It’s the week of December 29, 2025—and Steve & Colleen Adams take time to look back with gratitude on what God has done through Embracing Brokenness Ministries this year, while also sharing a glimpse of what’s ahead in 2026.

A central theme rises above everything: learning to wait on the Lord—to live from presence, intimacy, and obedience, not outcomes. Along the way, they share a few powerful ministry stories (including moments of real-time provision), reflect on meaningful guest conversations from 2025, and close by thanking the prayer team and ministry partners who make it all possible.

If you’ve been weary, discouraged, or wondering whether your calling matters—this conversation will encourage you to keep following the Shepherd’s voice.

Website: https://embracingbrokenness.org/

Chapters:

00:00 Feeling dry? Ask God for a glimpse (opening encouragement)

00:33 Podcast intro

01:20 Welcome + “How is it already Dec 29?”

02:45 Recap purpose + heading into Year 7

04:20 Theme of 2025: waiting on the Lord + John 10:27

06:35 “Head to heart” transformation (Identity Matters story)

09:10 What’s possible when intimacy becomes real

10:24 God speaks in daily life (Amish friend + pregnancy prayer)

14:45 Presence as a way of life (not “doing more”)

16:15 The real battle: distraction, dopamine, and digital noise

19:20 What’s coming: the book + study guide + resources

21:55 The Circle vision: tools, practices, and a deeper journey

23:45 2025 guest highlights + books (Lewis Lee, Raynor, Poore, Payne, etc.)

29:05 John Eldredge + Experience Jesus + the Pause app

32:45 Off-camera encouragement: “It matters more than you know”

35:08 Faithfulness in everyday moments (your calling counts)

36:35 Ask God for a glimpse of eternity (when you’re discouraged)

38:50 Thank you: prayer team, listeners, partners, donors

When life teaches you to hide, Jesus invites you to heal. Author Clinton Parker joins Steve to share the story behind his new book, Beauty in the Dandelion: Shame Shattered by Grace and Love—from chaotic beginnings and early exposure to darkness, to the slow rescue of grace, safe people, and a Father who delights.

We talk practicals: naming shame vs. guilt, breaking isolation, finding “safe” community, parenting through pain, and why putting your story on paper can become the first step toward freedom.

📘 Get the book on Amazon: (link in show notes)

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on identity, healing, and restoration.

Show notes

Guest: Clinton Parker, author of Beauty in the Dandelion: Shame Shattered by Grace and Love.

Buy the book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3Xm4Plh

Amazon Kindle edition: https://a.co/d/dCdWf4H

Also at Barnes & Noble.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Writing Your Story

01:35 Introduction to Clint Parker and His Journey

03:31 Clint's Background and the Inspiration Behind His Book

06:13 Childhood Chaos and Its Impact

10:13 The Role of Faith and Community in Healing

19:50 Finding Beauty in Dandelions: A Metaphor for Life

23:29 Overcoming Shame and Embracing Identity

28:55 The Journey of Growth and Maturity

34:40 The Importance of Safe Spaces and Community

39:35 The Impact of Sharing Your Story

44:44 Hope and Encouragement for Others

52:05 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

What does true freedom look like?

At age 15, Warner Batty was sentenced to life without parole for taking a life. Fifty years later, he walked out of a Pennsylvania prison—free not just in body, but in spirit.

In this raw and redemptive conversation, Steve sits down with Warner to talk about his journey from hopelessness and self-hatred to forgiveness and freedom in Christ. Hear how one man—“the hound from heaven”—persisted in sharing Jesus behind bars until the Holy Spirit broke through.

Warner shares the pivotal moment of his salvation, his decades-long walk with Christ while incarcerated, and his eventual release under the Miller v. Alabama Supreme Court ruling. This episode is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond redemption, and that freedom begins within.

