Tara Dew is an educator, author, and mother of four. Tara discusses the difference between joy and happiness, and the importance of cultivating intentionality versus balance. Her insights offer a refreshing perspective on finding lasting peace and contentment through faith, even amidst life's daily challenges.

Quotes

“I have learned that your circumstances do not determine joy.” - Tara Dew

“Happiness is a state of being that often is equated with our circumstances. Joy is not. Joy described all through the Bible as being something that is like an anchor. It's this hope that we have, it is this state of peace and rest that's not found in our circumstances, but rather is found in the love of God.” - Tara Dew

“Joy is constant. It is something that can never be taken away. It's something that you can never lose, and it's something that you can have even when your world seems like it's falling apart.” - Tara Dew

“I truly believe that the biblical concept of hospitality is really when we just open up our hearts and our homes and our lives to other people, and we showcase the goodness and faithfulness of God to us.” - Tara Dew

“I love this idea of how God takes nothing and makes it everything, because that's what He's done in my life.” - Tara Dew

Guest’s Links

Tara Dew’s Facebook

Tara Dew’s Instagram

Tara Dew’s Twitter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones
Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

At first, Monica Swanson wasn’t excited about the possibility of educating her kids at home. Sparked by her eldest son's request, Monica began to see the unique benefits of personalized education and how it has helped her sons flourish. She debunks some common myths about homeschoolers, and gives practical tips for parents considering this path.

Quotes

“Over time as you homeschool, the confidence builds. As you see their character developing and you see their faith growing, you start to realize this is so much more than just scratching things off a list that they would get if they went to a traditional school. This was building something really beautiful in all of us.” - Monica Swanson

“My boys have really grown up with the ability to ask questions, dig in, and find the answers. I've seen my kids dig their roots even deeper, stand strong, and know what they believe because they had that time at home. They had the ability to really wrestle with things in their teenage years so that their faith was that much stronger when they went out into the world.” - Monica Swanson

“As a homeschool mom, I think it kind of adds a special way of seeing God's love, because I get to see it in my children every day as they learn something new, as we overcome challenges and adversities, as we grow together, as I see those light bulb moments.” - Monica Swanson

“God's in everything and everywhere, but I think it's easy to miss if we're too hectic, too busy, too distracted. It's that choice to slow down for me, to open God's Word, to get my kids to take the time to start their day with God's Word and prayer. His love is everywhere.” - Monica Swanson

“I want to simply lead my children to Jesus. I want them to learn to sit at His feet, to understand His love for them and to just simply know that they're called to come to Jesus. Then as they grow up, as they develop more skills, as they understand God's Word, they'll be ready and equipped and prepared to go out into the world and make disciples.” - Monica Swanson

Guest’s Links
Monica Swanson’s website

Monica Swanson’s Facebook

Monica Swanson’s Instagram

Monica Swanson’s Twitter

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones
Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

Before his current position, Christopher Beth, director of The Bucket Ministry, didn’t know what he didn’t know. Unaware of how severe the world’s water crisis is, and how many people are affected by a seemingly hopeless situation, his eyes were opened on a mission trip to the Amazon. Christopher felt moved to show love through tangible help and got involved in ways to provide clean, safe drinking water for those who need it—opening a door to hope and connection.

Quotes

“I thought I was just going to be chaperoning my child on this trip, but what happened on that trip changed me, because I got to see things I was not expecting. I saw people without hope.” - Christopher Beth

“God [was] opening my heart and softening my heart. I learned just how big the problem is from the water side and from the spiritual side as well.” - Christopher Beth

“I believe that is maybe some of the greatest illustrations of God's love—wanting His people to be healthier. I think because of His love, He has allowed me to see where He's working and He's allowed me to join in that work. I've gotten to see miracles happen firsthand.” - Christopher Beth

“I know I can't be perfect, but if I show people how I live by trusting Him and obeying Him, I don't have to be perfect. If they see me doing good things, if they see me worshiping God, if they see me being righteous, they will know who He is through my actions.” - Christopher Beth

Guest’s Links
The Bucket Ministry

The Bucket Ministry Instagram

The Bucket Ministry Facebook

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Joshua Project

REI

Connect with Sally Lloyd-Jones
Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook

Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram

Sally’s website

Sally’s Facebook

Sally’s Instagram

*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*