That's Just What I Needed Podcast

That's Just What I Needed

If you’ve ever had a conversation where you’ve walked away thinking, “Wow! That was just what I needed”, you know you felt encouraged, learned a thing or two, laughed, and maybe even felt a bit challenged. Author, national speaker, and pastor’s wife, Donna Jones provides life-giving “that’s just what I needed” conversations to help you know, love, and follow God in the midst of real-life--the one with daily demands and crazy cultural chaos. Sometimes she’ll welcome a guest we can learn from; sometimes the conversation will be just her and you. But, Donna’s hope is that each conversation will be exactly what you need.

  1. 1D AGO

    How to Stop Comparing Your Prayer Life and Start Praying for Real With Shellie Tomlinson

    Have you ever listened to someone pray and thought, Well… I’ll never sound like that?  In this encouraging, laugh-a-little-and-breathe-a-lot conversation, I sit down with author and speaker Shellie Tomlinson to talk about the comparison trap in prayer—and how to get free from it. Shellie shares why God isn’t looking for “perfect prayers” or spiritual clones. He wants you.  We unpack simple, practical habits that help you linger with God, stop quitting when your mind wanders, and remember that prayer isn’t the goal—a deeper relationship with Jesus is.  Shellie shares one simple reminder about approaching God in prayer that I’m sure I’ll never forget. You don’t want to miss it! (Hint: it’s toward the end of the episode, so listen all the way to the end.) And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Listen in to learn more : (2:40) Embracing Individual Prayer Styles(7:36)  Overcoming Distraction and Lingering in Prayer(20:17) Conversational Communication with God(25:24) Remembering Jesus is the Way to God Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.  It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith.   Connect Shellie  Website -https://belleofallthingssouthern.com/  Shellie’s new book  https://belleofallthingssouthern.com/dont-try-to-pray-like-her/ Pre-order before February 3 and email proof of purchase to: praywithshelly@gmail.com. You’ll receive Shelley’s introduction + first chapter (“Remember to Use the Door”) immediately. Connect with Donna  Instagram: @donnaajones     Website: www.donnajones.org     Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/     Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    32 min
  2. JAN 14

    Don’t Miss Your Life: How to Live With Intention

    Have you ever looked up and thought, Where is my life going… and am I even living it? In today’s episode, I’m kicking off the new year with a powerful reminder: you can be busy and still be disconnected—from your purpose, your people, and even from God.  Through the lens of scripture, we’ll identify what matters most when the noise dies down.  If you don't want to miss your one and only life, listen in! This isn’t about doing more—it’s about noticing more, slowing down, and living the life God intended. Xo, Donna And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Listen in to learn more : [0:02:20] The Foundation: Relationship with Jesus[0:04:00] Loving God and Loving People[0:07:30] The Value of Time and Living with Intention[0:09:29] Practical Steps for Intentional Living Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my new book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.   It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!   Connect with Donna  Instagram: @donnaajones     Website:  www.donnajones.org     Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    17 min
  3. JAN 7

    When Life Gets Hard: Finding Hope in Suffering with Clay Jones

    If you’re in a challenging season—or walking alongside someone who is—this conversation will meet you right where you are. In this hopeful and honest episode, I sit down with Dr. Clay Jones and Jeannie Jones to talk about their new book, How Does God Use Suffering for Our Good? Living With Hope While Making Sense of Life. Together, they share the real-life pain that shaped this message (cancer, miscarriages, foster care, and ongoing health challenges), and the seven anchoring truths they repeat to each other when suffering feels overwhelming. This episode is full of steady, biblical comfort—without clichés—and it will help you reframe suffering through the lens of eternity, hope, and God’s character. If you're hurting, this episode is your lifeline.. Don't miss it!    And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Listen in to learn more :  [0:04:22] Personal suffering story  [0:07:35] The 7 truths they repeat during suffering:  [0:11:42] Truth journals (remembering God’s redemption):  [0:16:32] “You don’t know what tomorrow will bring”:  [0:17:22] Fix your focus (looking at Jesus):  [0:23:36]Why suffering produces endurance → character → hope (Romans 5):  [0:26:43] Eternity changes the scale of everything  Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.   It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith.   Connect with Clay and Jeannie YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWymIngKlc1CtKBZ4aMLCHQ  Website - https://clayjones.net/  Purchase the book   -https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/how-does-god-use-suffering-for-our-good-9780736992237/?srsltid=AfmBOoqAUBs3q3Pf-0zQ_Xc3Y0z8NYWvM2TFRFPGxOQtrfUZaxtIrxIT    Connect with Donna  Instagram: @donnaajones     Website: www.donnajones.org     Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    34 min
  4. 12/31/2025

