In 2012, I wanted to make a difference in the world.

As I found myself through serving others, I wrote my observations on the internet. My blog, Nature of a Servant, was born.

Writing led to hosting a radio show, which turned into taking the conversations to podcast. I have been fortunate to interview folks who are changing the world in their own ways; through helping others, through writing, through music, through speaking, through art. I’ve been honored to promote the products into which creatives have poured their souls.

Life has changed significantly for my family and me in the last year. My husband, Edd, started a business. I went back to where I started – working for an elementary school – this time in the library. I’m renewing my teaching certificate and going to Portland State for my Library/Media Endorsement. Our two daughters are now a high school sophomore and a senior. This will be our last year with both of them at home.

After a heart to heart with my family, I’ve decided to extend Pieces of Faith’s summer hiatus. Return date: TBD.

I still want to make a difference in the world. Right now, this will mean teaching 750 Kindergarten-5th graders compassion, independence, diversity and acceptance through literature. It will mean focusing on my immediate family and our last 365 continuous days under one roof. It will mean lots of hours in prayer, mediation, and yoga before the daily news gives me a heart attack.

My public Facebook page will still be active. I’ll read life-changing books, listen to inspiring music, and become energized by motivating speakers. All of this I still plan on promoting by shouting from the mountaintops!**  While my literal voice stays quiet, my figurative voice will still be heard.

Over the last two years, your support as you’ve listened and responded to my conversations has been invaluable. I’m thankful for who I’ve become because of you.

Be well, do good, and stay faithful.

**Tweeting, Blogging, Facebooking, and Instagraming

Heather King owes her well-being to prayer. After hitting the rock-hard bottom, she changed her life around – though not immediately.

She became a Catholic and adopted the discipline of prayer. She writes about her practice in Holy Desperation. We chatted about:

• what prayer means
• the different types of prayer
• why prayer is for us – not God
• how prayer leads to using “no” as a complete answer
• the one thing I can do to fully be aware of my spiritual mastery (not sure that will be happening any time soon…at least not in this presidential term)

Heather speaks to those who don’t know a lot about God – and maybe don’t even believe. She’s real, down to earth, and has a love you can feel through the airwaves. Check it out!

Links discussed:

• Buy Holy Desperation now!
• Heather’s website

I’m a 17 year old stuck in a 46 year old body. For real!

Luckily, Jennifer Grant feels the same way I do and even though both of us HAVE 17 year olds, it doesn’t change the fact that we are young and everyone around us is old.

Ok – I may need a reality check. Tune in and listen to our conversation. In her book, When Did Everybody Else Get So Old, Jen gets real about midlife. In our conversation we discuss:

• Teens and why parents of teens are like flight attendants
• Perfect parents aren’t that perfect.
• Being in our 40s is pretty rad.
• Things we miss about being younger
• Chin hair

Yes, we cover a lot and Jen covers the rest in her book. Grab a cup of coffee and see how much we all have in common. Also, Jen advises those not quite in their 40s…it does get better!

Links discussed:

• When Did Everybody Else Get So Old?
• Jennifer Grant website

I do remember moments of mothering. Big moments. You know – births, first days of school, when they were old enough to stay home alone…things like this.

Barbara Mahany remembers the big moments and lucky for us, recorded the small moments. Barbara artistically weaves these memories into a nest of her own snippets, sharing her observations with readers who will smile in remembrance of our own small recollections.

Don’t let the title fool you. Motherprayer: Lessons in Loving isn’t just for women who have birthed offspring. It’s a book for those who have cared for others; men, women, parents and those who have loved on other people’s children.

Enjoy Barbara’s explanation of her words and hear her voice as she reads my favorite of the essays, Worm Rescue. I’ve already put her advice to use:

Links discussed:

• Buy Motherprayer: Lessons in Loving
• Barbara Mahany website
• Essays and Chicago Tribune Feature Stories 

Something happened to me after I read Blue Ocean Faith. An inner peace I haven’t experienced in a long time washed over me. Instead of anxiety wondering what is right and wrong about the Bible, instead of anger when “Christians” don’t act Christ-like, instead of tension when discussing interpretations of Scripture…I felt “Solus Jesus”.

