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Christianity has become known for judgy people, strange words, confusing rules, and a members-only mindset. This is why I stayed away from the church for so long, but it’s not supposed to be that way. I’m Jill Devine, a former radio music personality with three tattoos and a love for a good tequila. Join me on the Normal Goes A Long Way podcast where we seek answers to real questions with real people about how faith and life intersect.
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Listen in as we learn about a time when God's people got in a big fight and split in two. Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas: *This week's story was about good kings and bad kings. What did the bad kings do? (They didn't follow God and they didn't learn from their mistakes). What did the good kings do? (They learned from their mista…
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Wow, those Israelites sure know how to ruin a good thing! Their 100+ year streak of relative stability under the kings they asked for ends in (spoiler alert) a kingdom torn in two. How did things get so bad? Well, we learned last week about Solomon's gradual slide into idol worship. His reign as king that started out with so much promise ended in c…
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Today we heard about King Solomon. He became the wisest king in history, because He asked God to bless him with wisdom! Keep talking about this story at home by using some of these discussion starters: *(ages 2-4) What is a good choice? What is a poor choice? Who can help you make good choices? Pray: Dear God, please help me make good choices! *(ag…
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How awesome would it be for God to grant you anything you wanted, and then give you EVEN MORE than what you asked for? That's just the situation King Solomon finds himself in. King David has died and his son inherits the throne of a nation with the slogan "no worries" minted on their coins (figuratively speaking). It's good to be king...and good to…
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Today we will learn about a time when David made a big mistake. God demonstrated extraordinary love to David and he shares that extraordinary love with us today. Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas: *When necessary this week, stop and pray with your child asking God to forgive your child when he or she has done something wrong. In ap…
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When was the last time you committed adultery and arranged the killing of your mistress's spouse to conceal the affair? I imagine the answer is "never." After reading David's story, you might be feeling pretty good about the severity of your sins. After all, you've never murdered a guy so he doesn't find out you're having a baby with his wife. Your…
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Today learned about a shepherd boy named David. God used him to do an amazing thing – defeat Goliath! Parents, keep the conversation going this week with your family! Here are some ideas: *(ages 2-4) Talk about Goliath’s enormous size! Find something that is 9 feet tall, or use a measuring tape to show how big he was. Ask, “Who was David?” “Who was…
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It's like David vs. Goliath. You've likely heard this metaphor used any time an underdog goes up against something (or someone) they have little chance of defeating. It's an archetype of victory against all odds. It's also a story about trusting God to see you through your battles. That part gets left out of the cultural narrative, but we're going …
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Today we will learn about Hannah, her son Samuel, and the power of prayer. Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas: *With your child, make a simple poster about things to pray for by gluing pictures onto a piece of construction paper. In the middle, write, "God hears me when I pray." When your child wants to pray, he or she can look at t…
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Has there ever been a time in your life when you knew what God wanted you to do, but you did the opposite? Taking His law as a suggestion (instead of, well, law), you went ahead and did it your way. Obedience isn't our strong suit. God can certainly work through us when we do what is contrary to His will for our lives. But imagine how much sweeter …
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Today we will hear about Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. Parents, keep talking with your kids using these prompts: *Ages 2-4: Ruth worked hard to pick up grain in the field. Have a challenge to see how fast you can pick up your toys! (or, how many sticks/rocks/leaves can you pick up in one minute) Ask, “who takes care of you?” *Ages 5-9: God took care of Ru…
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As we continue our journey through “The Story”, Pastor Jim Mueller shared insights from the Book of Ruth, highlighting the remarkable story of Ruth and Naomi and what their faith and resilience can teach us today. Ruth's unwavering faith and loyalty shows us how faith can guide us through life's darkest moments, transforming bitterness into hope. R…
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Today we will learn the epic story of Samson. Listen with your kids as we learn about a strong and powerful man who knew he needed God's help. Want to keep talking? Here are some ideas: *Build towers of blocks together with your preschooler and then knock them down like Samson did. Talk about how we can use our strength to help others.(ages 2-4) *G…
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Have you ever considered the downsides of peace and prosperity? Believe it or not, a life of comfort in which our needs are met and our wants are satisfied can be problematic. We saw this last summer when we went through the Book of Judges. Over and over the Israelites lost their way when life was going well. They became complacent and stopped rely…
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Today we used our imagination hats to hear from Rahab! She was brave and helped God’s people. Parents, here are some fun conversation starters you can use this week: *(Ages 2-4) Ask, “What did God do that was amazing in this story?” The walls of Jericho fell down when the people waked around it and blew horns *(Ages 5-10) Ask, “What do you think th…
