GPAC Women Podcast

Vanessa continues her interview with Ashley Kruse, asking about the different roles that the church and international workers carry. Come laugh with these ladies as they joke but also dive into the topic of missions and the church body.

This month Vanessa sits down with one of GPACs international workers, Ashley Kruse. Who is Ashley? What is her story? And what is their tie to GPAC? Come and meet Ashley through this light hearted interview.

Vanessa implores Ruth Enns to attempt to explain where bitterness comes from, how it works, and what we can do to find freedom. Ruth shares her experience with fighting against bitterness and the biblical standard we are called to follow.

There are two special events happening for women that we want you to know about. Vanessa interviews Ramona Zacharias, Pastor of Women's Ministry here at GPAC. Our two special events are: 1- Ladies Talent Show on March 20 from 6:30-8:30 pm in the Landing 2- Women's Forum on Parenting Adult Children/Honoring our Parents on April 15 from 6:30-8:30 pm in the Landing

Vanessa wraps up her interview with Colleen by discussing Colleen's curriculum called 'Heart2Heart'. To follow Colleen, her Instagram account name is @colleenvannieuwkerk

Colleen and Vanessa discuss the challenges and hurtles of grief and how to better understand it. Colleen eloquently shares her journey with grieving and what the Lord has revealed to her over the past 5 years.

After an ill-infused Christmas break, Vanessa sits down to dwell on what the New Year brings. The turning of the calendar invites us to stop and reflect on the things done, as well as look forward to what our ambitions may be for the year ahead. Vanessa asks her listeners to ponder where Jesus is leading you - what transition or transformation would you desire in your life? We hope this message encourages you in your walk with the Lord and encourages your role in the body of Christ.

What kind of Christmas person are you? Do you keep things low key? Or do you prefer recreating nostalgic memories and traditions? Vanessa sits down with the lovely Ruth Enns to ask her about her life, what Christmas memories she holds dear, and how she keeps Christ in Christmas. Ruth shares beautiful insight into her view of the reason for the season. We hope this interview blesses and encourages you, no matter how you choose to manage the Christmas celebration season.

Vanessa continues her interview with Lauren and Ruth about the fruit they have seen and felt during their seasons of singleness, as well as the biggest challenges of living out single life. Both guests share passionately about the purpose they have found in serving and knowing Jesus, leaving our listeners encouraged and spurred on in their walks with Christ. This vulnerable episode will leave you wanting to draw nearer to our Savior and to know him more and more.

Vanessa does a deep dive into the topic of singleness in the church and within ministry. In 1 Corinthians 7:6-7 Paul calls being 'unmarried' a "gift". Vanessa asks Lauren and Ruth to tackle what the world says about singlehood, what the church conveys about singlehood, and what our Biblical worldview should be in regards to the 'unmarried'. This rich discussion sheds light on a sensitive topic while also encouraging us as church members on how to love like Christ better and better.

Vanessa interviews Nicole Sherk and Leah Smith about a recent book that discusses the mental health crisis facing the younger generation. The ladies share what stood to them from the book and any changes that resulted from reading the book. We hope this candid interview makes you chuckle and leaves you thinking about how to honor the Lord best with technology. Book discussed is called 'The Anxious Generation' by John Haidt This is a secular book and does not hold a Biblical worldview. There are great arguments made and data shared, but what is written in the book does not necessarily reflect the views of our podcasters or the GPAC. Please read and listen with discernment.

Check out the real reasons why a good nights sleep is so important. Crystal shares her thorough knowledge of sleep and what it accomplishes for our bodies and brains. Crystal is passionate and compassionate about helping others find ways to get better sleep for their families. Vanessa wraps up the interview by asking Crystal what the focus of her fall will be and we want you to ask yourself the same question- what is the focus of your heart in this next season? Want to get in touch with Crystal? Check her out on her website: https://crystal-derksen.themamacoach.com/

Fall is an exciting time of year with new things starting back up, filling our schedule with fun and routine. One of the challenges we all face is the pressure and sometimes unintentional hectic-ness of all the "good" things offered at church, school, work, and in the community. Vanessa sits down with Crystal to ask her how she intentionally schedules down time, figures out what to say yes or no to, and how to enjoy the "good" things we truly want to enjoy in life. Crystal offers great insight for this season of life and gives the great advice of stopping to reflect on what our own capacity is. How to get in contact with Crystal: https://crystal-derksen.themamacoach.com/

A common reality for the families up North is having one or two parents who work away from the home. Cornelia shares her experiences in raising kids and running a household while her husband works away for weeks at a time. For some of us, the being alone is overwhelming and depleting. While others struggle more with adjusting to the other authority figure stepping back into the chaotic dance of home life. This is a wonderful interview with many nuggets of truth.

Vanessa interviews Shorr about the secret of contentment during some large changes in her life. From a couple living in the city to new parents living off-grid, Shorr shares about dealing with all the changes and letting go. Her testimony is inspiring as she shares what the Lord has been revealing to her in moments of plenty and loss.

The conclusion to our part one discussion all about schooling options. Our wonderful guests share their experiences and what they felt were the pros and cons to the education choices they made. We also highlight the importance of youth group and our kids' friend group. We hope this honest conversation gives insight and is thought provoking for our listeners.

