The JourneyWISE Podcast

By Nicolet Bell

The holiday season can be a time of much joy but also much stress. In today’s conversation, Nicolet sits down with LPC Sarah Beth Walker to talk about choosing cheer amidst the stress of the holiday season. They talk everything from navigating family dynamics to combating the pressure of “keeping up with the Joneses.” They discuss the beauty found in the seasons of waiting as mirrored in Advent. Most importantly, Nicolet and Sarah Beth remind us that our joy of the season comes from the gift in the manger, and that alone is worthy of celebrating!

By Shane Stanford

In this week’s conversation, Shane sits down with former CEO, congressman, university president, father, husband, and follower of Jesus, Brad Martin! These two have been long-time friends, and even co-authored a faith-based book over their mutual love of the story of David and Goliath titled Five Stones. Their talk today is refreshing as Brad shares stories from the many facets of his life, including his passion for incarceration transition ministries and what it was like overseeing a large retailer in Manhattan after September 11, 2001. One of the most valuable lessons that Brad reminds us is that we can matter no matter what our journeys look like by simply showing up and being present wherever the Lord plants us.

By Nicolet Bell

This week on Choosing Cheer, Nicolet has the joy of sitting down and talking with Michelle McKinney Hammond, author of “When Shift Happens,” speaker, and worship leader. Their conversation is truly filled with joy, the Holy Spirit, and so much encouragement for what happens when life hands us the unexpected. Michelle and Nicolet talk about choosing cheer in mastering the mundane, seeing the world for its opportunities rather than limitations, and the joy you receive when you cheer on others!

By Shane Stanford

This week on You Matter, Shane is sharing about preparing our hearts for the season of Advent. The anticipated arrival of Christmas is an exciting time, but it can also bring about a lot of emotion. Shane walks us though the 4 principals of advent: faith, hope, love, and joy; and reminds us how we can apply these emotions as actions to our own seasons of advent or waiting.

By Nicolet Bell

In this week’s episode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet sits down with Drs. Shane and Pokey Stanford to talk about choosing cheer in our daily walk with Jesus! Their conversation dives into the importance of intentionally making time for Jesus every day and, most importantly, how that in turn helps us to better cheer on one another. Shane, Pokey, and Nicolet give practical encouragement for beginning that journey and relay their personal experiences of the impacts of walking with Jesus every day for a year.

By JourneyWise

Welcome back to JourneyWise! As we go about our days doing life, there are times when we look up and realize that life is "doing" us. Tough times are going to happen. In this episode, Shane, Ronnie, and James remind us that God planned for the troubling times and provided us with the ultimate coping mechanism – the Word! Not only do we have scripture to guide us, but we also have the promise of Heaven. Listen in as the guys discuss how leaning into both the promise and our faith is a vital roadmap to navigating the tough times.

By Shane Stanford

This week’s episode of You Matter is truly a treat as Shane is joined by artist Susie McEntire and her husband Mark Eaton who share their story of redemption and deliverance. Susie opens up about being a survivor of domestic abuse and offers encouragement for others walking in similar seasons. Mark reminds us that God uses us not in spite of our past but BECAUSE of our past. They talk about what it means to be in community and for the Lord to work through our struggles to truly make a difference in the world. They remind us that the most beautiful way we can matter is by helping those around us recognize where they matter as well!

By Nicolet Bell

In this week’s conversation on Choosing Cheer, Nicolet is joined by her husband, Preston Bell, to talk all about choosing cheer in encouragement, especially when cheering on your spouse! They discuss the importance of fully listening to and affirming one another and the effects of creating a "Sabbath space"--or a space to rest--in your marriage. Nicolet and Preston also discuss why it’s essential to carve out intentional time with one another in order to truly encourage each other. They remind us that while they certainly don’t have it all figured out, we can cheer each other on confidently when it’s coming from a place of love and backed by truth.