    A New Year Covered in Prayer: Letting Scripture Shape Your Next Season

    As we step into a new year, I wanted to do something sacred and intentional—pray Scripture over you.  In this special episode, we walk through powerful biblical prayers from Ephesians, Colossians, Thessalonians, and Numbers, explaining why these prayers matter and how they shape a faith-filled life. These aren’t rushed or performative prayers; they are grounding, relational, and deeply personal.  Prayer isn’t about getting God to cooperate with our plans—it’s about deepening our relationship with Him. This episode offers peace, clarity, endurance, and blessing as you begin a new season, anchored not in resolutions, but in God’s Word and presence. May God bless you and keep you. May He direct your every step. And May God fill you with His peace as you step into the new year, my friend. Xo, Donna And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Listen in to learn more : (03:20) – Why every new beginning should be undergirded by prayer (08:45) – Grasping the depth of God’s love changes everything (Ephesians 3) (14:30) – God brings to fruition what faith prompts (2 Thessalonians 1) (20:10) – Praying for wisdom, endurance, and spiritual strength (Colossians 1) (27:40) – Receiving God’s blessing, peace, and shalom for the new year (Numbers 6) Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my new book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.  If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!   Connect with Donna  Instagram: @donnaajones     Website:  www.donnajones.org     Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/     Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    15 min
  5. 12/24/2025

    A Christmas Blessing for You When You May Need It Most

    Christmas can be beautiful, and it can be a full-blown circus.  In this Christmas Eve episode, we examine how to hold space for both the wonder of Jesus’ birth and the peace of His presence. The first Christmas was not unlike life now–unpolished, inconvenient, with people longing for something good. On Christmas, God gave us someone good-Jesus. The angel proclaimed, "Don't be afraid. I bring good news of great joy for all people" (Luke 2:10-11).    If your life feels messy, or ordinary, or empty, you’re not disqualified; you’re exactly who Jesus came for. Emmanuel means God with us. Jesus came for us. For you.    And just in case Christmas feels like a lot–whether good, hard, or a combination of both—I end this episode with a Christmas blessing to steady your heart with joy, peace, and hope. May you experience Jesus this Christmas, my friend.   Xo, Donna And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!   Listen in to learn more : (1:10): Wonder begins in the messy, not the curated (2:40): Good news is for all people, not “perfect” people (4:25): Christmas Eve is a holy hush: slow down and receive (6:05 ): Emmanuel means God with us in stress, tears, and chaos (7:55): Joy and peace can coexist—Jesus brings both Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my new book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.   It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!   Connect with Donna  Instagram: @donnaajones     Website: www.donnajones.org     Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/     Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    7 min
  6. 12/17/2025