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The past few weeks of our journey through "The Story" has brought us to some pivotal moments in our faith history. We see the Israelites escape slavery, witness an awe-inspiring miracle at the Red Sea, and create a covenant with God. Then they wander in a desert for 40 years. The grumbling and complaining got too much for God. This week, they final…
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Today we will learn about explorers sent into God's promised land. Some responded in great fear, but Caleb and Joshua demonstrated great courage and faith! Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas: *Ten explorers were scared. Tell about a time when you were scared. Joshua and Caleb had courage. Tell about a time when you had courage (ages…
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Episode 129: Wandering Sometimes it's hard to see God at work in our lives. When pressures weigh us down, it's easy to give up. And that's when God steps in. In this week's message, Ryan Pfendler will walk us through how God is with His people, fighting their battles. He's with you every step of the way! If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these…
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In this episode, you’ll hear about how God gave us His rules for living – we call them the 10 Commandments. Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas: *Ask: What are some rules that we have at home? What are some rules you have at school? Are they good? (ages 2-4) *Ask: What would the world look like if no one followed any of God’s rules? …
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Can you recall a time this past week when you lived up to God's law? When you kept His commandments, loved Him with all you had, and put the needs of your neighbor above your own? Probably not, but you tried, right? Unfortunately, it's in our nature to sin. It's very easy for all of us to go our own way and decide right from wrong based on our desi…
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Today we will learn about the amazing life of Moses. Listen with your kids as we learn about God watching over him from the time he was a tiny baby. In this part of God's Big Story, God shows up for his people in powerful, jaw-dropping ways! Want to keep talking? Here are some ideas: *Ask: How did God watch over his people? (He sent Moses to lead t…
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This week we enter the Book of Exodus and meet Moses. For hundreds of years, the Israelites have been enslaved in Egypt. Their deliverer is one of their own who was raised in Pharaoh's household and lacked any notable qualifications to lead a revolt. But with God, anything is possible and Moses comes to lead his people to the Promised Land. Take a …
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Today we will learn the story of Joseph. This part of God's Big Story reminds us that God is with us, taking care of us during good time and hard times. Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas: For ages 2-4: Sing the following song to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell”. God takes care of me, God takes care of me! God took care of Josep…
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Life is full of ups and downs. No one knows this more than Joseph, the apple of his father Jacob's eye and a man in possession of a very colorful coat. For Joseph, life was going very well, and he had that fancy outerwear to prove it. But then he gets sold into slavery and things start to go south for Joseph. Life improves...and then it knocks him …
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Today we will learn the story of Abraham and how God blessed him beyond measure. Listen with your children and reflect on the blessings that God has lavished on you! This part of God's Big Story reminds us that God's dreams for us are bigger than we can imagine! Want to keep talking? Here are some ideas: *Pretend to move with your preschooler. Pack…
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What does it look like to heed God's calling? If He told you to sell all your possessions and move to a foreign country, would you do it? That's just what He asked of Abram! In this week's episode, Ryan Pfendler will be guiding us through these questions as we look at Abram's calling: What does it mean to be a disciple? Can I follow Jesus and still…
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Today, we’ll learn about the very first story in the Bible, Creation! Listen along with your kids as Hannah tries to capture the awe and wonder of this amazing part of God’s Big Story! Want to Keep Talking? Here are some ideas: Play “I spy” and then say, “God created that!” (ages 0-4) Ask, “How can you see God’s amazing workmanship outdoors? Where …
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Today marks our first episode of our new series based on "The Story", which will take us through our history from beginning to end. We'll get going with the creation account in Genesis. You've probably heard it before. God creates the heavens and the earth and everything in it. That's what He did, but what about the why behind it? The answer there …
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New to Normal Goes A Long Way this season is the addition of a KIDS VERSION episode, which will be released on Thursdays over the course of 31 weeks. Families, you’re invited to join our hosts, Hannah Lang and April Mueller, and follow along as they bring kids into God's big story through engaging storytelling. Why do we have a KIDS VERSION episode…
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Happy New Year and welcome to Season 7 of Normal Goes A Long Way! This season, we will be releasing weekly episodes on Tuesdays and Thursdays (KIDS VERSION) over the course of 31 weeks. We invite you to join our host, Jill Devine, and follow along as we go through the story of the Bible through the words of “The Story”. At the end of Season 7, our …
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‘Twas the night before Christmas ... Merry Christmas Eve! Joining Jill Devine for a special Christmas Eve episode are three 2nd Graders; Luella, Lu, and Stella. They shared what they know about why we celebrate Christmas, their family traditions, ways to learn about Jesus, and much more. From everyone at Normal Goes A Long Way, we wish you a Merry …
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This week’s episode was inspired by Louie Giglio’s Waiting Here For You, An Advent Journey of Hope. “Advent is a season of expectant waiting and preparation. This devotional is perfect for those who are in periods of waiting or facing uncertainty. Through the story of the coming of Jesus, Advent teaches that waiting is the means God often uses to c…
