Christians SPEAK UP

02/09/2022

02/09/2022

Join us today for a chat with Allen Arnold, author of "Waves of Creativity."

* Create New Things With God
* Start Seeing Yourself the Way God Sees You
* Use Your Art and Creativity in New Ways

The Creator of galaxies, oceans, wildflowers, and stallions made you creative. He gave you an imagination. Eyes to see what has never been. A voice to speak things into existence.

The reason why is astonishing. It’s not so you’ll get busy doing things for God. But so you’ll pursue the very things you love with God.

That is true creativity.

And this is your invitation to experience it as never before.

Allen Arnold—noted creativity author, coach, and speaker—has helped thousands with his teachings on co-creating with God. This book brings together his central insights on topics such as Imagination, Opposition, Questions, Wonder, and Expectancy. Each page features original quotes or timeless Scripture that, like waves, will wash over you, refresh you, and stir you to greater creativity.

Your art wants to grow deeper, wilder, truer. It’s just waiting for you to go first. It is a journey best taken one thought at a time. The goal isn’t to get somewhere fast. But to become more fully you along the way.

17/08/2022

R. Christian Bohlen is a professional communicator. He is a #1 Amazon best-selling author and an award-winning consultant to Fortune 500 companies, providing instructional design services and developing human performance improvement programs. He has been involved in ministry and church leadership for more than 30 years and worked for over a decade with juvenile offenders as an educator. He’s enjoyed a successful career in corporate training, resulting in prestigious personal and team awards including the 2013 Brandon Hall Silver award and the 2015 ISPI Outstanding Human Performance Improvement award. He holds a Master of Science degree in Communications from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

R Christian Bohlen Author Pic 2021Christian has been active in his faith throughout most of his life, serving in his church family and witnessing of Christ to many. He speaks regularly at congregations in central PA and central FL.

His interest in writing Christian learning materials developed twenty-five years ago as he looked for simple resources to help youth understand the Bible and find Christ. Unable to find brief, plain-English materials about the life of Jesus, he decided to begin writing and ultimately blogging.

AN INTRODUCTION FROM Christian Cook
Like me, your life probably wasn’t a straight line toward God. You have burdens and complexities that nobody else sees. I’ll share some of mine here.

I’ve been around many people with severe mental and emotional health conditions—including a bit of my own—but a lot of it in my closest family and friends. (You can read more here, What You Didn’t Know about My AMAZING Wife)
https://rchristianbohlen.com/my-amazing-wife/

My parents were immigrants from the Netherlands. To my friends, my parents talked funny; they were quiet and introverted, not socially skilled, and very religious. We weren’t like the people surrounding us in Western PA who loved shotguns, hunting, four-wheel-drive trucks, and American football. Growing up, I often felt disoriented and conspicuous. Ultimately, this was positive because it stimulated a deep desire to understand others and communicate effectively with people with diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

I have a great deal of experience with drug addiction—including an intense period of my own. My twelve years working at a drug and alcohol rehab for juveniles were full of life-changing experiences. And I saw this Hindu proverb fulfilled in my own life: “Help your brother’s boat across, and see! Your own has reached the shore.”

As a child, I tasted the goodness of Christ. It was real and satisfying and precious. Over time, however, I lost touch with Christ—despite my activity in a church—and ended up in a confused, crisis of faith.

The way I found Christ again was unforgettable, which you can read about here: My Story: God Never Gave Up On Me.

I now love Jesus Christ, once named Yeshua, of the ancient village of Nazareth. He lives today! He is the center of my life. I praise and thank God the Father that He revealed His Son to me, for I have a clarity of comprehension and a near-constant sense of His presence that is priceless. The driving desire of my life is to facilitate that kind of vision and joyous experience for others. Because such testimony and understanding can only come from the Holy Spirit, my passion is to create simple reading experiences that invite the Spirit and point to the humble, simple light of the Son through the pure Word of God and allow His Spirit to do the rest.

My ambition in writing about Christ is to be bracingly bold and captivatingly clear. In today’s post-Christian world, readers appreciate simple, relevant explanations of the basics. What’s old is new again. And in our culture of doubt and denial, many seekers crave an unpretentious, unapologetic testimony of truth.

I see myself as a filter, in a sense—a communicator for modern needs and changing times, with unblinking devotion to the core of gospel doctrine. I know the importance of high-quality, credible source materials. I am studious by nature and have read extensively. I credit the research and inspired insights of so many who have blessed my life.

My writings are non-denominational and suitable for all Christians.

The Christian world is full of wise and true teachings but also subtle falsehoods. I focus on the core of Jesus’s teachings which nearly all Christians acknowledge as truth. Namely, that we must believe in His name, love Him as our Savior and God, and obey Him so that “when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (See 1 John 3:2)

I know what the scriptures mean when they speak of joy, peace, power, and light flowing into our lives. I finally experienced it when I learned to focus first and foremost on those three basics of the gospel: believe in Jesus, love Jesus, and obey Jesus. For most of my adult life, God has kindly but firmly driven me to help others experience those same blessings in their lives through a single-minded focus on Jesus.

