What artist, author, or musician are you grateful for?
1. John Eldredge -- No person has had a bigger influence on my life and my worldview. John is a thoughtful and insightful author, a former counselor, a CCU graduate, and the leader of Wild at Heart Ministries. His books, emails, Bible studies, podcasts, CDs, and monthly letters have all served as timely reminders to build my faith, strengthen my hope in the coming Kingdom, deepen my love for Jesus, and empower me to separate the light from the darkness (remembering where we are in the larger story and the role our spiritual enemy plays in the world, and embracing the partial by relishing all the good things we are given here). ❤
2. Donald Miller -- I've also loved a few of his earlier books, blog posts, and podcasts, but his Hero on a Mission book was the main catalyst for the intentional life changes I have made over the past 2-3 years -- so empowering and hopeful. I love what I know of Don's personal story, and I hope my book will be one of the books on his shelf someday! (He has a library filled with stories written by people who lived out the transformative storyline framework).
3. Annie F. Downs -- A fun-loving Enneagram 7 and a dependable role model for me as a slightly older Christian single woman, Annie's books and podcasts have encouraged me in my dreams of becoming an author, helped me feel less alone through the worst of the pandemic (when she did a *daily* podcast with Eddie), and changed the way I feel about singleness. ❤
4. Joyce Meyer -- Joyce and Beth are both survivors of childhood incestual sexual abuse who are now walking in God-given freedom and power (and thus, they're continually targeted by the enemy). From the time I discovered her through the Beside the Still Waters CDs, her teaching (through TV, books, podcasts, CDs, tapes - yes, tapes - and magazine) has been a major part of my growth and spiritual maturity for the past 16 years. My favorite lessons from Joyce include the armor of God, pursuing peace, living with excellence and integrity, taking off the graveclothes, walking in God's anointing, and choosing a powerful walk with God over self-pity!
5. Beth Moore -- I love Beth. Love her heart, her expressive spirit, her passion for God, her compassion for fellow survivors, and her courage in tactfully confronting abuse of power within the church. Also love her resilience after condescending leaders minimized her impact and questioned her worthiness (without tact or grace or forethought). Beth's Bible studies (specifically Daniel 3 and 4 and Breaking Free), books, CDs, and blog posts have impacted my life and helped me become more secure, more free, more knowledgeable about God's Word, and more rooted in the love of Christ!
6. Steven Furtick -- He was not always on my list, but he has grown on me tremendously over time. I especially love his "The Basin" teachings, where he follows up and goes deeper on certain sermon points, without the hyped-up Elevation crowd (but they've grown on me, too). I believe he is growing and maturing, that his heart for God is sincere, and that he really studies God's Word and does his best to teach it in a powerful way that will stick with people. Several of his messages have been especially timely confirmation in my life, none more so than Green Light at the Red Sea. I am grateful! ❤
7. Ashley Campbell -- A fellow Oklahoman and a mom of five with a beautiful adoption story, Ashley is an awesome photographer, adventurous traveler, fantastic homeschool mom, and future book author -- YAY, so excited about that announcement!! I have followed Ashley's blog for at least ten years, as well as following their year-long trip around the world via Instagram (I now follow three of her children there, too). lol I so appreciate the way she celebrates each child for their unique personality, and the way she finds beauty in ordinary things (taking photos to celebrate that). More than anyone else on this list, Ashley has changed the way I blog, the way I take pictures, and the goals I have for myself as a future adoptive mother!
Particularly with the top 7 listed above, I am so grateful to each of them for staying the course in their personal walk with God.... for fighting through hard seasons, working to overcome sin struggles, and boldly pursuing God's purpose and plan for their lives!! In unique ways, they each inspire me to grow with God, to press through exhaustion and pain, and to live with buoyant courage and hope! ❤
Honorable Mention: Craig Groeschel, Lysa TerKeurst, Christine Caine, Eddie Kaufholz, Melanie Shankle, Sophie Hudson, Timothy Keller, Andy Stanley, Matt Chandler, Charlie Blount, Stasi Eldredge, Priscilla Shirer, Hillsong Worship, Elevation Worship, Lauren Daigle, Ally Fallon, J.K. Rowling, Nicole LaPera, Susan Caine, Brene Brown, Vanessa Van Edwards, Amy Cuddy, Oprah Winfrey, Taylor Swift, One Republic, Tricia Robinson Art, and I'm sure there are many more I'm forgetting! =)
❤
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