Podcast

Pillars of Purpose is a podcast dedicated to exploring the foundational elements that shape a fulfilling and impactful life. I’m your host, Matthew Efird, and this show will dive deep into the core aspects of what it means to live with purpose—whether through nurturing a strong faith, cultivating a close-knit family, or driving innovation in business.

Each episode is an insightful conversation with leaders, thinkers, and everyday people who embody these principles in their lives. We explore the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned in three distinct areas: faith, family, and business.

Trust God—He Can Redeem Everything #faith #trustingod #fyp #podcast

Author Hadassah Treu discusses her faith journey and new book.

Key Takeaways

– Hadassah found faith at 17 in communist Bulgaria, overcoming depression through an encounter with evangelical Christianity
– She wrote “Drawn Near” about finding blessings in painful experiences, drawing from personal struggles including widowhood
– Hadassah emphasizes Bible study, prayer, and faithfulness in suffering as key pillars for spiritual growth
– She has an active ministry through blogging, writing, and speaking, primarily in English

Topics

Hadassah’s Faith Journey

– Grew up in communist Bulgaria with little exposure to religion
– Struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts as a teenager
– Prayed for 6 months for God to reveal Himself
– Classmates brought her to an evangelical church where she first heard the gospel
– Immediately responded in faith at age 17

Spiritual Growth Practices

– Bible study: Progressed from memorizing verses to in-depth study and journaling
– Prayer: Developed a more transparent prayer life over time
– Faithfulness in suffering: Views struggles as catalysts for spiritual growth
– Daily routine: Starts day with Bible reading, study, journaling, and prayer

Book: “Drawn Near”

– Subtitle: “How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings”
– Explores 13 painful experiences (e.g., betrayal, rejection, grief, loneliness, depression)
– Shares personal stories and biblical theology on suffering
– Aims to change perspective on suffering, highlighting potential for growth and blessings

Personal Experiences with Suffering

– Struggled with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks
– Dealt with infertility and unfulfilled desire for motherhood
– Lost her husband Thomas unexpectedly 4.5 years ago
– Moved back to Bulgaria from Austria after husband’s passing
– Decided to use her pain to help others, bringing measure of peace and joy

Ministry and Writing Career

– Started officially in 2017, before husband’s passing
– Husband was instrumental in supporting and helping launch her blog
– Initially wrote in Bulgarian and English, now focuses primarily on English
– Contributes to various Christian websites and publications
– Received a literature award from her municipality for poetry

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

Read More

“How Does My Relationship with God Guide My Life?” #faith #podcast #faithlife #fyp

Author Hadassah Treu discusses her faith journey and new book.

Key Takeaways

– Hadassah found faith at 17 in communist Bulgaria, overcoming depression through an encounter with evangelical Christianity
– She wrote “Drawn Near” about finding blessings in painful experiences, drawing from personal struggles including widowhood
– Hadassah emphasizes Bible study, prayer, and faithfulness in suffering as key pillars for spiritual growth
– She has an active ministry through blogging, writing, and speaking, primarily in English

Topics

Hadassah’s Faith Journey

– Grew up in communist Bulgaria with little exposure to religion
– Struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts as a teenager
– Prayed for 6 months for God to reveal Himself
– Classmates brought her to an evangelical church where she first heard the gospel
– Immediately responded in faith at age 17

Spiritual Growth Practices

– Bible study: Progressed from memorizing verses to in-depth study and journaling
– Prayer: Developed a more transparent prayer life over time
– Faithfulness in suffering: Views struggles as catalysts for spiritual growth
– Daily routine: Starts day with Bible reading, study, journaling, and prayer

Book: “Drawn Near”

– Subtitle: “How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings”
– Explores 13 painful experiences (e.g., betrayal, rejection, grief, loneliness, depression)
– Shares personal stories and biblical theology on suffering
– Aims to change perspective on suffering, highlighting potential for growth and blessings

Personal Experiences with Suffering

– Struggled with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks
– Dealt with infertility and unfulfilled desire for motherhood
– Lost her husband Thomas unexpectedly 4.5 years ago
– Moved back to Bulgaria from Austria after husband’s passing
– Decided to use her pain to help others, bringing measure of peace and joy

Ministry and Writing Career

– Started officially in 2017, before husband’s passing
– Husband was instrumental in supporting and helping launch her blog
– Initially wrote in Bulgarian and English, now focuses primarily on English
– Contributes to various Christian websites and publications
– Received a literature award from her municipality for poetry

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

Read More

Hadassah Treu – Surrender and Strength

Author Hadassah Treu discusses her faith journey and new book.

