Solo series by Kelsey
Join Captain Kelsey on a trip to see Humpback Whales this 2022 season
To Donate:
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Guess what? We have Alex McFarland on our podcast today! As a Christian apologist, author, evangelist, religion and culture analyst, and advocate for biblical truth, Alex McFarland speaks worldwide. He has preached in over 2,000 churches throughout North America and numerous more internationally. He also speaks at Christian events, conferences, debates, and other venues to teach biblical truths and preach the gospel.
In today's world we hear "there are many roads that lead to heaven" or "you do you". However, why is that mindset contributing to the moral decay of society as a whole?
Pull up a chair as we talk about religion, and how Christianity is not just "another" religion. What makes it different and how is altruism at play?
www.alexmcfarland.com is a great website to check out for those maybe on the fence about the Christian faith.
To purchase the "Little Gray's Altruistic Adventure" click here
Here's the latest review from a customer of the book we refer to: "Just read your book about Little Gray. Wow! Not just for kids. I couldn't put it down; it made me cry and smile and be inspired".
Dr. James Dobson even in his eighties continues to live his life to help others. His heart to help the family has been influential throughout the last 5 decades. As he shares in this podcast, his journey to a life of purpose begins with his faith in Jesus. He truly believes that if we operate in God's original design of family, we would see a healthier society and world. He believes this wholeheartedly that he has devoted his time, energy, resources, and money to building organizations that offer free support to help support and sustain the family.
Bob Waliszewski and Dr Dobson have a huge respect for one another, and we appreciate the opportunity to be a fly on the wall in this conversation. The wisdom we glean from Dr. Dobson is very inspirational, and we would encourage you to share this episode with friends and family!
Also check out his daily podcast called Family Talk for 20-30 minute episodes that give you the tools to become a better parent, husband, wife, grandparent, friend, and more. We all have room to grow right? In order to grow, we must water and think of his podcast as the daily watering system you and your family need to walk into God's plan for your life!
]]>We are so excited to announce Amy Wicks from Simply Wholehearted Enneagram as our next podcast guest! She is a wife, mother, and life coach passionate about helping an individual find freedom IN their God given personality! As we pursue tools to help you continue a purposeful life, Amy helps us explore the enneagram as a tool to understand our strengths and weaknesses and walk with an understanding of both. She helps us eliminate the shame that often we feel in this journey, and uncovers nuggets of wisdom in how to live our best life.
We encourage you to check out her FREE hour of coaching and her FREE seminars that will give you the tools you need to continue to succeed!
]]>OH WOW, this conversation with Daniel Kikawa, founder of Aloha Ke Akua, is eye opening and thought provoking. We talk about new ideas in how to share the gospel using what is already established in other people's culture vs forcing the western way. Daniel the author of books God of Light and God of Darkness and Perpetuated in Righteousness, a well known speaker, pastor, husband and father takes the time to share with us using personal stories hoping to inspire change in how we relate to others whether in our backyard or across the globe. This conversation took place right before I, Kelsey, went to Africa and I believe it is a must listen for ANYONE planning to travel overseas. You will be blessed, encouraged and inspired.
]]>Today's podcast is for those who are feeling stuck. For those who feel a Big call on their life but can't seem to figure out the how. To those who want to do and be a part of BIG things, this conversation is one you don't want to miss. What a privilege to have Danny Lehmann on The Talking Story Podcast! Danny is an international speaker who has been featured at numerous Christian conferences and taught at Youth With A Mission (YWAM) schools worldwide. He is also the author of several books about evangelism, spiritual discipline and the Christian life, including "Beautiful Feet," "Before You Hit The Wall," and "The Next Big Thing." (which is the book we discuss on today's podcast). He has provided leadership within YWAM at the local level and globally through his roles within its academic arm, the University of the Nations. Danny lives in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, with his wife, Linda. We discuss how little choices can really lead to a BIG impact. It is easy to get discouraged in the day to day; being intentional and faithful in the "smaller" things can really be investment into greater things. We talk about community and positive Gossip inspired by his wife Linda.
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We are so excited to share this podcast with you all! However, we feel that this blog needs to direct attention to their blog... Read "Small Decisions with Big Outcomes" as an encouragement that you don't need to have the whole plan figured out, but altruism takes one step of going outside your comfort zone...at a time.
Enjoy the blog and enjoy the podcast with Doug Isch.
]]>Dallas Jenkins, director of The Chosen, was the son of Jerry Jenkins author of the Left Behind series. He grew up in a home with an understanding that media can influence. Dallas wanted to use his life, talents and passion to make movies to help people understand the freedom that is found in the grace and love of Jesus Christ.
With major support in funding, Dallas produced a huge film called The Resurrection of Gavin Stone, a movie about " A washed-up former child star, forced to do community service at a local megachurch, pretends to be a Christian to land the part of Jesus in their annual Passion Play, only to discover that the most important role of his life is far from Hollywood". However, the film flopped in the box office.
Dallas Jenkins shares with us on The Talking Story Podcast his journey how God used a flop to help him launch into his true purpose that is getting the realness of the gospel into the hearts of millions all around the world.
