hip surgeries, a breast cancer diagnosis during her mother's passing, and an AFib diagnosis and ablation. How Christian counseling in 2020 helped her uncover her identity in Christ and heal childhood wounds around feeling "not enough." The unexpected blessing of becoming a grandmother to twins just three months after Tommy's death. Jana’s reflection on "treasures in the dark," inspired by author Katherine Wolf, and how new life often comes out of darkness. Finding new love again with her husband Robert after eight years of being single, and their shared life verse, Ephesians 3:20. Jana’s closing takeaway: "Don't waste the pain... don't be bitter, be better." Chapters 0:00 — Welcome and Introductions 0:59 — Meet Jana and Her Story 1:59 — Life Before the Loss 3:44 — Tragedy in Rome 4:37 — Grief and God's Faithfulness 6:21 — When Everything Fell Apart 7:47 — Cancer and Rock Bottom 8:48 — Healing and Family Support 10:50 — Counseling and Identity 13:28 — Treasures in the Dark 14:40 — Restoration and New Love 16:43 — Final Takeaways and Farewell Resources Mentioned Hope Heals by Katherine Wolf Treasures in the Dark by Katherine Wolf Peeples Cancer Center

Sharing life’s hardest parts, Judy opens up the series with her personal testimony of loss, faith, and joy on her journey of living the life God has for her. Join Judy Elliott, TV Personality, and Audrey Simmons, Licensed Professional Counselor in this episode and series, as they discuss finding strength, hope, peace and joy through life’s journey. “God is our Refuge and Strength” Psalm 46:1 Judy opens up about losing her husband of 35 years to cancer after just nine weeks from diagnosis to loss, the moment doctors said there was nothing more they could do, and the message she says she received in prayer that changed everything. Together, Judy and Audrey unpack what it really looks like to move through devastating loss — staying close to faith, resisting self-pity, leaning on friends, and making the daily choice to keep moving forward — and why finding joy again is something you have to go out and look for. Highlights Judy shares the moment her husband's oncologist said, "I'm sorry, but there's nothing we can do." The two pieces of advice from friends that carried Judy through: don't feel sorry for yourself, and stay close to your faith. Judy describes an early-morning prayer and the message she received: "This is the way to heaven." Her biggest fear after losing her husband — and how choosing not to worry about tomorrow brought her peace. The small, practical shifts Judy made to move forward: getting dressed every day, planning trips for every occasion, going to the gym three times a week, and surrounding herself with positive people. Why Judy started this podcast — to share her story and help even just one other person find their way through their own dark tunnel. Chapters 0:00 – Introduction: the tunnels we all go through 0:33 – Meet the hosts and the podcast's purpose 1:46 – Judy shares losing her husband a year and a half ago 3:08 – Only nine weeks: the shock of the diagnosis 5:56 – Confronting fear and choosing not to worry about tomorrow 7:43 – Seeing the light: small steps out of the tunnel 10:09 – Inside the darkest part: "there's nothing we can do" 11:44 – A prayer answered: "This is the way to heaven" 14:16 – Holding onto faith and feeding her mind with positivity 16:46 – Practical steps to reclaiming joy: the gym, positive people, and starting this podcast 19:01 – Wrap-up: the joy of the Lord is your strength