Fierce Calling

Doris Swift
  • 5.0 (34)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
Fierce Calling

Join me for inspiration and encouragement as I talk with women who are using their gifts to impact the world for Christ. Discover how you too can use your gifts to impact the world and further the Kingdom of God. We are a community of women who are taking action where our passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Life can be crazy messy, but God loves you like crazy and He wants to use YOU for His glory. Woman of God, you have a Fierce Calling! Subscribe to this podcast and visit dorisswift.com. Cover photo: https://www.sarajanephotography.com

  1. DEC 10

    Winning the Mental Health Battle: Tips & Techniques for Thriving with Karen E Iverson

    Welcome to today's episode of Fierce Calling, where we're thrilled to have the multi-talented Karen E. Iverson back on the show. Karen is a licensed professional counselor, coach, public speaker, actress, singer, and artist, recognized as a difference-maker at the 2019 Author Advantage Live Conference. Her newest book, Winning the Mental Health Battle from Struggling to Thriving: 7 Tips to Navigate Anxiety, Depression, and Mania, offers invaluable insights into mental health. In this episode, Karen shares her inspiring journey from aspiring psychiatrist to impactful mental health counselor and author. We delve into her personal experiences and explore her approach to therapy, which includes innovative techniques like the "54321" grounding method. Karen and I discuss embracing authenticity, confronting societal stigmas, and finding strength in faith. We also highlight practical ways to navigate emotions and thoughts, underscoring the vital role of professional help. Get ready for a deep and fascinating conversation that will encourage, inspire, and challenge you. Listen in! Key Topics and Takeaways ... Karen Iverson's Professional and Personal Journey Aspiration to follow her father's footsteps as a psychiatrist Path to becoming a licensed professional counselor Shift from aspiring art therapist to counselor in Oklahoma Previous book on her breast cancer journey and companion journal Karen's New Book Winning the Mental Health Battle from Struggling to Thriving: 7 Tips to Navigate Anxiety, Depression, and Mania Open discussion of faith while being accessible to a diverse audience Divine timing and the experience gained before release Thematic Insights on Mental Health Emphasis on journaling as a therapeutic practice Explanation of mania and importance of professional diagnosis Destigmatizing mental health treatment via diagnosis, therapy, and medication Encouragement to seek help without shame, acknowledging stigmas even in religious communities Spiritual and Faith-Based Elements Transition from secular music to faith-based speaking Christ-centered yet inclusive approach in Karen’s book Use of faith in resilience against cultural identity and relationship challenges Practical Techniques for Mental Health Management "54321" grounding technique for anxiety Emphasizing gratitude and positive thinking Concept of emotions being temporary; typically lasting about 90 seconds Role of the Holy Spirit and Divine Intervention Discussion on the Holy Spirit as part of the Trinity Moments of perceived divine intervention in Karen’s life Use of Guided Visualization Free guided visualizations on Karen’s website to address anxiety, depression, and mania Guided visualizations explained as audio-guided relaxation exercises Clarification that techniques are not aligned with new age practices Examples such as walking on a beach as a calming visualization Acknowledgments and Contact Information Doris thanks Karen for her participation Encouragement for listeners to check show notes for more informat...

    44 min

  2. NOV 26

    Raising Faithful Kids Who Follow Christ for Life with Lee Ann Mancini

    Welcome to another encouraging episode of Fierce Calling with Doris Swift, where today we have the pleasure of introducing Lee Ann Mancini, an award-winning executive producer, author, podcast host, and advocate for raising children with a strong Christian foundation. In this episode, Lee Ann shares her incredible journey and passion for equipping families to instill biblical values in their children, and to help them become critical thinkers. Her new book Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God, is a powerful resource for parents, that doesn't just tell parents what to do, it shows them how to do it. We discuss some startling statistics regarding young people leaving the faith, concerns about culture shifts, and what we can do to help kids build strong spiritual foundations. Lee Ann also discusses her captivating children's book series, "Sea Kids," and the animated adaptations that aim to teach children to live out God's principles in everyday life. With her nonprofit dedicated to providing Christian resources to families, Lee Ann speaks on critical issues like religious beliefs, parenting, and the challenging cultural shifts impacting Christian households. She is also passionate about the importance of apologetics, and what that means for our kids and us. Doris and Lee Ann engage in a profound discussion, exploring practical advice for parents and grandparents who play vital roles in the spiritual development of the next generation. This episode is packed with valuable insights, not only from Lee Ann's books but also from her impactful parenting resources and approaches to teaching children about absolute truth, identity, and faith. Stay tuned to be inspired and equipped to reinforce a solid Christian foundation within your family! Key Topics and Takeaways ... Belief and Critical Thinking: Importance of children understanding faith beyond parental influence. Critical thinking as an essential skill for children Early Education and Vocabulary: Children's understanding extends beyond what they can articulate, even as young as six months. Recommendation for parents to use biblical language from an early age. Encouragement to teach terms like 'redemption' and 'salvation.' Parenting and Family Structure: Initiating family meetings to create a mission statement Emphasize accountability to God, love for children, and safety. Importance of distinguishing children's privileges from rights, such as technology use. School and Gender Discussions: Concerns about children choosing identities in schools without parental consent. The concerns surrounding early gender identity discussions and potential identity crises. Identity and Christ: Raising children with Christian values for a true sense of identity. Reassurance for parents regarding past parenting mistakes. Children's Media and Learning: Lee Ann Mancini’s observation of a gap in biblical principles within children's stories. Creation of "Sea Kids" series to teach biblical principles in real-life scenarios. Availability of the series on various platforms and adaptation into an animation. Lee Ann Mancini's Nonprofit Projects: Projects like the parenting book and "scripture bear" that support Raising Christian Kids.