To Watch The Chosen click here:
Kelsey Waliszewski, founder of Moi Moi Market, will be heading to Uganda with Forgotten Children in Hawaii.
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We are so excited to be working on an exciting endeavor! Founder of Moi Moi Market, Kelsey Waliszewski, is very passionate about raising up the next generation to understand that business is truly a tool to transform lives. On The Talking Story Podcast we have been interviewing amazing people who are part of businesses helping people out of sexual exploitation, provide clean water, build schools, and clean up our oceans. Businesses and social enterprises are taking place all over the world
To learn more about this new educational endeavor taking place on the Big Island of Hawaii check out www.buhawaii.com or visit this link on our website.
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Want to join this conversation? Start a message with us here or email me, Kelsey, at hello@moimoimarket.com
]]>In the series of Picking up the Pieces, The Talking Story wants to hear from you. We all have gone through hard things, and having a safe place to wrestle through the pain, doubts, anger, and fear is the beginning to healing and ultimately finding direction and purpose.
We truly believe God does not waste anything in our lives, even the pain and struggle.
We want to hear your story. We want to hear your questions. We want to hear you success or your struggle. Send us a DM to start the conversation.
To learn more about Excelling Leaders and What Kevin and Sue Prins are up to in St. Paul, MN, check out their website.
And to learn more about YWAM and all that they are doing around the world, click here.
This week we are so excited to talk to Ryan and Dani McAfee on The Talking Story Podcast. Dani and Kelsey were inseparable when interns on the Big Island of Hawaii in 2007 as juniors in college. Despite being in very different seasons of life, Dani and Kelsey have continued to cultivate a beautiful friendship over the last decade.
After spending almost 10 days on Ryan and Dani's farm in 2020, Kelsey walked away very inspired. The McAfee's have used their farm to grow their family (physically, spiritually and emotionally) and help others. Listen in as Ryan and Dani share their joys and struggles of sustaining a marriage and growing a family of 4 in a way that they believe God has called them to.
And as someone who has always had a black thumb, both Bob and Kelsey, are inspired to re-try gardening using some of Dani and Ryan's practical "how tos".
-Grow what you eat (no duh, right) but how many times have a tried to grow pumpkins when really, I don't eat pumpkin that often. Now what I do eat often is ceviche...so let's grow some cilantro, tomato, and onion?
-Start with what you have. Don't feel like you need to own a giant farm to begin...use what you have
-Be Faithful. Wherever you start, be faithful. Tend to the soil. Water it. Don't forget about it. Food, real food, needs our help and faithfulness to grow.
-Learn the spiritual lessons. Watch nature and figure out how it relates to your spiritual journey.
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Show notes from Molly Stillman's Business with Purpose Podcast
Have you ever wished it could be easier to find and purchase products of purpose? Have you ever wanted to really know how your dollar is helping to bring hope and healing to an individual or community’s life? My guest today is on a mission to do just that. Kelsey Waliszewski is the founder of Moi Moi Market , an online marketplace that makes it easy for people to find and buy products that help women out of sexual exploitation, provide clean water, build schools, and clean up our oceans. She is also the host of the Talking Story Podcast , a podcast that shares stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, hoping to give the listener tools to positively impact their community and use their life for purpose. Her cohost is her dad, Bob Waliszewski, who is also the retired Focus on the Family Plugged In movie director. Kelsey is an avid kiteboarder, triathlete, and boat captain for a whale watch operation on the Big Island in Hawaii. Kelsey’s love for challenge and adventure is a huge part of who she is. Kelsey is so much fun and I learned so much I didn’t know before this chat! Join me to learn from Kelsey Waliszewski!
5:40 – “It’s so easy for us to point and say ‘This person’s doing it wrong and why is this issue happening in our world?’ when we really have the power to change the world one dollar at a time.”
9:15 – “We are called to intervene on other people’s behalf with our time, resources, and money.”
23:44 – “We want to empower people to use their lives (like the humpback whales) to intervene on other people’s behalf.”
Kelsey Waliszewski is the founder of Moi Moi Market, a one stop shop for products of purpose and host of The Talking Story Podcast, where we share stories behind the products in which we sell. Our market focuses on helping women out of sexual exploitation, providing clean water, building schools, and cleaning up our oceans. In her previous job as a boat captain on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kelsey was inspired by the humpback whale’s compassion for other animals. They, the humpback whales, intervene on other species behalf when they are being attacked by killer whales, and the many times they have done this they risk getting injured or hurt. But yet there are 115 documented cases of humpback’s altruistic nature. That form of altruism has inspired Kelsey to live her life and inspire others to intervene on other people’s behalf, whether it is our time, resources, and or money. She has traveled the world gathering stories and products that make a difference in the lives of others and hopes to provide the tools for other’s to use their lives to impact the planet in a positive way. www.moimoimarket.com
Donna and Dawn Glass, a mother/daughter team, has devoted their lives in helping others share their stories. Their ministry, Life Unwrapped-
Empowers believers to be courageous, confident, and committed as active witnesses in their journey... for God's glory.
We are the only credible witness to share our life-altering moment with Jesus, that took our story and became our life-changing testimony.