By JourneyWise

Welcome to JourneyWise. This week’s episode addresses the subject of building healthy relationships. From conflicts (fight or flight) to communication (how you say it is as important as how you hear it) to forgiveness (got to put in the work), Shane, Ronnie, and James touch on each area and offer not only practical advice but share stories of their strategies being put into action. The most difficult thing to do in a relationship sometimes is to forgive but James reminds us that as Christians, when we remember we are forgiven and at what cost, forgiving is easy.

By Shane Stanford

On this week’s episode of You Matter, host Shane Stanford sits down with the Bishop of the Global Methodist conference, Scott Jones. They discuss his transition from United to Global Methodism, the foundations of the new traditionalist conference, and how the Lord is moving in transformative ways throughout both conferences within the traditions of the Methodist movement. Shane and Bishop Jones address the age-old question of “What Would Jesus Do?” and discuss how Christ is present even in the brokenness and conflict that arise in difficult seasons of transition.

By Nicolet Bell

This week’s conversation is for everyone who has the privilege of loving on children, no matter what that role looks like. Our host Nicolet sits down with retired pediatrician Dr. Ronnie Kent to talk about what it looks like to choose cheer in parenting! Their discussion ranges from his top parenting tips to the dangers of comparison (other kids and siblings). They talk about the importance of abiding in Christ and leaning on the Holy Spirit for discernment and direction in parenting. Dr. Kent shares so much wisdom in how we can cheer our kids on, too. Nicolet and Dr. Kent remind us the importance of staying the course, though it will be tough, it will bear much fruit as you encourage, comfort, and urge your children to live in the love of Jesus.

By Nicolet Bell

Hey friends, it’s Nicolet, your host! This week’s conversation on Choosing Cheer is a little bit different, but I also I think it’s extra special. I pray that it blesses you in the same way these women and this experience have blessed me! I got the chance to sit down and recap with a recent missions trip to a women’s conference in Honduras with five incredible women of faith. We talk about the impact that the experience had on our journeys, the lessons we learned along the way, and the ways the Lord moved in each of us while on this trip. I pray this episode encourages you to choose cheer in the relationships and opportunities the Lord places before you because you never know the life-giving, truly joyous impacts they will have.

By JourneyWise

Welcome back to JourneyWise. Join our hosts as they tackle the tough topic of loss and grief. Ronnie shares the story of losing his father who had a stroke, fell into a 12-year stroke-induced coma, and passed away. Shane, James, and Ronnie give perspective on the 5 stages of grief that we all work through upon the loss of a loved one and remind us through scripture we know that God intends for us to love and invest in others even at the risk of losing everything. Jesus tell us in the Beatitudes “blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted” and Paul tells us that God comforts us so that we can comfort others.

By Shane Stanford

In this week’s episode, Shane sits down with United Methodist Bishop Tom Bickerton to have a beautiful conversation about faith, loving like Jesus, and making others feel like THEY matter. Bishop Bickerton shares stories from his time as a Bishop interwoven with truths about truly loving like Jesus in this world. Their conversation is full of gentle reminders that this life is not about us but is about pointing others to Christ, wherever they might be in the journey. Bishop Bickerton reminds us that we can matter most where we’ve been planted by showing others where they matter, treating them with kindness and the love of Jesus.

By Shane Stanford

Shane sits down with CEO and president of First Horizon Corporation, Bryan Jordan! They have a special conversation about leadership, transitions, and the importance of financial literacy. Shane and Bryan discuss coping with change in seasons of transition, and remind us that it’s ultimately the Lord who is in control. Bryan also shares a beautiful perspective on the importance of caring for the people in an organization and reminds us that we can make our life and positions matter by leading through example no matter the situation or setting.