    43 min

  3. NOV 19

    Tracing the Promise of Jesus from Creation to Cradle: A Special Advent Episode with Donna Amidon

    Welcome to Fierce Calling, where your host Doris Swift dives into heartfelt conversations and explores meaningful stories. We're talking with guests who take action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. In this episode, we welcome back Donna Amidon, a wife, mom, speaker, author, musician, and graduate of Southern Evangelical Seminary. Donna shares insights from her inspiring book, Tracing His Promise: Understanding the Bigger Story of Jesus and What That Means for Us, which delves into the beauty of biblical genealogies and Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by Jesus. How does the Jesse Tree tradition help families understand the significance of biblical stories and prophecies? We'll discuss her experiences with the Jesse Tree tradition, what it's all about, and how it shaped her family's celebrations. Hear how this tradition spread like wildfire through her church and has become a beloved way for us to share the bigger-picture story of Jesus at Christmastime. Listen as Donna elaborates on her mission to make the Bible accessible to all, offering her book as a treasured resource for spiritual growth. Plus, discover how her collaboration with her artist daughter has added a special touch to this family-centered project. Join us for an enriching conversation as we affirm the transforming power of the Bible and encourage listeners to embrace its truths. Don't miss this episode filled with joy, inspiration, and a shared passion for living a life centered on Jesus. Key Topics and Takeaways ... Donna Amidon’s Book: "Tracing His Promise" Overview of the book's content on Old Testament connections to Jesus. Aim to appeal to readers of varying familiarity with the Bible. Emphasis on using the Bible for spiritual growth. Writing process and original plans for the book's title. Importance of the Jesse Tree tradition in the family context. Jesse Tree Tradition Explanation of the Jesse Tree's purpose and historical background. Modernization and its role in teaching children about biblical stories. Biblical Connections and Genealogies Discussion on the significance of biblical genealogies. Examples of prophecies in the Bible relating to Jesus. Mention of key figures like David, Abraham, and Ruth. Book Features and Resources Description of the 25 stories and corresponding Christmas ornaments. Information on craft exchange and printable ornaments. Inclusion of ornaments and stories in personal, church, or educational settings. Artwork and Contributions Donna's daughter as the illustrator and her role in the project. Details on her daughter’s professional work as an artist. Check out my previous episode with Donna as mentioned in the show: Living Surrendered to God's Plan Connect with Donna! A graduate of Southern Evangelical Seminary, Donna is a wife, mom, speaker, author, musician, and lover of all things Bible.  Since college, Donna has dedicated herself to engaging women in the rich truths of Scripture while weaving its application into daily life.  With a passion for the local church, Donna has served as a Bible teacher, worship leader, radio broadcaster, small groups director, and pastor’s wife.