They share with us the difference between a testimony vs. a story. We love the acronym they use. A.T.V (Authenticity, Transparency, and Vulnerability)
"You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone." 2 Corinthians 3:2 NIV
These gals are passionate about what they do and more information about Life Unwrapped can be found here:
Workshops and Get-A-Ways - Empowering believers with "The Change Project" The hope that brings change starts withIN each of us. Two approaches: "Plan, Act, Change" (PAC Your Life), and "I'm All IN"
Donna's dad lived by this truth: If I CAN and I DON'T, What will I use for an Excuse?
So join us today on The Talking Story Podcast to learn more about how you can use YOUR story to impact the lives of others. They say an average person can influence 10,000 people in a lifetime...that's a huge and exciting responsibility. Let's begin together, today!
“About Dawn and Donna Glass and Life Unwrapped: These two amazing women are cut from the same cloth. They are kind and compassionate, great listeners, discerning in the Spirit, gifted in exhortation and encouragement, and devoted to prayer. To spend time with them is to see their passionate desire to help women to know their identity in Christ and to give them a voice to share their unique stories, and in the telling to allow the Lord to heal and breathe courage into them. Dawn and Donna facilitate God’s healing touch in the lives of women; they are a like a fresh breeze in the Spring–exquisitely refreshing and life giving.”
– Susan Evans
Hey TTSP tribe,
Happy February 1. I felt this week that I should get on and share with you in real time, some things I'm learning in my life as I'm in the process of "Picking up the Pieces" after a very difficult 2020. If I'm being open, which I try to be on this platform, 2020 was a year of loss. I lost a dear family member, I lost my job, I lost an opportunity to travel to Uganda, I lost a relationship, and I truly lost life as I had known it.
This isn't a pitty party, in fact, looking back I can see a lot of silver linings in a very dark season, and I will be the first to confirm that God is faithful. But that doesn't mean I don't feel all the feelings, and even in 2021 I'm still feeling all the feelings. I have good days, and I have bad.
Some days I want to crawl into a hole and never come out, can anyone relate?
But here's the deal. It is human to feel the feelings: hopelessness, sadness, pain, anger, depression, hurt, betrayal. So yes, I give you permission to feel. We must, we have to.
However, we can't stay there.
Once we start to feel these feelings, we are at such a vulnerable state to allow fear and doubt to creep in. And when that happens, and isn't dealt with, our lives look pretty grim.
Let's take a look at Joseph in the Bible. Put yourself in his shoes (that's empathy by the way, a gift/tool essential to have in this life). Yes, he was a bit cawky. And yes it was probably his arrogance and pride that started off the chain of events: oh you know being sold into slavery to a foreign country, being accused of rape when you actually ran away, being thrown in prison for the rape that you didn't do, and then forgotten by the guy who promised to help get you out.
Yea, I could imagine that Joseph felt all the feelings.
I could imagine Joseph's struggle. I could imagine the hopelessness Joseph must have felt.
But what I love about this story, is we know that God used EVERY season of Joseph's life to help cultivate him into the man God had intended him to be. God doesn't waste a season. God doesn't waste pain.
How do I know this?
Well Joseph's story starts off at "Look at me brothers" as he showed off his beautiful coat to a jealous group of brothers, who yes, then took their jealousy to the extreme. Pretending your brother was murdered by a wild animal when you actually sold him instead is never a good idea.
But when Joseph, after years in prison falsely accused (remember?), was called into Pharaoh's court to interpret Pharaoh's dream, Joseph had grown, he matured. Old Joseph would have responded..."Pharaoh, my man, it is I, Joseph son of Jacob, that interprets dreams and they come to pass, pretty cool right?". Or he could have been bitter Joseph, "Pharaoh, it's about time. Before we get to your dream, let's talk about all the ways I've been wronged..."
But instead we see the "new" Joseph. "Pharaoh, it is not I that interprets dreams but God".
Wow! Something took place in all the season, in all the feelings. Joseph had changed.
Joseph's transformation and relationship with God is what caught Pharaoh's attention. This man was different. And so different, God wanted to entrust all of Egypt to Joseph.
Guaranteed Joseph pressed into God, saw the error of his ways, and kept his mind clear despite his circumstances. So I'm going to take the liberty and fill in the blanks of Joseph's story...
The mind is huge when overcoming obstacles. We have to keep the mind in control, feelings can't always take the reigns...that is where we can get into trouble
Joseph Decided:
I could imagine that Joseph decided to choose forgiveness. We see that Joseph chose to take opportunities and work hard. We know he chose self-control and respect for others vs. the temptation of Potiphor's wife. Joseph had a vision for himself, and he wasn't going to let distractions get in the way and ruin that. And if a distraction came, he literally ran, he chose his mental environmnent even when his external environment was beyond his control.
Joseph Committed
Joseph committed to God's plan. He knew he was created for something special. God confirmed that once again in dreams early on. He may have taken things into his own hands, and that's when his life became a bit messy. But he trusted that God still had incredible things for him. He didn't let fear and doubt get in the way. And I can only imagine that every failure became an educational opportunity.
Joseph Resolved
Joseph understood the path is never straight. I can imagine he owned his mistakes and he forgave those who made mistakes that affected him. Joseph took the steps that were in front of him, not knowing what exactly the end goal was. So many of us won't even take those baby steps, fearing that we may miss God's plan.
