1 00:00:08,217 --> 00:00:09,657 Speaker 1: Life Audio. 2 00:00:11,257 --> 00:00:13,917 Speaker 2: Whether you're new to prayer or have been praying for years, 3 00:00:14,177 --> 00:00:17,657 Speaker 2: the Jesus Listens by Sarah Young devotional empowers you to 4 00:00:17,697 --> 00:00:21,117 Speaker 2: draw near to God daily. Now, you can find this 5 00:00:21,177 --> 00:00:25,357 Speaker 2: beloved book in a deluxe pink leather-soft edition with elegant 6 00:00:25,457 --> 00:00:29,557 Speaker 2: foil accents, making it both a beautiful keepsake and a 7 00:00:29,577 --> 00:00:35,337 Speaker 2: meaningful gift. Inside, you'll find 365 days of of Bible-based prayers, 8 00:00:35,797 --> 00:00:40,187 Speaker 2: scripture references, and a ribbon marker, perfect for quiet moments 9 00:00:40,196 --> 00:00:43,107 Speaker 2: at home or prayer on the go. Look for it 10 00:00:43,307 --> 00:00:44,307 Speaker 2: wherever you buy books. 11 00:00:47,567 --> 00:00:50,086 Speaker 3: Just being Christians in the hockey world, it's also just 12 00:00:50,107 --> 00:00:53,947 Speaker 3: the daily commitment to living out that saying of, hey, 13 00:00:54,007 --> 00:00:56,387 Speaker 3: we love Jesus, and that's first and foremost, but we also, 14 00:00:56,987 --> 00:00:58,627 Speaker 3: God has given us the ability to play hockey, and 15 00:00:58,647 --> 00:01:00,107 Speaker 3: so we want to play hockey and use it for 16 00:01:00,147 --> 00:01:00,647 Speaker 3: His glory. 17 00:01:02,047 --> 00:01:05,077 Speaker 2: Welcome to the Jesus Calling Podcast. This week we hear 18 00:01:05,097 --> 00:01:09,337 Speaker 2: from hockey-playing brothers Jacob and Josiah Slavin. Jacob, a veteran 19 00:01:09,377 --> 00:01:12,777 Speaker 2: defenseman for the Carolina Hurricanes, Josiah, now playing for the 20 00:01:12,817 --> 00:01:15,957 Speaker 2: Chicago Wolves in the same organization. They share about the 21 00:01:16,017 --> 00:01:19,077 Speaker 2: night they finally played in an NHL game together after 22 00:01:19,117 --> 00:01:21,597 Speaker 2: dreaming about it since childhood and how they keep their 23 00:01:21,637 --> 00:01:25,677 Speaker 2: personal convictions strong in a challenging environment. Next, we'll hear 24 00:01:25,717 --> 00:01:29,697 Speaker 2: from Sarah McDaniel, whose marriage fell apart around age 32, 25 00:01:29,697 --> 00:01:32,797 Speaker 2: leaving her angry at God. She shares how a cottage 26 00:01:32,877 --> 00:01:36,227 Speaker 2: in Minden, Louisiana, and the social media account she started 27 00:01:36,267 --> 00:01:39,507 Speaker 2: to document its transformation became a place to talk about 28 00:01:39,547 --> 00:01:42,127 Speaker 2: her story and how she held on to hope through 29 00:01:42,147 --> 00:01:44,607 Speaker 2: her father's death and the health scare and job loss 30 00:01:44,747 --> 00:01:47,827 Speaker 2: that followed. Let's begin with the Slavin brothers. 31 00:01:53,647 --> 00:01:57,857 Speaker 4: My name is Josiah Slavin, and we are both professional 32 00:01:57,917 --> 00:02:00,557 Speaker 4: hockey players. I play for the Chicago Wolves in the 33 00:02:00,677 --> 00:02:02,117 Speaker 4: Carolina Hurricanes organization. 34 00:02:02,657 --> 00:02:05,457 Speaker 3: And then my name is Jacob Slavin. I am Josiah's 35 00:02:05,537 --> 00:02:08,957 Speaker 3: older brother. We have four siblings. We all played hockey. 