Dave Schmelzer talks with me about the Blue Ocean Church movement and what can happen when places of worship accept people for who they are. Straight or Gay, Republican or Democrat, Man or Woman; the focus is not who/what/where/when/how, the focus is Jesus.

Dave discusses the 6 distinctives of Blue Ocean:

1. Our primary framework is SOLUS JESUS.
2. Our primary metaphor is CENTERED-SET.
3. Our approach to spiritual development is CHILDLIKE FAITH.
4. Our approach to controversial issues is THIRD WAY.
5. Our approach to other churches is ECUMENICAL.
6. Our approach to secular culture is JOYFUL ENGAGEMENT.

Blue Ocean Faith is a great book for those who are curious about Jesus. Blue Ocean Faith is an excellent book for people like me who are so frustrated with how Western Christianity is represented lately. In a time when I am considering giving up the practice of organized religion, Blue Ocean Faith is showing me there is a way to live out compassion: Just follow Jesus. What a novel idea.

Links discussed:

• Blue Ocean Faith, by Dave Schmelzer
• Blue Ocean Faith Website
• Blue Ocean Faith Facebook page

Jason Stellman is drunk. Probably. Maybe. I mean, he does label himself AND his podcast as such. He used to be in ministry. Therefore, he’s a drunk ex-pastor.

Jason’s book, Misfit Faith, is a collection of thoughts about God. Not the “Evangelical” God or the “Catholic” God or the “Protestant” God; just God who loves us. All of us.

Jason and I talk about Rich Mullins, 80s sitcoms, xenophobia, and the Bible. Listen to our conversation, then pick up the book. It’s a perfect read for those who know God isn’t a courtroom judge, but a father who invites you into his living room. (You’ll understand after you listen.)

*NSFW and Not-Kid Friendly language on this one. 

Links Discussed:

• Misfit Faith: Confessions of a Drunk Ex-Pastor
• Jason Stellman’s website
• Drunk Ex-Pastors website
• Jason’s Facebook Page

Christine Marchetta can help you communicate with loved ones who have passed from this life. And she may make you laugh while doing it.

I have to admit, I don’t know a lot about the Medium profession, contacting those who have died or “spirit guides”. After chatting with Christine, my mind has opened to the possibilities.

Listen to the conversation and hear us chat about:

• life and death
• God
• her parents
• her sister and my friend, Catherine
• taking time to slow down and notice what is happening around us

If you want to know more about Christine or have questions, you can find her on her Facebook page or check out her website at ChristineMarchetta.com 

Maggie Rowe was going to hell.

At least that’s what she told herself. From a young age, Maggie couldn’t tell if she loved God enough to save her soul.

Publisher’s Weekly endorsed, “Rowe’s fantastic book is a born-again version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” You need no more explanation from me.

Listen to Maggie comically share about her time in a Christian rehab center; a place where some of the therapists were determined to change the person you were born to be. Then pick up her book and read in detail what caused Maggie to Sin Bravely.

Links Discussed

• Sin Bravely
• MaggieRoweAuthor.com
• Hollywood Hellhouse (Because I said I’d link to it. I’m so glad I did not know what these were!)

Reading a book about depression and mental illness isn’t a first choice for someone who suffers from depression herself. Crossing Myself: A Story of Spiritual Rebirth isn’t about darkness, but rather the light of what Greg Garrett sees in community, history, music, and service.

Greg’s voice throughout his story will make you think, will make you laugh, and maybe even reach out to someone to say, “I love you.”

Greg and I chatted for a bit about depression and suicidal thoughts, but also:

• The Matrix
• The Black Panther and Thor
• Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Who gets “space at the table”
• U2
• Zombies

So, basically your everyday conversation about Christian living. Enjoy the episode – then check out Greg’s author page, pick up Crossing Myself, and pre-order his book about the living dead (you know you want to.)

Links discussed:

• Crossing Myself: A Story of Spiritual Rebirth
• Greg Garrett author page

Yes. I know. This would have been much more rad if it were “Episode 4”. It’s not.

However, I do have “a new hope” for the latest direction of this podcast. I hope you like it and are ready to expand your boundaries.

Life is different for me than it was a few months ago. I need my podcast to reflect that. Welcome to “Pieces of Faith.”

*Artwork by Doug Blair. He’s genius.