But isn't God big enough to redirect our effort, our failures? Doesn't he just want us to try
Guys, I'm on this journey with you. I have made my fair share of mistakes. I have had quite tremendous pain, but I know 100% that if we allow God into our lives, He will help us through the Bumpy Times, and the other side will be more beautiful than we could have imagined in this life and in the next.
Love you all,
See you Next Monday!
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At the age of 31, I moved in with my parents. I had a successful career, I had been on my own for 16 years, I was an adult living my best life...yet here I was, moving in with the parentals.
It was very humbling, very humbling.
Why would I do such a thing... one may ask in this western- individualistic- society we live in? Well the simple answer, I felt God was telling me to and I have wonderful, giving, generous parents who are also open and led by Jesus.
It was suppose to be for just 6 months, helping them adjust since they just moved to Hawaii and allowing me to save a little. The house that was "mine" became "theirs" overnight. It was tough.
My stuff went into boxes, theirs came out. Now mind you, they were anxious to nest because they had just lived with my dad's mom for 7 months and they are in their mid-sixties.
A year and half later, I finally moved out...right in the middle of COVID. I just lost my job, and now was the time to move out? Doesn't make sense right? Don't ask me to explain, it still doesn't make sense, I just feel what I believe is the Holy Spirit telling me what to do, and I often go by the peace I feel in my heart.
But I tell you, if I didn't take that 18 month season and humble myself to live in their basement, 2020 would have looked extremely different for me. But because I had the opportunity to save, I entered a scary season of unknown a bit more confident and peaceful.
The Clapback Couch Podcast ladies join us on today's podcast to talk about family economics. How does God's design of the family look in seasons of struggle, uncertainty, and pain. How can family help each other within, and how can a family be a source of help to those outside the familial circle.
We loved our conversation with these New York gals, and would encourage you to check out their podcast and website here
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Happy New Year and welcome to our series "Picking up the Pieces". Many of us probably never want to visit 2020 again. 2020 brought significant trials: job loss, broken relationships, financial crumbling, health deterioration, and/or a death of a loved one. So here we are, a new year, and where do we go from here? The Talking Story Podcast has been pointing to finding purpose in life, but so many are just trying to figure out how to get back to a "life". So what do we do when we experience significant trials? How do we find a purpose-filled life again? Is there hope from the pain? This year, we want to bring to the table conversations that help us "pick up the pieces" of a broken life. But our hope is that by having these deep, hard conversations YOU will find once again a beautiful, healthy, purposeful, and joyful life. Our first conversation is with Kent Whitaker, author of the non-fiction book called Murder by Family. Back in December 2003, Kent experienced an atrocity that not many of us could fathom. Kent walks us through his journey of getting his life back on track after losing EVERYTHING! Personally, we gleaned so much wisdom from this conversation, and ultimately it made us take a good look into our lives. Kent's key to healing is forgiveness, but not just any forgiveness... a divine forgiveness. We encourage you to listen in to learn more, and join us on this journey of "Picking up the Pieces".
]]>A stream of chattering neighbors and friends filing into the local barbershop after the big game. Families gathering at the diner to plan and discuss an upcoming event. We’ve seen them in the movies, or maybe even experienced them ourselves: community meeting places. They’ve forever been the focal point of small towns, but as populations and individualism have grown across the U.S., many of these treasured spaces are becoming a novelty of the past. But not in Eaton, Colorado, thanks to the guests of today’s podcast, Dorris and Colette.
As the town faced a time of tragedy and loss, born-and-raised resident Dorris felt her heart for global missions turning to local ones. The family-owned marketplace which had served as the communal heart of the town for years had closed down, and the town needed a new meeting space— a place to gather and grieve, find encouragement and fellowship, to strengthen and keep alive the ties of community; a space to stir up one another to love and good deeds. That’s what Coffee House Ten 24 is all about. Established in 2018, it not only sells coffee (or chai!) and provides a building for all of those things, but it also functions as a non-profit and gives back generously. Via the profits of Ten 24, help and resources are provided for the town’s single women and their children, survivors of sex trafficking, and donations are made to several wonderful causes like The Tabitha Center and Saruni International (tune in or visit their website below to learn more!).
Great steps of faith were taken by Dorris, Colette and many volunteers in the planning and building of this beautiful coffee shop, but it all began with two very simple questions: “What are we doing for the people of Eaton?” And “What do they need?” From there, everything truly fell into place. “God has intervened again,” Dorris remembers thinking. God can intervene in your town, city, neighborhood or village. What do the people around you need, and what can you do about it? We must not be afraid to ask that question, and then to act on it.
Press that play button to hear the rest of this exciting story! You can “visit” the coffee house or learn more at thecoffeehouseten24.org, and can also find them on Instagram and Facebook.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not forgetting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24
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Think on this: One act of obedience can lead to new life for a fellow human being. Maybe two people. What about 70?? When we follow God, that still small voice that urges us to do things — sometimes scary and quite uncomfortable things — is bound to change us, our lives, and also the lives of others. As today’s guest Jen knows well, that change is better (and often very different!) then anything we could ever have planned on our own.
