August 28, 2025 • 35 mins
Struggling to hear God’s voice in everyday life? In this inspiring episode, pastor and author Heather Sheldon Comber shares how divine encounters often show up in ordinary moments—from tangled Christmas lights to life-altering loss. Discover practical wisdom and honest stories that will help you recognize and respond to hearing God’s voice in your own journey.
Scriptures referenced:
- Psalm 139
- Luke 1:26-38
- John 6:1-15
- John 10:27
- 1 Peter 2:2
- Psalm 42
- Psalm 91:1
- Matthew 6:9
Father Talks: A Journey of Honest Conversations, Laughter, and Intimacy With The Father
Heather's favorite Bible study tools:
NIV Bible | Leather-Bound Journal | The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible
Learn more about Heather at her website: www.HeatherSheldonComber.com
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Ellen Krause (00:04):
At the Coffee and Bible Time podcast.
Our goal is to help you delightin God's Word and thrive in
Christian living.
Each week, we talk to subjectmatter experts who broaden your
biblical understanding,encourage you in hard times and
provide life-building tips toenhance your Christian walk.
We are so glad you have joinedus.
(00:25):
Welcome back to the Coffee andBible Time podcast.
I'm Ellen, your host, and I'mso glad that you're joining us
today.
Have you ever wondered if yourstory, your everyday, seemingly
ordinary life, could actually bemeaningful in God's eyes?
(00:45):
Or maybe you're in a seasonwhere God feels distant and
you're longing to recognize hisvoice again?
Well, today's guest, heatherSheldon Comer, has spent decades
walking with people throughboth the beautiful and the
broken parts of life.
With over 25 years ofexperience as a pastor's wife
(01:05):
and more than a decade as a leadpastor, heather brings a wealth
of wisdom, authenticity andwarmth.
She's also a keynote speakerand the author of Father Talks,
a spiritual memoir full ofhonest conversations, laughter
and deep reflections on intimacywith God.
Known for her transparent,almost humorous approach,
(01:29):
heather has a gift for makingpeople feel seen and for helping
them see God in their storiestoo.
We're talking today about howto recognize God's presence in
everyday moments, howvulnerability can lead us deeper
into intimacy with him, andwhat it means to live a life
that reflects his voice.
(01:50):
Heather, welcome to Copy.
Heather Sheldon Comber (01:53):
Bible Time.
Yes, it's an honor to be hereand thank you for the
introduction.
I was lucky.
Ellen Krause (01:58):
Yes, it's such a joy to have you with us, Heather
.
Why don't we start out with forthose who may be new to your
story, share a little bit aboutyour journey, both personally
and in ministry, and how it'sshaped who you are today?
Heather Sheldon Comber (02:16):
I, you know, I was always envious.
I'm I'm probably older, but youknow, I grew up in that
generation of the fantastictestimonies.
You know I don't know if youremember the Dave Wilkerson's
and the Nikki Cruz's, and wewere fascinated by all those
(02:36):
kind of incredible testimoniesand I used to think I didn't
have one because I was born inEngland and my dad pastored in
Wales and I grew up I'mliterally one of those kids that
grew up in the pew and for along time I thought like I
(03:00):
didn't want to be Nikki Cruz, Ididn't want to shoot anybody and
then come to Jesus.
But I always thought you don'thave a testimony, you have
nothing spectacular.
And then I realized you knowthat how much I needed him.
From a very young age and,coming from a large family five
(03:24):
kids and mama was taking instrays it was I could always
manage to find that alone time,that that precious alone time.
Called to ministry, walk theaisle with my little hat on at
10, responding to the call ofGod in my life, went to seminary
(03:45):
, ended up marrying.
You know the typical story,which I did not want to happen.
I did.
I didn't want to be that, thatperson that went.
So I made sure I had aboyfriend before I went, but
that that didn't work out sowell.
I met my husband and we wentinto ministry and I was, you
know, know, the it's not sotypical anymore, but back then
(04:08):
the typical pastor's wife.
You know, you're, you're by theside, you, you do all the
things.
I played the piano, I, you know, I did all the things.
And just through realtransition in our life, my
husband went back to school toget another degree that took him
in another direction and weleft ministry and I was
(04:31):
devastated because I thought,well, good for him, but I still
I feel called.
And God took me through ajourney Like we couldn't leave
the city.
We were pastoring a reallylarge church at the time.
We, we couldn't leave the city.
We were, we were passing areally large church at the time
and we couldn't leave the city.
And but I had to support myfamily and God put me in all
(04:54):
places.
This lingerie shop in the mall.
It was a good one, not a badone, a good, a nice PJs kind,
and I'm like God.
How the mighty have fallen, youknow, from sitting in the front
row and playing the piano, andthen I'm on my feet, you know,
eight hours a day.
Single mom in most capacities,because he was gone, you know,
(05:19):
for a year, except for weekends.
And through that process,miracles happen, happened.
Things changed in my life, myperspective changed.
I saw people in a completelydifferent way.
There's beautiful stories inthe book about that.
And then I went out on the roadafter that for 10 years
(05:40):
constantly, um, flying, driving,train, whatever did it, all
speaking.
And then God shifted me againand into a lead pastor position,
which I said no to threechurches before the Lord's like.
What do we got to do here,heather, you're called and I'm'm
(06:01):
like seriously and he's likeseriously.
So I said yes and did that forover 10 years.
I'm sounding old.
Maybe I should make everythingsmaller.
So I sound young, but let'sjust say period of time.
So yeah, that that has been myjourney, and in the middle are
(06:24):
some pretty deep valleys andsome pretty incredible mountains
, but that's been my journey.
Ellen Krause (06:32):
Well, and what I hear from that is a beautiful
woman and her wisdom that youhave gained over the years by
serving in so many differentcapacities and working with so
many people and just being inGod's word.
