Ordinary People Extraordinary Things

Tom and  Kathryn have turned their love for Christmas into a heartwarming ministry that lights up not just their home but the entire community. Over eighteen years, their festive display has grown into a spectacle spanning two acres with half a million lights. Initially a personal venture, it quickly became a beloved community tradition, offering joy when it was needed most, like during the pandemic. They share how their creative e...

Join us in celebrating the three-year anniversary of "Ordinary People Extraordinary Things" as we welcome back our very first guest, Kay. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience as she shares her evolution from enduring a painful divorce to achieving remarkable personal and professional growth. Kay's journey over the past three years highlights her pursuit of financial independence, career advancement, and sp...

Have you ever wondered how small acts of kindness can ripple out to create significant change? Join me for a thoughtful conversation with Mike, the former mayor of Parker, as he shares his transformative journey from an average citizen to a community leader dedicated to empowering others. Mike's stories from his Cub Scout days remind us that leaving places better than we found them is a lesson that can shape a lifetime. We tac...

What happens when a devout faith is tested by the appeal of nightlife and poor choices? Curtis, our guest on this episode of Ordinary People Extraordinary Things, knows the answer all too well. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in ministry, Curtis carried his strong faith through homeschooling to public high school, proudly wearing the label of "Jesus freak" despite the teasing. Through small decisions, the absence of ...

Ever struggled to trust God due to negative experiences with earthly fathers? Join us on this episode of "Ordinary People Extraordinary Things" as we sit down with Neil, our passionate guest and a proud Tar Heel, who shares his transformative journey of faith by forming genuine, transformative relationships. 

Our conversation delves into the struggle many face in trusting God due to negative experiences with thei...

After a season of relentless migraines and unsettling numbness, Carrie discovered she had multiple sclerosis (MS). With raw honesty, Carrie talks about her fears and confusion, especially as a single mom with heavy responsibilities, and how she can now say, “I am grateful for the story God has given me.” The critical importance of community support is underscored, from practical help to emotional encouragement, and we delve into ho...

What if you felt unworthy of love despite a steadfast belief in faith? Charles takes us on an emotional journey through his early life experiences, revealing how witnessing domestic violence and grappling with gender identity deeply impacted his sense of self and spirituality. His story is one of resilience, finding solace in faith, and ultimately realizing God's unwavering love and protection. From feeling unworthy to embraci...

Can introverts make an impact in faith outreach? You bet they can! We'll challenge the common misconception that only extroverts can be effective evangelists. Through compelling examples from the Bible, like Moses and Jacob, and personal anecdotes, we reveal how introverts can fulfill God's purpose through behind-the-scenes actions and meaningful one-on-one interactions. Understand why spiritual success isn't about t...

Ever noticed how society often equates an easy life with success, while faith teaches us to embrace life's challenges? We shine a light on the paradox of the American dream's promise of comfort versus the gospel's call to embrace our crosses. Reflect with us on Luke 9:23 and John 16:33, as we discuss the transformative power of facing adversity head-on. This episode is a heartfelt prayer for those feeling compelled t...

Do we gossip more than we share the gospel? Join me on a reflective journey as we confront the stark reality of our words. Are we known for uplifting others, or do our conversations often tear down those around us? This episode encourages deep self-examination, challenging us to consider whether our words align with the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. ...

What if we could identify and dismantle the modern-day "high places" that hold us back from living balanced, meaningful lives? This episode takes a unique turn as we pause our usual guest interviews to reflect on a recurring theme from 2 Kings in the Old Testament. Nancy draws parallels between the ancient Israelites' struggle with idol worship and today's tendencies to either idolize or disparage ourselves and ...

“When the world gives you no hope whatsoever in a situation you have 2 options: you can completely turn away from God. Or you can say, The world gives me no hope, so I’m going to hang on to the one thing that will.”  ~Amber Hayes

Navigating parenthood is often compared to embarking on an epic journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns. In our latest podcast episode, we delve into a family's extraordinary journey...

Have you ever wondered how personal narratives shape our connections and build resilient communities? In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Gabriela, a scrappy and empathetic attorney whose journey of faith and determination will leave you inspired. Gabriela opens up about the pivotal role of community and storytelling in her life, sharing how her faith has been a beacon of hope during challenging times. Together, we expl...

Have you ever stood at the crossroads of fear and faith, feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders? Our brave guest, Lincoln, guides us through these very intersections as he shares his stirring tale of early fatherhood, profound loss, and the rediscovery of grace. His voice, laced with raw emotion, paints a vivid picture of the turning point in his life that reignited his faith, which had weakened over time.

Join us on a vo...

Have you ever sat down for a lunch that altered the trajectory of your life? Our guest Ann would answer with a resounding "yes," as she shares the unfolding of her remarkable journey from a simple meal to dedicating herself to the service of Haiti's most vulnerable. Ann's narrative is a stirring testament to the power of turning ordinary encounters into paths of profound change. Her annual pilgrimages to a Haiti...

This episode is a call to action—a reminder to look beyond ourselves and our immediate circles, to extend kindness to strangers, and to recognize the humanity in everyone we meet. It is a prompt to practice compassion and to understand that, in doing so, we not only transform the lives of others but also ourselves.

In our fast-paced world, where time often feels like a scarce commodity, the episode also touches on the concept of div...

In a profoundly moving episode of the podcast "Ordinary People Extraordinary Things," we meet Laura Husband, whose life was irreversibly changed by the Columbia space shuttle disaster. Laura's narrative provides a candid and intimate examination of grief and the resilience that often goes unseen but is incredibly powerful. Her reflections on navigating this journey reveal a strong, unshakeable faith. 🧑‍🚀 

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Nancy's story starts with her parents' tumultuous past, carrying a weight of generational pain, which she has learned to transmute into a source of strength and empathy. Her early years were marred by loss and the struggle to fit in, which led her down a path fraught with poor choices and pain. However, it was through this darkness that Nancy's determination, once seen as stubbornness, emerged as an unshakeable faith...

Dawna Hetzler brings her unique blend of real estate savvy and ministry zeal to our latest heart-to-heart, delving into her inspiring tale and the wisdom nestled in the pages of her book "Free to Receive." Each chapter of our conversation unravels the complexities of human connection, with Dawna’s personal anecdotes offering a beacon of light for navigating marriage and the importance of allowing ourselves the gift of vul...