Lifesprings Podcast

In this episode we are bringing you something a but different. The Lifesprings International executive team met in Canada this year so Christa brought her microphones and used this in-person opportunity to let our listeners get to know some of the women who have been part of the leadership team for the past few decades. Listeners will get to hear how they got started and where they are leading today.

In this episode Christa and Britt talk with "Lead, Develop, Care" trainer, Leanne Carter. Leanne shares about the work of shaping leaders...and why women may not see themselves in those roles. Leanne's own experience as a Christian missionary, church ministry leader, deacon, and mother has led to a deep passion for serving women and helping them to grow in their leadership, regardless of what stage of life they are in.To learn more about Lead. Develop. Care. go to: https://www.leaddevelopcare.com/To check out Leanne's leadership videos mentioned in this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@theeverydayprincess5057To follow along with Leanne's ministry in Austria go to: https://d-t-n.org/

In this second part of our "Kingdom Assignments" series Britt and Christa talk to a former Lifesprings school student, Kae, about her experience discovering her own assignments. Kae talks about how her missionary and ministry work changed as she became a mother, and the advice she has for other women who are asking "what now" as their lives change.

This is the first episode of a new series called "Kingdom Assignments!" Britt, Christa and returning guest, Janice Gutierrez, discuss where this term came from and how Lifesprings ministry schools brought this way of viewing serving from a practicum requirement into everyday Christian life. Janice, who is the former Executive Director of Lifesprings International, pastor and author, explains what G.R.A.P.E.S are and how they can help us discern the ways Jesus is calling us to be part of the mission to love others as He loves us. Janice's book, "Searching for My Brighter Way: Lessons on Learning to Let My Light Shine," can be found on amazon.com.

In our last episode in the "Practices of Presence" series, Christa interviews Lifesprings Executive Director, Dianna (DU) Anton, about the Rule of Life. As the Director of Lifesprings and a global missionary serving for over 2 decades, Dianna has personal experience with integrating the Rule of Life into her personal and vocational life. Anton helps us understand what this practice is, how it is a tool for spiritual formation and why it is better than New Year's resolutions! To find out more, go to: https://lifesprings.org/developing-a-rhythm-of-life/ or contact us at: [email protected] can also check out this great website to see examples of how others have crafted their own version: https://ruleoflife.com/We also recommend checking out Ruth Haley Barton's work on the Rule of Life: https://transformingcenter.org/2010/05/arranging-our-lives-for-spiritual-transformation/

In this episode, Britt and Christa talk about not talking - with silence and solitude being the 5th theme in our series.Britt brings some personal experience and perspective on how Christians with disabilities can help us appreciate the impact of contemplative practices for our community.Resource recommendations are:"Spirit of the Disciplines" by Dallas Willard"Celebration of Disciplines" by Richard Foster"Invitation to Retreat" by Ruth Haley BartonThe "Year End Examen" developed by the LifeSprings team can be found here: https://lifesprings.org/examen/

In part 5 of our series on Practices of Presence, Britt and Christa talk to Author Tracie Bartak about Christian fasting. In this conversation, we explore what fasting is and what it is not, as well as some tips on how we enter into this practice. You can find Tracie's book "The Fight for Family: Cultivating a Spirit Led Home" here https://www.amazon.ca/Fight-Family-Cultivating-Spirit-Led-Home/dp/1662887884 or wherever you get your books. One of our podcast guests' book recommendations this month is the parenting books from Paul David Tripp, and Christa's mention was "The Justice of Jesus" by Joash Thomas.

In part 4 of our series, Britt and Christa talk with Dr. Carol Potratz about the gift and practice of "discernment." We ask Dr. Carol what exactly discernment in the Christian sense is, what the Bible has to say about it and how we can practice it together.