Key Takeaways

– Hadassah found faith at 17 in communist Bulgaria, overcoming depression through an encounter with evangelical Christianity
– She wrote “Drawn Near” about finding blessings in painful experiences, drawing from personal struggles including widowhood
– Hadassah emphasizes Bible study, prayer, and faithfulness in suffering as key pillars for spiritual growth
– She has an active ministry through blogging, writing, and speaking, primarily in English

Topics

Hadassah’s Faith Journey

– Grew up in communist Bulgaria with little exposure to religion
– Struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts as a teenager
– Prayed for 6 months for God to reveal Himself
– Classmates brought her to an evangelical church where she first heard the gospel
– Immediately responded in faith at age 17

Spiritual Growth Practices

– Bible study: Progressed from memorizing verses to in-depth study and journaling
– Prayer: Developed a more transparent prayer life over time
– Faithfulness in suffering: Views struggles as catalysts for spiritual growth
– Daily routine: Starts day with Bible reading, study, journaling, and prayer

Book: “Drawn Near”

– Subtitle: “How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings”
– Explores 13 painful experiences (e.g., betrayal, rejection, grief, loneliness, depression)
– Shares personal stories and biblical theology on suffering
– Aims to change perspective on suffering, highlighting potential for growth and blessings

Personal Experiences with Suffering

– Struggled with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks
– Dealt with infertility and unfulfilled desire for motherhood
– Lost her husband Thomas unexpectedly 4.5 years ago
– Moved back to Bulgaria from Austria after husband’s passing
– Decided to use her pain to help others, bringing measure of peace and joy

Ministry and Writing Career

– Started officially in 2017, before husband’s passing
– Husband was instrumental in supporting and helping launch her blog
– Initially wrote in Bulgarian and English, now focuses primarily on English
– Contributes to various Christian websites and publications
– Received a literature award from her municipality for poetry

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

Read More

Parents, Do Your Part—Let God Do the Rest! #podcast #faith #faithfulparenting #familyfaith

Alexandra Radford’s discusses her faith journey, focusing on three key life experiences and their impact on her spiritual growth.

Key Takeaways

– Alex’s faith journey spans three major life events: teenage pregnancy, divorce, and entrepreneurship
– Transparency and vulnerability with her children are crucial in passing on faith
– Small, consistent acts of faith (like daily journaling) can lead to significant spiritual growth
– Embracing life’s “winter” seasons is vital for deep spiritual root development

Topics

Teenage Pregnancy and Faith Decision

– At 17, Alex faced an unexpected pregnancy and chose to keep the baby
– Experienced support from her mother and guidance through prayer at church
– Decision strengthened her faith and taught her to trust God in difficult situations
– Now uses her experience to mentor others at Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Divorce and Personal Growth

– Married at 21 to her first child’s father, later divorced after having a second child
– Went through extensive counseling and self-reflection post-divorce
– Created a “Christian dating guide” as a spiritual marker for her healing journey
– Learned to prioritize self-love and identify unhealthy relationship patterns

Entrepreneurial Journey and Faith

– Founded The Edge Agency, a marketing firm, now in its 8th year
– Views the business as a “green light” from God to pursue a new adventure
– Relies on faith for provision in all aspects: finances, clients, employees, wisdom
– Uses the business as a platform to live out and share her faith

Parenting and Faith Transmission

– Encourages her sons (17 and 9) to develop their own relationship with God
– Uses age-appropriate devotionals and encourages them to lead prayers
– Demonstrates faith practices like journaling and prayer in front of her children
– Believes in the importance of putting children in faith-nurturing environments

Personal Faith Practices

– Daily journaling using a “joy strategy” template
– Incorporates gratitude, prayer requests, scripture reading, and silent listening
– Seeks mentorship from older, wiser individuals for spiritual and personal growth
– Recently exploring the concept of spiritual seasons, especially valuing “winter” periods

Helpful Links: https://www.theedgeagency.net/

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

Read More

Faith Starts Young—Let Your Kids Lead the Prayer! #podcast #powerofprayer #teachthemyoung #faith

Alexandra Radford’s discusses her faith journey, focusing on three key life experiences and their impact on her spiritual growth.

Key Takeaways

– Alex’s faith journey spans three major life events: teenage pregnancy, divorce, and entrepreneurship
– Transparency and vulnerability with her children are crucial in passing on faith
– Small, consistent acts of faith (like daily journaling) can lead to significant spiritual growth
– Embracing life’s “winter” seasons is vital for deep spiritual root development

Topics

Teenage Pregnancy and Faith Decision

– At 17, Alex faced an unexpected pregnancy and chose to keep the baby
– Experienced support from her mother and guidance through prayer at church
– Decision strengthened her faith and taught her to trust God in difficult situations
– Now uses her experience to mentor others at Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Divorce and Personal Growth