(06:52):
So I find that so encouraging.
You know, a big part of whatyou talk about is having
intimacy with God.
What does that look like to you?
Heather Sheldon Comber (07:04):
I think we start a lot of people.
You know intimacy can be like aworldly term or a spousal term
or relational term with otherhumans, and often we're not, we
back away from it a little bit.
What are you talking about?
But when you break down theword intimacy, you arrive at the
(07:29):
words into me.
You see, and I think that isthe most beautiful thing, that
we in a relationship, any kindof relationship, but to know
that, that kind of relationship,that kind of um, I, I had a cv,
(07:49):
a resume and it, you know italways asked for a vision
statement and on the top of mineit says to know him, to be
known by him and to make himknown.
And I love it.
I don't think I made it up,it's probably out there
somewhere.
But the point is, if we wantthat level of intimacy in any
(08:12):
relationship, it starts withbeing vulnerable, it starts with
being who you are andunderstanding your relationship
to Father God.
You can't hide In understandinga relationship to Father God
you can't hide and I know thisfrom being a pastor's wife, I
know this from being in thepublic eye a lot.
You know you have apresentation and people will
(08:37):
judge that.
But with Father God, psalm 139says for I made you, I know all
your hidden parts, I there isnowhere to run.
Literally, david said if I makemy bed in hell, like, in other
words, like if I try to get tothe furthest place from where
you are not gonna work becauseyou're even there.
(09:00):
So I think, just as anyrelationship, just understand he
already knows you, don't haveto hide.
It's not like a website whereyou want to find somebody.
But if this perfect picture andmaybe it's not even you, you
borrowed it to attract attentionand and God is saying listen, I
made you, I know everything youabout you, and that took me to
(09:24):
the cross.
So that door is open.
That door is open.
And think about creation.
I always call it creation'skiss, because when you establish
this universe, he spoke let itbe, let it be, let it be.
But when it came to humans,god's face touched our face, he
(09:45):
breathed life into his nostrils.
Like, try to get close tosomebody you know, try to
breathe in someone's nostrilswithout getting close.
It's just impossible.
Yeah, that's the relationship,that's what he's looking for and
that's what we run to.
Ellen Krause (10:03):
That's what we run to.
That's such a beautiful way ofjust actually really visualizing
it in your mind and seeing thatGod is there, he is with us, he
knows everything about us.
Was there a specific moment inyour life where you felt like
you knew and recognized God'svoice?
Heather Sheldon Comber (10:27):
There's so many extraordinary moments
that, talking about that, thatone time in my life where you
know we were transitioning andit was hard, I was making
minimum wage and I'll make thisreally quick, it was one.
It was a Christmas and I don'tknow about other women, but I
(10:48):
cannot get in my head that thoselittle twinkle lights aren't
going to burn me down Like I.
I have to have them off.
And I was laying in bed onenight and I was like, did I turn
the Christmas lights off?
Did I turn?
And I was just over and over mymind and I thought, heather,
just get out of bed.
It was getting really late, gocheck.
I went down, you know we hadthree stairs down to our main,
(11:11):
to where you came in the frontdoor, and three stairs down to
our family room and I turned onthe light so I wouldn't break my
neck, going to check theselights in the family room and I
going to check these lights inthe family room and I heard God
speak.
I not not like Heather, but youknow you recognize his voice
and he was like stand still.
I'm like these Christmas lightshave got to me, they've really
(11:33):
got to me.
And I was like.
I was like, why no, I just cameto drop the lights.
Stand still, heather, don'tmove.
And I, ellen, I do not know whyI obeyed, but I did Perfectly,
still actually sat on the floorand I said just let me know,
Lord, what's going on.
(11:54):
And then, within about two orthree minutes, I was like you
can get up now.
I got out, turned off thelights, came back up the stairs,
the lights had been left on andI noticed in our front door in
that two or three minutes I wassitting still on the ground a
huge envelope had been tuckedthrough our front door.
(12:15):
If I had not obeyed I know me,I'm nosy I would have opened the
door.
But in that envelope wasprovision, hundreds and hundreds
of dollars that took us throughthat Christmas.
And it sounds so simple, but itwas extraordinary.
(12:36):
It was sitting on the groundwhen I felt like a complete nut
bar really, because I wasworried about Christmas lights.
But God, god will use it and hewill speak and we will learn to
recognize his voice.
Ellen Krause (12:54):
Yes, I think.
Thanks for sharing that.
First of all, I think that thatis something that I think a lot
of people conversations, justto show people that that God is
(13:25):
there and that we also canrecognize his presence.
And I hope that, as we get intothis a little bit more, if
you're listening to this, thatyou'll um continue to be
encouraged that God is there,god is with you, god is speaking
into your life.
(13:46):
You wrote this memoir, fatherTalks, and I love that.
It has all of your wonderfulsense of humor, your
vulnerability and what inspiredyou to share these stories with
just random people, because alot of them are just so personal
(14:08):
.
Heather Sheldon Comber (14:09):
I know, um, I think transparency is a
journey.
I think it's natural to ashumans, it's really natural to
protect ourselves, andespecially if you're in public
and you would know that, ellen,it's, it's very natural.
But, um, two years ago now, Ihad a two and a half.
(14:32):
I had a seven hour surgery.
That was totally unanticipatedand it's such a disappointment
and scary in many ways and Ididn't know what to do with
everything that God was showingand teaching me and I love
people, I love communicating,and it just seemed God began to
(14:57):
download.
This whole entire book waswritten almost within the, the
time of recovery and the time ofwalking through.
Are you kidding me?
Disappointment, um, just allthe things, all the emotions,
like a feeling you didn'tdeserve it, you know, just being
(15:18):
honest with God, like I, why,and?
And out of that just came thisthis need to say other people
feel like this.
