2 Scripture Sisters

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Megan Wood is a mother to three kiddos and a loving wife. Megan is a blogger who writes about her experiences raising her three children who all have been diagnosed with autism. We talked about the initial denial when hearing each diagnosis but then having trust in God. The family recently moved to New York where her husband is leading a church as an executive pastor. What I loved most about our conversation is Megan’s authenticity about her faith, her children, and her ability to see the good in every small and big moment of life and the messy middle that comes along with it.

Subscribe to Megan’s blog: It’s Building Character

Follow Megan on Instagram:  Megan Wood

Megan’s favorite… 

Scripture: Isaiah 43:19 – “For I am about to do something new. See I have already begun! Do you not see a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

Book: The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by John Maxwell

Song: The Blessing by Kari Jobe and Elevation Worship

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About Feed Your Spirit – Join Jill Dobrowansky as she has conversations with everyday people who have battled some of life’s difficult seasons. It is through these times when their faith was renewed because of God’s love and grace. On Feed Your Spirit, we like to say that we are imperfectly perfect people who are uplifting others through grace-filled encouragement.

Feed Your Spirit is produced by 2 Scripture Sisters

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Today’s episode was edited by Chris Nesi. Find more information about Chris and his work at https://chrisnesi.com

Listen to our new episode now!

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In today’s episode, we talk with Amanda Dzimianski. Amanda is a mother to two young children and a loving wife. Amanda is a writer and blogger whose identity is as a Daughter of God. She suffered from post-partum depression after her first child was born but found solace and acceptance in her re-discovering that she was an image-bearer of Jesus. Amanda helps other women see there true identity through her blog and her 4-week course, “Identity Clarity”. She loves spending time with her children and husband and journaling.

Follow Amanda on Instagram at Amanda Dzimianski

Amanda’s favorite… 

Scripture: Romans 8:1 – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.”

Books: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World by John Mark Comer

This Too Shall Last: Finding Grace when Suffering Lingers by K.J. Ramsey 

Other mentions in the show: 

Hope Writers

To get your free downloadable, “The Identity Mantra” and subscribe to Amanda’s Monthly Letter: https://amandadzimianski.com/

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About Feed Your Spirit – Join Jill Dobrowansky as she has conversations with everyday people who have battled some of life’s difficult seasons. It is through these times when their faith was renewed because of God’s love and grace. On Feed Your Spirit, we like to say that we are imperfectly perfect people who are uplifting others through grace-filled encouragement.

We are produced by 2 Scripture Sisters

Become a FYS Supporter

Today’s episode was edited by Chris Nesi. Find more information about Chris and his work at https://chrisnesi.com

Listen to our new episode now!

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:19-20

I love words and even more so words that have several meanings. Lately, one word that has been getting my attention is the word ambassador. According to the dictionary, an ambassador is:

• a diplomat sent by a country on official business
• a person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified activity
• an authorized messenger or representative

The origin derived from the Latin word Ambaxus-Ambactus, meaning servant or minister. 

In today’s world, we know the highest-ranking government official chooses ambassadors – people who represent our nation across the globe. While they may live in other countries, they know the rules of their home country still reign over them and all its protections. It’s important to note that while the laws of their home country are still protecting them, it is not a free pass to act and do as they please, there are responsibilities. We can even take a look at brand ambassadors. They go out to functions spreading information about a product seeking buyers.  

So how does one become an Ambassador for Christ? 

First, we must accept Christ as our savior. Once we do this, we are giving up ourselves. We shed away our former selves and become new. In doing so, we are now citizens in the Kingdom of God; we no longer belong to the kingdom of ourselves. 

Next, we study the bible. Think of it as studying an instruction manual. Everything we need to know about how to behave, forgive, remain in hope, love, work, and so much more is all in there. We must be walking examples living out the word of God through our actions. Everything we do, we must have God at the center of it all. Now, just like political Ambassadors, this is not a free pass to live without regard for your nation’s laws. Jesus does tell us in Luke 20:25, Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.

Finally, as Ambassadors for Christ, we must spread the good news of God’s Kingdom. This step is hard for some and easy for others. In today’s world, it is easier than one thinks. There are so many ways for us to spread the good news of God. Share your favorite biblical verse on social media. There will be unbelievers who may try to argue with you but pray for them. You don’t have to engage in arguments. You should pray that God touches their hearts the way He has touched yours. Start a podcast, interviewing people who received God’s grace. Blog about your journey with Christ. Go to church. Get involved. Donate. Be kind to one another. Lift your brothers and sisters. 

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:1-4. 

You are not alone. We are here for you. Let us know how we can pray for you. 

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I created this podcast in which I talk with friends about their big and little moments in life and everything in the messy middle. Each month I invite you into the conversation, so you can be filled with hope, encouragement, and pointed to Jesus. Many of you have asked how you can support the show beyond subscribing and sharing the episodes. I am happy to announce that I am launching a Patreon page today with various levels of support and benefits that come with each level. The podcast is growing due to your support, with that being said, your Patreon support will help me offset the costs of an editor, increase the amount of content released each month, and expand our presence on social media and on the web. 

I know that you have a choice when deciding where to spend your money, what you listen to, and what you invest in. My promise to you is to continue to provide you with shows focused on hope, encouragement, and Jesus. Thank you for joining the Feed Your Spirit community of listeners and supporters, I am grateful for your blessings. 

www.2scripturesisters.com

Become a FYS Supporter

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About Feed Your Spirit – Join Jill Dobrowansky as she has conversations with everyday people who have battled some of life’s difficult seasons. It is through these times when their faith was renewed because of God’s love and grace. On Feed Your Spirit, we like to say that we are imperfectly perfect people who are uplifting others through grace-filled encouragement.