36 00:02:09,357 --> 00:02:11,936 Speaker 3: And like Joe said, he's a professional hockey player, so 37 00:02:11,957 --> 00:02:14,787 Speaker 3: am I. I've been with the Carolina Hurricanes for 11 38 00:02:14,787 --> 00:02:18,477 Speaker 3: years now, going into my 12th year. And last year, 39 00:02:18,507 --> 00:02:20,947 Speaker 3: Joe and I got to play our first NHL regular 40 00:02:20,967 --> 00:02:22,487 Speaker 3: season game together, and it was super special. 41 00:02:26,967 --> 00:02:29,027 Speaker 4: Growing up with five kids in a house and we 42 00:02:29,047 --> 00:02:32,147 Speaker 4: all played the same sport, things were very competitive. We 43 00:02:32,167 --> 00:02:34,047 Speaker 4: all wanted to beat each other in whatever it is 44 00:02:34,087 --> 00:02:34,587 Speaker 4: we were doing. 45 00:02:34,607 --> 00:02:38,627 Speaker 1: We were a competitive household. Everything was sports. 46 00:02:39,527 --> 00:02:41,847 Speaker 3: Even if it was who got the biggest cookie for 47 00:02:41,907 --> 00:02:44,526 Speaker 3: dessert that night, it was a competition to see who 48 00:02:44,547 --> 00:02:45,407 Speaker 3: would get the biggest cookie. 49 00:02:45,427 --> 00:02:47,027 Speaker 1: And so we had so much fun growing up in 50 00:02:47,067 --> 00:02:47,467 Speaker 1: our house. 51 00:02:47,527 --> 00:02:51,637 Speaker 4: And our dad, just every morning before school, he would 52 00:02:51,677 --> 00:02:54,057 Speaker 4: be at the table in the same spot every single day, 53 00:02:54,077 --> 00:02:56,597 Speaker 4: just reading his Bible in front of us and as 54 00:02:56,617 --> 00:02:59,697 Speaker 4: a little boy or a teenage boy growing up as well. 55 00:02:59,917 --> 00:03:01,457 Speaker 4: You just wanted to be like your dad and you 56 00:03:01,477 --> 00:03:04,337 Speaker 4: wanted to pull out your Bible and read next to him. 57 00:03:04,477 --> 00:03:06,817 Speaker 4: And I think that was the biggest way that faith 58 00:03:06,857 --> 00:03:08,027 Speaker 4: stuck in my life. 59 00:03:08,647 --> 00:03:10,547 Speaker 3: He set that example for us of what it looks 60 00:03:10,587 --> 00:03:14,207 Speaker 3: like to still actively have a relationship with God while also. 61 00:03:14,447 --> 00:03:18,807 Speaker 4: Trying to manage a busy life. Jesus Calling, our mom, 62 00:03:18,867 --> 00:03:20,727 Speaker 4: I think, had the devotional growing up. And so we 63 00:03:20,767 --> 00:03:21,617 Speaker 4: saw her reading it. 64 00:03:22,197 --> 00:03:24,357 Speaker 3: Hockey got really busy. Like I said, we had four siblings. 65 00:03:24,377 --> 00:03:26,097 Speaker 3: We all played hockey at the same time and stuff. 66 00:03:26,467 --> 00:03:27,917 Speaker 3: We kind of had to figure out what it looked 67 00:03:27,947 --> 00:03:31,496 Speaker 3: like to be Christians while also playing hockey too. 68 00:03:33,477 --> 00:03:36,297 Speaker 1: Once I moved away from my family into juniors and into. 69 00:03:36,177 --> 00:03:38,237 Speaker 3: Chicago when I was 17 years old is really when 70 00:03:38,277 --> 00:03:39,437 Speaker 3: I had to be like, okay, am I going to 71 00:03:39,477 --> 00:03:42,317 Speaker 3: kind of continue and follow in and just kind of 72 00:03:42,337 --> 00:03:44,737 Speaker 3: like this family faith or am I really going to make. 73 00:03:44,597 --> 00:03:47,307 Speaker 1: It my own relationship with Jesus? I knew who Jesus was. 74 00:03:47,367 --> 00:03:49,287 Speaker 1: I knew what he had done for me on the cross. 