I also have a wonderful wife, who most recently became my co-author (see further below). We were unable to have children, which was a torturous hardship for her. (You can read more about our challenges in Happy After All: Our Harrowing Story of Hope and Healing.) Without her great sense of humor and loving ways, I wouldn’t be who I am today. She is a light to me and others. And what would our lives be without the warmth of wagging tails and doggie smiles?

May God bless you and those around you because of your faith and your devotion to learning all that God has done and can do in your lives.

https://rchristianbohlen.com/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BZV95NZ/
http://StormyMarriage.info

25/07/2022

Join us for a conversation with John Riddle, founder of I Love To Write Day. https://ilovetowriteday.com/

"My goal for I Love To Write Day is to have people of all ages spend time writing. They can write a poem, a love letter, a greeting card, an essay, a short story, start a novel, finish a novel…the possibilities are endless. But I want people to take the time to put their thoughts down on paper. They will be amazed at the results.

“Writing can be fun, but also challenging. People need to be challenged, and writing is but one of many creative ways to express yourself. I am very excited because I Love To Write Day activities are already being planned all across the United States.

“For many people, that will be the beginning of their writing career. I Love To Write Day has the potential to launch the career of the next John Grisham, Mary Higgins Clark, Stephen King or Toni Morrison.”

As an extra bonus John will perform a brief rendition of his popular "Whistle While You Write" train tune.

Be encouraged with John's latest book: The Flying Nun, A Light Bulb Moment and Me: 40 Years Making Money As A Freelance Writer (Hey, You Can Do It, Too!)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JB63C5P/

On Apple Music:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-us-for-a-conversation-with-john-riddle-founder/id1611619225?i=1000571133347

On BlogTalk Radio:
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/christian-devotions-speak-up/2022/07/25/join-us-for-a-conversation-with-john-riddle-founder-of-i-love-to-write-day

24/07/2022

Join Us for a Conversation With Coach Jay Mills, Author of The Game On!

Jay Mills is the author of The Game On! A Coach's Game Plan For Discipleship. He is an accomplished writer and sought after speaker who offers a unique and biblical perspective on leadership, discipleship, and personal and spiritual growth. Whether during the pivotal moments of our lives or in our routine days, we all need the inspiration of a coach. Regardless of the topic, Jay Mills conveys a message that needs to be heard.

https://coachjaymills.com/

On Apple Music:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-us-for-a-conversation-with-coach-jay-mills/id1611619225?i=1000552153197

On BlogTalk Radio:
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/christian-devotions-speak-up/2022/01/07/join-us-for-a-conversation-with-coach-jay-mills-author-of-the-game-on

20/07/2022

Join Us for a Conversation with Esther Lovejoy author of "An Unnatural Beauty: Rediscovering the beauty of holiness."

In this edition of Christians Speak UP! Ester Lovejoy talks about how holiness is not an endless list of “thou shalt nots.” It’s not how we behave, what we think, or how we react or respond to life and the people around us.

A frequent retreat and conference speaker with over thirty years of ministry experience, M. Esther Lovejoy leads us back to the scriptural understanding of holiness. In An Unnatural Beauty, you’ll discover…

• Foundational truths from Scripture
• The path to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God
• Holiness can’t be achieved through our own efforts.

With relatable stories, Esther challenges us with God’s call to holiness and encourages us with God’s enabling to make this real and practical in our lives.

Holiness is not a what, but a glorious Who, and He’s inviting you to share in His divine nature.

Buy An Unnatural Beauty today and begin your journey toward a more intimate relationship with God.

Book Ester for your next women's event! https://viewfromthesparrowsnest.com/

On Apple Music:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-us-for-a-conversation-with-esther-lovejoy/id1611619225?i=1000570622834

On BlogTalk Radio:
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/christian-devotions-speak-up/2022/07/20/join-us-for-a-conversation-with-esther-lovejoy-author-of-an-unnatural-beauty

04/04/2022

Today on Christians Speak UP! Tim Holder discussed presidents and dealing with adversity. Join us for a look back into how former presidents dealt with adversaries and how we can learn how to deal with those who oppose us.

Timothy Holder has published several books on presidents, their faith, and leadership. His interest in presidents is both a cause and effect of his work as a History professor. Tim's Christianity is the source of his interest in faith as a writing topic. And over the years, he has been a boss, and has been bossed around, hence the interest in leadership.

He has a Ph. D. and a Masters degree in History from the University of Kentucky. He also received a Masters in Applied Theology from Carson-Newman University, and during his undergraduate studies at Asbury University he majored in both Bible and Education (with a History emphasis for the latter).Tim is former Assistant Dean in the Behavioral and Social Science Division at Walters State Community College.

On Apple music:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catch-our-chat-with-tim-holder-assistant-dean-walters/id1611619225?i=1000556216405

On BlogTalk Radio:
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/christian-devotions-speak-up/2022/04/04/catch-our-chat-with-tim-holder-assistant-dean-walters-state-community-college

03/03/2022

Nancy E. Head attends the non-denominational First Church of Christ. Nancy is a lifelong resident of Blair County in central Pennsylvania, dwelling for most of her years in Altoona―with a brief interval in Logan Township. Nancy joined us today on Christians SPEAK UP!