Other people have gone throughthis a lot sooner than I have
and in maybe even darker anddeeper, and I want to share.
I want to share what you'reteaching me.
(15:39):
I'm not an A-plus by any meanson that test, but I want to be
and I want to share, and that'swhere this was birthed.
Ellen Krause (15:53):
This whole book was birthed during that season,
tough season, yes, yes, and Ithink during those seasons
especially, you know when you'rein that state of of rest, or
forced rest, almost right.
Your mind, though, isn't right.
Your mind was at work and itwas putting all of these memoirs
(16:18):
together.
Your daughter wrote theforeword of the book, and
there's one part where she saysmy mom is an extraordinary woman
.
Of that there is no doubt, andher life in many ways has been
extraordinary too.
But I assure you, reader,though I do not know you, your
life, if chronicled, like thestories in this book, from the
(16:42):
perspective of knowing themillions of ways God has
intervened or walked alongsideyou, is extraordinary too.
I thought that that was such agreat message going into reading
these, for people to recognizethat you have them too.
Heather Sheldon Comber (17:02):
Yeah, we do, we do, and she, one mama
moment.
She's extraordinary.
She's in politics here in ournation of Canada and she's
extraordinary, but I love thatwhat she wrote.
She's a fabulous writer.
She has to be in the work shedoes, but I loved that draw.
(17:24):
You know that.
Hey, listen my mom, that thisis what I know her to be the
good, the bad, everything.
But the things that havehappened in our life are no
different than your stories ifyou really want to share them,
and I think that has been aquest I've been on my whole life
(17:46):
, starting ministry at 21, like20 actually.
And just, let's be real people.
Let's drop all this facade andthis need to be this example of
perfection as a pastor's wife or, eventually, the lead pastor or
a conference speaker that goesin and out of your life in a
(18:08):
matter of days or hours.
Let's just.
I just want people to be freeto be, to realize their own
extraordinariness if that's aword, yes and to just be, and
don't be afraid to just be yeah,how would you suggest our
listeners start noticing theextraordinary in their own lives
(18:31):
, and why do you think that'simportant for them to do?
I think that they have torealize that I I preached to
whatever you know church.
I was in that.
Supernatural is one word, butreally it's two words and it's a
combination of God, super andnatural us.
(18:55):
And it's when that supernaturalcomes together.
God wants to work with us.
He wants to work with us in theeveryday things.
We have this image of specialpeople and you know, as
believers, we're no differentthan the world.
We have our people, we have ourelites, that we that we look at
(19:20):
.
But but the supernatural is sosimple that it happened with
mary, a little girl.
She was probably no more than14 or 15.
The super worked with thenatural to produce the
extraordinary, to produce jesuschrist, our lord.
And you see that, oh, you seethe mama who baked the bread and
put the little fishes in a in alunch bag for her child, and
(19:45):
there you see how many thousandsof people.
That that's what god, that god.
We have to take our mind offthat I, to reach the land of
extraordinary, to reach the landof the supernatural elite, we
have to do something.
This lady packed a lunch.
This young girl sat still andloved Jesus, and that's where it
(20:12):
happens.
That's where he's going to workand make your story
extraordinary.
If you desire him and seek himand you know, he said my sheep
know my voice he wouldn't ask usto listen if he wasn't able to
be heard.
Ellen Krause (20:29):
Right, right.
I think that so many times weare planting seeds that we don't
know.
You know, in heaven maybe one.
I mean, I think I look forwardto that one day in heaven is
knowing, like being justcompletely surprised by
(20:50):
something little that we thoughtwas you know nothing that God
used just in mighty ways, and soI I hope that, um, so I hope
(21:10):
that if you're listening to this, that you can trust that God
uses these ordinary moments andone day in heaven we will have a
greater understanding andsometimes we get the pleasure of
being aware of how they'veaffected people here on earth as
well.
Of how they've affected peoplehere on earth as well.
Do you have any advice that youwould give to someone who's
struggling to discern God'svoice?
Heather Sheldon Comber (21:32):
I think it comes, and I'm really not
into formulas and rules andlegalism at all, but I will say
that his voice has been recordedin the word of god and and that
is so important and I knowsometimes it's really hard
(21:52):
because there's there's partsthere that are like paul's
epistles man, I love them, Icould eat them every day, but
they're deep and they have depth, and I was, was.
I was even reading in Peterlast night the difference
between meat and milk, you know.
So I would say to people listenif, if you don't really know
(22:14):
how to start this journey, pickup the word of God, pick up the
Psalms of David.
When I cannot focus and thereare times I can't, and when I
cannot my heart is too heavy ormy mind is too full, I'll pick
up his, one of my, and they saywhat I want to say.
(22:36):
That's what I love about David.
We are going to meet him inheaven and it's going to be such
a great talk.
We are just going to talk for amillennia.
Because he expects he likem 42as the deer pants for streams of
water.
So my soul longs for you.
But then, at the same chapter,he's like but all your waves
(23:00):
have gone over me.
Why so downcast, oh my soul.
Pray, make these your prayersif you're afraid.
Psalm 91, he who dwells in thesecret place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow ofthe Almighty.
Pick up his word and make ityours.
Pray it until you get to theplace where the words become
(23:26):
your own.
I love when the disciples, whoare good Jewish boys they've
been brought up in synagogue.
They had prayers that were nowI lay me down to sleep Probably
not that one, but you know whatI mean.
They had road prayers and theycame to Jesus like I don't know,
like how do we pray now?
You know they knew this was anew and different day and I love
(23:50):
that.
The first thing he taught themwas our father.
He put us all together, our putus all in a family and he gave
us a dad and in thatrelationship, everything else we
need flows out of thatprovision help and temptation.
Everything is a conversationalprayer.