– Married at 21 to her first child’s father, later divorced after having a second child
– Went through extensive counseling and self-reflection post-divorce
– Created a “Christian dating guide” as a spiritual marker for her healing journey
– Learned to prioritize self-love and identify unhealthy relationship patterns

Entrepreneurial Journey and Faith

– Founded The Edge Agency, a marketing firm, now in its 8th year
– Views the business as a “green light” from God to pursue a new adventure
– Relies on faith for provision in all aspects: finances, clients, employees, wisdom
– Uses the business as a platform to live out and share her faith

Parenting and Faith Transmission

– Encourages her sons (17 and 9) to develop their own relationship with God
– Uses age-appropriate devotionals and encourages them to lead prayers
– Demonstrates faith practices like journaling and prayer in front of her children
– Believes in the importance of putting children in faith-nurturing environments

Personal Faith Practices

– Daily journaling using a “joy strategy” template
– Incorporates gratitude, prayer requests, scripture reading, and silent listening
– Seeks mentorship from older, wiser individuals for spiritual and personal growth
– Recently exploring the concept of spiritual seasons, especially valuing “winter” periods

Helpful Links: https://www.theedgeagency.net/

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

Read More

Facing a Tough Choice? Trust, Have Faith, and Keep Going! #podcast #faith #godsplan #

Alexandra Radford’s discusses her faith journey, focusing on three key life experiences and their impact on her spiritual growth.

Key Takeaways

– Alex’s faith journey spans three major life events: teenage pregnancy, divorce, and entrepreneurship
– Transparency and vulnerability with her children are crucial in passing on faith
– Small, consistent acts of faith (like daily journaling) can lead to significant spiritual growth
– Embracing life’s “winter” seasons is vital for deep spiritual root development

Topics

Teenage Pregnancy and Faith Decision

– At 17, Alex faced an unexpected pregnancy and chose to keep the baby
– Experienced support from her mother and guidance through prayer at church
– Decision strengthened her faith and taught her to trust God in difficult situations
– Now uses her experience to mentor others at Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Divorce and Personal Growth

– Married at 21 to her first child’s father, later divorced after having a second child
– Went through extensive counseling and self-reflection post-divorce
– Created a “Christian dating guide” as a spiritual marker for her healing journey
– Learned to prioritize self-love and identify unhealthy relationship patterns

Entrepreneurial Journey and Faith

– Founded The Edge Agency, a marketing firm, now in its 8th year
– Views the business as a “green light” from God to pursue a new adventure
– Relies on faith for provision in all aspects: finances, clients, employees, wisdom
– Uses the business as a platform to live out and share her faith

Parenting and Faith Transmission

– Encourages her sons (17 and 9) to develop their own relationship with God
– Uses age-appropriate devotionals and encourages them to lead prayers
– Demonstrates faith practices like journaling and prayer in front of her children
– Believes in the importance of putting children in faith-nurturing environments

Personal Faith Practices

– Daily journaling using a “joy strategy” template
– Incorporates gratitude, prayer requests, scripture reading, and silent listening
– Seeks mentorship from older, wiser individuals for spiritual and personal growth
– Recently exploring the concept of spiritual seasons, especially valuing “winter” periods

Helpful Links: https://www.theedgeagency.net/

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

Read More

Alexandra Radford – Embracing Seasons of Faith

Alexandra Radford’s discusses her faith journey, focusing on three key life experiences and their impact on her spiritual growth.

Key Takeaways

– Alex’s faith journey spans three major life events: teenage pregnancy, divorce, and entrepreneurship
– Transparency and vulnerability with her children are crucial in passing on faith
– Small, consistent acts of faith (like daily journaling) can lead to significant spiritual growth
– Embracing life’s “winter” seasons is vital for deep spiritual root development

Topics

Teenage Pregnancy and Faith Decision

– At 17, Alex faced an unexpected pregnancy and chose to keep the baby
– Experienced support from her mother and guidance through prayer at church
– Decision strengthened her faith and taught her to trust God in difficult situations
– Now uses her experience to mentor others at Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Divorce and Personal Growth

– Married at 21 to her first child’s father, later divorced after having a second child
– Went through extensive counseling and self-reflection post-divorce
– Created a “Christian dating guide” as a spiritual marker for her healing journey
– Learned to prioritize self-love and identify unhealthy relationship patterns

Entrepreneurial Journey and Faith

– Founded The Edge Agency, a marketing firm, now in its 8th year
– Views the business as a “green light” from God to pursue a new adventure
– Relies on faith for provision in all aspects: finances, clients, employees, wisdom
– Uses the business as a platform to live out and share her faith

Parenting and Faith Transmission

– Encourages her sons (17 and 9) to develop their own relationship with God
– Uses age-appropriate devotionals and encourages them to lead prayers
– Demonstrates faith practices like journaling and prayer in front of her children
– Believes in the importance of putting children in faith-nurturing environments

Personal Faith Practices

– Daily journaling using a “joy strategy” template
– Incorporates gratitude, prayer requests, scripture reading, and silent listening
– Seeks mentorship from older, wiser individuals for spiritual and personal growth
– Recently exploring the concept of spiritual seasons, especially valuing “winter” periods

Helpful Links: https://www.theedgeagency.net/

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

Read More

What Does It Really Mean to Fear the Lord? #godfearing #faith #faithjourney #walkwithchrist

Patrick Krier shares about his faith journey and experiences as a Christian business owner.