    39 min

  4. NOV 12

    Embracing Emotional Confidence and Christ-Centered Joy with Alicia Michelle

    In this episode of Fierce Calling, your host Doris Swift welcomes friend Alicia Michelle, a mindset coach and author of the new release Emotional Confidence: 3 Simple Steps to Manage Emotions with Science and Scripture. Join us as Doris and Alicia delve into the profound transformation that's possible through understanding and managing our emotions, using both science and scripture. Alicia shares her remarkable personal journey, detailing how a major medical crisis led her to rethink emotional management and the importance of addressing subconscious thought patterns. Alicia shares about the concept of changing mental "soundtracks" to align with positive, biblical truths, and the innovative process of "brain priming" to rewire thoughts and foster mental renewal. With practical insights drawn from neuroscience, Alicia explains how her Christian mindset makeover course empowers women to overcome negative narratives, leading to newfound confidence and freedom. Uncover the power of surrendering life's challenges to God and the joy that arises from embracing transformation. Discover how you can actively manage your mindset and deepen your spiritual growth journey. What Alicia shares will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in! Key Topics and Takeaways ... 1. What is joy and how do we find it in the hard seasons? 2. The Importance of Joy and Positive Mindsets 3. Changing Negative "Soundtracks" 4. Alicia Michelle's Approach to Emotional Management 5. Techniques and Tools for Emotional and Mindset Transformation 6. Integrating Neuroscience and Faith 7. The Practical Application and Resources 8. Conclusion and Encouragement for Listeners Connect with Alicia! Alicia Michelle, ACC, CPLC is an ICF-certified Christian life coach and NeuroCoach, traditionally-published author of Emotional Confidence: 3 Simple Steps to Manage Emotions with Science and Scripture, popular conference speaker, and multi-award-winning podcast host of the top-ranked podcast The Christian Mindset Coach with Alicia Michelle. Through her coaching and courses Alicia has equipped thousands of women with practical brain-and-biblically-based tools to better manage emotions and to break free from perfectionism and people-pleasing in order to cultivate Christ-centered confidence. She is passionate about using brain science + the Bible together to help women release fear + build confidence as they boldly follow God's plan for their lives. You can connect with Alicia and find her podcast The Christian Mindset Coach, her new book, her Christian Mindset Makeover course, and more at aliciamichelle.com Connect with Doris! Connect with Doris at https://dorisswift.com/ For speaking engagements, visit her booking page at womenspeakers.com Join us for this heartening episode of Fierce Calling and be inspired to deepen your biblical study and walk with God. What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook,...

    36 min

  5. NOV 5

    A Place of Healing & Hope For Sexual Assault and Domestic Abuse Survivors with Candice Reyes

    Welcome back to Fierce Calling with your host Doris Swift, where we talk with guests who are taking action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. In this episode, we welcomed back Candice Reyes, the Executive Director of Her Well, a faith-based ministry inspiring women to reclaim hope and regain their voice after trauma. From facing her own traumatic past to leading a pioneering organization, Candice's journey highlights the power of healing through faith, counseling, and innovative therapies like ART. Her Well offers free counseling, essentials, and a transformative space for those in need. I know what Candice shares will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Candice Reyes. Episode Highlights ... Candice's Personal Story: Candice bravely opens up about her youth and early married life marked by sexual assaults. With resilience, she found healing through Bible study, personal counseling, and a technique called Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Her Well's Mission: Her Well is more than just an organization; it’s a lifeline for women reclaiming their voice and hope after trauma. Offering free counseling, spiritual guidance, and practical support, Her Well is a testament to faith and healing. Healing Through Forgiveness: Discover the power of forgiveness not just as an act towards others, but as a pivotal step in personal healing. Supportive Community: Her Well encourages public involvement and donations to expand its outreach and impact. Beyond the Program: Graduates of Her Well not only achieve personal transformation but can choose to mentor new participants, further nurturing a supportive community. My Previous Episode with Candice Candice Reyes: Three Simple Practices to Help Cultivate a Relationship with God Connect with Candice! Candice Reyes is a Speaker, Author, and Executive Director of Her Well, an organization that guides survivors of unhealthy sexual relationships to overcome the fear of their past and heal mentally, physically, and spiritually. Candice wrote two books both highlighting 3 Biblical Practices to ignite our relationship with God. Her first book, A 15-minute “Date” with God: Strengthen Your Relationship in 3 Ways, made the Top 100 Books sold on Amazon and won the 2021 Christian Indie Award for the Bible Study Category. Her second book, Awake My Soul: 3 Ways to Ignite Your Relationship with God guides men and women on a personal one-on-one with God in a minimum of 15 minutes. Candice is the Executive Director of Hooks2Crook Ministries, Inc. a Non-Profit organization. On top of all that she is a wife of a phenomenal artist, Elias Reyes, and a mother of three a-dork-able kids ages 23-14. Candice hopes to encourage, equip, and endorse others to step out in faith utilizing their God-given talents and gifts for His glory. You can connect with Candice at https://herwell.org/ and there you'll find social media links for Facebook and Instagram. If you're in need of Her Well services to regain your voice and hope, click on the "I NEED HELP" button at the top of the Her Well homepage. Connect with Doris! Connect with Doris at https://dorisswift.com/ For speaking engagements, visit her booking page at womenspeakers.com Join us for this heartening episode of Fierce Calling and be inspired to deepen your biblical study and walk with God. What Threatens to Steal Your Joy?

