As June comes to an end, I thought it would be good to share a story that helps remind us that our pride should come from the promises of God and not ourselves. Listen to my friend, Ainsley Yarbrough, as she describes how she traded in a counterfeit love for a true everlasting love.May everyone find freedom in the promises of the Lord. LinksHis kindness draws… Romans 2:4Rainbow meaning from BibleGenesis 9:13-17

For some people prayer can be an elusive and intimidating concept. How do we know if we're doing it right? Is anyone really listening? How do I reconcile with scripture that seemingly says that if we ask for something then we should receive it, but then don't? With the help of First West's Children's Pastor, Dustin Lee, we discuss these things and more. He gives great tips on how to make prayer less intimidating and addresses the scriptures on prayer than many people, like me, have misunderstood.Links to things Mentioned in the Show:"Holy Spirit Interceding" Romans 8:26-27"His ways are higher than my ways" Isaiah 55:8-9ITP Medical ConditionACTS Prayer Model

Happy Father's Day! Today's episode wraps up our celebration of all things dad. We've been talking about the good things about Fatherhood, the hard moments, and where and how to make God known in our lives.In today's episode we discuss grace based parenting, how to strive for patience while disciplining, and to why it's important to instill in our children who God is and who they are in Christ.  Celebrate all Father's today! Have a listen and be encouraged! Links:Seeker SpringsSwartzFirst

Fathers often times get the short end of the stick, which is why I decided to have series that uplifts, honors, and encourages all the dads out there.  We discuss the bad times, the good times, and the truly special times of being a dad. But we also discuss what it looks like to be a Godly father in the midst of an ungodly world. In this episode with Jimmy, we discuss how a fluid display of our relationship with God  can be easier than we think  and how our Lord's example of faithfulness is a great example for all dads to follow.Jimmy also reminds us of an important truth: "If the marriage falls a part the family falls a part." We discuss how the marriage relationship is an important factor in parenting and the cornerstone to healthy family life.So have a listen and be encouraged! Links to camps talked about in this episode:Seeker Springs MinistriesCamp Cho-YehLinks to Louie Giglio Children's Devotionals:IndescribableIndescribable for Little Ones The Wonder of CreationHow Great is Our GodOther Links:Southern Arkansas University*Student Organizations (including Association of Baptist Students)

We've celebrated our mothers, now it's time to champion our fathers as well. In part 2 of our Fatherhood series you will hear from, Spencer Hutchinson. He talks of being a dad that not only strives to provide his children with physical safety, but to be a safe place for his daughters emotionally and spiritually. His approach to discipline might be considered counter-cultural to some, where he leads with grace instead of intimidation, and provides wide boundaries for self-discovery. Our conversation was a refreshing perspective on parenting and what it means to be father in general. I deeply enjoyed this conversation. If you're looking for alternative methods to parenting than what society has told us for the last 40 years, then have a listen. This podcast is for you. ***Link for correct Bible Verse***I 100% got the verse reference wrong in the podcast. Don't look up Psalm 53:5.INSTEAD look at Psalm 56:3...this was the verse I was trying to quote. "When I am afraid, I will trust in you."

We've celebrated moms and motherhood, but now it's the guys' time! Father's Day is June 19th and from now until then Up from the Muck will be interviewing dads from various backgrounds. They will be telling us how they lead their families, what they struggle with, and how they seek out victories while fathering their families. In this episode,  I interview Young Married and Evangelism Pastor of First West, Evan McFarland. He talks of leadership and responsibility, family staff meetings and family mission statements, of having fun and having faith.  Have an open heart as you listen to Evan bring a word on Fatherhood. I'm just a mom, but I was encouraged, so I know you will too. *Links to what was discussed in the show**-Compassion Kids (actually compassion international)-Dude Perfect

Happy Mother's Day! We've made it to the end of our series and as promised I have yet another mom from a different stage of motherhood that will be sharing with us her many trials and triumphs. In this episode, I have a very special guest, my mother-in-law, Jennifer Bostick.  Jennifer showed her motherly love for me in being willing to share with me and the rest of you guys her story. Through her, we learn of the importance of scripture memorization, quality time, and the importance of really knowing God ourselves first. We also poke some fun at my husband, Caleb. We just couldn't resist. Call your mom today, hug her if you can, and then listen and enjoy what Jennifer has to  say. It will be a GRAND time fore sure.*As mentioned in the episode- Mathew 6:33"Seek the kingdom of God first and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Mother’s Day is now just one week away and this series is committed to continue to uplift, challenge, and celebrate all moms from different backgrounds and various stages. I have learned something new from each mom I have talked to  and this is episode is no different. In this 4th episode we get to hear from empty nester, Joy McMahan. We talk of loving your kids' unique personality, carrying on traditions as a way of sharing the gospel, having a willingness to get outside of our comfort zones, and so much more. Like all the others this episode did not disappoint. I was especially encouraged, challenged, and uplifted. And you will be too!Links to things discussed in show:My ABC Bible Verses by Susan Hunt Resurrection Easter EggsAdvent Candles

Up from the Muck is still continuing with its Motherhood series focusing on the trials and triumphs of motherhood. We're also giving throwbacks of praise to our own mothers and endless encouragement for all moms. In this episode, Kinsley Corley, a youth pastor's wife and online retail owner of Little Rays, talks to us about accepting grace, sharing the gospel through discipline, and letting our children experience God through the things around us.Get nestled in somewhere and enjoy.  Below are links to the things discussed in the show.www.littlerays.shop for Kinsley's  Little Rays shop. The Daily Grace Co 

The Up from the Muck Podcast has decided to celebrate all the joys and trials of Motherhood with a 5 part series. The series will host mothers of various stages from various backgrounds. All of them God-fearing mothers with tons of wisdom, love, and laughter to share.In Part 2, Bethany Jett,  gives great examples for how to make positive reinforcement work as an effective discipline strategy, and how to foster organic conversations about God and faith, including an intentional family worship time. She also provides warm uplifting counsel that would benefit any mother at any stage. Listen on for more great ideas and be ready to be both inspired and challenged. Below is the link to the children's music  talked about in the show.Slug and Bugs  (Children's Christian Music)  *Also available on Apple iTunes