Key Takeaways

– Patrick grew up Catholic but came to evangelical faith about 3 years ago after hearing the gospel from a pastor
– He emphasizes the importance of reading scripture, understanding church history/doctrine, and fearing the Lord
– Patrick and his wife recently moved to Georgia, guided by feeling “at home” and finding a Reformed Baptist church
– He advocates for sharing faith lovingly but truthfully, even with family members of different beliefs

Topics

Patrick’s Faith Journey

– Grew up Catholic in Wisconsin, focused on “fearing the Lord” but little understanding of Jesus
– Started asking deeper questions about faith in college
– Truly understood the gospel and became a Christian about 3 years ago in grad school
– Got married quickly after conversion to align with biblical teaching
– Has been growing in doctrine, church history, and Bible reading since then

Bible Reading and Spiritual Growth

– Patrick and his wife started reading through the Bible in a year, finding it transformative
– Emphasizes importance of reading Old Testament to see God’s consistency and human nature
– Recommends resources like YouVersion app for accessible Bible reading plans
– Stresses viewing scripture as truly God’s inspired word, not just an old book

Church History and Doctrine

– Patrick identifies as Reformed Baptist
– Recommends studying church history, creeds, and confessions like the Second London Baptist Confession
– Believes it’s important to understand what Christians have believed throughout centuries

Sharing Faith with Family

– Navigates sharing faith with Catholic parents and more secular in-laws
– Emphasizes need to balance truth and grace, recognizing spiritual deadness apart from Christ
– Acknowledges challenge of holidays/traditions when family doesn’t share same beliefs

Fear of the Lord

– Patrick wishes he understood “fearing the Lord” better 10 years ago
– Sees it as crucial for truly living out faith and avoiding sin

Practical Faith Application

– Encourages working out assurance of salvation
– Stresses importance of living out faith consistently, not just cultural Christianity
– Values wrestling with hard questions and growing in understanding

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Read More

Seeing God Clearly Changes Everything! #faith #godsplan #trustingod #spiritualgrowth

Patrick Krier shares about his faith journey and experiences as a Christian business owner.

Key Takeaways

– Patrick grew up Catholic but came to evangelical faith about 3 years ago after hearing the gospel from a pastor
– He emphasizes the importance of reading scripture, understanding church history/doctrine, and fearing the Lord
– Patrick and his wife recently moved to Georgia, guided by feeling “at home” and finding a Reformed Baptist church
– He advocates for sharing faith lovingly but truthfully, even with family members of different beliefs

Topics

Patrick’s Faith Journey

– Grew up Catholic in Wisconsin, focused on “fearing the Lord” but little understanding of Jesus
– Started asking deeper questions about faith in college
– Truly understood the gospel and became a Christian about 3 years ago in grad school
– Got married quickly after conversion to align with biblical teaching
– Has been growing in doctrine, church history, and Bible reading since then

Bible Reading and Spiritual Growth

– Patrick and his wife started reading through the Bible in a year, finding it transformative
– Emphasizes importance of reading Old Testament to see God’s consistency and human nature
– Recommends resources like YouVersion app for accessible Bible reading plans
– Stresses viewing scripture as truly God’s inspired word, not just an old book

Church History and Doctrine

– Patrick identifies as Reformed Baptist
– Recommends studying church history, creeds, and confessions like the Second London Baptist Confession
– Believes it’s important to understand what Christians have believed throughout centuries

Sharing Faith with Family

– Navigates sharing faith with Catholic parents and more secular in-laws
– Emphasizes need to balance truth and grace, recognizing spiritual deadness apart from Christ
– Acknowledges challenge of holidays/traditions when family doesn’t share same beliefs

Fear of the Lord

– Patrick wishes he understood “fearing the Lord” better 10 years ago
– Sees it as crucial for truly living out faith and avoiding sin

Practical Faith Application

– Encourages working out assurance of salvation
– Stresses importance of living out faith consistently, not just cultural Christianity
– Values wrestling with hard questions and growing in understanding

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Read More

Patrick Krier – From Doubt to Devotion – Belief Builders

Patrick Krier shares about his faith journey and experiences as a Christian business owner.

