Normal Goes A Long Way

Jill Devine Media

Christianity has become known for judgy people, strange words, confusing rules, and a members-only mindset. This is why I stayed away from the church for so long, but it’s not supposed to be that way. I’m Jill Devine, a former radio music personality with three tattoos and a love for a good tequila. Join me on the Normal Goes A Long Way podcast where we seek answers to real questions with real people about how faith and life intersect.

  1. 182: Answering the Call - My Uganda Mission Story and Why You Should Go Too

    FEB 4

    182: Answering the Call - My Uganda Mission Story and Why You Should Go Too

    Hearts & Hope for Uganda has been featured on this podcast numerous times. The first appearance happened in Episodes 75 and 76, when Jill Devine talked to Andy Wiggins and Todd Larkin. Andy and Todd are the Co-Founders of Hearts & Hope for Uganda. Hearts & Hope is a St. Louis-area 501c3 nonprofit focused on transforming poor villages in Uganda through clean water, health & wellness, education, and small business development. Our Vision That every community and child of Uganda would see their full potential, and that we might have the will to help them achieve it. Our Mission To develop transformational relationships with the people of Uganda. To partner in the development of communities that would promote spiritual, physical, and socio-economic transformation. Then, in Episodes 83 & 84, Sara Owens, Program Leader, and Kelly Turntine, Marketing & Business Development at Hearts & Hope, joined Jill to discuss the YES moment(s) that led to leaving their corporate jobs to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector. In this week’s episode, Jill invited Nick Bennett, Partner and Donor Relations, a.k.a. “The Guy for Partner and Donor Relations”, at Hearts & Hope, on to discuss their time together in Uganda, Hearts & Hope’s 10-year anniversary, and what’s on the horizon for the nonprofit. Interested in sponsoring a student like Jill and Nick do? Click here. Have additional questions? Email Nick: nick.bennett@heartsandhope.org Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/ Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/ Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735 Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/ Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill #madeonzencastr

    51 min
  2. 181: Spiritual Paths in Contrast Christianity and Modern-Day Witchcraft

    10/30/2025

    181: Spiritual Paths in Contrast Christianity and Modern-Day Witchcraft

    In this special Halloween episode, Pastor Maxx Fisher joins Jill Devine to discuss modern day witchcraft and how prevalent it is in our everyday lives. Highlights from the episode include: Neopaganism Witches Wicca The term monad The use of Magic Christian DiscipleshipIf you have questions or would like to chat through some of the items discussed, please reach out to Maxx via email: mfisher@mlslions.org Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/ Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/ Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735 Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/ Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill #madeonzencastr

    47 min
  3. 180: KIDS VERSION - The End of Time

    10/09/2025

    180: KIDS VERSION - The End of Time

    We’ve come to the end of our journey together through God’s Big Story. But it’s not really the end! Our prayer is that families will keep learning together and growing together in faith! Talking about Heaven is a great place to start this week. Here are some ideas: Preschoolers: What do you want to do in Heaven? Who will you see there? How will you feel in Heaven? The Bible tells us there will be no crying, no hurts, no tears! Early Elementary: The Bible tells is that Jesus is preparing a place for us in Heaven, and that “In my Father’s house there are many rooms.” (John 14:2-4) Describe what you hope to see and do in Heaven! Older Elementary: How do you feel when you think about Heaven? What questions do you have? What do you hope for? What would it be like if time didn’t matter and there was no sadness? Here are some more resources to help your family grow in faith together! • The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible (great for toddlers and preschoolers!) • The Hear-Me-Read Bible (great for young readers!) • Notes from Jesus (one of my very favorite books for early elementary!) • Kindling the Heart- Family Edition (simple devotions for families!) • RightNowMedia and Minno (Christian video content for kids!) • Seeds Kids Worship and Rain for Roots (Kids worship and Bible memory songs) Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/ Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill #madeonzencastr