By Nicolet Bell

This week, Nicolet has a beautiful conversation with returning guest and licensed professional counselor Sarah Beth Walker! Their discussion revolves around our theme of cheering people on and how we can best encourage our children, spouses, and friends---with and without words! Sarah Beth and Nicolet remind us that we can turn to scripture to model the best example--God's example--for guidance in the realm of cheering others on.

by JourneyWise

Welcome back to JourneyWise! This week, Shane and Ronnie invite you to sit in on their laughter-filled banter with best-selling author, speaker, and great friend of JourneyWise, Laurie Beth Jones. Laurie Beth developed The Path Elements, a personality profile system based on the 4 elements from which God created everything - earth, water, wind, and fire. Using our own element profiles combined with her book The Path, we can set priorities by following Jesus’ example of His simple mission statement - He came that we may live life abundantly. Grab a cup of coffee and laugh along with this great conversation among friends about profiles, relationships, and priorities.

By Shane Stanford

Welcome back to You Matter! This week, Shane is taking a look at a different way we matter in this world: the way we respond to world-shifting events as Believers. Shane breaks down the current situation in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas, giving historical context and walking through why it is essential for us to understand it both as Americans and as Christians. He discusses the dangers of extremist ideologies in all religious and political organizations, drawing from the words of Jesus and His assessment of extremism during the time of His ministry. What we say and how we respond matters, and Shane reminds us that a relationship with Jesus can ground us in our faith and bring comfort during tumultuous times.

By JourneyWise

Welcome to JourneyWise! We continue the conversation with Dr. Pokey Stanford and James Kent about school and education, answering questions of how to help your child who you sense or know has learning or behavioral challenges. From anxiety to developmental disabilities, parents need to communicate with schools, advocate for their children and seek like-minded parents to walk the journey with them. Resources: If you suspect your child is struggling with Anxiety, ask your pediatrician to perform the GAD 7 – Generalized Anxiety Disorder assessment. For more information on IDEA – Individual Disabilities Education Act – https://sites.ed.gov/idea/ If you have any questions about how to start conversations with your child’s doctor or school you can reach any of our hosts or guests at: annl@moorewestcenter.org (please note the topic of your question in the subject line).

By JourneyWise

Welcome back to JourneyWise! This week we invite education specialist Dr. Pokey Stanford to talk strategy for setting your kids up for success in school. Dr. Stanford and our hosts give sound advice on establishing routines, communication with your kids and their teachers and navigating the curveballs of life that can affect children and how they respond in a classroom. Whether you are well into the school year currently, on a break from year-round school, or homeschooling, the approaches and tips presented in this episode can be introduced at any time to create an environment for favorable results in school and at home! For more information on school/home strategies, you can contact Dr. Stanford at info@moorewestcenter.org and note Dr. Pokey in the subject line.

By Nicolet Bell

Welcome back to Choosing Cheer! In his week’s episode, Nicolet speaks on priorities. She shares some of her current health struggles and how that has led her to a total shift in her own priorities and the lessons that have come with it. Nicolet shares so much truth in that where we find our identity and where we place our priorities relates to the joy that we experience in our lives. She reminds and encourages us that we can choose cheer in confronting our priorities because when we allow God to work in and shape us, He can change our desires and priorities to root our identities in Him and grace us with inner peace and inner joy.

By Shane Stanford

Welcome back to You Matter! In this week's conversation, Shane talks to Hollywood producer and former investment banker Ben Nearn! They talk about everything from movies to actors, but most importantly, Ben shares about his experience in Hollywood and the entertainment industry while being a man of faith and still upholding his values and even incorporating them into some films. Their conversation reminds us that no matter what our role is, a parent or producer, being a person of integrity and being a person of your word even when it costs you is how we can make our life matter most in this world.

By JourneyWise

Welcome back to JourneyWise! Join Shane, Ronnie, and James as they discuss the "hows" and "whys" of navigating a difficult diagnosis and give you practical advice for putting your best foot forward in spite of it. God does not abandon us in these situations; He provides the strength to handle the turmoil---both physical and mental---that comes from troubling medical issues. Through a relationship with God, we can weather any storm that comes our way!