    57 min

  6. OCT 29

    Joyful Living and Navigating Life’s Unexpected Challenges with Nancy Bouwens

    Welcome back to Fierce Calling with your host Doris Swift. In today's episode, we're diving deep into the art of rediscovering joy and the power of intentional living with our inspiring guest, Nancy Bowens, a mindset coach for midlife women. Known for her mission to help women embrace their potential and feel seen, heard, and valued, Nancy joins us to discuss overcoming modern challenges like technology-induced isolation, the importance of community, and finding rest amidst life's busyness. Together, we explore how letting go of tightly held plans can open us up to divine possibilities and how faith can ground us in purpose. Nancy shares her journey through life's unexpected turns, including caring for her mother during challenging time and transitioning into coaching. We'll also touch on the struggles many face in midlife—trust, personal growth, and the joy found in pursuing long-hidden dreams. So, settle in as we embark on a journey of finding joy, community, and purpose in the present moment, all while challenging ourselves to grow and trust in the process. Plus, stay tuned for Nancy’s tips on recognizing and embracing your unique gifts and how to connect with her ongoing work through her website and uplifting weekly emails. I know what Nancy shares will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in and share this episode with a friend! Episode Highlights ... Rediscovering Joy: Doris introduces her insightful book, Surrender the Joy Stealers Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You, a must-read for anyone seeking to reignite their joy through personal and biblical tales. Intentional Connections: Nancy sheds light on the importance of authentic relationships in a digital age filled with superficial connections. Both she and Doris advocate for setting aside devices to truly be present with others. Navigating Life's Challenges: Hear Nancy’s powerful testimony about managing life's unexpected changes, from battling cancer to caring for her elderly mother, while gleaning wisdom about embracing divine possibilities. Mindset Mastery: Learn how Nancy helps her clients, particularly Christian women, differentiate between needs and values to align their lives for optimal function and fulfillment. Personal Growth & Trust: Discover the keys to reassessing one's identity and calling post-midlife and give yourself permission to pursue dormant dreams and aspirations. Connect with Nancy! Nancy is a writer, mindset coach for midlife women, and professional silver lining finder armed with curiosity and great coffee. This sunset-chasing, hospitality-loving guru navigates life's twists with panache! Her superpower?Inspiring others to embrace their God-given spark living brave, strong and courageous! Find her at: The Intentional Life - -  www.nancybouwens.com  Facebook: www.facebook.com/nancybouwensintentionallife IG: https://www.instagram.com/nancy_bouwens Connect with me: https://www.nancybouwens.com/connect A year of recommended reading: https://go.nancybouwens.com/reading The Peaceful Playlist – A collection of music to inspire creativity, unlock joy and help you live just a bit more bravely!  https://www.nancybouwens.com/peaceful-playlist Connect with Doris! Connect with Doris at https://dorisswift.com/ For speaking engagements, visit her booking page at womenspeakers.com Join us for this heartening episode of Fierce Calling...

    48 min

  7. OCT 22

    Pain to Purpose: Amy Senter’s Powerful Journey From Health Crisis to Creative Bible Literacy Teacher