Vanessa attempts to tackle the hot topic of three possible education options, with three guests to share on their experiences in each of the routes available. Annette Wiebe shares the pros and cons to homeschooling, while Jennifer Zylstra lays out the things she experienced in the Christian school route. Both women are honest and fair about their experiences and give the listener points to think about.

Mother's Day, although designed to be thoughtful and caring, can be an extremely painful holiday for those desiring to be a mother and for those who are without their mother. Vanessa asks Susan to share about her past experience of Mother's Day and her unexpected journey to motherhood through adoption. The joy and gratitude Susan has for her daughter and the birth mother is moving. We hope this podcast encourages you this Mother's Day.

After 45 years of marriage, Barb Cuthbert openly shares about her life as a young wife, busy mom dealing with a sick husband, and working on understanding her spouse. Barb authentically shares about the mistakes and regrets, as well as the valuable lessons, she has learned. Be encouraged, gather wisdom and get to know even more about our dear Barbie!

Episode 13 focuses on judgment, sin, forgiveness and God's amazing grace. Vanessa dives into the mob mentality of shame and unforgiveness. imploring her listeners to reflect on their heart and not to fear confrontation.

Join us as we wrap up our interview with two wise and experienced mothers, Ramona and Adyne. Vanessa asks the ladies about parenting not from a spirit of fear and instead, how to trust the Lord with our kids while also being intentional in guiding our children in today's world. Adyne explains why continues conversation with our kids is key to building a parent-child relationship, and how these conversations allow us to re-explain God's truths. Grab your pen and notebook, because you will want to write down these insights.

How do we foster friendship between siblings? And what role do parents play in their child's friendships? Today's episode dives into the topic of sibling relationships, out of the home friendships, and how to instill core family values into our most beloved treasures- our children. This is part 1 of a two part episode with Adyne Bell and Ramona Zacharias.

Join Vanessa for her first solo talk on the topic of making time for the Lord in the midst of different challenges, such as endless tasks, low motivation, or living in constant distraction. Start your New Year with a call to obedience and courage in pursuing the Lord.

After studying in Isreal this past Spring, Ruth Nilsson sits down with Vanessa to discuss her trip. Although this episode is mostly focused on Christmas, Ruth also gives insight into her trip to the Holy Land, comparing what she expected to what she experienced. Give your heart a slight re-alignment this Holy day season and focus on the real reason for the season by exploring the history of Jesus' birth place.

How many people feel confident in mentoring and discipling others? Many of us would profess to lack the confidence needed to walk alongside someone. Annette breaks down the pedestal we place mentorship upon and lays out the simplicity of trusting God in this much needed practice. Annette also shares about her work in the church and her deep passion for sharing the Scripture and getting people to meet Jesus. This episode is jam packed with wisdom and conviction - you won't want to miss it! Want to talk with Annette? Call the church at (780) 532-8836

This months podcast dives into the healthy and unhealthy expectations that can be seen, heard, and felt within the church. Vanessa asks Bobbi Barkman pointed questions about life in church ministry and how to deal with people pleasing, hurts and being obedient to the Lord during challenging times. Whatever ministry you do, whether in or outside the church, this episode allows for self reflection and encouragement for the body of Christ, His Church.

Vanessa has invited Julianna Davidson back on the podcast to talk to her about her new book, 'His Sweet Sustenance'. Julianna shares the backstory surrounding her writing a personal reflection on how she abided in the Lord during a trying season of life. Julianna has encouraging words to share with our listeners about how God can use our journey's to glorify Him and encourage others. To purchase Julianna's book online: https://morningdovepress.myshopify.com/products/his-sweet-sustenance-by-julianna-davidson

Ramona Zacharias, GPAC's Women's Ministry leader, interviews the host of the podcast, Vanessa Harder. Get to know the person behind the questions and why she's starting this podcasting adventure.

Vanessa interviews Chantelle Kennedy about her life and how Chantelle makes the Lord central to their families commitments. Chantelle is a mom of six, who homeschools, runs a business and is invested in ministries at her local church. She loves the Lord and gives such powerful insight into designing a home that puts God first.

Back to school is upon us and Vanessa was able to sit down with two seasoned teachers to ask them their advice on how to ease back into the routine and season of academic expectations. Many topics are covered, from scheduling downtime into your family calendar to talking to teachers about concerns parents are feeling. This episode is loaded with great advice that all school aged parents should hear. Want to keep up-to-date on this podcast? Check out our Instagram @gpac_womens_podcst

Vanessa and Jess Greene sit down to discuss life as a single parent in the church body. What have we, the Church, been doing well? And what things can we be more mindful of? Jess helps the listener dive into these topics from a gracious perspective. Want to be kept in the loop with our podcast? Follow us on Instagram @gpac_womens_podcast

Episode 5 jumps into today's health trends and how our home life influenced our basic understanding of food. Vanessa interviews Stacie Frey, a local Registered Dietician, about healthy food, eating disorders, and feeding little ones. Stacie specializes in eating disorder consultations and offers valuable advice on many topics. Stacie's Business is called Direct Nutrition Consulting and her website is: www.directnutritiongp.com The best way to contact Stacie is through her website. Want to stay in loop with the podcast? Follow us @gpac_womens_podcast