Pieces of Faith Andee Zomerman

Heather King owes her well-being to prayer. After hitting the rock-hard bottom, she changed her life around – though not immediately.

She became a Catholic and adopted the discipline of prayer. She writes about her practice in Holy Desperation. We chatted about:



* what prayer means

* the different types of prayer

* why prayer is for us – not God

* how prayer leads to using “no” as a complete answer

* the one thing I can do to fully be aware of my spiritual mastery (not sure that will be happening any time soon…at least not in this presidential term)



Heather speaks to those who don’t know a lot about God – and maybe don’t even believe. She’s real, down to earth, and has a love you can feel through the airwaves. Check it out!

Links discussed:



* Buy Holy Desperation now!

* Heather’s website

I’m a 17 year old stuck in a 46 year old body. For real!

Luckily, Jennifer Grant feels the same way I do and even though both of us HAVE 17 year olds, it doesn’t change the fact that we are young and everyone around us is old.

Ok – I may need a reality check. Tune in and listen to our conversation. In her book, When Did Everybody Else Get So Old, Jen gets real about midlife. In our conversation we discuss:



* Teens and why parents of teens are like flight attendants

* Perfect parents aren’t that perfect.

* Being in our 40s is pretty rad.

* Things we miss about being younger

* Chin hair



Yes, we cover a lot and Jen covers the rest in her book. Grab a cup of coffee and see how much we all have in common. Also, Jen advises those not quite in their 40s…it does get better!

Links discussed:



* When Did Everybody Else Get So Old?

* Jennifer Grant website

I do remember moments of mothering. Big moments. You know – births, first days of school, when they were old enough to stay home alone…things like this.

Barbara Mahany remembers the big moments and lucky for us, recorded the small moments. Barbara artistically weaves these memories into a nest of her own snippets, sharing her observations with readers who will smile in remembrance of our own small recollections.

Don’t let the title fool you. Motherprayer: Lessons in Loving isn’t just for women who have birthed offspring. It’s a book for those who have cared for others; men, women, parents and those who have loved on other people’s children.

Enjoy Barbara’s explanation of her words and hear her voice as she reads my favorite of the essays, Worm Rescue. I’ve already put her advice to use:



Links discussed:



* Buy Motherprayer: Lessons in Loving

* Barbara Mahany website

* Essays and Chicago Tribune Feature Stories 

Something happened to me after I read Blue Ocean Faith. An inner peace I haven’t experienced in a long time washed over me. Instead of anxiety wondering what is right and wrong about the Bible, instead of anger when “Christians” don’t act Christ-like, instead of tension when discussing interpretations of Scripture…I felt “Solus Jesus”.

Dave Schmelzer talks with me about the Blue Ocean Church movement and what can happen when places of worship accept people for who they are. Straight or Gay, Republican or Democrat, Man or Woman; the focus is not who/what/where/when/how, the focus is Jesus.

Dave discusses the 6 distinctives of Blue Ocean:



* Our primary framework is SOLUS JESUS.

* Our primary metaphor is CENTERED-SET.

* Our approach to spiritual development is CHILDLIKE FAITH.

* Our approach to controversial issues is THIRD WAY.

* Our approach to other churches is ECUMENICAL.

* Our approach to secular culture is JOYFUL ENGAGEMENT.



Blue Ocean Faith is a great book for those who are curious about Jesus. Blue Ocean Faith is an excellent book for people like me who are so frustrated with how Western Christianity is represented lately. In a time when I am considering giving up the practice of organized religion, Blue Ocean Faith is showing me there is a way to live out compassion: Just follow Jesus. What a novel idea.

Links discussed:



* Blue Ocean Faith, by Dave Schmelzer

* Blue Ocean Faith Website

* Blue Ocean Faith Facebook page

Jason Stellman is drunk. Probably. Maybe. I mean, he does label himself AND his podcast as such. He used to be in ministry. Therefore, he’s a drunk ex-pastor.

Jason’s book, Misfit Faith, is a collection of thoughts about God. Not the “Evangelical” God or the “Catholic” God or the “Protestant” God; just God who loves us. All of us.

Jason and I talk about Rich Mullins, 80s sitcoms, xenophobia, and the Bible. Listen to our conversation, then pick up the book. It’s a perfect read for those who know God isn’t a courtroom judge, but a father who invites you into his living room. (You’ll understand after you listen.)

*NSFW and Not-Kid Friendly language on this one. 

Links Discussed:



* Misfit Faith: Confessions of a Drunk Ex-Pastor

* Jason Stellman’s website

* Drunk Ex-Pastors website

* Jason’s Facebook Page

Christine Marchetta can help you communicate with loved ones who have passed from this life. And she may make you laugh while doing it.

I have to admit, I don’t know a lot about the Medium profession, contacting those who have died or “spirit guides”. After chatting with Christine, my mind has opened to the possibilities.

Listen to the conversation and hear us chat about:



* life and death

* God

* her parents

* her sister and my friend, Catherine

* taking time to slow down and notice what is happening around us



If you want to know more about Christine or have questions, you can find her on her Facebook page or check out her website at ChristineMarchetta.com