Topics include:

Growing up in poverty and racism in the 1960s

Life without parole as a 15-year-old

A divine encounter with “the hound from heaven”

Meeting the family of his victim to offer forgiveness

Revival and ministry behind prison walls

Finding peace and purpose after 50 years

“Without Jesus Christ, you are missing something. Without Him, you are lost.” – Warner Batty

Chapters:

00:00 – Warner’s Early Life & Identity Struggles

02:16 – Introduction to Warner’s Story

04:01 – Who Warner Is Today

05:49 – Life Before the Crime

09:46 – The Crime & Life Sentence at 15

13:51 – The “Hound From Heaven” Appears

18:26 – The Holy Spirit Begins to Move

22:56 – Warner Surrenders to Christ

27:35 – A New Fire for the Gospel

30:20 – Growing, Maturing & Learning Love

39:13 – Reconciliation With His Mother

41:07 – Meeting the Victim’s Family

44:38 – Wrestling With Justice & Mercy

46:47 – Supreme Court Cases That Changed His Fate

53:22 – Release After 50 Years

54:04 – Experiencing Freedom on the Outside

56:34 – God’s Perfect Timing

59:19 – Trauma, Accountability & Healing

1:04:45 – Warner’s Powerful Closing Prayer

What happens when a pastor’s life falls apart—and God writes a better story?

In this raw and redemptive conversation, Steve sits down with Greg Lindsey, author of The Rest of Your Story: The Path to the Christian Life You Want, to talk about failure, forgiveness, and the long road to freedom. Greg shares openly about the affair that nearly ended his marriage and ministry—and how Jesus met him in the rubble to begin a rescue that changed everything.

Together, Steve and Greg unpack what it means to live from your story instead of running from it: how God redeems even our deepest failures, why the Church must learn to restore the fallen, and why intimacy with Jesus—not performance—is the true measure of success.

🔹 Facing your past without fear

🔹 How the Church can become a “MAS*H unit” for the wounded

🔹 The danger of identity rooted in performance

🔹 Experiencing—not just knowing—Jesus daily

🔹 Why your story isn’t over because your Author isn’t finished

Greg’s honesty will challenge and comfort you—and remind you that no matter where you’ve been, there’s more to the story God is writing.

🎧 Listen, share, and subscribe for more conversations on healing, identity, and transformation in Christ.

Guest: Greg Lindsey — Pastor, Discovery Church Colorado Springs | Author, The Rest of Your Story

https://a.co/d/aF0j7N0

Resources: https://www.glindsey.com/

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Brokenness: A Personal Journey

09:53 The Role of Story and Rescue in Healing

19:42 The Impact of Authenticity in Ministry

29:54 Finding Validation and Identity in Christ

31:53 Experiencing Jesus: Beyond Salvation

35:23 The Journey of Intimacy with God

39:01 Resilience and Perseverance in Faith

44:05 Your Story Isn't Over: Embracing Hope

51:32 The Impact of Obedience: A Call to Action

Steve and Colleen talk with Tom and Karen Friedrichs of Broom Tree Landing, a ministry that offers no-cost retreat, coaching, and spiritual direction to pastors and ministry leaders who are tired, hurting, or on the edge of burnout. They share their own story of pastoral exhaustion, how God accelerated their “retirement dream” into a right now calling, and several powerful provision stories — including God funding someone’s retreat from another country.

You’ll hear:

• Why healthy churches need healthy leaders

• Signs of burnout pastors often ignore

• Why availability is the real ministry

• How God provides when you finally say “yes”

Connect with Broom Tree Landing: https://www.broomtreelanding.org/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

06:58 The Importance of Healthy Ministries

13:52 Personal Journeys and Call to Ministry

20:56 Provision and Trust in God

27:37 Creating a Safe Space for Leaders

29:19 Understanding Burnout in Ministry

33:43 The Importance of Rest and Retreat

38:33 Provision Stories: Miracles in Ministry

43:23 The Power of Availability and Presence

48:07 Encouragement for Those Struggling

51:17 Establishing Healthy Rhythms in Life

Steve sits down with author and leadership coach Preston Poore to discuss his new book How Is Greater Than What. Together they unpack the overlooked “how” of leadership—why character, integrity, and faith matter more than performance.