(24:11):
So take the word of God and dowhat these people did, because
they were wore different clothesand, you know, taught different
, but they're us.
Ellen Krause (24:24):
They're us.
Yeah, yeah, absolutely Well,heather, as we start to wrap
things up here, what do you hopereaders will take away from
your memoir father talks, andhow do you envision it impacting
their spiritual lives?
Heather Sheldon Combe (24:45):
spiritual lives Two things.
I remember a conference I'dbeen invited to speak at and it
was the shortest introductionI've ever been given in my life.
But he said this is why Ibrought Heather in, because
every time she opens her mouthto speak I love Jesus more and I
(25:07):
thought I will never, ever,ever forget that and I think I
just want people to know him.
I really, really, really wantand through things that I've
gone through in my life whereyou know you could be
(25:28):
misunderstood or you're maybe anoutlier is the word we use
today and sometimes all thesethings separate us from Jesus
because we don't feel that weare good enough or we don't fit.
And I just want, by mytransparency and my
vulnerability.
I just want, by my transparencyand my vulnerability, through
(25:50):
the pain.
You know there's a record of aloss of a child in this book and
then there's hilariously funnyand it happened to everybody,
like my daughter her name isAlyssa and, like she said,
extraordinary moments are there,they're not hidden.
Said, extraordinary moments arethere, they're, they're not
(26:13):
hidden.
And the god who spoke to thepatriarchs into the disciples is
a god who breathed breath, whotouched humanity's face with his
own.
Is what I want people to knowthat there is more than you have
to achieve something by doingthis, this or this.
He loves you.
I don't always get it.
I don't always.
(26:35):
I can find millions of reasonswhy he shouldn't like me Every
day, but if I didn't earn hislove, I can't remove it.
And I want people to know thelove of Jesus.
I want them to be not afraid,whatever place they're at.
People are on this journey andwe need to be kind to one
(26:58):
another.
We need to give people grace togrow and to become, and I I
guess I just it's all out there.
I mean not everything, but alot, and it's out there and if
it helps people.
Love Jesus, know him, be knownby him, make him known, yes,
(27:20):
there's the goal.
Ellen Krause (27:21):
Yes, absolutely, and I think, at least as I was
reading your memoirs.
It causes you as a person toreflect on your own, and I think
that people will be encouragedby that as well, because where
you might have an example ofhonesty or things that you refer
(27:46):
to in our own lives, we alsocan think back and relate to
that, and I love how you havesome thoughtful questions and it
helps the reader be able to dothat, and beautiful prayers at
the end of each chapter.
Where can our listeners learnmore about your work and your
(28:08):
book?
Heather Sheldon Comber (28:09):
Well, my website is up.
It's still being developedwwwsheldoncombercom, where you
can get the book, and there'llbe more postings and hopefully
in time, there'll be more livesgoing on with other people.
Amazon I would encourage you togo to amazon.
(28:30):
There's quite a few um reviews.
Read them.
Read the what they did forother people.
Yes, wwwheathersheldonconvercomis the website where it's
available.
But, quickly, it's availabletoo on amazon, whatever country
you know that that you are.
It's it's you are it's.
It's available in somebookstores and it's some
(28:52):
websites in Europe.
But for our purposes, amazon orthe website is where you're
going to find it.
Ellen Krause (29:00):
We will make sure we include all of those links in
our show notes.
Before I let you go, though, wehave to ask you our favorite
questions here, what Bible isyour go-to Bible and what
translation is it?
Heather Sheldon Comber (29:15):
My go-to Bible I've had for 25 years.
It's pretty torn up in someplaces but it's the new
international version and that Ilove.
For me that's very now.
My dad passed away in the lastfew years.
The book is dedicated to himand he loved the message and so
(29:38):
I think in this state he was init ministered to him, but for me
always NIV Very good, that'swhere I go.
Ellen Krause (29:49):
Do you have any favorite bible journaling
supplies or anything you like touse to I?
Heather Sheldon Comber (29:57):
I just use um notes on my computer, but
I have this leather boundjournal.
It's got my deepest thought.
Sometimes I don't want anybodyto see it.
When we have guests I hide itbecause I don't want.
I just it's so private, it's soyou know.
But yeah, that's I.
I do a lot of of writing likethat, a lot of thoughts.
(30:21):
That's that's what I love to do.
Ellen Krause (30:25):
Last question here what is your favorite app or
website for Bible study tools?
Heather Sheldon Comber (30:30):
Honestly , my son is on an app, but if he
was, he would be because he ismy go-to, for he's a scholar in
Greek and Hebrew and he's aprofessor and a pastor.
He's brilliant and if I hadsomething messed up, I'll up.
I'll say no, ma, that's notwhat that means.
(30:51):
So my son is my favorite app,but he's not an app, but he is
my absolute go-to.
But there are lots, there'slots of.
You have to be careful becausedifferent, different um silos in
in in christianity havedifferent answers.
So I would make sure thatyou're finding something that
(31:13):
lines up with the Word of God,because apps can be tricky and
you can read this whole and thenunderneath it's, like you know,
they deny the deity of Christor something.
So, yeah, right, how?
Ellen Krause (31:25):
awesome that you have a son that you can go to.
I know my daughter when shestudied Greek, it was so hard to
learn.
And my son-in-law has beentaking Hebrew for his Master of
Divinity, and so those are toughto learn and how awesome that
you have easy access there.
Heather Sheldon Comber (31:47):
So that's a blessing.
Ellen Krause (31:52):
You have easy access there, so that's a
blessing.
Yeah Well, heather, thank youso much for being with us today,
for sharing your wisdom.
I appreciate it so much.
Heather Sheldon Comber (31:57):
I do too , ellen, thank you.
Thank you so much for having mefor this opportunity.
Ellen Krause (32:02):
Absolutely, and if you're listening and you want
to go deeper, be sure to checkout Heather's book Father Talks.