Key Takeaways

– Patrick grew up Catholic but came to evangelical faith about 3 years ago after hearing the gospel from a pastor
– He emphasizes the importance of reading scripture, understanding church history/doctrine, and fearing the Lord
– Patrick and his wife recently moved to Georgia, guided by feeling “at home” and finding a Reformed Baptist church
– He advocates for sharing faith lovingly but truthfully, even with family members of different beliefs

Topics

Patrick’s Faith Journey

– Grew up Catholic in Wisconsin, focused on “fearing the Lord” but little understanding of Jesus
– Started asking deeper questions about faith in college
– Truly understood the gospel and became a Christian about 3 years ago in grad school
– Got married quickly after conversion to align with biblical teaching
– Has been growing in doctrine, church history, and Bible reading since then

Bible Reading and Spiritual Growth

– Patrick and his wife started reading through the Bible in a year, finding it transformative
– Emphasizes importance of reading Old Testament to see God’s consistency and human nature
– Recommends resources like YouVersion app for accessible Bible reading plans
– Stresses viewing scripture as truly God’s inspired word, not just an old book

Church History and Doctrine

– Patrick identifies as Reformed Baptist
– Recommends studying church history, creeds, and confessions like the Second London Baptist Confession
– Believes it’s important to understand what Christians have believed throughout centuries

Sharing Faith with Family

– Navigates sharing faith with Catholic parents and more secular in-laws
– Emphasizes need to balance truth and grace, recognizing spiritual deadness apart from Christ
– Acknowledges challenge of holidays/traditions when family doesn’t share same beliefs

Fear of the Lord

– Patrick wishes he understood “fearing the Lord” better 10 years ago
– Sees it as crucial for truly living out faith and avoiding sin

Practical Faith Application

– Encourages working out assurance of salvation
– Stresses importance of living out faith consistently, not just cultural Christianity
– Values wrestling with hard questions and growing in understanding

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

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Men, are you looking to show up better for your family? Here’s a great conversation for you! #mentor

Logan Kafer shares on mental health, fatherhood, and personal growth for men.

Key Takeaways

– Logan emphasizes the importance of men finding community and vulnerability with other men to combat feelings of inadequacy
– Cultivating desire and engagement in marriage and parenting requires intentional effort and reflection
– Logan advocates for understanding others’ perspectives and extending grace, recognizing everyone’s actions make sense in their own context
– Shifting focus from striving/performance to embracing one’s identity as a beloved son of God is key for personal growth

Topics

Logan’s Background and Family

– Lives in Atlanta with wife of 7 years and two daughters (ages 3 and almost 2)
– Works as a mental health counselor primarily with men, also an adjunct professor
– Formerly worked with Matthew in high school Christian ministry

Common Struggles for Men

– Feeling “not enough” in various areas of life (success, finances, etc.)
– Not being where they expected to be at certain life stages
– Difficulty celebrating accomplishments, always pushing to next milestone
– Impacts relationships, can lead to substance use or other behavioral issues

Advice for Engaging with Family

– Create intentional transitions between work and home life
– Set alarms to pause and reflect on positive qualities of spouse
– Be creative in planning fun activities with kids, even if simple
– Implement “special time” with individual children for focused attention

Book Recommendations

– “The Courage to Be Disliked” – on separating from people-pleasing tendencies
– “Spiritual Slavery to Spiritual Sonship” (possibly by Jack Frost) – on identity and worth in Christ

Wisdom to Pass On

– “Everyone makes sense in the context of their own story” – cultivating compassion and understanding for others’ perspectives

Advice to Younger Self

– Recognize God is still at work, even when life looks different than expected
– Don’t lose relationships pursuing status or trying to prove worth
– There are no shortcuts in personal growth

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Read More

Logan Kafer – Building Stronger Men – The Family Table

Logan Kafer shares on mental health, fatherhood, and personal growth for men.

Key Takeaways

– Logan emphasizes the importance of men finding community and vulnerability with other men to combat feelings of inadequacy
– Cultivating desire and engagement in marriage and parenting requires intentional effort and reflection
– Logan advocates for understanding others’ perspectives and extending grace, recognizing everyone’s actions make sense in their own context
– Shifting focus from striving/performance to embracing one’s identity as a beloved son of God is key for personal growth

Topics

Logan’s Background and Family

– Lives in Atlanta with wife of 7 years and two daughters (ages 3 and almost 2)
– Works as a mental health counselor primarily with men, also an adjunct professor
– Formerly worked with Matthew in high school Christian ministry

Common Struggles for Men

– Feeling “not enough” in various areas of life (success, finances, etc.)
– Not being where they expected to be at certain life stages
– Difficulty celebrating accomplishments, always pushing to next milestone
– Impacts relationships, can lead to substance use or other behavioral issues