    In this episode of Fierce Calling, host Doris Swift welcomes Amy Senter, a Christian lifestyle blogger, artist, and educator, to discuss her innovative approach to Bible reading and journaling. Amy shares her personal faith journey of transformation from a severe health crisis with late-stage Lyme disease to a mission to make scripture accessible and engaging through simplified and creative study methods. Discover how Amy's teaching techniques and personal experiences have shaped her ministry, inspiring others to deepen their connection with God. Key Takeaways from the Show Introduction: Doris Swift introduces Amy Senter, highlighting her background in teaching, art, and her creation of digital Bible study tools. Amy's transition from a traditional faith upbringing to a passionate, personal relationship with God. Bible Journaling Approach: Amy's simple, flexible method for Bible journaling aims to make scripture accessible to all, without requiring formal theological education. Encourages personal expression and adaptation to diverse learning styles, including those with dyslexia. Personal Faith Journey: Amy discusses her severe health issues and eventual diagnosis with late-stage Lyme disease, leading to a profound spiritual journey and transformation. Transition from questioning God's goodness to finding joy and peace through a deepened faith. Challenges and Solutions: Overcoming barriers to Bible study by encouraging creative engagement and comfort with personal expression in the Bible. Setting spiritual goals and incorporating faith into daily life. Spiritual Health and Empowerment: Importance of mindset shift from victimhood to empowerment in healing and spiritual growth. Maintaining trust and surrendering burdens to God for peace and rationality. Ministry and Resources: Amy offers guidance through her website, providing lessons, Bible study printables, and personal interaction. Encourages listeners to connect with her community on YouTube and Facebook for interactive Bible study sessions. Connect with Amy! Amy's Website: https://amysenter.com WEBSITE: amysenter.com SOCIAL LINKS:  youtube.com/@amysenter instagram.com/senteramy facebook.com/amy.senter.intentional.living pinterest.com/senter_amy Amy Senter is a Christian Lifestyle Blogger focused on Intentional Living through Biblical Literacy and Spiritual Growth. She lives in Texas with her college sweetheart of 18 years and their 2 children. Using her background in Art and Education, her unique style of illustrated Bible study cheatsheets simplifies complex concepts while appealing to visual learners of all ages, including those with ADHD and dyslexia. Amy has outlined all 66 books of the Bible into a collection of digital printables, which have been sold in 45 countries around the world. When she’s not drawing with her Apple Pencil, you can find her in a bookstore or craft shop looking for inspiration for her next project.  Call to Action: Subscribe to Amy’s website for resources, updates, and personal communication. Connect with Doris!

    40 min

  8. OCT 15

    A Journey Out of Darkness and Into God’s Sacred Refuge with Lynne Rienstra

    Welcome to Fierce Calling, where I chat with guests who take action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and use their gifts to impact the world for Christ. We share stories of hope and God's faithfulness to encourage, inspire, and challenge listeners to walk in their Fierce Calling. In this week's episode, A Journey Out of Darkness and Into God's Sacred Refuge, I welcome friend Lynn Rienstra, an insightful author, dedicated spiritual mentor, and pastor's wife who brings profound wisdom on embracing authentic Christian faith and finding freedom from fear. Lynn delves into the transformative power of Jesus and how believers can live free from fear, and in God's sacred refuge, as emphasized in her new book, Sacred Refuge: Finding Unexpected Shelter in Your Crisis She shares her personal journey from fear and performance-based identity to discovering her true identity in Christ, encouraging us to walk through crises with faith and hope. Lynn also reflects on her experiences with Samaritan's Purse, emphasizing service and the gospel's power in transforming lives. Together we explore themes of spiritual resilience, community, and the vital role of storytelling in deepening our faith. Join us as we discuss the beautiful message of progress in faith, finding God's sacred refuge in turbulent times, and how we can all become beacons of light and grace in today's world. Connect with Lynne! Lynne Rienstra is a recovering Pharisee and spiritual orphan. Her dream is to catalyze a movement a loving service among women that will transform our churches, communities, culture, and world. Through her mentoring, speaking (she's taught thousands of women for over two decades), and writing, she leads women out of hiding and into a transforming encounter with the living God. In that place, they discover their identities as his brave beloved, rising up to restore our broken world as carriers of God’s love and presence. Lynne has followed a series of callings: English teacher, corporate insurance broker, pastor’s wife, women’s ministry leader, homeschooling mom, and development professional. (Since 2013, she has served as a regional director for Samaritan’s Purse). She holds a BA in English from Smith College and a Certificate in Spiritual Formation from the Transforming Center in Wheaton, Illinois. Lynne has contributed to numerous books, magazines, and online devotionals. Serving alongside her husband, Rob, a senior pastor, gives Lynne much joy, as do their adult children and grandchildren. Lynne has traveled to twenty-six countries on five continents (including North Korea, Iraq, and Kenya, where she lived for a summer among the Maasai. She loves Earl Grey tea, all things French, period dramas, reading C. S. Lewis and Elizabeth Goudge, and scoring vintage clothing finds. You can book Lynne for your event, or as a podcast or TV guest, at BraveBeloved.com. Listen to her Brave Beloved podcast and access her teaching on YouTube. Lynne can also be found on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and X. What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling?

    54 min
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5
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

Join me for inspiration and encouragement as I talk with women who are using their gifts to impact the world for Christ. Discover how you too can use your gifts to impact the world and further the Kingdom of God. We are a community of women who are taking action where our passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Life can be crazy messy, but God loves you like crazy and He wants to use YOU for His glory. Woman of God, you have a Fierce Calling! Subscribe to this podcast and visit dorisswift.com. Cover photo: https://www.sarajanephotography.com

Information

  • Creator
    Doris Swift
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodes
    196
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019-2020 Doris Swift & Blubbry Podcasting
  • Show Website
    Fierce Calling

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