75 00:03:49,347 --> 00:03:51,927 Speaker 3: But at the same time, it was a very shallow 76 00:03:51,967 --> 00:03:54,567 Speaker 3: relationship with Jesus in the sense that it was very workspace. 77 00:03:54,587 --> 00:03:56,637 Speaker 3: So when I moved to Chicago, We had a great 78 00:03:56,657 --> 00:04:00,657 Speaker 3: chaplain named Alex. There was a chaplain through Hockey Ministries International. 79 00:04:01,077 --> 00:04:04,217 Speaker 3: Josiah had Alex when he was in Chicago. And so 80 00:04:04,337 --> 00:04:06,817 Speaker 3: Alex has been instrumental in both of our faiths. But 81 00:04:07,117 --> 00:04:10,177 Speaker 3: first year being in Chicago, he really discipled me. And 82 00:04:10,377 --> 00:04:12,057 Speaker 3: I really learned what it meant to have my own 83 00:04:12,097 --> 00:04:14,697 Speaker 3: personal relationship with Jesus and truly walk with Jesus and 84 00:04:15,237 --> 00:04:17,217 Speaker 3: in freedom of what Jesus has done for us. 85 00:04:21,976 --> 00:04:24,116 Speaker 4: I kind of have a similar story as Jacob, where 86 00:04:24,176 --> 00:04:27,436 Speaker 4: I didn't really learn about having a relationship with Jesus 87 00:04:27,496 --> 00:04:30,397 Speaker 4: until I moved out to play junior hockey. That first 88 00:04:30,436 --> 00:04:32,936 Speaker 4: year in Kearney, Nebraska, I joined a Bible study and 89 00:04:32,957 --> 00:04:35,017 Speaker 4: the guy who was leading told me about how he 90 00:04:35,376 --> 00:04:36,856 Speaker 4: prays at Center Ice after games. 91 00:04:37,337 --> 00:04:38,457 Speaker 1: That really convicted my heart. 92 00:04:38,597 --> 00:04:40,616 Speaker 4: And I was like, I would enjoy praying at Center 93 00:04:40,676 --> 00:04:43,176 Speaker 4: Ice after games just to be able to give God. 94 00:04:43,037 --> 00:04:45,136 Speaker 1: The glory and just thank him for letting me. 95 00:04:45,376 --> 00:04:47,197 Speaker 4: Be able to play this game. So the first year 96 00:04:47,236 --> 00:04:49,966 Speaker 4: that I was in Kearney, Nebraska, it was completely fine. 97 00:04:50,226 --> 00:04:52,226 Speaker 4: No one ever said anything about it. But then when 98 00:04:52,246 --> 00:04:54,707 Speaker 4: I went back for my second year, the GM told 99 00:04:54,787 --> 00:04:56,887 Speaker 4: me and one other kid on our team that was 100 00:04:56,926 --> 00:04:58,426 Speaker 4: praying at center ice, he said, I don't want you 101 00:04:58,447 --> 00:05:01,616 Speaker 4: guys doing that anymore. You can pray off the ice, whatever, 102 00:05:01,697 --> 00:05:04,397 Speaker 4: but I don't want you praying at center ice. And 103 00:05:05,037 --> 00:05:08,217 Speaker 4: that really convicted me because I was like, no, this 104 00:05:08,296 --> 00:05:09,996 Speaker 4: is kind of what God's been calling. 105 00:05:09,757 --> 00:05:10,176 Speaker 5: Me to do. 106 00:05:10,277 --> 00:05:13,787 Speaker 4: And I had conversations with Jacob and my other mentors 107 00:05:13,827 --> 00:05:17,217 Speaker 4: about it, but I just, I was like, God is 108 00:05:17,277 --> 00:05:19,736 Speaker 4: convicting my heart that he wants me to continue doing this. 109 00:05:19,837 --> 00:05:21,976 Speaker 4: And so the first preseason game that next year, I 110 00:05:22,597 --> 00:05:24,416 Speaker 4: took a couple other guys and we prayed at center 111 00:05:24,496 --> 00:05:27,517 Speaker 4: ice and a week later I was traded. And so 112 00:05:27,796 --> 00:05:30,856 Speaker 4: when I got to Lincoln, Nebraska, where I got traded to, 113 00:05:30,887 --> 00:05:33,507 Speaker 4: it was another decision I had to make whether I 114 00:05:33,527 --> 00:05:34,506 Speaker 4: was going to keep doing. 