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As you prepare for Thanksgiving, Dr. Laura Fleetwood invites you to be still and reflect on the goodness of God, to meditate on the blessings in your life, to give yourself grace, and to give thanks to God. Her prompts in this week’s episode will help you do all those things. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.no…
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Jesus was a master storyteller. Through the use of parables, He could reveal His true nature and communicate important spiritual truths. The stories His followers recorded hold our attention, stir our emotions, and help us remember His teachings. The most popular are recognized by those outside the faith (e.g., the Good Samaritan) and the teachings…
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Jesus was a master storyteller. Through the use of parables, He could reveal His true nature and communicate important spiritual truths. The stories His followers recorded hold our attention, stir our emotions, and help us remember His teachings. The most popular are recognized by those outside the faith (e.g., the Good Samaritan) and the teachings…
  continue reading
 
Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for SELF-CONTROL, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5. Click here for Messiah’s message series on the Fruit of the Spirit. https://messiahstcharles.org/what-the-world-needs-now/ Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/ N…
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Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for GENTLENESS, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5. Click here for Messiah’s message series on the Fruit of the Spirit. https://messiahstcharles.org/what-the-world-needs-now/ Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/ Nor…
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Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for FAITHFULNESS, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5. Click here for Messiah’s message series on the Fruit of the Spirit. https://messiahstcharles.org/what-the-world-needs-now/ Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/ N…
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Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for GOODNESS, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5. Click here for Messiah’s message series on the Fruit of the Spirit. https://messiahstcharles.org/what-the-world-needs-now/ Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/ Norma…
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Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for KINDNESS, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5. Click here for Messiah’s message series on the Fruit of the Spirit. https://messiahstcharles.org/what-the-world-needs-now/ Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/ Norma…
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Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for PATIENCE, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5. Click here for Messiah’s message series on the Fruit of the Spirit. Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/ Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/…
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Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for PEACE, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5. Click here for Messiah’s message series on the Fruit of the Spirit. Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/ Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nor…
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Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for JOY, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5. Click here for Messiah’s message series on the Fruit of the Spirit. Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/ Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/norma…
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Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for LOVE, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5. Click here for Messiah’s message series on the Fruit of the Spirit. Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/ Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/norm…
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In his letter to the Galatians, Paul identifies nine virtues that Jesus followers should develop in themselves to live in harmony with each other. He calls them the Fruit of the Spirit. If we display these fruit in our life, it is evident that we are walking with God and reflecting His character. Pastor Jim Mueller, Pastor Chuck Schlie, and Ryan Pf…
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Every December at Messiah St. Charles, we have a Christmas Mission offering. The offering benefits local organizations chosen by staff and congregants. One of the previous recipients was The Sparrow’s Nest; More than childcare. We seek to come alongside young families with the love of Christ to educate, equip, and empower both the parent and the ch…
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When we are stressed and anxious, our tendency is to retreat within ourselves and isolate. This is the exact opposite of what we need to do! Developed by Dr. Laura Fleetwood as a doctoral research project, TWIRL is a 4-hour, in-person workshop that tween girls attend with their mom or primary female caregiver. Using the TWIRL imagery and acronym, L…
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When we are stressed and anxious, our tendency is to retreat within ourselves and isolate. This is the exact opposite of what we need to do! Developed by Dr. Laura Fleetwood as a doctoral research project, TWIRL is a 4-hour, in-person workshop that tween girls attend with their mom or primary female caregiver. Using the TWIRL imagery and acronym, L…
  continue reading
 
In our previous episode with Dr. David McDonald, we talked about unicorns and mythical creatures in the Bible. In this week’s episode, our content contains frank discussion about sexual pressures young men face in today's world. David is a pastor, teacher, and lecturer in colleges and seminaries all over the world. His work with Westwinds Community…
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Dr. David McDonald made a return to the podcast to tackle a number of subject matters, including unicorn and mythical creatures in the Bible. David is a pastor, teacher, and lecturer in colleges and seminaries all over the world. His work with Westwinds Community Church has been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Time magazine…
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