]]>For 9 years we have heard about Giving Tuesday, as it started in 2011. It is a global movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. In the midst of the pandemic, nonprofits across the country are struggling with fundraising. Even the American Cancer Society says it will have to cut its funding for cancer research by 50%, which would represent the organization's lowest investment this century.
We have interviewed over 50 non-profits and social enterprises here at The Talking Story Podcast that do what they do because they are passionate about changing the WORLD. And they do that by making a difference in the lives of others. How?
Number 1: Investing in relationship. Taking the time to get to know a person/community and their needs.
Number 2: Addressing those needs, a common factor that we have seen is thru providing employment, but there are other ways like maintaining and building water wells in central Africa, building schools, and offering horse- back riding lessons as a form of therapy and healing.
Number 3: They ARE consistent. They show up. They show up when things are hard. They show up when money is scarce, they show up when the world is falling a part.
Our interviewee today, Jen, from Covered Colorado represents an organization dedicated to empowering Colorado’s sex trafficking survivors with the resources and skills they need to experience a future filled with hope.
As you all know, fighting sex trafficking is near and dear to my heart. Covered works with survivors over 18 years old, assisting them and their children with a chance to change their lives for the better. They know more than anything that these victims need love and positive direction. After such a traumatizing experience, their brain functions are not the same and they need help to change They offer a healthy community full of caring coaches that have been trained to help with these unique needs, teaching and often re-teaching life skills that can help these survivors obtain jobs, making them self-sufficient and empowered to break the bondage they’ve been held by for so long.
they believe if they can change the cycles of survivors post-rescue, then They can transform the sex trafficking industry by helping victims realize they can take back their independence.
There are SO many ways to do come to the battleground. Listening to this interview will guarantee bring inspiration to your life in HOW you can use your life in a purposeful way whether it is with Covered Colorado, another organization, or maybe you are called to start something?
Folks, enjoy this conversation. I continue to learn more about the atrocity and I continue to be inspired how I can be a part of the change in which I hope to see in this world. It’s easy to point and expect others to fight, but it really starts with us saying “send me”.
Did you not enjoy that interview? I can’t wait to have Joann on our show! But Jen, you did such a fabulous job to share the heartbeat behind the mission of your organization.
Folks, we are on the EVE of Giving Tuesday. This is our chance to use our MONEY to support organizations like Covered Colorado and SO many others we have had on the show. And like I said before, if you are like me, it’s so easy to think “someone else will take care of it”. “Someone else has more money than me, they’ll give, they don’t need my money”.
We love bringing you to the table to hear the conversations…the“whys” the reason these organizations exist. It’s so important to know what goes on behind the website, behind the name. You get to listen to the raw and real, the ins and outs, the joys and the pains of what running a missional organizational means. And yes, I am meeting friends all over the world, and I love learning, but these stories are meant to challenge us to use OUR time, resources, and/or money to make a difference in the lives of others. We aren’t patting folks on the back and saying “good job” by shining a spotlight on them thru these interviews, INSTEAD, we are begging you to understand we CAN be participants in helping change lives. We can use our lives, no matter what our vocation, no matter our age, our economic status, our gender, our marital status… to HELP OTHERS. In fact, our argument is that when you help people, your life changes in an incredible way as well. Suffering from depression? Anxiety? Hopelessness? Despair? Start using your life to better another.
I want to read something from gotquestions.org.
Our God is a giving God. He is a God of abundance (John 10:10; James 1:5; Psalm 103:8; Isaiah 55:1-7; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Romans 5:20), and He loves to give. He sacrificed willingly on the cross and then invited us into fullness of life. As His children, we are called to imitate Him (Ephesians 5:1). Our generosity in giving is a demonstration of God’s character and a response to what He has done for us.
Christians are a light to the world (Matthew 5:14-16). As we become more and more who God has called us to be – more like Him – through the process of sanctification, we reflect God more and more. We become more loving, more gracious, and, yes, more giving. Because God is generous, we are also called to be generous. Generosity not only points others to God, it is an appropriate response to what God has done for us.
“To whom much has been given, much more will be expected.” This has become a common phrase in Western society. Its biblical roots are in Luke 12:48. Because we have been so freely loved, we now love others (John 13:34). Because we have been forgiven, we forgive others (Matthew 18:21-35). Our response to God’s abundance with us is to share that abundance with others. When we appropriately receive God’s generosity, it humbles us. We recognize that we are not worthy of His gift. Out of gratefulness, we become more gracious with others. We begin to learn the heart of God and want to be more like Him.
Generosity has positive effects in human relationships. When one person gives freely to another, the recipient often “passes forward” the gift. In the Christian life, the impetus is much greater. Jesus taught us that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Not only does our giving demonstrate God’s character to the world, it results in increased faith for us. When we are willing to give, we declare that our faith does not depend on material possessions. Instead, we show that our faith is in God, who is always faithful to provide (1 Kings 17:7-16).
Christians are giving people, and, in giving, they lose nothing. As Bunyan wrote, “A man there was, tho' some did count him mad, / The more he cast away the more he had.” When we give, we empty ourselves in order to be filled again by God. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).