Hear Preston’s vulnerable stories from his years at Coca-Cola, how he learned to lead with heart, and why our identity in Christ defines every “how” in life and leadership.

🎧 Listen. Reflect. Lead differently.

Chapters

00:00 The Fundamentals of Identity and Purpose

03:06 Exploring Leadership and Character

05:59 The Importance of Integrity in Leadership

09:09 Understanding the 'How' in Leadership

11:53 The Role of Dignity and Respect in Leadership

14:57 Transformational Leadership Through Relationships

24:54 The Turning Point in Leadership

30:44 Identifying Leadership Traps

33:00 The Journey of Personal Development

39:22 Encouragement for Young Leaders

42:31 Faith and Leadership: The Power of Love

“Helper” in Genesis 2:18 isn’t a downgrade—it’s ezer kenegdo: a powerful ally corresponding to. Steve & Colleen explore God’s original design, how sin distorted it, and how Jesus restores mutuality (Gal 3:28). Practical for marriage, ministry, friendships, and singles—plus a Zechariah 2:5 prayer of protection and presence.

Here's the link to prayer of protection: https://embracingbrokenness.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/A-Wall-of-Fire-Around-Us-Crafted-Prayer-Zechariah-2-5.pdf

Chapters

0:00 – Opening: generational context & show intro

1:42 – Welcome back; why Genesis; episode title set-up

3:52 – Prayer of protection (Zechariah 2:5)

5:19 – Why pray aloud; prison context; PDF mention

7:26 – Genesis 2:18 read; intro to ezer kenegdo

9:45 – “Helper” and identity: Colleen’s story

12:03 – God as ezer (rescuer/ally)

13:07 – Psalm 33:20 (ESV) — “he is our help and our shield”

14:30 – Kenegdo = corresponding/face-to-face; headship/submission clarified

15:17 – Misuse of “submission”; weight of responsibility on the head

17:11 – The Fall’s fracture (Genesis 3:16)

18:44 – Consequences vs “curse” explained

22:28 – Passivity & cultural misuse (lighthearted “15:1 words” moment)

23:55 – Missing female leadership; global harms (trafficking/war)

28:13 – Restoration in Christ (Galatians 3:28)

30:13 – Jesus’ model: children, Samaritan woman, bleeding woman; Deborah

34:45 – Personal stories: upbringing & marriage dynamics

36:38 – Complementary gifts in ministry (“professor” bit)

38:38 – Serving posture & witness; mission snapshots

42:35 – Partnership anecdotes & outside observations

44:53 – For singles & spiritual companionship (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10)

46:53 – Abiding in Christ & finding community

47:29 – “Tapestry” metaphor & New Jerusalem vision

51:16 – Closing reflections

51:36 – Outro / blessings

Many of us were taught a gospel that’s true—but incomplete. It became a “ticket to heaven,” divorced from daily life, intimacy, and our purpose in God’s larger story. In this candid conversation, Steve and Colleen unpack how post-Enlightenment thinking, cultural striving, and a transactional faith left them exhausted and spiritually dry—and how Jesus invited them into union, abiding, and the wholeness of Shalom (“nothing missing, nothing broken”).

They trace the story from Genesis 1:26–28 (the cultural mandate) to John 14:6, John 5:19, John 17:20–21, and John 10:10, showing how the “whole gospel” restores us to partnership with God—now. Expect practical honesty (including Colleen’s “contract with God” moment and Steve’s Monday-through-Friday faith challenge), a re-centering on intimacy over information, and a hopeful vision of life with God that integrates heaven and earth.

Chapters

00:00 The Desire for Intimacy with God

02:53 The Incomplete Gospel and Its Impact

05:44 Understanding God: Beyond Knowledge

09:00 The Journey of Faith and Relationship

12:09 The Transactional Nature of Christianity

14:59 The Call for Intimacy and Union with God

17:57 The Cultural Mandate and the Complete Gospel

20:41 The Vision of Restoration and Purpose

23:54 Living the Abundant Life in Christ