In our third episode of the "Practicing Presence" series, Britt interviews Dr. Beth Broadbooks, a spiritual director and instructor at Kairos University. Britt and Dr. Beth talk about listening, how the Ignatian Examen prayer can help, and what in the world it actually means to "hold space."To learn more about Dr. Beth Broadbooks, her spiritual Direction practice or check out her "People Who See" podcast, head to: https://www.peoplewhosee.com/The Examen questions from the beginning episode, the history around Ignatian prayers and more variations on the Examen prayer can be found here: https://www.jesuits.org/spirituality/the-ignatian-examen/Brittany references a book that inspired a portion of this series based on the teachings of Brother Lawrence. A modern translation can be found here:https://www.amazon.ca/Practice-Presence-God-Modern-English/dp/1521299757/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KPnOdOWvymjnhuhTrgdftrvWItF337CVvV5VG7mv35OzF812CR2yv3sylF-YhF2Wx_fe5sX4jIgbVmSQaG9Y5BxB6ZAdoqHEk4zmiMZ_PclVuxDJuS22qY1QHGzRR-9OBMG-6TWqYfbJu_gENeNOrWvXdSVcWTy6eaSN3WR1yOk5pWHzNpit6Fk7Qe7AlmzmUYdMyVRfoZMMXjku1Ukpxhuf3Vo3N4UeBoeZOod6KQxd8G_VWMz83mXKtc108_4HlESYmqC2HKzy17Op1p5i5RLBed7E75qbD47UkJ0WHLk.jA7_De5QO0APbzZLoD4zCl-fkB4De41ZQ7vi5lTymfs&dib_tag=se&gad_source=1&hvadid=667095424204&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9001394&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=4432824893489177642--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4432824893489177642&hvtargid=kwd-300709920208&hydadcr=23283_13656955&keywords=practicing+the+presence+of+god&mcid=d7575ac175f53446aac22907416b1832&qid=1756875769&sr=8-1

In our second season, "Practices of Presence," Britt and Christa invite Lifesprings Prayer Ministry leader Terri LaBrie to talk to us about Sabbath and how rest allows us to be more present with God and others. Terri helps us discuss what Sabbath is AND what it isn't, as well as discuss some of the common ways we miss out on all the gifts God has for us in rhythms of rest. Want to check out Lifesprings weekly devotional "Tuesdays Together?" Find it here: https://lifesprings.org/tuesday-together-blog/Or get the devo in your inbox every week. To subscribe, contact us at [email protected] Our book recommendations for this month are: "When the Soul Listens" by Jan Johnson. You can find this book and other books Jan has written here: https://janjohnson.org/shop/when-the-soul-listens/"Sabbath as an Act of Resistance: Saying No to the Culture of Now" by Walter Brugermann https://www.amazon.ca/Sabbath-Resistance-Saying-Culture-Now/dp/0664239285 Or check out any of the many fantastic books written on Sabbath and rest by Ruth Haley Barton.

In this new series, Christa and Britt will be exploring the spiritual formation practices we engage in with our faith communities that help us be present with one another, God and increase our awareness of the movements of the Spirit. Our first episode in "Practices of Presence" features Julianne Gilchrist, a pastor, Spiritual Director and Spiritual Direction instructor. Julianne talks to us about how this practice can help "Directees" increase their awareness of God and our ability to help others do the same. To learn more about Julianne or Spiritual Direction, you can find her online at: https://www.gilchristcoaching.com/julianneOne of Julianne's book recommendations was "How to Walk into a Room: The Art of Knowing When to Stay and When to Walk Away," By Emily P. Freeman. Find it wherever you shop for books!

In this final part of our 6-part series on "Prayer of Preparation," Britt and Christa talk to author, former mega-church pastor and retired Lifesprings Executive Director Janice Gutierrez about Quiet Trust. Quiet Trust just may be the posture that empowers us to lean into the other prayers, such as for humility, indifference and faithful stewardship... but is it as easy as being quiet and saying "I trust God?" Check out Gutierrez's book " Searching for My Brighter Way: Lessons on Learning to Let My Light Shine" https://www.amazon.ca/Searching-My-Brighter-Way-Learning/dp/B0CXZSYFWW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3JZZZBG4HFWKH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.g-yJqWlDw6ou9nrv-M298Q.jnMecAMtlTQfMa_V2Fzn_OeEMSFtKsEB4aigxEfY5GE&dib_tag=se&keywords=janice+gutierrez&qid=1748919697&sprefix=janice+gutierrez%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-1At the end of episode Brittany mentions an easy way to support and connect with Lifesprings Canada - follow us on social media and share what you are loving about the podcast or ideas you have for us to equip and encourage women for ministry. We are Lifesprings Canada on facebook and instagram.Want to be part of our summer book club? Head to our Facebook page and ask to be part of it, and we will let you in to a private fb group where we will discuss the book "Throw Another Pebble On the Pile" by Michelle Felice. Find a link to order the book below.https://www.amazon.ca/Throw-Another-Pebble-Pile-Leadership/dp/1038321670/ref=sr_1_1?crid=EUHW97KUOD8K&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5rKQmmqiKShOR1eKwoKMlKQOmCZnNoV-9eTYm20BzHLGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.O_XXCTSz3gU2Xn2l6ZWA2qXVjs9QJj87TrxX2T8MiuQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=throw+another+pebble+on+the+pile&qid=1748920190&sprefix=throw+another%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-1

