Sanctuary Stirrings

Lori G Melton
  • 5.0 (10)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Compelling conversations for passionate followers of Jesus, longing to stay open, unhindered, undistracted, and excited about the adventure of walking with Him. You’ll be inspired by each episode and leave with helpful practices to deepen your intimacy with God and others and take one more step in becoming all you were created to be.

  1. #50 From Calling to Celebration — The Story God Wrote on Launch Night

    11/18/2025

    #50 From Calling to Celebration — The Story God Wrote on Launch Night

    In this special post-launch episode of The Journey with a Giant, Robert Prince and Lori G. Melton look back on the unforgettable night when Journey with a Giant officially released. Lori shares the emotional and spiritual journey leading up to the event—the battles she faced, the peace that met her when the night began, and the overwhelming sense of God’s presence as more than 60 people gathered to celebrate. Robert reflects on how God has been shaping him as they’ve walked out this calling together through the writing season, the podcast, and the launch itself. Together, they explore the theme that has carried them from the very beginning: God is always working in us even as He works through us. This brief, heartfelt episode invites listeners to celebrate God’s faithfulness and consider how He may be writing a story of His own through their lives. 📚 Resources Worth Noticing:  Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton Free Journey with a Giant Discussion Guide Journey with a Giant: The Power of Spiritual Mentorship (3 Min Video) Watch this Episode on YouTube. Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit lorigmelton.com or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

    32 min
  2. Calling, Cost, & Joy–What Lori’s Story Can Teach Us About Our Own

    11/04/2025

    Calling, Cost, & Joy–What Lori’s Story Can Teach Us About Our Own

    In this episode of The Journey with a Giant podcast, Robert Prince interviews Lori G. Melton about her decade-long journey behind her book, Journey with a Giant. Lori shares how God rekindled her passion for writing during the COVID-19 lockdown and the pivotal moments and people who shaped her path. Despite challenges and sacrifices, she remained faithful, stewarding her calling to write a book about spiritual growth and walking with spiritual giants. Her story highlights the importance of discerning one’s calling over time and staying committed through the highs and lows. This episode encourages listeners to trust God’s timing and take one faithful step at a time in their own journeys. 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton Watch this Episode on YouTube. Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit lorigmelton.com or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

    37 min
  3. #48 Shaping the Story--Behind the Scenes of Journey with a Giant with Editor Leslie Calhoun

    10/28/2025

    #48 Shaping the Story--Behind the Scenes of Journey with a Giant with Editor Leslie Calhoun

    In this special episode, co-host Robert Prince introduces a heartfelt conversation between Lori G. Melton and her editor, Leslie Calhoun of Waterbrook Books / Penguin Random House. Together, Lori and Leslie pull back the curtain on the creative process behind Journey with a Giant—from the first spark of an idea to the final pages of the book, soon to be released. Leslie shares her journey into editing and her deep joy in helping faith-filled stories find their way into the world. What emerges is more than a story about publishing—it’s a testimony of how God works behind the scenes, weaving together people, timing, and callings in miraculous ways. For anyone who’s ever wondered if their quiet “yes” could really matter — May this episode speak to you —God is doing more behind the scenes than you can imagine! 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton Watch this Episode on YouTube. Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit lorigmelton.com or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

    35 min
  4. Your JWAG Questions, Answered!

    10/21/2025

    Your JWAG Questions, Answered!

    In this special episode of The Journey with a Giant podcast, Lori G. Melton explores the most frequently asked questions from readers and those just discovering Journey with a Giant. Before diving into the questions, Lori shares a moving story from her week that illustrates the reach and healing this practice can have. From a chance encounter to a heartfelt conversation with a woman searching for connection and comfort, Lori reflects on how Journey with a Giant can touch lives in unexpected and profound ways. Then, she answers the questions that matter most like: What is a “Giant” and who qualifies as one? How do I find or choose my Giant? Can I journey alone, or is it better in a group? What if someone else chooses the same Giant I did? How do I structure my journey and what resources should I use? How long does it take, and what can I expect to experience? If you’re curious about the practice and looking for clarity, encouragement, and practical guidance, this episode was created with you in mind! 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton Downloadable Journey with a Giant Discussion Guide Watch this Episode on YouTube. Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit lorigmelton.com or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

    18 min
  5. When Justice Becomes Worship: Kirstin Olson’s Journey with Fannie Lou Hamer