Guys giving is so important. Giving inspires others to give. Giving demonstrates to your children what life is all about, truly. Giving cultivates self worth. Giving makes you happy.
This launches Monday, before Giving Tuesday, but as with all the podcasts it will live beyond this week. So maybe you are listening to ttsp mid-March of 2025…that seems way far away…but no matter when you are listening…now is the time to give. Give even when it hurts. Give with joy. Because what happens on the otherside of giving is absolutely incredible.
But guys, Don’t just give and be done. Build a relationship with the person and/or organization. Invest. Be consistent. That will be the most beautiful thing you can do for yourself and your family.
It’s so cool to hear stories coming in on how people are using their lives to better others. We have realistate agents changing the way they are selling property, now using their business as an opportunity for education and give back. A pottery business is now giving back thru their profits. AND SO MUCH MORE.
What a cool way that these people have taken the tools they have learned on this podcast and applied it in their passions and their lives.
We are so thankful for you. We are thankful that you walk this planet. Thanks for being YOU.
After Giving Tuesday, here's our actual blog for this podcast
Think on this: One act of obedience can lead to new life for a fellow human being. Maybe two people. What about 70?? When we follow God, that still small voice that urges us to do things — sometimes scary and quite uncomfortable things — is bound to change us, our lives, and also the lives of others. As today’s guest Jen knows well, that change is better (and often very different!) then anything we could ever have planned on our own.
Jen’s surprise instructions came one day as she sat in church. A friend and former spiritual mentor was about to start something major, but she knew she couldn’t do it alone. Her prayers were answered in that church pew, and Jen’s obedience transformed into the divinely appointed help this friend, Joanna, needed to found Colorado’s first organization to help survivors of sex trafficking over the age of 18 rebuild their lives.
Covered Colorado works alongside local law enforcement and other organizations and nonprofits to help rehabilitate survivors and their children after they’ve exited the hopeless world of exploitation. Before Covered began in 2016, no such resources were available for this age group. But now, the lives of 70 women and a few men have been transformed. Some of them have graduated the 2 year program and several have gone on to start their own businesses, even in the midst of (and as a response to) Covid! God raised this organization out of one woman’s heart burdened to help survivors, and out of the obedience of another.
He has brought women trained in counseling, psychology, and law enforcement to work with the survivors, along with about 70 volunteers. Covered has street ministry teams, an app that allows people to donate to provide a safe night for victims seeking refuge, and amazing stories of healing and hope.
Give this episode a listen to hear what drove Joanna to start this organization in the first place, and more about how Covered helps survivors rebuild their lives and find their purpose again. Jen gets up to go to work- volunteer work- every morning to provide resources for the hurting because she can see rays of hope beginning to shine in these survivors. And, because she can say, “Everything you’ve been through was not for loss. It was for a purpose. It was for something greater.” Covered Colorado is helping survivors of sex trafficking find that “something greater.”
Be on the lookout for some of these incredible stories of hope coming soon! Follow Covered Colorado on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter. You can also visit coveredcolorado.org for more information.
Come connect with your hosts!
Kelsey
www.instagram.com/captkelseyhawaii
Bob
www.instagram.com/waliszrs
Sponsored by Moi Moi Market
www.instagram.com/moimoimarket
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It's Kelsey here, at your service, with a blog that is quite different than the norm. But yet, it very much relates to the work we are doing thru Moi Moi Market. How so? Well bear with me and read on. I want to help with some questions that have been coming at me...and that is HOW DO I TRAVEL TO AND FROM HAWAII?
Why am I potentially the qualified individual to talk on this subject? Well in this season of pandemic uncertainty, I have traveled to and from Hawaii 3 times since March, and let me tell you the rules have changed EVERY TIME. So what I share is from my personal travel experience, but everything should be verified on the state's website.
(to see the updated rules to enter the state of Hawaii and/or inter-island travel click here)
Let me preface this blog to say I never realized how tourist dependent Hawaii really is. And for many of us to get back to work, it will require the arrival of tourists...safely. For countries, economies, and communities to thrive people need to work. For poverty to be fought, jobs need to be created. Over the last decade, as a society, we have made some ground in this area of employment worldwide. However, even with 2 steps forward, this pandemic has made us go 10 steps back.
And Hawaii has definitely felt the affects of economic shut down in ways most of the mainland has not, due to its very strict 14 day quarantine upon arrival. Who wants to spend loads of money to sit in a hotel room? I mean, an individual can't even go out and shop for food and it isn't like we have Uber Eats on the islands, well maybe in Oahu. My point is that 200,000 residents live below the poverty line, and in order for than number to NOT increase, Hawaii needs to safely resume tourism soon because the devastation will not be from the virus but the economic crumble of small businesses. We are seeing the same devastation in places like Kenya, Indonesia, and other countries who have made progress of fighting poverty through tourism, and when tourism stops people's livelihood stops; from tourist companies to small market businesses. And most of these countries don't have "stimulus programs" to keep families fed. Starvation is more of a fear, than the virus itself.
Hawaii needs you. Other countries and communities need you! People, worldwide, need to get back to work.