    Is It God, Me, or the Enemy? How to Discern God’s Voice with Rachel Groll 

    Ever wondered if that voice in your head is God, your own thoughts, or spiritual interference? In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Groll—author, podcaster, and two-time seminary graduate to unpack a solid, biblical approach to discerning God's voice. Rachel explains why Scripture must be your primary filter and how consistent obedience actually sharpens your spiritual discernment over time. She also points to powerful female prophets like Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah as biblical evidence that hearing from God isn't mystical nonsense—it's deeply scriptural.    We dive into the difference between reading and truly meditating on God's Word, plus offer practical wisdom for navigating prophetic words with discernment and peace.   And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Listen in to learn more : (00:12) This podcast is for real-life faith in real-life chaos (01:00) Hearing God’s voice starts with Scripture (not feelings) (03:30) Female prophets matter: Miriam, Deborah, Huldah show God’s design (06:45) Pride vs. humility affects your influence and obedience (10:20)  Meditating on Scripture replaces worry with truth and peace Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.   It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith.   Connect with Rachel  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachael.d.groll/  Website - https://www.rachaelgroll.com Listen to Rachel’s Podcast  -https://www.rachaelgroll.com/podcast    Connect with Donna  Instagram: @donnaajones     Website: www.donnajones.org     Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    37 min
  7. 12/10/2025

    The Power of Second Chances: A Journey to Sobriety and Purpose with Cheri Garcia

    What happens when a “good, normal, suburban” life collides with addiction, shame, and a God who refuses to let go?  In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Cheri Garcia, founder of Cornbread Hustle, a second-chance staffing agency that’s helped thousands of formerly incarcerated men and women find work and hope.  Cherry shares her raw story—from teenage meth dealer and alcoholic to sober entrepreneur and soon-to-be bride—and how God met her in a New Year’s Eve church service, a single Bible verse, and a recovery community she now calls her sunflower sisters.  If you or someone you love is wrestling with addiction, this story will remind you: no one is too far gone for God. And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Listen in to learn more : (00:42) From Suburban Teen to Second-Chance CEO(05:25) Shame, Hustle, and the Lie of Proving Yourself(12:20) The First “Felon Hire” That Sparked Cornbread Hustle(18:30): “Wine Is a Mocker”: The Verse That Broke Her Denial(24:14): Why You Can’t Heal Addiction Without Community   Donna’s Resources:   Order a copy of my latest book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.   It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith.   Connect with Cheri  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cornbreadhustle/  Website -https://cornbreadhustle.com/    Connect with Donna  Instagram: @donnaajones     Website: www.donnajones.org     Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/     Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    30 min
  8. 12/03/2025

    Faith in the Chaos: Motherhood, Identity, and God’s Calling with Nicole the Nomad

    What does it look like to follow God faithfully in the middle of real-life chaos? Join me and the delightful Nicole Renard Warren—better known as Nicole the Nomad—as she shares her journey from Miss Washington 2017 to a social media force with more than 3 million followers. Nicole opens up about her experience on Fox’s Next Level Chef with Gordon Ramsay and how stepping into unfamiliar spaces strengthened her confidence, courage, and faith. We also explore the delicate dance of motherhood, identity, and calling—along with practical strategies for creating order in busy seasons. From time-blocking to digital boundaries, this conversation is filled with grace, Scripture, and tools to help you thrive where God has placed you. And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Listen in to learn more : (00:19) - Following God in Daily Chaos (03:59) - Balancing Identity and Motherhood (09:35) - Establishing Daily Rhythms for Success (19:57) - Setting Healthy Boundaries for Wellness (29:03) - Finding Inspiration in Daily Life  Donna’s Resources:   Order a copy of my latest book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.   It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith.   Connect with Nicole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole_thenomad/?hl=en  Website - https://nicolethenomad.com/    Connect with Donna  Instagram: @donnaajones       Website: www.donnajones.org       Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/     Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    30 min
5
out of 5
94 Ratings

About

If you’ve ever had a conversation where you’ve walked away thinking, “Wow! That was just what I needed”, you know you felt encouraged, learned a thing or two, laughed, and maybe even felt a bit challenged. Author, national speaker, and pastor’s wife, Donna Jones provides life-giving “that’s just what I needed” conversations to help you know, love, and follow God in the midst of real-life--the one with daily demands and crazy cultural chaos. Sometimes she’ll welcome a guest we can learn from; sometimes the conversation will be just her and you. But, Donna’s hope is that each conversation will be exactly what you need.

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