Mike and Sharon have waded through marital struggles, a son’s serious illness, a major car wreck, financial hardship, and career-choice doubts and reached the other side with a stronger faith and more confidence in God’s guidance and care. They have worked with college students through Cru for many years and are currently working with grad students and faculty at NC State. You’ll be intrigued and blessed by their stories of God’s EXTRAordinary work in their ordinary lives.

Humorously, God used Paulina’s phobias and superstitions to point her toward His trustworthiness during a very upsetting time in her life. That is just one of the EXTRAordinary stories told by this Latina Spanish teacher. To be around Paulina is to be delighted by her laugh, positivity, endearing accent, strong belief, and compassionate heart. It’s easy to see why this “Mama Llama” is loved by her students.

Included in this podcast is Proverbs 3:5-6:" Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Bob encourages us that even though we all have "hurts, hang-ups, and habits," Jesus is right there with us to help us and grow us. Bob shares insights gained from Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step ministry he led at his church. He also shares the joys of leading a gratitude class at his local rescue mission and talks candidly about codepency and an alcoholic dad, marriage counseling, emotional maturity, and intentional discipleship. So many gems!

Show Notes:

*Bob references Nick Vujicic's talk about bullying: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l91cgdFCkJ0

*He also mentions the Bible Project videos: https://bibleproject.com/

*Ellen recommends the book, Crucial Conversations: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High.

Susan is a life coach, grief specialist, and counselor who, as an adopted only child, had to come to grips with difficult circumstances in her family and devastating truths about her family of origin. She tells us about these experiences and how God recently and unexpectedly infused her story with love and hope. In addition, she provides heartfelt insights for those who have been adopted (at 15:55) and helpful advice about how to talk with sensitivity to those who are adopted (at 17:45).

Susan's website and contact information can be found at ⁠https://www.walkingalongside.me/⁠

Susan mentions two books she has written (at 29:05). The first is Out of Breath, a psychological thriller (warning: adult content due to its subject matter of addiction and the death of a child.)

https://www.amazon.com/Out-Breath-Susan-Salluce/dp/0578090929

Her second book is a collection of stories about people who get grief tattoos: griefINK: Tattoo as the Language of Grief at https://www.amazon.com/griefINK-Tattoo-as-Language-Grief/dp/1519159870

The theme of Andrea’s life is God’s faithfulness. Jesus became her best friend at the age of 14 when her mom had to leave her abusive, alcoholic dad. Andrea’s been through some tough times including family medical issues and trouble conceiving, but she has seen God at work through it all. You’ll be enveloped in her rich faith, and you'll adore her dear and compassionate soul and strong convictions.

Rob Travis has been teaching high school science for decades. His intriguing stories include growing up in a poor Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn and experiencing harrowing adventures serving with the Merchant Marine. His stories are beloved by his students and have shaped his strong faith in Jesus. They inspire us to trust in the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Mackenzie is a recent college graduate who has lived for over a decade with the sleep disorder narcolepsy (specifically, Type 1 Narcolepsy with Cataplexy). Amazingly, Mackenzie has persevered with a positive attitude and accomplished more than many her age, including becoming an EMT in Italy during the Covid lockdown. Wise and kind, she shares about the impact Jesus has had on helping her deal with her illness and developing her self-confidence. Her story is inspiring, and you'll enjoy getting to know this impressive and thoughtful young woman.

Mackenzie quotes the insightful Dr. Seuss: “Those who matter don’t mind, and those who mind, don’t matter.”

You can also find this podcast episode and others on Ellen's EXTRAordinary Lives website at https://www.extraordinary.live/

Yaneth (pronounced Janet) is the Team Leader of Cru's high school ministry in Houston. She was born in El Salvador and moved to the U.S. at the age of 4. Yaneth, along with her friend Debby Minell, who is on staff with Cru in the Twin Cities, share about Cru's summer nationwide high school missions trips to 6 continents and stories about teens who are going. Yaneth also shares thoughtfully about the hardships of feeling marginalized leading the team as a brown woman and about an exciting 1,000 Women campaign she developed with the help of some good friends. You'll be inspired by the joyful, resilient spirit and amazing stories of this EXTRAordinary woman.

For more information about Cru's high school ministry in Houston, go to https://www.cru.org/communities/hs/houston/. For info on the 1,000 Women Campaign see https://sites.google.com/cru.org/a-thousand-women-campaign/home

Yaneth recommends the book, Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us about Wisdom, Persistence, and Strength by Kat Armas.

To listen on the EXTRAordinary Lives website, go to https://www.extraordinary.live/episodes/38-yanethdiaz