Let me share some of my travel experiences with you in hopes you can make the best decision for you and your family of when and how to travel.
As of October 15, 2020 Hawaii has "opened" but with requirements if you want to avoid the 14 day house arrest...I mean quarantine. (It's all about changing the narrative, right?)
FIRST: I have been in in over a dozen airports and several planes the last 8 months. Airports have never been cleaner and airplanes and staff have never been more focused on sanitizing than now. I don't think I've heard a sneeze, unless my own in the privacy of my own home, since March. Think about it? Haven't we all been conditioned to be so attuned to anything that would allude to sickness, never mind there are hundreds more viruses out there. I'm not sure the common cold could even be picked up from an airplane ride anymore. If someone dares not to suppress a sneeze or cough, thousands of heads turn and collectively the meanest societal stink eye is given. Guys, I write this lightheartedly, but in all seriousness as well. Traveling has not been more safe, and this is coming from someone who took her first flight end of April when we weren't sure if the virus climbed walls and teleported thru phone lines.
SECOND: Masks have to be worn at all times. If you find yourself hyperventilating from a more restricted airway, this will be a sacrifice you will need to be aware of and participate in. For 6-10 hours, you will have an suppressed air flow in the airport and on the airplane. Unless you are a smoker, you can take a breathing break in a smoke booth where one can finally breath real air again...I digress.
THIRD: A COVID test from one of the approved medical facilities from the Hawaii stamped list, APPROVED TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAMS ,needs to be taken and results in hand before boarding the plane. Folks, they ain't joking on the approved places to get a test, as I saw more than 1 person who was surprised by the news that their Hawaii vacation consisted of hotel room walls for 14 days (or less pending when their return flight home was) even though they had test in hand, just not an approved test. Now, let me talk to the procrastinator for a sec. This test is in HIGH demand. I personally had mine done at Walgreens, and had to exert the same Black Friday aggression, like that of sale shopping when Walmart is selling TVs to the public for $25 but they only have like 10 in stock), yea same dedication and drive is what is needed to secure an approved COVID test. In reality, one should make sure that they schedule a test 72 from when they board their flight. Don't wait, otherwise you won't get a test. Some airlines like Alaska, Hawaiian, and Southwest offer free testing but only from certain cities on the mainland. It could be worth flying thru that particular city if it saves you the headache of finding an approved testing facility with the approved test. However, call your airlines and discuss all your options with them. I have found that airline's customer service, especially Southwest Airlines, has been especially helpful and pleasant in this season (those are words you don't typically see in the same sentence). Like I mentioned before, I got my test from Walgreens, for free. For me, at the time I had to fill out a questionnaire which asked me if I had been in an area that had a high rate of COVID. With the whole world on a spike, I could honestly answer yes as I was coming from San Diego and it was just shutting down it's economy again. CVS offers the test, but they will charge you $140.
Interisland- Things may change faster than I can update this website, so I again emphasize check the sources (see links above). I had friends who came from Oahu for a small vacation mid-November. They had to take a COVID test 72 hrs upon arriving, however, as they returned home, a test was not required. COVID apparently likes Big Island better than Oahu, at least that is what our political leaders have concluded.
With all kidding aside, this is an unprecedented year. I hope that what I share is helpful. I don't have the answer whether you should travel or not, but I do believe quite strongly, that we need to return to work. We need to travel again. We need to understand the ripple effect our actions have and don't have to the world as a whole. For me, it's easy to get caught up in my own life's issues, but I'm reminded, it's a Big world out there, and what I do, don't do, buy, don't buy has consequences (good or bad) and directly impacts others. My hope, is that you can reach a decision that can positively impact you and the lives of others.
Blessings,
Captain Kelsey
Former Captain of Adventure X Boat Tours
Founder/Visionary of Moi Moi Market
Host of The Talking Story Podcast
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This week I received correspondence from a Kenyan friend. His trials are "immense" but he is trying to understand the lessons to glean from the current hardships and see opportunities to help people even though he is in need himself. He described a situation, where he had just enough money for some food for lunch. However, instead of buying food for himself to relieve his hunger pains, he
]]>Hey Ya'll! Gosh am I learning a lot this week about 1) being the hands and feet of Jesus and 2) trusting in Him for my daily bread. This week I received correspondence from a Kenyan friend. His trials are "immense" but he is trying to understand the lessons to glean from the current hardships and see opportunities to help people even though he is in need himself. He described a situation, where he had just enough money for some food for lunch. However, instead of buying food for himself to relieve his hunger pains, he felt prompted by God to use what little he had and buy a beggar some cakes and a soda. Did that mean no lunch for him that day? Yep! But he wouldn't have it any other way. What he did gave him an indescribable joy, a joy that no one, no circumstance, can take away. Well, that has got me thinking and I think I'm on my way to an emergency spiritual surgery. This man's text, which can be found on my Instagram (here) has started me down this thought journey. I truly believe that my friend John was the hands and feet of Jesus that day. In fact, if Jesus was physically present walking the same streets and encountering the same beggar, I believe not only would Jesus have given him food to meet his physical needs, but I believe that Jesus would have healed the man from his physical ailments as well. Did you know