By Nicolet Bell

Welcome back to Choosing Cheer! This week, Nicolet has a beautiful conversation with author Natalie Runion about her book “Raised to Stay” and what it means to choose cheer in the church today. Natalie shares her heart for the brokenness of people vs. the church, accountability vs. church hurt, and making an active decision to stay with the church during tumultuous times. Finally, she encourages us that we can choose cheer and cheer OTHERS on in staying with the church because God’s church is HIS idea, and we know that His ideas are good.

By Shane Stanford

Welcome back to You Matter! This week, Shane talks with best-selling author Laurie Beth Jones. She shares about her experience as a woman in leadership and ministry, and how her study of the life and words of Jesus led her to write her bestseller, Jesus CEO. They discuss leadership, the heart of Jesus, and Laurie Beth’s spiritual gift assessment based on the elements of scripture. Their conversation reminds us that we can be encouraged as believers in faith and spiritual gifts in the workplace and beyond as we truly LOVE and LEAD like Jesus.

By Shane Stanford

In this week’s episode, our host Shane Stanford has a beautiful conversation with chef and restaurateur, Robert St. John! From four decades of experience in the restaurant industry to vital non-profit work through his organization Extra Table, Robert certainly has many stories and lessons to share! Most importantly in this episode, however, is the discussion of Robert's journey through recovery and how that has impacted his faith and walk with Jesus. Shane and Robert explore the importance of sharing your journey and being open about the struggles along the way.

By Shane Stanford

Welcome back to another episode of You Matter! This week’s conversation is a special one as our host as Shane sits down with his childhood hero, the Big Red Machine, Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench! They talk about everything from Johnny’s baseball career and lessons learned on the ball fields to leadership and his faith. Johnny reminds us that God is with us every step of the way, but we have to take responsibility in making our lives matter.

By Nicolet Bell

Welcome back to Choosing Cheer! This week, Nicolet’s conversation is special and relevant on choosing cheer in the world of social media with our guest, author and speaker, Grace Valentine! Nicolet and Grace talk about the importance of approaching social media from a biblical perspective, and what a difference it can make when battling comparison. She encourages us that we can choose cheer even in social media, because GOD can take a BAD THING & make it a GOOD THING if we make it a GOD THING.

By Nicolet Bell

Welcome back to a new season of the Choosing Cheer podcast! In today’s episode, our host Nicolet is walking us back through our theme for this season, “Who are you cheering on?” She discusses Ephesians 4:29, and the importance of our words when talking to and about others. Nicolet reminds us there is power in our words, and how we should be using them to be kind and compassionate to one another in our journeys. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

By JourneyWise

Welcome to Season 2 of JourneyWise! Shane and Ronnie welcome psychotherapist Dr. James Kent as a third host. Together, they will explore practical questions about health and relationships through this season. In this episode, the guys break down the basis of the intersection of a person’s faith and a healthy life – God’s greatest commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. Through Jesus’ words in Mark and His own walk among others, we can learn better how the whole person is so important in order for us to be faithful to God’s instruction. Mark 12:30 (NIV) 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[f] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[g] There is no commandment greater than these.”

By Shane Stanford

Welcome to You Matter! In our inaugural episode, host Shane Stanford shares why “you matter” has been a key part of his ministry’s motto over the last 30 years. He shares his testimony relating to his medical struggles as a hemophiliac who contracted HIV & Hep C from a blood transfusion and how the challenges he has faced taught him the importance of making each day matter. Shane also shares a preview of the season ahead filled with guests from all walks of life sharing how THEY matter in the seasons, professions, and journeys they are in or on. We are so excited you are here, and we hope over the course of the season you will see how YOU matter too! Scripture References: Matthew 5:13-16 (New Living Translation) “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." 1st Corinthians 15:58 (New Living Translation) "So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."