Advice for Engaging with Family

– Create intentional transitions between work and home life
– Set alarms to pause and reflect on positive qualities of spouse
– Be creative in planning fun activities with kids, even if simple
– Implement “special time” with individual children for focused attention

Book Recommendations

– “The Courage to Be Disliked” – on separating from people-pleasing tendencies
– “Spiritual Slavery to Spiritual Sonship” (possibly by Jack Frost) – on identity and worth in Christ

Wisdom to Pass On

– “Everyone makes sense in the context of their own story” – cultivating compassion and understanding for others’ perspectives

Advice to Younger Self

– Recognize God is still at work, even when life looks different than expected
– Don’t lose relationships pursuing status or trying to prove worth
– There are no shortcuts in personal growth

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Read More

Have you considered selling your business? Make sure to listen to this advice! #podcast #business

Attorney Amy Kluesner discusses business exit strategies and legal considerations for small business owners.

Key Takeaways

– Exit planning should start early, with clear goals and end vision in mind
– Patient, humble approach and having documents/financials in order smooths exit process
– Customer relationships and recurring revenue are key drivers of business value
– Legal counsel early on can prevent costly issues later, even for small businesses

Topics

Amy Kluesner’s Background

– Attorney at Barnes & Thornburg for 13 years
– Specializes in mergers & acquisitions, especially for healthcare companies
– Has handled hundreds of deals ranging from $200k to $1B+
– Now focuses on helping small business owners with legal needs

Exit Timeline and Process

– Typical timeline: 5-10 years from business start to exit
– Process involves finding buyer (financial or strategic), valuation, due diligence
– Patient, humble approach needed as process can be emotional for sellers
– Having clear post-exit plans helps motivation during challenging parts

Increasing Business Value for Exit

– Recurring customer relationships are most valuable asset
– Strong reputation and loyal customer base attractive to buyers
– Clear financials and organized documents streamline due diligence
– Aligned team/management important as buyers may want them to stay on

Legal Considerations

– Partnership/operating agreements critical, even for small businesses
– Buy-sell agreements protect against partner death/exit scenarios
– Basic agreements for 2-partner LLC typically under $5k
– Legal counsel provides peace of mind and risk mitigation

Billion Dollar Deal Insights

– More complex but core process similar to smaller deals
– May involve anti-trust filings if reducing market competition
– Public company deals require additional shareholder disclosures

Next Steps

– Consider engaging legal counsel early to establish key agreements
– Focus on building recurring customer relationships to increase value
– Develop clear post-exit vision to stay motivated during exit process
– Be patient and humble, leveraging expertise of advisors during exit

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Read More

Clear communication is key during the sales process, especially when exiting a business! #podcast

Attorney Amy Kluesner discusses business exit strategies and legal considerations for small business owners.

Key Takeaways

– Exit planning should start early, with clear goals and end vision in mind
– Patient, humble approach and having documents/financials in order smooths exit process
– Customer relationships and recurring revenue are key drivers of business value
– Legal counsel early on can prevent costly issues later, even for small businesses

Topics

Amy Kluesner’s Background

– Attorney at Barnes & Thornburg for 13 years
– Specializes in mergers & acquisitions, especially for healthcare companies
– Has handled hundreds of deals ranging from $200k to $1B+
– Now focuses on helping small business owners with legal needs

Exit Timeline and Process

– Typical timeline: 5-10 years from business start to exit
– Process involves finding buyer (financial or strategic), valuation, due diligence
– Patient, humble approach needed as process can be emotional for sellers
– Having clear post-exit plans helps motivation during challenging parts

Increasing Business Value for Exit

– Recurring customer relationships are most valuable asset
– Strong reputation and loyal customer base attractive to buyers
– Clear financials and organized documents streamline due diligence
– Aligned team/management important as buyers may want them to stay on

Legal Considerations

– Partnership/operating agreements critical, even for small businesses
– Buy-sell agreements protect against partner death/exit scenarios
– Basic agreements for 2-partner LLC typically under $5k
– Legal counsel provides peace of mind and risk mitigation

Billion Dollar Deal Insights

– More complex but core process similar to smaller deals
– May involve anti-trust filings if reducing market competition
– Public company deals require additional shareholder disclosures

Next Steps

– Consider engaging legal counsel early to establish key agreements
– Focus on building recurring customer relationships to increase value
– Develop clear post-exit vision to stay motivated during exit process
– Be patient and humble, leveraging expertise of advisors during exit

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Read More

Business owners, trust the process when selling your business! #podcast #growth #business #sales

Attorney Amy Kluesner discusses business exit strategies and legal considerations for small business owners.