It really is a heartfeltinvitation to pay attention to
God's voice, to laugh a littlemore and lean into a faith
that's honest and real.
We hope today's conversationhas encouraged you to reflect on
(32:26):
your own journey and how Godmight be speaking to you even
now.
Until next time, thank you somuch for being with us here on
the Coffee and Bible Timepodcast.
Have a blessed day you.
At the Coffee and Bible Time podcast.
Our goal is to help you delightin God's Word and thrive in
Christian living.
Each week, we talk to subjectmatter experts who broaden your
biblical understanding,encourage you in hard times and
provide life-building tips toenhance your Christian walk.
We are so glad you have joinedus.
(00:25):
Welcome back to the Coffee andBible Time podcast.
I'm Ellen, your host, and I'mso glad that you're joining us
today.
Have you ever wondered if yourstory, your everyday, seemingly
ordinary life, could actually bemeaningful in God's eyes?
(00:45):
Or maybe you're in a seasonwhere God feels distant and
you're longing to recognize hisvoice again?
Well, today's guest, heatherSheldon Comer, has spent decades
walking with people throughboth the beautiful and the
broken parts of life.
With over 25 years ofexperience as a pastor's wife
(01:05):
and more than a decade as a leadpastor, heather brings a wealth
of wisdom, authenticity andwarmth.
She's also a keynote speakerand the author of Father Talks,
a spiritual memoir full ofhonest conversations, laughter
and deep reflections on intimacywith God.
Known for her transparent,almost humorous approach,
(01:29):
heather has a gift for makingpeople feel seen and for helping
them see God in their storiestoo.
We're talking today about howto recognize God's presence in
everyday moments, howvulnerability can lead us deeper
into intimacy with him, andwhat it means to live a life
that reflects his voice.
(01:50):
Heather, welcome to Copy.
Heather Sheldon Comber (01:53):
Bible Time.
Yes, it's an honor to be hereand thank you for the
introduction.
I was lucky.
Ellen Krause (01:58):
Yes, it's such a joy to have you with us, Heather
.
Why don't we start out with forthose who may be new to your
story, share a little bit aboutyour journey, both personally
and in ministry, and how it'sshaped who you are today?
Heather Sheldon Comber (02:16):
I, you know, I was always envious.
I'm I'm probably older, but youknow, I grew up in that
generation of the fantastictestimonies.
You know I don't know if youremember the Dave Wilkerson's
and the Nikki Cruz's, and wewere fascinated by all those
(02:36):
kind of incredible testimoniesand I used to think I didn't
have one because I was born inEngland and my dad pastored in
Wales and I grew up I'mliterally one of those kids that
grew up in the pew and for along time I thought like I
(03:00):
didn't want to be Nikki Cruz, Ididn't want to shoot anybody and
then come to Jesus.
But I always thought you don'thave a testimony, you have
nothing spectacular.
And then I realized you knowthat how much I needed him.
From a very young age and,coming from a large family five
(03:24):
kids and mama was taking instrays it was I could always
manage to find that alone time,that that precious alone time.
Called to ministry, walk theaisle with my little hat on at
10, responding to the call ofGod in my life, went to seminary
(03:45):
, ended up marrying.
You know the typical story,which I did not want to happen.
I did.
I didn't want to be that, thatperson that went.
So I made sure I had aboyfriend before I went, but
that that didn't work out sowell.
I met my husband and we wentinto ministry and I was, you
know, know, the it's not sotypical anymore, but back then
(04:08):
the typical pastor's wife.
You know, you're, you're by theside, you, you do all the
things.
I played the piano, I, you know, I did all the things.
And just through realtransition in our life, my
husband went back to school toget another degree that took him
in another direction and weleft ministry and I was
(04:31):
devastated because I thought,well, good for him, but I still
I feel called.
And God took me through ajourney Like we couldn't leave
the city.
We were pastoring a reallylarge church at the time.
We, we couldn't leave the city.
We were, we were passing areally large church at the time
and we couldn't leave the city.
And but I had to support myfamily and God put me in all
(04:54):
places.
This lingerie shop in the mall.
It was a good one, not a badone, a good, a nice PJs kind,
and I'm like God.
How the mighty have fallen, youknow, from sitting in the front
row and playing the piano, andthen I'm on my feet, you know,
eight hours a day.
Single mom in most capacities,because he was gone, you know,
(05:19):
for a year, except for weekends.
And through that process,miracles happen, happened.
Things changed in my life, myperspective changed.
I saw people in a completelydifferent way.
There's beautiful stories inthe book about that.
And then I went out on the roadafter that for 10 years
(05:40):
constantly, um, flying, driving,train, whatever did it, all
speaking.
And then God shifted me againand into a lead pastor position,
which I said no to threechurches before the Lord's like.
What do we got to do here,heather, you're called and I'm'm
(06:01):
like seriously and he's likeseriously.
So I said yes and did that forover 10 years.
I'm sounding old.
Maybe I should make everythingsmaller.
So I sound young, but let'sjust say period of time.
So yeah, that that has been myjourney, and in the middle are
(06:24):
some pretty deep valleys andsome pretty incredible mountains
, but that's been my journey.
Ellen Krause (06:32):
Well, and what I hear from that is a beautiful
woman and her wisdom that youhave gained over the years by
serving in so many differentcapacities and working with so
many people and just being inGod's word.
(06:52):
So I find that so encouraging.
You know, a big part of whatyou talk about is having
intimacy with God.
What does that look like to you?
Heather Sheldon Comber (07:04):
I think we start a lot of people.
You know intimacy can be like aworldly term or a spousal term
or relational term with otherhumans, and often we're not, we
back away from it a little bit.
What are you talking about?
But when you break down theword intimacy, you arrive at the
(07:29):
words into me.