By Nicolet Bell

It’s our final conversation of Season 1! In this week’s episode, Nicolet is continuing our conversation about John 16, especially when we are struggling with finding joy! She talks about the correlation between our relationship with the Holy Spirit and our Cheer. She encourages us that we can choose cheer in knowing that we do not walk alone in our struggle and on our quest to seek joy in this world, for Jesus has overcome and given us his spirit as our helper. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  

By Nicolet Bell

In this week’s conversation, Nicolet is joined by her friend Macy! Macy’s story is unique in that she experienced a traumatic scalp burn in high school that lead to permanent hair loss. Macy is absolutely beautiful on the inside and out, and shares about how this experience grew her relationship with the Lord, and challenged her meaning of beauty. She encourages us to remember that joy doesn’t always mean happiness, but contentment in the season you are in. Nicolet and Macy remind us that we can choose cheer in knowing that our worth and our beauty do not come from the standards set by the world, but from the reflection of Jesus in our hearts. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  

By Nicolet Bell

This week’s conversation is all about choosing cheer in the world of motherhood, specifically as a foster mother! Nicolet is joined by foster mom and advocate Loren Wilkerson, and they have a beautiful conversation about what it means to choose cheer in the midst of not knowing our tomorrows. Loren answered the call to foster care with such obedience at 24 as a single mom, and shares of the joys and lessons this season has brought her. Foster care often means navigating a myriad of relationships, relinquishing control, and loving without a promise of tomorrow. Sounds a lot like our relationship with Jesus, right? Loren and Nicolet remind us of how this, and other mother-figure roles beautifully mirrors the gospel. They remind us that we can choose cheer daily in remembering that no matter how much we love and want to hold on to our little ones, God loves and treasures them more than we could even imagine! John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

By Nicolet Bell

This week, Nicolet and her long-time friends and mentors are talking about parenting! Brian and Christy are parents to an almost 13-year-old and 11-year-old boys, and they bring so much wisdom and truth on biblical parenthood to this week’s conversation. They share their stories and experience with their kids asking hard questions and how to respond as Jesus when they get frustrated. They also share about how they keep joy flowing in their boys and in their home. Brian and Christy encourage parents by reminding us that we can choose cheer because Jesus is our biggest cheerleader in parenting! John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

By Nicolet Bell

This week’s conversation is all about grace. As Believers, we can choose cheer in the ultimate example we have for grace: Jesus! Nicolet leads us in a further discussion about what it means to choose cheer in showing that same grace to others even when we have been wronged. We know this can be a sensitive topic, and there are some of you listening who have had tragedies inflicted upon you by others that we can’t even begin to image. This episode is not meant to invalidate ANY feelings you might be experiencing, but instead encourage in moving towards grace and forgiveness. We’ve all experienced situations where a spirit of anger and unforgiveness can hinder our joy, but Nicolet reminds us that by responding as Jesus did with a spirit of undeserving Grace, we are able to find cheer through Him.   John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  

By Nicolet Bell

This week’s conversation is about choosing cheer even when we are not feeling very cheerful. Sometimes it can feel like putting on clothes that just don’t fit right. This world gives us many reasons not to take on joy, but Nicolet encourages us to look to the who not what that supplies our cheer. Choosing cheer when we don’t feel like it doesn’t mean faking anything, but turning to Jesus for that true, supernatural joy. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.”

By Nicolet Bell

This week, Nicolet is joined by her friend and licensed professional counselor, Sarah Beth Walker! Today’s conversation is about choosing cheer in anxiety and this topic is so relevant. Did you know that 1 in 4 adults wrestle with anxiety? They have a beautiful discussion about what it looks like to walk with anxiety as a believer. Sarah Beth emphasizes that the shame we feel from struggling with anxiety does NOT come from God, and encourages us to seek that help and guidance that comes from counseling and therapy. She reminds us that we do not walk alone in our struggles, of the importance of taking care of our mental health, and provides practical applications and tools for dealing with anxiety daily.   John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” 