Key Takeaways

– Exit planning should start early, with clear goals and end vision in mind
– Patient, humble approach and having documents/financials in order smooths exit process
– Customer relationships and recurring revenue are key drivers of business value
– Legal counsel early on can prevent costly issues later, even for small businesses

Topics

Amy Kluesner’s Background

– Attorney at Barnes & Thornburg for 13 years
– Specializes in mergers & acquisitions, especially for healthcare companies
– Has handled hundreds of deals ranging from $200k to $1B+
– Now focuses on helping small business owners with legal needs

Exit Timeline and Process

– Typical timeline: 5-10 years from business start to exit
– Process involves finding buyer (financial or strategic), valuation, due diligence
– Patient, humble approach needed as process can be emotional for sellers
– Having clear post-exit plans helps motivation during challenging parts

Increasing Business Value for Exit

– Recurring customer relationships are most valuable asset
– Strong reputation and loyal customer base attractive to buyers
– Clear financials and organized documents streamline due diligence
– Aligned team/management important as buyers may want them to stay on

Legal Considerations

– Partnership/operating agreements critical, even for small businesses
– Buy-sell agreements protect against partner death/exit scenarios
– Basic agreements for 2-partner LLC typically under $5k
– Legal counsel provides peace of mind and risk mitigation

Billion Dollar Deal Insights

– More complex but core process similar to smaller deals
– May involve anti-trust filings if reducing market competition
– Public company deals require additional shareholder disclosures

Next Steps

– Consider engaging legal counsel early to establish key agreements
– Focus on building recurring customer relationships to increase value
– Develop clear post-exit vision to stay motivated during exit process
– Be patient and humble, leveraging expertise of advisors during exit

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Read More

A powerful reminder of what God teaches us in the midst of our circumstances #podcast #belief #faith

Donna Woolam on her faith journey, navigating grief, and coaching Christian women.

Key Takeaways

– Donna’s faith deepened through caring for her husband during cancer and navigating widowhood
– Daily Bible reading and journaling have been crucial practices in Donna’s spiritual growth
– Donna now coaches Christian women to find purpose and possibility after life transitions
– Key advice: Be your own medical advocate, allow yourself to process emotions, and lean into community

Topics

Donna’s Faith Journey

– Accepted Christ at 12, but lacked discipleship
– Had “adult confession” around age 30 after reading Hebrews
– Daily Bible reading and journaling became foundational practices
– Started reading Bible in full each year ~8-9 years ago, bringing new insights

Navigating Her Husband’s Cancer and Passing

– Husband Richard diagnosed with two cancers in 2012; one healed, other returned in 2018
– Entered hospice care in early 2020, passed away July 2020 (during pandemic lockdowns)
– Donna was primary caregiver, supported by long-term disability insurance
– Richard maintained strong faith in healing until the end
– Donna wrestled with praying for healing vs. release from suffering

Grief and Widowhood

– Initially struggled to engage in daily activities
– Found support through new church community
– Gradually re-engaged with writing and coaching work
– Discovered new depths in relationship with God as a widow
– Advises: “Don’t waste the struggle” – seek God’s perspective in pain

Coaching Christian Women

– Focuses on helping women navigate life transitions and decisions
– Uses “Journey to Wholeness” process based in Scripture
– Addresses mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects
– Helps clients see possibilities for the future, not just process the past
– Website: donnawoolam.com

Advice for Parents on Faith Transfer

– Have regular family meals and discussions about church/faith
– Ask specific questions about what kids learned at church
– Encourage kids to write down questions during sermons for later discussion
– Take children to church, don’t just send them

Helpful Links:
Donna created a gift of one of her courses for our guests. The link is: https://donnawoolam.com/you-are-seen-pillars-of-purpose-gift/

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Read More

Amy Kluesner – Big Deals & Bigger Lessons – Market Mavericks

Attorney Amy Kluesner discusses business exit strategies and legal considerations for small business owners.

Key Takeaways

– Exit planning should start early, with clear goals and end vision in mind
– Patient, humble approach and having documents/financials in order smooths exit process
– Customer relationships and recurring revenue are key drivers of business value
– Legal counsel early on can prevent costly issues later, even for small businesses

Topics

Amy Kluesner’s Background

– Attorney at Barnes & Thornburg for 13 years
– Specializes in mergers & acquisitions, especially for healthcare companies
– Has handled hundreds of deals ranging from $200k to $1B+
– Now focuses on helping small business owners with legal needs

Exit Timeline and Process

– Typical timeline: 5-10 years from business start to exit
– Process involves finding buyer (financial or strategic), valuation, due diligence
– Patient, humble approach needed as process can be emotional for sellers
– Having clear post-exit plans helps motivation during challenging parts

Increasing Business Value for Exit

– Recurring customer relationships are most valuable asset
– Strong reputation and loyal customer base attractive to buyers
– Clear financials and organized documents streamline due diligence
– Aligned team/management important as buyers may want them to stay on

