Lathan Craft

28/12/2022

For this episode of TOSOTC I was honored to sit down with Dr. Matthew Vos to talk all about his new book and the heart behind it. For Matthew, the strangers and scapegoats in our society are just people, not the marginalized groups we make them out to be.

Together we talk through practical ways to love like Jesus did, why Jesus was the great deconstructionist, and what raising sheep has taught Matthew about people. Don’t miss this encouraging conversation💥

14/12/2022

Women in leadership is often a hot-button issue for the church, but on this week’s episode of TOSOTC I get the chance to sit down with pastor and author to clear some of the confusion around women in leadership—talking about how the church can truly empower women and what actually happens when we allow women to lead as God intended.

Whatever side you find yourself on, or the tradition you grew up in, Carolyn has wisdom to share that will shed light on the barriers women often face and how we can best support women in leadership. Don’t miss this important episode!

07/12/2022

Pastor and author joins me this week to talk all things house churches and his passion for what the church could be. Austin’s new book is all about how emerging adults are hungry for a new way to do church, and why the house church movement may be the answer to the problem of a generation growing increasingly disenchanted with traditional church.

Whatever your church background, Austin has something to share that we all need to hear about building community and what it looks like to define church success. Don’t miss this episode!

30/11/2022

As we wrap up the month of November talking about being present where we’re at right now, I’m honored to have former law enforcement officer turned author and coach on the podcast. Jamie’s message is all about refusing to live in fear, no matter our current situation.

During our conversation we talk about why Christians are so often fearful and how to move past the lies of self-promotion and self-protection the world is constantly throwing at us. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

23/11/2022

This week I’m thrilled to say I got the chance to sit down with NY Times bestselling author to talk all about her new book, Turn Toward the Sun, and the events that inspired it.

Mandy’s story of walking with both of her parents through cancer in the midst of a global pandemic is truly extraordinary, but what she learned about God and her faith in the middle of it all is what you don’t want to miss. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

16/11/2022

This week’s episode of TOSOTC podcast features authors, speakers, and trauma experts . Together we talk about their new book, what it looks like to heal our invisible wounds, and how to become a safe space for people walking through all sorts of trauma.

Many of us have experienced some form of trauma in our lives, even if we would never call it that. I promise this episode will meet you right where you’re at—take a listen now wherever you get your podcasts💥

09/11/2022

Beloved, I’m so excited for you to hear this latest episode of TOSOTC! This week we have pastor and author on to talk all about her book, What’s Here Now.

The heart behind the book perfectly lines up with our theme for the month of November, which is being truly present, and together Jeanne and I talk through why God wants you as you are, how to know if you’re rehearsing the future, and finding God when He feels distant in the present. No matter where you’re at, this episode will meet you there. Don’t miss it!

02/11/2022

November is here, and with that comes the approaching holiday season. Now, the holidays can dredge up a lot of emotions for many of us—good, bad, and otherwise. But this month on TOSOTC, I’m talking with guests about what it looks like to be present—intentionally present, and not just here.

We’ve got some truly powerful conversations coming to you over the next few weeks, beloved. Thanks for being here for it💥

31/10/2022

For this final episode in our October conversations on family and parenting, I’m welcoming author, speaker, and mom of three boys, to the podcast!

This episode with Becky is so hope-filled, as she talks about realizing God doesn’t make mistakes when it comes to choosing us to parent our children, how to avoid the comparison traps of motherhood, and what she’s learned about God from being a mom. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

19/09/2022

DON'T DIE WITH YOUR DEAD.

Did you know that when you cry for your dead, you cry for you and not them?

You cry because you “lost them”, because you don’t HAVE THEM by your side. You think it all ends in death. And you think they are NOT anymore.

So if your dead no more, where are they?.

Yes they have left, or they are now somewhere else, is that place better than this?.

Yes, definitely that place is better than this; so Why do you suffer for their departure?.

When you have finished accepting that they are no longer "NOT here", but they are still in another place even better than this, for there where they are no longer sick, or suffering.

Then you'll stop mourning them and you'll get them back in memory so they keep accompanying you with the joy of all that you've lived.

If you truly loved them LOVE them AGAIN and this time with greater strength, with greater purity, with greater delivery.

Today, there will be no more reproach of any kind.

Only LOVE, will be the essence between you, between us, between them.

I respect your pain, and the way you express it. I know you cry and you will cry without comfort.

But .. Today I say to you:
Don't die with your dead.

Remember we are only seeing one side of the coin (death).

We are not looking the other way; we are not seeing the wonderful place of light where they stand.

