Longing for More

Vona Johnson - Author
  • 5.0 (22)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

The Longing for More podcast with Vona Johnson explores our deep longing for more of Jesus Christ. Through honest conversations and personal reflections, Vona encourages Christians to strengthen their faith and answer God’s call to live MORE fully for Him and the life He created us to live. As we seek Him first through Scripture and prayer, we see more clearly that our souls’ true longing isn’t for what this world offers—it’s for a deeper and more authentic relationship with Jesus and the people He brings into our lives.

  1. 3d ago

    179. Still Longing for More: What Israel Couldn't Satisfy

    Still Longing for More: What Israel Couldn't Satisfy After dreaming about visiting Israel for years, I finally made the journey to the land where Jesus walked. I stood on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, walked the streets of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth, and visited places I had read about in Scripture for decades. I expected the experience to change me in some profound way. Instead, I came home with a deeper understanding of something I should have known all along: my soul isn't ultimately longing for a place. It's longing for more of Jesus. In this episode, I share a glimpse into my two weeks in the Holy Land and answer some of the questions I've been asked most often: Was it safe? What was my favorite place? And what surprised me most? I'll also share why, despite the incredible places I visited, Israel couldn't satisfy the deepest longing in my soul—and why I'm actually grateful for that. And if you'd like to see more of the journey, I'm continuing to unpack the experience, share photos, and tell the stories behind the places I visited on my new Substack, Longing for More. Sometimes the journey we're longing for doesn't give us what we thought we wanted. Sometimes it reminds us what we've been longing for all along.

  2. 11/16/2025

    178. Trust the Path: Praying Loved Ones Back to Truth

    Have you ever watched someone you love drift off the path you thought God had for them? It’s painful—but it doesn’t mean their story is over. In this crossover episode (from Courageous Retirement) of Longing for More, Vona shares insight from Scripture and personal experience about what it means to trust God’s plan when life doesn’t look the way you expected. Discover how to walk in peace, even when others take detours, and how God can use every path—straight or winding—for His glory. ✨ In this episode: Why detours and delays don’t mean God’s plan has failed How to release control and rest in His timing The hope found in Isaiah 15:20—"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way: walk in it'.” If you’ve ever asked, “Did I miss God’s direction?” or worried that someone you love has, this episode will remind you that His light still leads the way. 🔗 Listen now and be encouraged to Trust the Path. 00:00 Introduction: A Heartfelt Concern 00:34 Facing Life's Detours 01:04 A Personal Anecdote: Navigating Challenges 02:41 The Struggle of Faith and Love 04:05 Encouragement and Hope 04:38 Trusting in God's Guidance 06:25 Conclusion: Keep Praying and Loving Join ClubMore! #FaithJourney #TrustGod #ChristianLiving #FinishWell #LiveYourMore #FaithJourney #LongingForMore #LiveYourMore #ItsNeverToo #ClubMore

  3. 12/19/2024

    177: Forgiving the Unforgivable ~ A Christmas Story

    Christmas is a season of hope, joy, and peace, but for many, it is a season when old hurts resurface, reminding us of things that are anything but joyful. Vona Johnson explores the profound theme of forgiveness in this heartfelt episode of Courageous Retirement. Reflecting on personal stories, Christian teachings, and poignant examples, Vona encourages listeners to release long-held hurts and embrace the true spirit of Christmas—granting and receiving forgiveness. Using insights from Lora Johnson's book 'The Night I Met Santa,'  she demonstrates how connecting with forgiveness can bring peace and joy into your life.  If you  are looking for ways to make this Christmas more meaningful than ever, you will want to tune into this episode. Scripture Referenced: Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT) Quote from Lora Johnson, " Christmas is all about getting the gift that we never deserved and never will." Listen to the interview with Lora Johnson and hear the story here: https://bit.ly/Night_I_Met_Santa Purchase the Book: https://www.thenightimetsanta.com/books/the-night-i-met-santa 00:00 The Season of Forgiveness 00:32 Introducing Courageous Retirement 00:51 The True Meaning of Christmas 02:03 The Importance of Forgiveness 04:07 Practical Steps to Forgiveness 06:09 Reflecting on Personal Hurts 08:41 Finding Joy in Forgiveness 09:01 Looking Forward to the New Year I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message! Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement! To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel under the Courageous Retirement Podcast.