    10/14/2025

    When Justice Becomes Worship: Kirstin Olson’s Journey with Fannie Lou Hamer

    Through the courage and faithfulness of those who have gone before us, God calls us forward—to the steps of courage He is asking of us today.   In this episode of 'The Journey with the Giant' podcast, Lori G. Melton and Robert Prince introduce fellow writer Kirstin Olson as she shares her transformative experience journeying with civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer.  Kirstin, a language teacher and recent empty nester, reflects on the profound impact this spiritual practice has had on her faith and personal life, revealing how Hamer's resilience and activism have inspired her to confront injustice in her community and embrace deeper worship.  The discussion highlights the importance of walking with others in our spiritual lives and emphasizes the enduring wisdom gained from walking with giants of the faith.  This enriching conversation encourages listeners to pursue a deeply intentional spiritual journey and honor the sacrifices of those who came before. Kirstin’s experience with Fannie Lou Hamer inspires us to step courageously into acts of justice, compassion, and worship in our own lives. 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Walk with Me: A Biography of Fannie Lou Hamer by Kate Clifford Larson Fannie Lou Hamer Testimony Before the Credentials Committee (1964), YouTube recording, 8 min. Precious Lord, Take My Hand Recording of Fannie Lou Hamer, YouTube Recording Additional Links: Watch on YouTube.  Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton Journey with a Giant Discussion Guide Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

    42 min
  6. #45 Walking With Friends: Why Community Transforms the Journey

    10/07/2025

    #45 Walking With Friends: Why Community Transforms the Journey

    There is a beautiful grace when we include others on our spiritual journey.  In this episode of Journey with a Giant, Lori G. Melton and co-host Robert Prince explore the transformative power of walking with a giant of the faith alongside friends. They reflect on the spiritual growth, transformation, and joy that multiply when we share our spiritual life with others. Walking with a giant in community provides encouragement, accountability, and a safe space to explore faith, creating experiences that are richer and more rewarding than walking alone.  Listeners will gain practical ideas for what it could look like to Journey with a Giant with friends and discover how shared reflection and companionship can multiply the understanding and transformation of all those in the group.    📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Click here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with a Giant Journey with a Giant Discussion Guide Additional Links: Watch this episode on YouTube.  Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton  The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

    33 min
  7. #44 Friendship, Formation, and the Giants Who Guide Us with Julie Blakely & Sherri Willett

    09/30/2025

    #44 Friendship, Formation, and the Giants Who Guide Us with Julie Blakely & Sherri Willett

    Some relationships don’t just enrich our lives—they shape our souls. In this episode of Journey with a Giant, Lori G. Melton sits down with longtime friends Julie Blakely and Sherri Willett to explore the gift of spiritual friendship and the transformative practice of walking with giants. They share how their bond as “Abba Sisters” and the Celtic concept of Anam Cara (soul friendship) have deepened their spiritual journeys, offering guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Listen as they reflect on the influence of giants like Madeleine L’Engle, Evelyn Underhill, Henri Nouwen, Elizabeth Elliot, and Harriet Tubman, and how these figures have shaped their faith, personal growth, and the courage to live faithfully in community. This conversation is a celebration of the profound impact of companionship on the spiritual life and the giant journey and a reminder that formation happens best when we journey together. 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Anam Cara by John O’Donahue Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith & Art by Madeleine L’Engle The Ways of the Spirit by Evelyn Underhill and Grace Adolphsen Brame Additional Links: Click Here to watch on YouTube.  Click here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with a Giant  Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

    40 min
  8. #43 Passing on the Practice: Sister Diane Zerfas & Two Decades of Walking with Giants (Part 2!)

    09/23/2025

    #43 Passing on the Practice: Sister Diane Zerfas & Two Decades of Walking with Giants (Part 2!)

    Some stories just don’t inform us; they shape us. In this episode of Journey with a Giant, gifted storyteller Sister Diane Zerfas, the Spiritual Formations Director at the Dominican Center in Grand Rapids, shares the remarkable transformations she has witnessed in her students over more than two decades of guiding them in the practice of walking with spiritual giants. You’ll hear how this practice provides a deep-rooted connection in a world that often feels untethered and isolated. Through walking with giants, we are reminded that we never walk alone. The episode concludes with Sister Diane’s heartfelt prayer for the practice, an invitation to notice God’s presence in our own lives and the faithful examples around us. You won’t want to miss it!  Resources: Adam by Henri Nouwen. The Dominican Center of Grand Rapids, MI Click Here to watch on YouTube.  Click here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with a Giant  Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton  The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

    32 min
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Compelling conversations for passionate followers of Jesus, longing to stay open, unhindered, undistracted, and excited about the adventure of walking with Him. You’ll be inspired by each episode and leave with helpful practices to deepen your intimacy with God and others and take one more step in becoming all you were created to be.

Information

  • Creator
    Lori G Melton
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lori G Melton
  • Show Website
    Sanctuary Stirrings