Have you ever witnessed the quiet strength of a faith reborn? Kathryn M. Schneider, a dedicated Director of Christian Education, opens up about her spiritual odyssey, from an Iowa childhood through a college crisis of belief, to a heartfelt return to her church roots. Her narrative is not just one of personal enlightenment but a radiant example of how life's adversities can be a catalyst for profound growth and 'sparkling Jesus' in our every day. Kathryn's tale is steeped in the powerful influences of her grandmother and mentors like Pastor Ken Michke and Professor Pat Fick, who have left indelible marks on her journey.

Amid the beauty of redemption stories like Kathryn's, there lurks a darker side to religious life that many young adults face: the specter of hypocrisy and inauthenticity. Our conversation doesn't shy away from these thorny issues. Instead, we examine the void many feel between adolescence and parenthood and how the church can sometimes falter in bridging that gap. It's a candid look at the need for realness within our spiritual communities, the pivotal role of the Holy Spirit in shepherding the wayward back to faith, and how embracing our imperfections can pave the way to a truly authentic church experience.

As our dialogue progresses, we share the intimate moments when faith and purpose intersect, revealing the life-reshaping power of serendipitous encounters and the signs that nudge us toward our calling. We touch on the grace accompanying public missteps and the humility essential in our spiritual endeavors. Closing with an open invitation to the Global Zion Bible Challenge, we extend a hand to those who seek fellowship in their faith walk. Whether navigating your spiritual path or considering the call to ministry, this episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom, solace, and connection.

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How do you pivot from athlete to entrepreneur when life throws a curveball? As he recounts his journey from the Missouri Tigers to the business world, former SEC quarterback Alex Demzcak answers that question. He shares the lessons he learned on the field in his best-selling book "The Sale," which he co-authored with Jon Gordon, and how Proverbs 3:5-6 guided him through the challenges that followed his sports career.

Alex shares his experience of being benched and the resilience required to forge a new path while navigating identity and leadership. Leadership is not defined by titles but by our ability to rise above adversity and grow as individuals. His darkest moments became a period of enlightenment and unexpected encouragement thanks to mentorship and community.

Lastly, we turn the spotlight onto the literary realm, where Alex's company, Streamline Books, has recently celebrated the signing of its 105th author. His insights into the world of publishing demystify the journey from a draft to a polished book ready to make waves in the market. Whether it's turning a dissertation into a compelling narrative or understanding the power of print-on-demand technology, Alex illuminates the intricacies of storytelling and the joy of helping others leave their mark on the world through the written word.

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Have you ever felt the urge to throw caution to the wind and follow your heart's deepest desire? Nancy Dillingham-Marks did just that, trading the predictability of her corporate life for the kaleidoscopic swirl of fused glass art. This episode brings you the riveting story of Nancy's metamorphosis, from grappling with self-doubt to glowing with the confidence of an artist and founder of the Glass Arts Collective. As we explore her journey, you'll hear how she channeled resilience and adaptability to craft a new path, inspiring anyone at a crossroads in their career or searching for a way to trust their inner compass.

As the world went into lockdown, Nancy's studio became a crucible for innovation, exemplifying the spirit of entrepreneurship. The Glass Arts Collective had to confront the stark challenges of the pandemic head-on, and Nancy unveils the strategic shifts that not only kept her dream alive but also nurtured a community in need of solace and expression. This chapter of Nancy's adventure serves as a powerful testimony to the cathartic role of art in times of hardship and is bound to leave listeners with a sense of hope and determination.

Completing our colorful tapestry of conversation, Nancy opens up about the synergy between her glass artistry and her passion for writing, and how these pursuits infuse her life with joy and energy. She's become a beacon of inspiration to her family and peers, and here she shares insights on spontaneity in creative endeavors, challenging the myths of modern communication. The episode wraps up with an engaging discussion about the Glass Arts Collective's collaborative ethos and Nancy's invitation to art lovers to explore custom glass creations—a testament to the legacy that creativity and art can leave in their wake.

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