164. Deep Learning and Deep Faith: Homeschool Mom Monica Swanson
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Release Date: 10/24/2024
169. Our Home Is Found in Who God Says We Are: Rev. Chris Lee
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Reverend Chris Lee unexpectedly found himself with an online platform where he shares short, encouraging messages that authentically reflect what he’s facing in any given moment. The messages have resonated with thousands, bolstering Chris’s belief that people are longing for an understanding of their identity and who God says they are. Quotes “I felt just the whisper of God say, ‘I want you to be on this platform and give a message of the gospel to a younger generation—to young people who were searching.’” - Rev. Chris Lee “I think a lot of people online are...
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168. A Gift of Hope in the Midst of Fear: Peter Martin from Hope Lebedyn
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Hope Lebedyn is a nonprofit organization in Ukraine providing aid and hope during a time of war, chaos, fear, and uncertainty. Co-founder Peter Martin shares the realities of what Ukrainian families are currently facing, and how God’s love has shown up as a lifeline. Quotes “My family hasn’t been asked to leave their home because a bomb might come through their roof. I haven't had to abandon all my things. So I see love in the blessing of God, in the things that I have around me, which so often I take for granted.” - Peter Martin “About twenty-five years ago, I...
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167. Ordinary People Becoming Extraordinary Believers: Dandi Daley Mackall
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Dandi Daley Mackall is an award-winning writer whose most recent work is a devotional called Women Who Followed Jesus, which honors ordinary women who were early church believers and key figures in the life of Christ. Dandi shares how God showed up in the lives of these women and what lessons we can draw from their extraordinary faith. Quotes “God lets me write, and then He takes it and touches hearts and works His grace in other people. I get to be a little part of it.” - Dandi Daley Mackall “I don't know how people get through life without our Refuge and our Helper. I just...
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166. You’re Never Too Far Gone for God: Molly Stillman
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Author and speaker Molly Stillman was raised by a Vietnam veteran Army nurse, who acted as the hands and feet of Jesus when chaos and pain and terror were all around. As Molly grew up, she watched her mom trailblaze for veteran’s rights, so when she passed away, Molly was devastated and confused and hurt. As she spiraled into a deep, dark place, she found herself looking for hope—and she realized that no one is ever so far gone that God’s love can’t bring them back. Quotes “My mom's death, in a lot of ways, was the catalyst for the rest of my life. Growing up the daughter of...
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165. The Difference Between Happiness & True Joy: Tara Dew
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Tara Dew is an educator, author, and mother of four. Tara discusses the difference between joy and happiness, and the importance of cultivating intentionality versus balance. Her insights offer a refreshing perspective on finding lasting peace and contentment through faith, even amidst life's daily challenges. Quotes “I have learned that your circumstances do not determine joy.” - Tara Dew “Happiness is a state of being that often is equated with our circumstances. Joy is not. Joy described all through the Bible as being something that is like an anchor. It's this hope that we...
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164. Deep Learning and Deep Faith: Homeschool Mom Monica Swanson
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
At first, Monica Swanson wasn’t excited about the possibility of educating her kids at home. Sparked by her eldest son's request, Monica began to see the unique benefits of personalized education and how it has helped her sons flourish. She debunks some common myths about homeschoolers, and gives practical tips for parents considering this path. Quotes “Over time as you homeschool, the confidence builds. As you see their character developing and you see their faith growing, you start to realize this is so much more than just scratching things off a list that they would get if...
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163. Connecting People to Hope: Christopher Beth
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Before his current position, Christopher Beth, director of The Bucket Ministry, didn’t know what he didn’t know. Unaware of how severe the world’s water crisis is, and how many people are affected by a seemingly hopeless situation, his eyes were opened on a mission trip to the Amazon. Christopher felt moved to show love through tangible help and got involved in ways to provide clean, safe drinking water for those who need it—opening a door to hope and connection. Quotes “I thought I was just going to be chaperoning my child on this trip, but what happened on that trip changed...
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162. God Will Give You Strength In The Storms: Jay Hewitt
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Jay Hewitt is a pastor, author, and motivational speaker. At the age of thirty-seven, he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, but despite the prognosis, he drew strength from his faith in God and embraced his calling as a storyteller—sharing his remarkable journey of striving to participate in the Ironman Triathlon while fighting cancer. Together with his wife and daughter, he continues to inspire others with his resilience, unwavering faith, and empowering messages, reminding us of the limitless strength we possess. Quotes “I've always used story as a driving force in my...
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161. We All Have Opportunities to Change the World: Tim Ross
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Raised in a family deeply rooted in ministry, Tim Ross's path to preaching and leadership was not a part of his own plans, but unfolded naturally through deep searching and examination of his convictions. Through his podcast, speaking engagements, and writing, Tim speaks to the power of small acts of kindness in changing lives and reflects on the true measure of success—finding the peace that passes all understanding. Quotes “I like to remind people that we can all change the world around us.” - Tim Ross “We have an opportunity on a daily basis—our proximity...
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160. Holding Sorrow and Joy Together: Gabe and Keely Scott
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
When musician and restaurant owner Gabe Scott unexpectedly contracted a brain infection, he and his wife Keely knew they’d have a long road back to their normal lives. But what they didn’t anticipate was his continued memory loss, and how their story would become both beautiful and hard at the same time, even as they put the worst behind them. The Scotts share how they’ve learned to hold sorrow and joy together, and how to find happiness in the smallest of victories. Quotes “My prayers were just give me a date to just expect [Gabe’s memory loss] to be gone. We quickly...
info_outlineAt first, Monica Swanson wasn’t excited about the possibility of educating her kids at home. Sparked by her eldest son's request, Monica began to see the unique benefits of personalized education and how it has helped her sons flourish. She debunks some common myths about homeschoolers, and gives practical tips for parents considering this path.
Quotes
“Over time as you homeschool, the confidence builds. As you see their character developing and you see their faith growing, you start to realize this is so much more than just scratching things off a list that they would get if they went to a traditional school. This was building something really beautiful in all of us.” - Monica Swanson
“My boys have really grown up with the ability to ask questions, dig in, and find the answers. I've seen my kids dig their roots even deeper, stand strong, and know what they believe because they had that time at home. They had the ability to really wrestle with things in their teenage years so that their faith was that much stronger when they went out into the world.” - Monica Swanson
“As a homeschool mom, I think it kind of adds a special way of seeing God's love, because I get to see it in my children every day as they learn something new, as we overcome challenges and adversities, as we grow together, as I see those light bulb moments.” - Monica Swanson
“God's in everything and everywhere, but I think it's easy to miss if we're too hectic, too busy, too distracted. It's that choice to slow down for me, to open God's Word, to get my kids to take the time to start their day with God's Word and prayer. His love is everywhere.” - Monica Swanson
“I want to simply lead my children to Jesus. I want them to learn to sit at His feet, to understand His love for them and to just simply know that they're called to come to Jesus. Then as they grow up, as they develop more skills, as they understand God's Word, they'll be ready and equipped and prepared to go out into the world and make disciples.” - Monica Swanson
Guest’s Links
Monica Swanson’s website
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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*