By Nicolet Bell

This week, Nicolet is joined again by her husband, Preston Bell! Today their conversation dives deeper into the theme verse for the show, John 16:33. Specifically, they have an in-depth discussion about the section “for I have overcome the world.” They talk about what we define as “the world,” and how impactful this part of the scripture truly is. They share about how this plays out in their own life, and encourage us that choosing cheer in this world is about an inward perspective shift that has ramifications in the rest of our life. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

By Nicolet Bell

In this week’s episode, Nicolet is joined by her friends Timmy and Nicole Ruhnke! These two share their story of loss and grief and finding joy in a season of obedience and then confusion on what’s next. Timmy and Nicole remind us that joy isn’t a byproduct of our circumstances, but of the Holy Spirit, and that we shouldn’t feel guilty in our rejoicing through him. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

By Nicolet Bell

In this week’s episode, Nicolet is joined by her friends Timmy and Nicole Ruhnke! These two share their story of loss and grief and finding joy in a season of obedience and then confusion on what’s next. Timmy and Nicole remind us that joy isn’t a byproduct of our circumstances, but of the Holy Spirit, and that we shouldn’t feel guilty in our rejoicing through him. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

By Nicolet Bell

In this week’s episode, Nicolet is joined by her friends Anse and Courtney Rigby! These two share their family’s powerful story of choosing cheer each day amidst an unexpected diagnosis of Cri Du Chat for their daughter. They share the importance of being surrounded by community, and what it means to choose joy in a circumstance the world says otherwise. Courtney and Anse remind us that even in the brokenness of this world, the lord shows up and works through it all. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” 

By Nicolet Bell

In this week’s episode, Nicolet is joined by her husband, Preston Bell! We get to know Nicolet better as the two share the sweet story of how they met, and how they choose cheer in their marriage each day. They encourage us by sharing that choosing cheer in our relationships comes from an outpour of joy that comes from Jesus. It’s through that extension that we are able to share that joy with others.   John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” 

By Nicolet Bell

In today’s episode, Nicolet is joined by friend and former teammate, Haleigh Mullens. Haleigh shares about her unique life as wife to NFL Minnesota Vikings QB, Nick Mullens. After living much of her life as a Mississippi girl, newlywed and married life brought about a new level of uncertainty as Haleigh and her family navigated this life of surrendering control to lean fully into God’s will. She reminds us to choose cheer in knowing that God is always faithful with his promises and placing us exactly where we are supposed to be. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” 

By Nicolet Bell

Today Nicolet is joined by friend and extremely talented artist and business owner, Mary Kathryn Decker. On today’s episode, Mary Kathryn shares her captivating story of growing up with a life that looked perfect on the outside, but was disrupted by divorce and brokenness. She shares how seeking Jesus through his word in this dark time molded and shaped her into the woman she is today. She encourages us to “own your story” not living ashamed of things in the past, but confident of God’s work in and through it. MK and Nicolet both remind us that when we give God control during the seasons of disruption, he blesses us with immeasurably more. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

by Nicolet Bell

If you were asked - Do you want more joy in your life? Your answer most likely wouldn’t be “nah, I’m good!” We all have a deep desire for joy that was placed there by God and designed for only him to fill. Jesus tells his disciples in John 16:33 to “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” This cheer, this joy is what we are after! Welcome to the Choosing Cheer podcast with your host, Nicolet Bell. Nicolet is a Wife, Mama, Bible Teacher, business owner and friend, who is seeking to find joy and cheer in Jesus in the small and big things in life. In this first introduction episode, spend a few minutes getting to know Nicolet, learning about what Choosing Cheer means, and why it can make a difference in your life.

Season 1 comes to an end with a conversation about change and transition. This first year of building the JourneyWise ministry included some twists and turns the team had to navigate along the way. Through some of those stories, Shane and Ronnie remind us we can always lean into the curves life throws by walking in relationship with Jesus.