Legal Considerations

– Partnership/operating agreements critical, even for small businesses
– Buy-sell agreements protect against partner death/exit scenarios
– Basic agreements for 2-partner LLC typically under $5k
– Legal counsel provides peace of mind and risk mitigation

Billion Dollar Deal Insights

– More complex but core process similar to smaller deals
– May involve anti-trust filings if reducing market competition
– Public company deals require additional shareholder disclosures

Next Steps

– Consider engaging legal counsel early to establish key agreements
– Focus on building recurring customer relationships to increase value
– Develop clear post-exit vision to stay motivated during exit process
– Be patient and humble, leveraging expertise of advisors during exit

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Read More

Donna Woolam – Unshaken: On Faith, Loss, and Purpose – Belief Builders

Donna Woolam on her faith journey, navigating grief, and coaching Christian women.

Key Takeaways

– Donna’s faith deepened through caring for her husband during cancer and navigating widowhood
– Daily Bible reading and journaling have been crucial practices in Donna’s spiritual growth
– Donna now coaches Christian women to find purpose and possibility after life transitions
– Key advice: Be your own medical advocate, allow yourself to process emotions, and lean into community

Topics

Donna’s Faith Journey

– Accepted Christ at 12, but lacked discipleship
– Had “adult confession” around age 30 after reading Hebrews
– Daily Bible reading and journaling became foundational practices
– Started reading Bible in full each year ~8-9 years ago, bringing new insights

Navigating Her Husband’s Cancer and Passing

– Husband Richard diagnosed with two cancers in 2012; one healed, other returned in 2018
– Entered hospice care in early 2020, passed away July 2020 (during pandemic lockdowns)
– Donna was primary caregiver, supported by long-term disability insurance
– Richard maintained strong faith in healing until the end
– Donna wrestled with praying for healing vs. release from suffering

Grief and Widowhood

– Initially struggled to engage in daily activities
– Found support through new church community
– Gradually re-engaged with writing and coaching work
– Discovered new depths in relationship with God as a widow
– Advises: “Don’t waste the struggle” – seek God’s perspective in pain

Coaching Christian Women

– Focuses on helping women navigate life transitions and decisions
– Uses “Journey to Wholeness” process based in Scripture
– Addresses mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects
– Helps clients see possibilities for the future, not just process the past
– Website: donnawoolam.com

Advice for Parents on Faith Transfer

– Have regular family meals and discussions about church/faith
– Ask specific questions about what kids learned at church
– Encourage kids to write down questions during sermons for later discussion
– Take children to church, don’t just send them

Helpful Links:
Donna created a gift of one of her courses for our guests. The link is: https://donnawoolam.com/you-are-seen-pillars-of-purpose-gift/

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Read More

A powerful reminder of what we can learn THROUGH our circumstances!! #podcast #faith #belief

Donna Woolam on her faith journey, navigating grief, and coaching Christian women.

Key Takeaways

– Donna’s faith deepened through caring for her husband during cancer and navigating widowhood
– Daily Bible reading and journaling have been crucial practices in Donna’s spiritual growth
– Donna now coaches Christian women to find purpose and possibility after life transitions
– Key advice: Be your own medical advocate, allow yourself to process emotions, and lean into community

Topics

Donna’s Faith Journey

– Accepted Christ at 12, but lacked discipleship
– Had “adult confession” around age 30 after reading Hebrews
– Daily Bible reading and journaling became foundational practices
– Started reading Bible in full each year ~8-9 years ago, bringing new insights

Navigating Her Husband’s Cancer and Passing

– Husband Richard diagnosed with two cancers in 2012; one healed, other returned in 2018
– Entered hospice care in early 2020, passed away July 2020 (during pandemic lockdowns)
– Donna was primary caregiver, supported by long-term disability insurance
– Richard maintained strong faith in healing until the end
– Donna wrestled with praying for healing vs. release from suffering

Grief and Widowhood

– Initially struggled to engage in daily activities
– Found support through new church community
– Gradually re-engaged with writing and coaching work
– Discovered new depths in relationship with God as a widow
– Advises: “Don’t waste the struggle” – seek God’s perspective in pain

Coaching Christian Women

– Focuses on helping women navigate life transitions and decisions
– Uses “Journey to Wholeness” process based in Scripture
– Addresses mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects
– Helps clients see possibilities for the future, not just process the past
– Website: donnawoolam.com

Advice for Parents on Faith Transfer

– Have regular family meals and discussions about church/faith
– Ask specific questions about what kids learned at church
– Encourage kids to write down questions during sermons for later discussion
– Take children to church, don’t just send them

Helpful Links:
Donna created a gift of one of her courses for our guests. The link is: https://donnawoolam.com/you-are-seen-pillars-of-purpose-gift/

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Read More

Is there a really clear vision for your business? Does all of your team know it? #podcast #business