You see, and I think that isthe most beautiful thing, that
we in a relationship, any kindof relationship, but to know
that, that kind of relationship,that kind of um, I, I had a cv,
(07:49):
a resume and it, you know italways asked for a vision
statement and on the top of mineit says to know him, to be
known by him and to make himknown.
And I love it.
I don't think I made it up,it's probably out there
somewhere.
But the point is, if we wantthat level of intimacy in any
(08:12):
relationship, it starts withbeing vulnerable, it starts with
being who you are andunderstanding your relationship
to Father God.
You can't hide In understandinga relationship to Father God
you can't hide and I know thisfrom being a pastor's wife, I
know this from being in thepublic eye a lot.
You know you have apresentation and people will
(08:37):
judge that.
But with Father God, psalm 139says for I made you, I know all
your hidden parts, I there isnowhere to run.
Literally, david said if I makemy bed in hell, like, in other
words, like if I try to get tothe furthest place from where
you are not gonna work becauseyou're even there.
(09:00):
So I think, just as anyrelationship, just understand he
already knows you, don't haveto hide.
It's not like a website whereyou want to find somebody.
But if this perfect picture andmaybe it's not even you, you
borrowed it to attract attentionand and God is saying listen, I
made you, I know everything youabout you, and that took me to
(09:24):
the cross.
So that door is open.
That door is open.
And think about creation.
I always call it creation'skiss, because when you establish
this universe, he spoke let itbe, let it be, let it be.
But when it came to humans,god's face touched our face, he
(09:45):
breathed life into his nostrils.
Like, try to get close tosomebody you know, try to
breathe in someone's nostrilswithout getting close.
It's just impossible.
Yeah, that's the relationship,that's what he's looking for and
that's what we run to.
Ellen Krause (10:03):
That's what we run to.
That's such a beautiful way ofjust actually really visualizing
it in your mind and seeing thatGod is there, he is with us, he
knows everything about us.
Was there a specific moment inyour life where you felt like
you knew and recognized God'svoice?
Heather Sheldon Comber (10:27):
There's so many extraordinary moments
that, talking about that, thatone time in my life where you
know we were transitioning andit was hard, I was making
minimum wage and I'll make thisreally quick, it was one.
It was a Christmas and I don'tknow about other women, but I
(10:48):
cannot get in my head that thoselittle twinkle lights aren't
going to burn me down Like I.
I have to have them off.
And I was laying in bed onenight and I was like, did I turn
the Christmas lights off?
Did I turn?
And I was just over and over mymind and I thought, heather,
just get out of bed.
It was getting really late, gocheck.
I went down, you know we hadthree stairs down to our main,
(11:11):
to where you came in the frontdoor, and three stairs down to
our family room and I turned onthe light so I wouldn't break my
neck, going to check theselights in the family room and I
going to check these lights inthe family room and I heard God
speak.
I not not like Heather, but youknow you recognize his voice
and he was like stand still.
I'm like these Christmas lightshave got to me, they've really
(11:33):
got to me.
And I was like.
I was like, why no, I just cameto drop the lights.
Stand still, heather, don'tmove.
And I, ellen, I do not know whyI obeyed, but I did Perfectly,
still actually sat on the floorand I said just let me know,
Lord, what's going on.
(11:54):
And then, within about two orthree minutes, I was like you
can get up now.
I got out, turned off thelights, came back up the stairs,
the lights had been left on andI noticed in our front door in
that two or three minutes I wassitting still on the ground a
huge envelope had been tuckedthrough our front door.
(12:15):
If I had not obeyed I know me,I'm nosy I would have opened the
door.
But in that envelope wasprovision, hundreds and hundreds
of dollars that took us throughthat Christmas.
And it sounds so simple, but itwas extraordinary.
(12:36):
It was sitting on the groundwhen I felt like a complete nut
bar really, because I wasworried about Christmas lights.
But God, god will use it and hewill speak and we will learn to
recognize his voice.
Ellen Krause (12:54):
Yes, I think.
Thanks for sharing that.
First of all, I think that thatis something that I think a lot
of people conversations, justto show people that that God is
(13:25):
there and that we also canrecognize his presence.
And I hope that, as we get intothis a little bit more, if
you're listening to this, thatyou'll um continue to be
encouraged that God is there,god is with you, god is speaking
into your life.
(13:46):
You wrote this memoir, fatherTalks, and I love that.
It has all of your wonderfulsense of humor, your
vulnerability and what inspiredyou to share these stories with
just random people, because alot of them are just so personal
(14:08):
.
Heather Sheldon Comber (14:09):
I know, um, I think transparency is a
journey.
I think it's natural to ashumans, it's really natural to
protect ourselves, andespecially if you're in public
and you would know that, ellen,it's, it's very natural.
But, um, two years ago now, Ihad a two and a half.
(14:32):
I had a seven hour surgery.
That was totally unanticipatedand it's such a disappointment
and scary in many ways and Ididn't know what to do with
everything that God was showingand teaching me and I love
people, I love communicating,and it just seemed God began to
(14:57):
download.
This whole entire book waswritten almost within the, the
time of recovery and the time ofwalking through.
Are you kidding me?
Disappointment, um, just allthe things, all the emotions,
like a feeling you didn'tdeserve it, you know, just being
(15:18):
honest with God, like I, why,and?
And out of that just came thisthis need to say other people
feel like this.
Other people have gone throughthis a lot sooner than I have
and in maybe even darker anddeeper, and I want to share.
I want to share what you'reteaching me.
(15:39):
I'm not an A-plus by any meanson that test, but I want to be
and I want to share, and that'swhere this was birthed.
Ellen Krause (15:53):
This whole book was birthed during that season,
tough season, yes, yes, and Ithink during those seasons
especially, you know when you'rein that state of of rest, or
forced rest, almost right.