On Apple music:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-us-for-a-conversation-with-nancy-head/id1611619225?i=1000552864263

on BlogTalk Radio:
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/christian-devotions-speak-up/2022/03/03/join-us-for-a-conversation-with-nancy-head-author-of-restoring-the-shattered

09/02/2022

Join Us for a Conversation With Sherry Hoppen of She Surrenders! https://www.shesurrenders.com/

Sherry's heart is to share everything she can about recovery and what it looks like to surrender to God and the life He is calling you to live. What do you struggle with? Drugs? Alcohol? Food? Shopping? Relationships?

Whatever it is, She Surrenders! is the right place to find encouragement for today and find comfort that you are not alone. We all have our stuff. Let's fine hope together. Find freedom from those things that hold you captive every day and enjoy have renewed strength to stay on your journey!

On Apple Music:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-us-for-a-conversation-with-sherry-hoppen/id1611619225?i=1000552153168

On BlogTalk Radio:
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/christian-devotions-speak-up/2022/02/16/join-us-for-a-conversation-with-sherry-hoppen-of-she-surrenders

09/02/2022

Join Us for a Conversation With Author Carol Stratton

Carol grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and lived in the Midwest most of her married life. In her first novel, Lake Surrender, Carol uses her love of Michigan lakes to tell a story of a woman to see a greater hand at work amidst her struggles with abrupt change and difficult circumstances. With slices of humor, Carol writes of the hardships many face, especially single moms. Her characters include the parent of a disabled child, a displaced employee, a lonely widow and a once homeless young man.

https://www.carolgstratton.com/

On Apple Music:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-us-for-a-conversation-with-author-carol-stratton/id1611619225?i=1000552153048

On BlogTalk Radio:
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/christian-devotions-speak-up/2022/01/14/join-us-for-a-conversation-with-author-carol-stratton

25/01/2022

Join Us for a Chat With Penny Hunt Author of Rodeo Mouse & Little White Squirrel

Drawing from her international experiences as the wife of a career naval officer and attaché that have taken her from the east coast of the USA across the Pacific to Hawaii, the Atlantic to Europe, the Gulf of Mexico to South America and back, Penny shares in her book, Bounce! Don't Break, the way she has learned to bounce-back from set-backs and emerge from unwanted change stronger, more authentic and resilient.

On Apple Music:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-us-for-a-chat-with-penny-hunt-author-of/id1611619225?i=1000552153194

BlogTalk Radio:
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/christians-speakup/2022/01/25/join-us-for-a-chat-with-penny-hunt-author-of-rodeo-mouse-little-white-squirrel

06/01/2022

SPEAK UP! is an outreach of Christian Devotions Ministry and podcast featured on Apple iTunes.
blogtalkradio.com/christians-speakup

On the show guests share their testimony of how Christ is using them in big and small ways. The show is perfect for authors, speakers, preachers, musicians .... Over the past ten years we've interviewed hundreds of guests from sports stars, film celebrities, best selling authors, pastors, missionaries, and speakers. From the Kendrick Brothers (War Room), Duck Dynasty members, to Nicholas Sparks, we've presented a platform for each to speak their mind and share their heart.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A GUEST ON SPEAK UP! WE ASK THAT YOU DONATE A $25 AMAZON CARD TO BE ON THE SHOW.

You can email the eCard to: [email protected].

Working on behalf of Christian Devotions Ministry, Eddie uses these cards to buy clothing for the homeless. In months past, our ministry has purchased groceries, helped purchase a car, and paid rent. The more money we bring in from SPEAK UP! the more we can do for others.

SPEAK UP! streams into Apple iTunes under the podcast categories of "Christian", "Christian", and "Christian Talk Radio".

Each interview is 30 minutes.

We are booking shows for January. If you wish to be added to our schedule, reply with a good time to conduct your interview.

You can speak on anything. The idea is to give you a voice and glorify God and Jesus.

Below is a pic of our new friends enjoying lunch and new clothing purchased with donated funds.

06/01/2022

Catch this week's episode of Christians SPEAK UP! as we chat with Jane Herlong and all things sassy, sacred, and Southern.

After listening, if you wish to join Jane and become an influencer (and perhaps be included in her acknowledgments!!!), message me. It's often a good platform brick to be in the acknowledgments of a Tyndale House publication.

On Apple Music:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/enjoy-sweet-tea-secrets-from-the-deep-fried-south/id1611619225?i=1000552153221

On BlogTalk Radio:
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/christians-speakup/2022/01/05/enjoy-sweet-tea-secrets-from-the-deep-fried-south-with-jane-herlong

09/06/2021

Join us tonight at 6 PM for an "Archived Edition of Baseball's Hero's with Del Duduit on Speak UP!" Devotional readers and baseball fans will love Del's wisdom and words.

Del Duduit a life-long resident of the Southern Ohio area and an award-winning writer. As a sports writer, he won two Associated Press awards for columns. As a broadcaster and news director, he received an award from the Ohio News Network. In television, Del earned a sales award from The WB Network....