that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, is the same spirit that lives inside of us today (those that confess with their mouth and believe in their heart that Jesus is Lord). That power comes from the Holy Spirit. The spirit of the LIVING GOD lives in US!! (How cool would it be to see the western church to begin to walk in faith and power of the Holy Spirit? I sure hope that's in my lifetime, and I want to be a part of that!) So no wonder we have opportunities to be the proof that God exists! I think of sunsets. It is one of my favorite times of day. I believe a sunset makes me realize how little I am and how little control I have. I believe a sunset points to a Creator, something greater than ourselves. The Bible says that creation testifies that there is a God. However, watching a sunset does not show us that same Creator actually cares about us. He gives us, human beings, that opportunity. We get to reflect the characteristic of God. We are proof of God's love. When we have an encounter with the Living God, how can we not go public and display the transformation that has happened in our lives. Isn't it only natural to love others, to sacrifice our lives for the sake of others? Isn't that what Jesus did on the cross for us? John's text inspired me to trust in God's provision. Although what may be considered as little, John gave EVERYTHING! It was all that he had. Imagine giving all that you had? Right? Not an easy thing. What if you lived day to day not knowing where your "bread" would come from? That is a faith I have not experienced, but I want to. John gave when it hurt. Not sure I can say that I've done that. But that, that is true altruism. That shows that He trusts in Jesus to not let him down, and provide for his daily needs. Luke 21:1-4 shows a woman, a widow, who gave 2 small coins to the temple. That was everything she had. And Jesus said that those 2 coins meant more than the 100 coins given by others, because she gave everything and others gave only a dent of their wealth. Where do you fall on the spectrum? Where is your heart today? These are the very questions I'm asking myself. "There is no other work in life that will fill you with more joy and purpose than seeing God's promises fulfilled. " " ;
]]>The Shelter from IXI Media on Vimeo.
It's easy to look back and see how God put the pieces of life together and understand why the bad things happened, why one's heart felt a certain way, and why the outcomes of situations were the outcomes. But the concept of looking forward and discerning the inner nudges of the heart, navigating the pain, and questioning the questionable outcomes, well that's just hard. Our conversation with Mama Rita, from Africa’s Heart in Israel, will inspire us that the pain, the nudging, the questions are worth it!
Rita did not have a plan to help severely traumatized women, nor did she ever think she’d be running a shelter on the top of Mt. Carmel. As a Jew who had a true encounter with the Messiah, her journey took her on a different path than she could have ever imagined. She realized that in following God, her life needed to demonstrate His love through serving others, and in seeking to do that, her own aspirations would need to aligned with a much greater plan.
The condition of the African women, smuggled across Israel’s border with the Sinai, was heart wrenching for Rita and her team. "Many of them [were] stripped of their identity and both physically and emotionally broken, [they] recognized that there was a tremendous need to build their sense of self worth and value." There was no option to turn away, pretend it wasn't happening, and go on living life. Rita, after being exposed to the need had to do something about helping these women find hope, healing, and purpose and *walah* Africa's Heart was born, well not quite…
"As a number of the women were pregnant or with newborn babies and, in most cases, unable to work outside the shelter, the project had to take place on our property and without extensive training. One of our staff asked the interested women what kind of handicraft they were already skilled in doing. She then purchased the necessary materials and began meeting with the project participants on a regular basis to oversee their work. Within weeks, the women were producing creative and unique pieces of handiwork – crocheted, embroidered, and assembled by hand." This project allowed these women to create, find purpose, and support themselves. This form of empowerment truly brings healing in a woman who has been battered and abused.
But like with any product, but especially one that comes from purpose (Starfish Project is also a great example of that), there’s a need on the other end, the buyer *cue YOU*.
If you are feeling a stirring to help needs in your community, then Rita’s story will give you the tools for your tool belt. Trust me. But if you are like 100% of us, especially in the western world, that consume products of all kinds on a daily basis, then our hope this conversation empowers you and educates you that ministries and brands like Africa’s Heart, need you. Sure, the women in which they are helping can make products all day and all night, feel a freedom to create, however, the empowerment doesn’t come until SOMEONE (yes, I’m talking to you) purchases that product.
Ladies and Gents, this is Kelsey here, the host of The Talking Story Podcast and founder of Moi Moi Market, and I’m pleading with you to recognize the important role ALL of us have in making the difference in the lives of others. Until we can make the 18 inch journey from head to heart and not just listen to these stories, but actually apply them in our lives, women like the women at Africa’s Heart, will continue to struggle and potentially seek out abusive and exploitative situations merely to survive. But WE, can change that. WE are empowered to empower.
By purchasing bags and other products, which can be found on Moi Moi Market and Bought Beautifully, you are giving a beautiful gift: positive change in a woman’s self-perception and sense of personal value. That, my friends, is the foundation to true healing which breaks the familial cycle of poverty and gives the sense of purpose.
And if you are on a journey to try to find purpose, and feel a nudge in your heart. Don’t forget the ingredients of prayer and action. You can’t have one without the other.
To connect with Mama Rita and Africa’s Heart the email is:
cmlshelter@gmail.com
And the website is www.africasheart.com
1 Kings 18 (reference to Mt. Carmel in the Bible)