Your mind, though, isn't right.
Your mind was at work and itwas putting all of these memoirs
(16:18):
together.
Your daughter wrote theforeword of the book, and
there's one part where she saysmy mom is an extraordinary woman
.
Of that there is no doubt, andher life in many ways has been
extraordinary too.
But I assure you, reader,though I do not know you, your
life, if chronicled, like thestories in this book, from the
(16:42):
perspective of knowing themillions of ways God has
intervened or walked alongsideyou, is extraordinary too.
I thought that that was such agreat message going into reading
these, for people to recognizethat you have them too.
Heather Sheldon Comber (17:02):
Yeah, we do, we do, and she, one mama
moment.
She's extraordinary.
She's in politics here in ournation of Canada and she's
extraordinary, but I love thatwhat she wrote.
She's a fabulous writer.
She has to be in the work shedoes, but I loved that draw.
(17:24):
You know that.
Hey, listen my mom, that thisis what I know her to be the
good, the bad, everything.
But the things that havehappened in our life are no
different than your stories ifyou really want to share them,
and I think that has been aquest I've been on my whole life
(17:46):
, starting ministry at 21, like20 actually.
And just, let's be real people.
Let's drop all this facade andthis need to be this example of
perfection as a pastor's wife or, eventually, the lead pastor or
a conference speaker that goesin and out of your life in a
(18:08):
matter of days or hours.
Let's just.
I just want people to be freeto be, to realize their own
extraordinariness if that's aword, yes and to just be, and
don't be afraid to just be yeah,how would you suggest our
listeners start noticing theextraordinary in their own lives
(18:31):
, and why do you think that'simportant for them to do?
I think that they have torealize that I I preached to
whatever you know church.
I was in that.
Supernatural is one word, butreally it's two words and it's a
combination of God, super andnatural us.
(18:55):
And it's when that supernaturalcomes together.
God wants to work with us.
He wants to work with us in theeveryday things.
We have this image of specialpeople and you know, as
believers, we're no differentthan the world.
We have our people, we have ourelites, that we that we look at
(19:20):
.
But but the supernatural is sosimple that it happened with
mary, a little girl.
She was probably no more than14 or 15.
The super worked with thenatural to produce the
extraordinary, to produce jesuschrist, our lord.
And you see that, oh, you seethe mama who baked the bread and
put the little fishes in a in alunch bag for her child, and
(19:45):
there you see how many thousandsof people.
That that's what god, that god.
We have to take our mind offthat I, to reach the land of
extraordinary, to reach the landof the supernatural elite, we
have to do something.
This lady packed a lunch.
This young girl sat still andloved Jesus, and that's where it
(20:12):
happens.
That's where he's going to workand make your story
extraordinary.
If you desire him and seek himand you know, he said my sheep
know my voice he wouldn't ask usto listen if he wasn't able to
be heard.
Ellen Krause (20:29):
Right, right.
I think that so many times weare planting seeds that we don't
know.
You know, in heaven maybe one.
I mean, I think I look forwardto that one day in heaven is
knowing, like being justcompletely surprised by
(20:50):
something little that we thoughtwas you know nothing that God
used just in mighty ways, and soI I hope that, um, so I hope
(21:10):
that if you're listening to this, that you can trust that God
uses these ordinary moments andone day in heaven we will have a
greater understanding andsometimes we get the pleasure of
being aware of how they'veaffected people here on earth as
well.
Of how they've affected peoplehere on earth as well.
Do you have any advice that youwould give to someone who's
struggling to discern God'svoice?
Heather Sheldon Comber (21:32):
I think it comes, and I'm really not
into formulas and rules andlegalism at all, but I will say
that his voice has been recordedin the word of god and and that
is so important and I knowsometimes it's really hard
(21:52):
because there's there's partsthere that are like paul's
epistles man, I love them, Icould eat them every day, but
they're deep and they have depth, and I was, was.
I was even reading in Peterlast night the difference
between meat and milk, you know.
So I would say to people listenif, if you don't really know
(22:14):
how to start this journey, pickup the word of God, pick up the
Psalms of David.
When I cannot focus and thereare times I can't, and when I
cannot my heart is too heavy ormy mind is too full, I'll pick
up his, one of my, and they saywhat I want to say.
(22:36):
That's what I love about David.
We are going to meet him inheaven and it's going to be such
a great talk.
We are just going to talk for amillennia.
Because he expects he likem 42as the deer pants for streams of
water.
So my soul longs for you.
But then, at the same chapter,he's like but all your waves
(23:00):
have gone over me.
Why so downcast, oh my soul.
Pray, make these your prayersif you're afraid.
Psalm 91, he who dwells in thesecret place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow ofthe Almighty.
Pick up his word and make ityours.
Pray it until you get to theplace where the words become
(23:26):
your own.
I love when the disciples, whoare good Jewish boys they've
been brought up in synagogue.
They had prayers that were nowI lay me down to sleep Probably
not that one, but you know whatI mean.
They had road prayers and theycame to Jesus like I don't know,
like how do we pray now?
You know they knew this was anew and different day and I love
(23:50):
that.
The first thing he taught themwas our father.
He put us all together, our putus all in a family and he gave
us a dad and in thatrelationship, everything else we
need flows out of thatprovision help and temptation.
Everything is a conversationalprayer.
(24:11):
So take the word of God and dowhat these people did, because
they were wore different clothesand, you know, taught different
, but they're us.
Ellen Krause (24:24):
They're us.
Yeah, yeah, absolutely Well,heather, as we start to wrap
things up here, what do you hopereaders will take away from
your memoir father talks, andhow do you envision it impacting
their spiritual lives?
Heather Sheldon Combe (24:45):
spiritual lives Two things.
