In this powerful start to a new year, Steve sits down with longtime friend Rich Timmons—creative visionary, gallery owner, teacher, and author of Come… meet Jesus—for an honest conversation about faith, loss, and redemption.

Rich shares how a Good Friday business collapse became the moment he finally cried out to God, and how a “Joseph and Mary” divine appointment helped lead him to Christ. He reflects on rebuilding his life with Jesus at the center, teaching art history through the life of Christ, and turning 67 masterworks into a devotional tool that blends Scripture and beauty.

The conversation takes a profound turn as Rich opens up about losing his son to glioblastoma, and the strength of staying “yoked” to Jesus through grief. He also shares a deeply personal testimony of decades-long struggle with alcohol—and the moment God brought freedom through Psalm 9:6.

If you’re walking through brokenness, grief, or a hidden struggle, this episode is a reminder: brokenness isn’t a barrier—it can become a bridge to healing.

Learn more: comemeetjesus.art (Use promo code 1017 for 25% off)

More about EBM: embracingbrokenness.org

Chapters

00:00 – The “cowboy” son and a gift with horses

01:41 – The diagnosis: brain cancer and the weight of grief

02:00 – Welcome + Season 7 kickoff + Steve & Rich history

05:40 – Rich’s story begins: Kensington, dreams, and early influences

09:00 – Air Force years and marriage to Julie

11:30 – “Let’s buy a computer”—early business breakthrough

13:15 – The crash: staff walks out on Good Friday

15:05 – “Joseph and Mary”: Joe Castillo and the pocket Bible

16:30 – Born again: “I made a right-hand turn”

17:50 – Motorhome year: early discipleship and the Body of Christ

19:15 – 45 years of business success (and hiring smart people)

21:30 – Selling the business → opening the art gallery

23:10 – Teaching art history through “one man”: Jesus

26:05 – Losing Rich: glioblastoma and 18 months of care

33:10 – “Rotten theology” and living in a broken world

36:05 – Turning teaching into a book: Come… meet Jesus

43:15 – The yoke: staying close to Christ in grief

45:25 – Alcohol testimony + Psalm 9:6 + freedom

50:15 – Brokenness as a bridge to healing

53:50 – Book promo + discount code + closing

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