  4. 11/21/2024

    176: The Quest for MORE

    Welcome back to Longing for More! It's been too long since I've released an episode here and I'm excited to share what's been happening since our last episode. Host, Vona Johnson, reflects on her faith journey and understanding God's plan in this heartfelt episode. She shares how perceived missteps and years of uncertainty were laying a foundation for her true calling. Vona reveals the importance of continued faith and trust in God's plan, even when life's path seems unclear. She shares how her podcast Courageous Retirement came to be and introduces the concept of ClubMore, encouraging viewers to find and live their MORE in life, driven by faith and God's purpose for each of us. Scripture referenced: Psalm 19: 7-9 Become an official member of ClubMore  at: https://www.clubmore.live. Subscribe now to receive more valuable insights and tips that can help you navigate your retirement journey with courage and faith! If you prefer to listen to the audio version of Courageous Retirement, you can find us here. Learn more about Vona at vonajohnson.com. #liveyourmore #courageousfaith #retirement #ClubMore I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message! Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement! To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel! Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at CourageousRetirement.com!

  5. 07/25/2023

    175: How is God Using You to Make an Impact?

    Do you long to make an impact in the world? Do you question whether God can use you? In this episode of Longing for More, special guest Jessica Klassen shares her journey of creating a unique approach to making an impact, and we'll dive deep into how God has guided her to fulfill His purpose.  We'll also take a closer look at the Ripple Boxes Jessica has created, the challenges she's encountered, and how she has learned to trust God along the way. She explains how each Ripple Box impacts at least four different lives. She gives examples of unexpected ways they have encouraged others through difficult times and brought comfort during times of tragedy.  Listeners have a unique opportunity to purchase a Ripple Box, with a portion of the proceeds going towards supporting victims of sex trafficking or local shelters. It's a rare chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most, so don't delay!  So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfortable, and get ready to be inspired by the incredible stories of how God is transforming lives and using everyday people like you and me to create a lasting impact.  Get all the details and links in the show notes.

    175: How is God Using You to Make an Impact?

  6. 07/11/2023

    174: Are You Fulfilling God's Purpose For Your Life?

    Join host Vona Johnson and her guest, Dr. Bren Williams, as they explore fulfilling God's purpose in life. Discover the obstacles that hinder destiny, embrace daily opportunities, and strengthen your faith. Dr. Bren shares insights from her book, Breaking Forth 2 Destiny: Arising from where you are to where God has destined you to be. In this engaging conversation, you will hear personal stories that will help you understand the power of prayer, the impact of small acts of kindness, and the importance of savoring the present.  Tune in to find inspiration for relying on God's strength, and living a fulfilled and purposeful life.

    174: Are You Fulfilling God's Purpose For Your Life?

  7. 06/27/2023

    173: Walking In Obedience Through the Hard Seasons of Life

    In this amazing episode of "Longing for More," we visit with the wonderful Jodi Howe, host of the podcast Air That I Breath, speaker, Worship Leader, and new Author. We talked about in this time when Satan is actively impacting every area of life, it is even more important than ever that we live a life of purpose, trust in God even in the most difficult seasons, and incorporate scripture in our daily lives.  In this conversation, where we discuss the hard topics of our day, Jodi emphasized the vulnerability of adolescence and how social media can negatively impact young people's fragile minds. We also discussed the attacks that come from Satan as we walk in faith and how it is crucial that people see Jesus through our words and actions when they aren't ready to know Him personally.  Jodi's fearlessness and passion for spreading God's love are inspiring, and you won't want to miss this episode.  #longingformore #godisgood #faith #biblestudy #podcastlove #adifferentview #longingformore #liveyourmore #equippedformore #theairthatIbreathe

    173: Walking In Obedience Through the Hard Seasons of Life

  8. 06/13/2023

    172: Discovering Your True Identity in a World of Lies

    On this episode of Longing for More, Vona Johnson and guest Elaine Briefman discuss the issue of "identity abuse" and how it can impact people's lives. Elaine shares her personal struggle and how she overcame it with the help of God. The episode covers topics like forgiving those who have hurt us, aligning our identity with Christ, and understanding the laws of nature and free will. Listeners will learn about the impact of identity abuse and how to recognize lies from the enemy. The episode ends with an invitation to hear more of Elaine's work, learn how to create your own story in her 5 sentence framework, and watch her beautiful story of how God created each of us in a Youtube video. Connect with Elaine at identityabuse.com

    172: Discovering Your True Identity in a World of Lies
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5
out of 5
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About

The Longing for More podcast with Vona Johnson explores our deep longing for more of Jesus Christ. Through honest conversations and personal reflections, Vona encourages Christians to strengthen their faith and answer God’s call to live MORE fully for Him and the life He created us to live. As we seek Him first through Scripture and prayer, we see more clearly that our souls’ true longing isn’t for what this world offers—it’s for a deeper and more authentic relationship with Jesus and the people He brings into our lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Vona Johnson - Author
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    181
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Longing for More
  • Show Website
    Longing for More