Simply Make It Count Shanda Kay

All Grace ever wanted was the normal things in life:  A happy marriage, a big house, and a loving family.  She never imagined her life would turn out so differently.
The submissive Christian life she was asked to live left her totally dominated by her abrasive husband.  She and her children were systematically crushed, and their will to thrive was snuffed out at every turn.  She had no idea how to handle the insults and abuse from her husband or the isolation from her family.  She never thought she'd lose her faith in God or plunge into such depths of despair.
This heart-wrenching story of living every day with a narcissist educates readers on the serious nature of abuse.  Taking a journey through emotional pain may mean taking the most uncomfortable path to lead your life to the most beautiful situation starting today.
 
Madison R. Carter represents all those who experience emotional pain across different cultures, religions, ages, men and women, in every corner of the world who struggle with finding their way out of the darkness.  She wrote this true story because she wants to shed a light on the darkness and secrecy of abuse and bring hope and light to those who are feeling trapped, hopeless, and have lost their way.
For more information and to order a copy of her book, visit her website:  www.madisonrcarter.com  You can also find her on Facebook as Madison Carter, Author of Stop Making Me Cry.

My friend Crystal is one who does extraordinary things often. Though I'm used to this behavior from her I was more in awe than usual when I learned she donated one of her kidneys to a complete stranger. Well, the recipient was a stranger at the time. Now the two share a beautiful friendship. One that almost didn't happen! This podcast interview with Crystal almost didn't happen, too. Listen to this episode to find out why! :)
For more information about organ donation, contact your local hospital and they will connect you with the resources you need.
Thanks for listening and until we meet again, Simply Make It Count.

I'm staying at a local Airbnb home tonight. Yes, you read that right - local! Although it's just one of my days off of work, it feels like a mini vacation. I brought a few small projects to tackle and doing at least one podcast episode was one of those things. Yes, you read that right - at least one episode.  I may just feel ambitious enough to do another! 
It's amazing what a little bit of time away from home can do for the soul.  Even if it's just one night.  :)

Mark LaMaster is back!  He was the first guest - and was featured in the first episode of the Simply Make It Count podcast sharing about his first book, Friday Night Lights for Fathers and Sons.  When I heard he'd written a second, similar book for Fathers and Daughters I knew I had to have him back on the show. 
As a daughter who has struggled my whole life to relate to my dad, this conversation with Mark felt especially needed and relevant to families today. I'm so glad we took the time to talk. 
Mark LaMaster is the founder of Uplifting Dads who strives to ensure that each and every dad has the access to positive, encouraging, and faith-filled resources about how to be the best parent they can be.  Uplifting Dads exists in order to build a sense of community among like-minded fathers who want to learn from, strengthen, and support one another in a space free of judgment or criticism.
Mark is a dad of two teenagers, a husband, an author, a speaker, and a dad coach whose mission is to offer a place of encouragement and inspiration for men to become the father they've always dreamed of being.
You can connect with Mark through his website, www.UpliftingDads.com or via email, Mark@UpliftingDads.com
Mark's fatherhood books are available at Amazon.com
Mark would also like to offer a FREE 30-Day Devotional for Dads!

Seems like I'm always saying this:  "Long time, no podcast!"  Well, this time, it really has been a long time - at least since I seemed to be on track with getting a more regular podcast schedule going and then POOF - nothing for over three months!
If you've missed me and/or have been wondering what happened or if I'm OK, this is the episode for you.  
Spoiler alert ---  I still won't be getting back to a regular schedule yet so I wanted to warn you. I just don't want you to be disappointed. ;)
Have an amazing April! Hopefully I'll be back soon. :)

I really enjoyed this conversation with my friend Tanisha Williams. I invited her to the show because of her recent vlogging project, "90 Days of Encouragement" but as it turns out we talked about much more than that! I hope you enjoy our conversation, too. :)
Tanisha Williams' Passion is teaching. She has taught elementary and high school for twenty years. Tanisha received a M.A. in English Education from Columbia University. As a veteran master teacher, Tanisha has spoken at educational workshops and mentored novice teachers.
As an author, certified coach, speaker, and trainer, Tanisha helps others build their self-esteem to embody their full potential in Christ so they will know their value, identity, and purpose to accomplish their dreams. She has spoken at various churches and women's groups where her topics include abundant living, God's love, and freedom in Christ.
Tanisha lives in New Jersey with her two "crazy" cats. She loves to travel and is proud of her ability to quote movie lines in daily conversation.
You can follow her on Instagram here: @tanisharwilliams