    11 min
  4. 179: The End of Time

    10/07/2025

    179: The End of Time

    There's a lot of myths and misinformation around the end of time. It tends to make imaginations run wild (as a quick Google search will show). In this week’s episode, Pastor Jim Mueller separates fact from fiction. We're going right to the source—the Book of Revelation—to find out what the Bible really has to say on the subject. What we find is both fantastical and fascinating. Revelation is a book like no other, and I am excited to teach on a topic that inspires so much good (and really, really bad) discussion.  Let's get to the real story and discover what apocalyptic writing from 2000 years ago can tell us about our world today...and in the future. If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends. Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/ Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/ Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735 Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/ Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill #madeonzencastr

    33 min
  5. 178: KIDS VERSION - Paul's Final Days

    10/02/2025

    178: KIDS VERSION - Paul's Final Days

    Today we are learning more about Paul. Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas: Ask: How did Paul serve God? (He taught people about God). Paul travelled to Rome on a boat. How do you travel? How can you serve God? (ages 2-5) Paul says he doesn’t care if he goes to prison, he wants to finish the work that God gave him- which is to witness to others about God’s love. What are some ways you can show and tell others about God’s love? What kind of job do you want when you grow up? How can you serve God in that job (ages 6-9) Paul is clear that salvation is a gift from God-nothing that’s deserved or can be earned. Since the Bible is so clear, why do people still believe they’ll go to heaven because of their good works? If you could share God’s love anywhere, where would you go? (ages 10-12) One last thing! This week April asked, “What will you DO with all the love God has given you?”. Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. *By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast* Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/ Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/ Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735 Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/ Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill #madeonzencastr

    4 min
  6. 177: Paul's Final Days

    09/30/2025

    177: Paul's Final Days

    Imagine you were in Paul's sandals. For 30 years you devoted your life to zealously carrying out a mission, traveling far and wide to spread the Gospel. Church leaders valued your teachings and copies of your letters spread throughout the churches you help build. You were on fire for Jesus, but your ministry ends with you alone in a cell awaiting execution. Paul never did see the fruits of his labor. He may have experienced doubts that all he sacrificed even mattered. But you know what he never doubted? The love and grace of Jesus that saved his life and spurred him on. It's the same love and grace that we have been given, and it's a message worth hearing every Sunday. Pastor Chuck Schlie takes a look into the last days of one of the giants of the faith in this week’s episode. In his words we find absolute assurance that a life lived for Jesus is always worth any cost! If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends. Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/ Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/ Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735 Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/ Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs:  https://zencastr.com/?via=jill #madeonzencastr

    33 min
  7. 176: KIDS VERSION - Paul's Mission

    09/25/2025

    176: KIDS VERSION - Paul's Mission

    Today we heard the amazing story of Saul’s transformation into Paul! Parents, here are some conversation starters that can help you keep talking about this story! Preschoolers: Paul sang songs to God, even when he was in prison! What are some of your favorite songs to sing to God? Can singing songs to God help you feel better when you’re in a bad mood or a bad situation? Early Elementary: God did an amazing thing – He changed Paul’s heart! Paul then did an amazing thing – he changed his whole life and became a missionary! Would you ever become a missionary? Where would you like to go to share God’s love with people? Older Elementary: Paul didn’t escape prison when his chains came off. Why do you think he did that? Would you have acted the same way? Talk together about a time when your actions spoke louder than your words. Parents, you share too! One last thing! This week Hannah asked, “How can your ACTIONS share more about your faith than your words?”. Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. *By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast* Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/ Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/ Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735 Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/ Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill #madeonzencastr

    7 min
  8. 175: Paul's Mission

    09/23/2025

    175: Paul's Mission

    If you've ever doubted that Jesus can change the heart, just look to the example of Paul (aka, Saul). Once renowned for his violent persecution of early Christians, Paul has a conversion experience that knocks him to the ground (literally!). Days later, he sees the light (literally!) and emerges as one of the church's great leaders. Take a listen to this week’s episode as Vicar Ryan Pfendler walks us through the heart change Paul experienced and how we can change our own hearts. If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends. Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/ Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/ Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735 Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/ Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill #madeonzencastr

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Christianity has become known for judgy people, strange words, confusing rules, and a members-only mindset. This is why I stayed away from the church for so long, but it’s not supposed to be that way. I’m Jill Devine, a former radio music personality with three tattoos and a love for a good tequila. Join me on the Normal Goes A Long Way podcast where we seek answers to real questions with real people about how faith and life intersect.

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