What if we start seeing “death” as a Second Birth?

Second Birth we ALL will go through.

Don't die with your dead, honor them by living your life as they would have wanted you to. , let them transcend. And you keep living.
🙏💚🕉

14/09/2022

07/09/2022

"In the last week, I've had 6 police officers in my home because my son's meltdowns turned to rage.

With so much negativity shown toward law enforcement lately, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to show my appreciation for the empathy these officers had for my son.

They showed up not knowing much about autism but they listened and learned while they kept us all safe. They also asked A LOT of questions so they wouldn't do the wrong thing.

The meltdown today was because John wants to dress like Joe on Blues Clues but I can't find that same shirt anywhere.

After calming him down, the officers went and bought a blue shirt and with Jenn's fabric markers they attempted to create the shirt John wants.

That's what this pic is, 3 officers going above and beyond to help a severely autistic teenage boy!

Sadly, it didn't work, but the fact that they were willing to do this for my son made them heroes in my eyes."

Sherry Lynn Hillard

01/09/2022

❤️

01/09/2022

You’re running out of time little girl, you just don’t know it...

26/08/2022

I did not write this - but WOW does it speak to my heart!!! Worth the read.

Barely the day started and... it's already six in the evening.
Barely arrived on Monday and it's already Friday... and the month is already over... and the year is almost over... and already 40, 50 or 60 years of our lives have passed... and we realize that we lost our parents, friends.
and we realize it's too late to go back...
So... Let's try, despite everything, to enjoy the remaining time...
Let's keep looking for activities that we like...
Let's put some color in our grey...
Let's smile at the little things in life that put balm in our hearts.
And despite everything, we must continue to enjoy with serenity this time we have left. Let's try to eliminate the afters...
I'm doing it after...
I'll say after...
I'll think about it after...
We leave everything for later like ′′ after ′′ is ours.
Because what we don't understand is that:
Afterwards, the coffee gets cold...
afterwards, priorities change...
Afterwards, the charm is broken...
afterwards, health passes...
Afterwards, the kids grow up...
Afterwards parents get old...
Afterwards, promises are forgotten...
afterwards, the day becomes the night...
afterwards life ends...
And then it's often too late....
So... Let's leave nothing for later...
Because still waiting see you later, we can lose the best moments,
the best experiences,
best friends,
the best family...
The day is today... The moment is now...

We are no longer at the age where we can afford to postpone what needs to be done right away.

24/08/2022

This is an amazing view of grief 💗

22/08/2022

Most of the scars on people’s hearts weren’t left by their enemies.
They were left by the people who claimed to love them the most.

22/08/2022

Beautiful ❤️
This teenager was filling up his Mustang when the older gentleman pulled up with his can for the mower and was patiently waiting. The teenager noticed, pulled the nozzle out and said "Sir will you please let me see your can?" He filled it up as the older gentleman objected. When the kid finished, he put the nozzle back into his car to finish filling up his own. He refused to take money from the gentleman and wished him a wonderful day. They are all over this country and they come in many shapes and colors. Teach your children to be like this. It all starts at home with the parents. Be a parent, not a buddy.
*source unknown

21/08/2022

So powerful.

20/08/2022

Right this very moment......

19/08/2022

The Ten Commandments of Dog Ownership

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be very hard and painful for me. Remember that before you adopt me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me. Please be patient with me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well being.
4. Do not be angry with me for long, and do not lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends and your entertainment. I only have you!
5. Talk to me, even if I do not understand your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me. You only have to look at my tail!
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it!
7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you. (DON'T HIT YOUR DOG!)
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am in pain or sick, or my heart might be getting weak and I cannot tell you.
9. Take care of me when I get old, you too will grow old someday.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, “I can’t bear to watch it” or, “let it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are there.

** And always remember, I Love You!

c. Stan Rawlinson

Dog and Butterfly by TeSzu

18/08/2022

“My husband isn’t going to be happy I’m posting this.

Tonight, we were at Walmart and as we were checking out, we overheard this young guy's conversation with the cashier.

He said, ‘I worked all summer long. So, I told my mom she didn’t have to spend a dime on my school supplies this year.’

Next thing I know my husband is shaking this guy’s hand and paying for his school supplies.

Alan has always valued hard work and he encouraged this guy to continue doing what he was doing, and his future could go anywhere he wanted to take it.

I didn’t want to post this just to brag on my husband. But also to brag on this young guy!

In a world where we are so quick to 'share' the bad things going on, I thought this was just the kind of goodness I needed to see!”

Keri Gregg Miller