I remember a conference I'dbeen invited to speak at and it
was the shortest introductionI've ever been given in my life.
But he said this is why Ibrought Heather in, because
every time she opens her mouthto speak I love Jesus more and I
(25:07):
thought I will never, ever,ever forget that and I think I
just want people to know him.
I really, really, really wantand through things that I've
gone through in my life whereyou know you could be
(25:28):
misunderstood or you're maybe anoutlier is the word we use
today and sometimes all thesethings separate us from Jesus
because we don't feel that weare good enough or we don't fit.
And I just want, by mytransparency and my
vulnerability.
I just want, by my transparencyand my vulnerability, through
(25:50):
the pain.
You know there's a record of aloss of a child in this book and
then there's hilariously funnyand it happened to everybody,
like my daughter her name isAlyssa and, like she said,
extraordinary moments are there,they're not hidden.
Said, extraordinary moments arethere, they're, they're not
(26:13):
hidden.
And the god who spoke to thepatriarchs into the disciples is
a god who breathed breath, whotouched humanity's face with his
own.
Is what I want people to knowthat there is more than you have
to achieve something by doingthis, this or this.
He loves you.
I don't always get it.
I don't always.
(26:35):
I can find millions of reasonswhy he shouldn't like me Every
day, but if I didn't earn hislove, I can't remove it.
And I want people to know thelove of Jesus.
I want them to be not afraid,whatever place they're at.
People are on this journey andwe need to be kind to one
(26:58):
another.
We need to give people grace togrow and to become, and I I
guess I just it's all out there.
I mean not everything, but alot, and it's out there and if
it helps people.
Love Jesus, know him, be knownby him, make him known, yes,
(27:20):
there's the goal.
Ellen Krause (27:21):
Yes, absolutely, and I think, at least as I was
reading your memoirs.
It causes you as a person toreflect on your own, and I think
that people will be encouragedby that as well, because where
you might have an example ofhonesty or things that you refer
(27:46):
to in our own lives, we alsocan think back and relate to
that, and I love how you havesome thoughtful questions and it
helps the reader be able to dothat, and beautiful prayers at
the end of each chapter.
Where can our listeners learnmore about your work and your
(28:08):
book?
Heather Sheldon Comber (28:09):
Well, my website is up.
It's still being developedwwwsheldoncombercom, where you
can get the book, and there'llbe more postings and hopefully
in time, there'll be more livesgoing on with other people.
Amazon I would encourage you togo to amazon.
(28:30):
There's quite a few um reviews.
Read them.
Read the what they did forother people.
Yes, wwwheathersheldonconvercomis the website where it's
available.
But, quickly, it's availabletoo on amazon, whatever country
you know that that you are.
It's it's you are it's.
It's available in somebookstores and it's some
(28:52):
websites in Europe.
But for our purposes, amazon orthe website is where you're
going to find it.
Ellen Krause (29:00):
We will make sure we include all of those links in
our show notes.
Before I let you go, though, wehave to ask you our favorite
questions here, what Bible isyour go-to Bible and what
translation is it?
Heather Sheldon Comber (29:15):
My go-to Bible I've had for 25 years.
It's pretty torn up in someplaces but it's the new
international version and that Ilove.
For me that's very now.
My dad passed away in the lastfew years.
The book is dedicated to himand he loved the message and so
(29:38):
I think in this state he was init ministered to him, but for me
always NIV Very good, that'swhere I go.
Ellen Krause (29:49):
Do you have any favorite bible journaling
supplies or anything you like touse to I?
Heather Sheldon Comber (29:57):
I just use um notes on my computer, but
I have this leather boundjournal.
It's got my deepest thought.
Sometimes I don't want anybodyto see it.
When we have guests I hide itbecause I don't want.
I just it's so private, it's soyou know.
But yeah, that's I.
I do a lot of of writing likethat, a lot of thoughts.
(30:21):
That's that's what I love to do.
Ellen Krause (30:25):
Last question here what is your favorite app or
website for Bible study tools?
Heather Sheldon Comber (30:30):
Honestly , my son is on an app, but if he
was, he would be because he ismy go-to, for he's a scholar in
Greek and Hebrew and he's aprofessor and a pastor.
He's brilliant and if I hadsomething messed up, I'll up.
I'll say no, ma, that's notwhat that means.
(30:51):
So my son is my favorite app,but he's not an app, but he is
my absolute go-to.
But there are lots, there'slots of.
You have to be careful becausedifferent, different um silos in
in in christianity havedifferent answers.
So I would make sure thatyou're finding something that
(31:13):
lines up with the Word of God,because apps can be tricky and
you can read this whole and thenunderneath it's, like you know,
they deny the deity of Christor something.
So, yeah, right, how?
Ellen Krause (31:25):
awesome that you have a son that you can go to.
I know my daughter when shestudied Greek, it was so hard to
learn.
And my son-in-law has beentaking Hebrew for his Master of
Divinity, and so those are toughto learn and how awesome that
you have easy access there.
Heather Sheldon Comber (31:47):
So that's a blessing.
Ellen Krause (31:52):
You have easy access there, so that's a
blessing.
Yeah Well, heather, thank youso much for being with us today,
for sharing your wisdom.
I appreciate it so much.
Heather Sheldon Comber (31:57):
I do too , ellen, thank you.
Thank you so much for having mefor this opportunity.
Ellen Krause (32:02):
Absolutely, and if you're listening and you want
to go deeper, be sure to checkout Heather's book Father Talks.
It really is a heartfeltinvitation to pay attention to
God's voice, to laugh a littlemore and lean into a faith
that's honest and real.
We hope today's conversationhas encouraged you to reflect on
(32:26):
your own journey and how Godmight be speaking to you even
now.
Until next time, thank you somuch for being with us here on
the Coffee and Bible Timepodcast.
Have a blessed day you.
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