In this 5th part of the series on Prayers of Preparation, we are talking about the prayer for humility. Christa and Britt explore what this actually means for followers of Jesus and why it may come more easily to some than to others. While Christa and Britt may not have all the answers, we hope this conversation provokes some good questions to help you understand why this prayer is so important and how to pursue it. Brittany begins the episode by talking about one of the books that has inspired her understanding of humility, "Learning Humility: A Year of Searching for a Vanishing Virtue" by Richard Foster Also referenced was a secular book on leadership with some important insight into the differences between men and women in the workplace. The book is called "How Women Rise" by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith.Towards the middle of the episode, Brittany references a college rival that happened back in 2023 when a routine 50-minute chapel at Asbury University turned into a 16-day event. Ultimately, the event drew so much attention that famous Christian speakers and musicians asked to come perform...but where told no... You can read about the event and the students who claimed they were not "looking for more, but for less" in this Christianity today article: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/02/asbury-revival-taught-me-about-gen-z-casual-christianity/This month, both Christa and Britt read "Becoming the Pastor's Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman's Path to Ministry by Beth Allison Barr. Dr. Barrs work continues to be important in its groundbreaking scholarship as well as its impact on liberation theology.

In this episode, Britt and Christa chat with Audrey Jose about being peace bringers, why we pray for it, and why it matters. Audrey helped develop and teach the Peace Amongst Conflict Training ( or PACT ) offered through Lifesprings schools and retreats. Motivated by Colossians 3:15, the Pact team combines conflict resolution strategies such as "IC thinking" and Biblical truth to help others let go of the fear and shame around conflict. Along with her work as a missionary and Lifesprings Executive Leader, Audrey is the author of "Guard Your Heart: Purity, Perseverance, His Presence, & the Power of Prayer" as well as "In His Image" which is available both in English and Albanian.At the end of our episode, Christa shares a book suggestion she is reading for Lent that serves as a great resource for this episode's topic. The book is: Fight Like Jesus: How Jesus Waged Peace Throughout Holy Week by Jason Porterfield.If you have questions about this episode or PACT contact us by going to lifesprings.org.

Britt and Christa are joined by a special guest, Michelle Felice, to discuss our third prayer in our "Prayers of Preparation" series. Michelle's new book "Throw Another Pebble on the Pile: One Woman's Leadership Journey in the Church" is an empowering and thought-provoking memoir that explores the question, "Should a woman be allowed to lead a church?" In this important conversation, Michelle shares her story of the roadblocks she faced as a woman in church leadership and how she found peace at the end of it. You can find more about Michelle Felice and her book at:https://www.throwanotherpebble.com/We asked Michelle for some of her favourite authors and fellow podcasters and she listed some amazing resources. Find them listed in the links below:Danielle Strickland : https://www.daniellestrickland.com/Tania Harris: https://www.godconversations.com/Nathan Foster: "The Making of an Ordinary Saint": https://renovare.org/books/making-of-an-ordinary-saint

On today's episode Britt interviews Mathilde Companjen, former director at International Teams Mission Organization, to talk about prayers for wisdom. Wisdom is the third part in our six-part series on "Prayers of Preparation." Mathilde's story of being a missionary, mother, wife and mentor is woven around the question of what it means to practice Godly wisdom. In her story you will hear about Mathilde's involvement in another Christian missions organization called Open Doors. Open Doors famously started in 1955 with Brother Andrew, a courageous Bible Smuggler. You go to the Open Doors website posted below or read the book "God's Smuggler" to learn more. https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/ When asked for her book recommendation for this episode, Mathilde shared a Dutch author with an incredible book that incorporates music links. Sorry to our English-only listeners...but if you can read it check out: "Allen die vermoeid en belast zijn" by Rokus Maasland It means "all who are tired and burdened".

In our second episode, we continue our "prayers of preparation" series as Britt asks Christa and Libby to talk about faithful stewardship. It is a phrase we say often in Christian circles, but practically speaking, what does it mean? Stories from our ministries and life are woven into a discussion of the abundant garden in Genesis and the Gospel account of Jesus handing out a supernaturally abundant lunch of fish and loaves.

In this first-ever episode, Britt sits down with Christa (Director of Lifesprings Canada) to discuss what Lifesprings International is, who it's for and why we thought we needed a podcast! Britt and Christa discuss the importance of having a diversity of voices in the church, as well as the importance of community and a year-end reflection. Find out more about the LSI Year-End examen here: https://lifesprings.org/examen/ Special thanks to Kent Neufeld who composed the music for the show. Show him some love by finding his music on Spotify or wherever you stream awesome music. https://open.spotify.com/artist/77uHFpzw7VJsprfpR5cIii?si=KC9tOx35RDu0fSJxo9EbiQ Also a big thank you to Aaron Parker for his audio and tech support. Aaron is a gifted graphic designer as well as an audio technician. You can find his work here: https://aparkercreative.myportfolio.com/