The first 12 years of children’s lives are pivotal and parents for the most part are inundated with the “must-have” and “must-do” advice and information that bombards them. In today's episode, Shane and Ronnie discuss stories of Jesus’ early years and how scripture tells us of the challenges Mary and Joseph faced raising the Son of God. Imagine the heavy responsibility they felt trying to balance raising their earthly child (discipline) and preparing Him as God intended (the Messiah)! Listen in and hear a little of what comes after the nativity.

Becoming a parent for the first time is wonderful but there are moments of uncertainty as well. This week, Shane and Ronnie continue their conversation about the birth of Jesus. They share what they felt and their fears when their own children were born and compare what Mary and Joseph must have been feeling as they traveled to Bethlehem. The fear and burden of responsibility Joseph must have felt after Jesus’ birth was full of challenges similar to present day fathers. Listen in as our hosts share how they lean into God for guidance as fathers to their children.

The journey to the manger was far from ordinary for Mary and Joseph. Shane and Ronnie begin a series on the nativity and how our own journeys both differ and are similar to Jesus’ earthly parents. From the implications of their situation to the family of origin that shaped how they responded to God’s plan for His son’s arrival into the world, Mary and Joseph’s not so ordinary journey was remarkable in so many ways as we consider our own families and relationships during the time leading up to Christmas.

This week Shane explains the origin of the name JourneyWise and then he and Ronnie dive into why the journey is as important than the final destination. God has a plan for our journeys and it’s up to us to be open to direction He has for us. And - are you wondering what’s up with the mason jars? Listen through to the end for the first “Mason Jar Moment” take away.

This week Shane explains the origin of the name JourneyWise and then he and Ronnie dive into why the journey is as important than the final destination. God has a plan for our journeys and it’s up to us to be open to direction He has for us. And - are you wondering what’s up with the mason jars? Listen through to the end for the first “Mason Jar Moment” take away.

Season 1 Episode 4 This week’s conversation with Ronnie and Shane continues as Shane shares the journey that led him to becoming a minister. Leaning toward law school, Shane continued to hear God’s voice pulling him into full-time ministry. Listen in as he explains how he navigated the intersection of his desire to be a litigator and the Lord’s calling to pastor.

Season 1 Episode 3 We all love to hear stories of people’s journeys to a particular season of life, how they come to live in a particular place or choose careers. This week, Ronnie shares how he became to be a pediatrician. As with many of us, Ronnie’s path to medical school was not straight nor necessarily planned but as with everything, God had a plan and it is clear He was paving the way for Ronnie in his journey to becoming a doctor and then opening a clinic to treat children and adolescents with ADHD.

Season 1 Episode 2 Shane and Ronnie continue sharing stories along their journey as their relationship transitioned from patient/doctor to friends. On a day they agreed to meet and talk through some specific struggles, they realized God had placed the same verse on their hearts that very morning to share with each other - before they met. That wasn’t coincidence! Listen as they tell how that verse on that day answers the question “Why do bad things happen to good people?”. After the break, a new season of life brings new obstacles for Shane to navigate as he reaches the time he had to begin telling others of his HIV status, the start of his career as a pastor and wanting to have children. Ronnie’s role during that season as friend, providing guidance through life experience and sharing his faith reminds us that our relationship with Jesus will carry us through the imperfect life in which we live.

Hosted by Dr. Shane Stanford, M.Div & Dr. Ronnie Kent, MD

We are all on a Journey somewhere. Best friends for over 30 years, Author/Pastor Dr. Shane Stanford and Dr. Ronnie Kent invite you to listen in as they share stories and lessons and teach us what it means to be JourneyWISE through our relationship with Jesus Christ. Through His 30 year ministry, Jesus was the master navigator. Dr.’s Shane & Ronnie guide on using our faith to make every step and encounter matter along our own journey. They want to help others learn that knowing where we are going, how we are getting there and understanding the impact of everything we see along the way is the start to becoming WISE along the Way. Grab a mason jar of your favorite beverage, and join your new friends for the journey.