We are produced by 2 Scripture Sisters

Today’s episode was edited by Chris Nesi. Find more information about Chris and his work at https://chrisnesi.com

Listen to our new episode now!

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In today’s episode, Jill talks with Miriam Nieves. Miriam is a devoted mother to a son and wife. She lives in New Jersey where she is a member of Bayside Chapel where she is a singer on the worship team. Miriam’s story is rooted in encouragement as a Daughter of God, to overcome a year of hospitalizations and unknown illness. When she was finally diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease, she began the road to recovery and returning to the life she had before her disease. Miriam loves spending time with her son and husband, gardening, and being on stage performing. She is also a talented make-up artist who believes it is a blessing to share a bride’s wedding day with her before she walks down the aisle.

Miriam’s favorite… 

Scripture: Psalms 62:5-8 “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”

Books: 

The Armor of God, by Priscilla Shirer 

Living in Jesus: Growing in the Life We Were Meant to Live by Christian Families Today

Other mentions in the show: 

Jersey Girl Makeup

Bayside Chapel, Barnegat NJ

To hear Miriam sing please visit The Foyer Sessions

Follow Miriam on Instagram at Jersey Girl Makeup or on Facebook at Jersey Girl Makeup 

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About Feed Your Spirit – Join Jill Dobrowansky as she has conversations with everyday people who have battled some of life’s difficult seasons. It is through these times when their faith was renewed because of God’s love and grace. On Feed Your Spirit, we like to say that we are imperfectly perfect people who are uplifting others through grace-filled encouragement.

We are produced by 2 Scripture Sisters

Today’s episode was edited by Chris Nesi. Find more information about Chris and his work at https://chrisnesi.com

Listen to our new episode now!

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In today’s episode, Jill talks with Debra Wallace. Debra is a devoted mother to two young adults, a writer, and blogger. She lives in Texas but spends time at a family home in New Mexico. Debra’s story is rooted in encouragement as a Daughter of God, to overcome shame and guilt of a difficult season in her marriage. She believes in pointing women to the truth in order to be transformed and refined while motivating them to heal.

Debra’s favorite… 

Scripture: Proverbs 31:25 “I am clothed in strength and dignity, I can laugh at the days to come.”

Other mentions in the show: 

https://debrawallace.org/

https://www.hopewriters.com/

Follow Debra on Instagram at Bee_ofgoodcheer

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About Feed Your Spirit – Join Jill Dobrowansky as she has conversations with everyday people who have battled some of life’s difficult seasons. It is through these times when their faith was renewed because of God’s love and grace. On Feed Your Spirit, we like to say that we are imperfectly perfect people who are uplifting others through grace-filled encouragement.

We are produced by 2 Scripture Sisters

Today’s episode was edited by Chris Nesi. Find more information about Chris and his work at https://chrisnesi.com

Listen to our new episode now!

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On today’s episode, Jill talks with Lauren Condoleon. Lauren is a daughter of God, wife, mother, business owner. She lives near Long Beach Island, New Jersey with her husband and her two young children. Lauren recently started her own business Limitless Victory Therapy Services and joined the show to talk about how her business was a calling from God and why she serves children with special needs. Lauren and her family attend Bayside Chapel in Barnegat, NJ and she volunteers for the Night to Shine Foundation through Bayside Chapel.

Lauren’s favorite… 

Scripture: Joshua 1:9  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Books: Jesus Calling and Come Away My Beloved Devotional

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About Feed Your Spirit – Join Jill Dobrowansky as she has conversations with everyday people who have battled some of life’s difficult seasons. It is through these times when their faith was renewed because of God’s love and grace. On Feed Your Spirit, we like to say that we are imperfectly perfect people who are uplifting others through grace-filled encouragement.

We are produced by 2 Scripture Sisters

Today’s episode was edited by Chris Nesi. Find more information about Chris and his work at https://chrisnesi.com

Listen to our new episode now!

During this stay-at-home order, I find myself surrendering a lot over to God, but is it enough, is it everything? 

Jill and I recently read Luke 14:33, which led us to talk about how much of ourselves have we truly surrendered to Christ. The verse reads, In the same way, those who do not give up everything you have, you cannot be my disciples (Luke 14:33 NIV).

If I had read this as someone who was exploring Christianity, I could honestly say I would not have felt worthy enough to be a disciple of Christ. Yet, on the other hand, if I were someone who was at rock bottom, this verse could be a saving grace.

On the surface, this single sentence feels extreme. However, if we look beyond this one sentence, Jesus also states in verse 27, And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. He continues to give examples of the high cost associated with building a tower or a going into battle. It’s not that different – you must give up yourself to be his disciple. 

As I mature in my faith and surrender more and more to Christ, I’m finding that it’s a matter of going that extra mile by giving up any excess to help someone in need. It’s loving someone when they are difficult. It’s forgiveness. It’s acceptance. The one thing this entire verse shows us is how Jesus was upfront with people. He told them what the cost would be to be his disciple. He also tells us the gifts of God’s kingdom. 

I’ll leave you with this final thought: when we accept Christ and renounce Satan, we enter into an agreement that following Jesus is both a gift and a demand. So from time to time, we should be required to sit and reflect with Jesus and ask, have we genuinely given up all of who we once were to walk with Him and to serve Him? Can we give more? It may be hard acknowledging these truths, but it’s part of the process of growing into discipleship. 

Tell us how we can pray for you.