115 00:05:34,306 --> 00:05:34,647 Speaker 1: It or not. 116 00:05:35,366 --> 00:05:38,666 Speaker 4: But I ultimately followed the conviction that God put on 117 00:05:38,686 --> 00:05:41,487 Speaker 4: my heart and decided that I was going to keep 118 00:05:41,527 --> 00:05:44,936 Speaker 4: praying at center ice and thankfully, the team in Lincoln, 119 00:05:45,176 --> 00:05:47,496 Speaker 4: they were very okay with me praying at center ice. 120 00:05:47,556 --> 00:05:49,397 Speaker 4: And so I was able to keep doing that. And 121 00:05:49,556 --> 00:05:52,256 Speaker 4: I've actually been doing it throughout the rest of my career. 122 00:05:52,457 --> 00:05:54,317 Speaker 4: And I still do it after games, even at the 123 00:05:54,356 --> 00:05:57,337 Speaker 4: pro level. And so it's been a blessing that I've 124 00:05:57,397 --> 00:05:59,997 Speaker 4: been able to go this far and just really just 125 00:06:00,087 --> 00:06:02,087 Speaker 4: being able to give God the glory. 126 00:06:01,866 --> 00:06:04,027 Speaker 1: After games and still be able to pray at center ice. 127 00:06:07,087 --> 00:06:10,246 Speaker 3: I'm one of Josiah's biggest fans and watching his career 128 00:06:10,267 --> 00:06:12,657 Speaker 3: and And the work that he's put in, and obviously 129 00:06:12,676 --> 00:06:14,717 Speaker 3: I'm five years older than him. And so I've been 130 00:06:14,757 --> 00:06:16,937 Speaker 3: able to watch a lot of his hockey and see 131 00:06:16,957 --> 00:06:19,557 Speaker 3: the way he's progressed. And to finally be able to 132 00:06:19,577 --> 00:06:21,897 Speaker 3: play together last year was something that was so special. 133 00:06:22,197 --> 00:06:24,217 Speaker 3: I know my mom and dad have been waiting for 134 00:06:24,257 --> 00:06:26,717 Speaker 3: that moment to happen. And so when Joe signed the 135 00:06:26,976 --> 00:06:29,717 Speaker 3: Hurricanes two full seasons ago now, that was the dream. 136 00:06:29,736 --> 00:06:31,497 Speaker 3: It was like, okay, this is it. We're finally going 137 00:06:31,517 --> 00:06:32,856 Speaker 3: to get to play together. Because growing up, we never 138 00:06:32,897 --> 00:06:35,277 Speaker 3: got to play together. So when that game finally came, 139 00:06:35,296 --> 00:06:37,916 Speaker 3: it was against Utah. And my parents were able to 140 00:06:37,936 --> 00:06:40,717 Speaker 3: come out. My sister and her husband came out. And 141 00:06:40,976 --> 00:06:43,097 Speaker 3: one of Joe's best friends from childhood came out. And 142 00:06:43,116 --> 00:06:44,226 Speaker 3: so it was one of those things that was just 143 00:06:44,616 --> 00:06:47,436 Speaker 3: so fun because the family's there with us. We're enjoying it. 144 00:06:48,287 --> 00:06:50,967 Speaker 3: And I think the moment we could both take it 145 00:06:51,007 --> 00:06:52,947 Speaker 3: for what it was, which was an awesome moment that 146 00:06:52,986 --> 00:06:56,267 Speaker 3: God just kindly gave us. And we were just able 147 00:06:56,306 --> 00:06:58,147 Speaker 3: to enjoy it and be able to be out on 148 00:06:58,166 --> 00:06:59,907 Speaker 3: the ice for a couple shifts together, kill a couple 149 00:06:59,947 --> 00:07:02,666 Speaker 3: penalties together. I mean, just what we both dreamed about 150 00:07:02,986 --> 00:07:05,647 Speaker 3: from kids growing up. So it was a special moment 151 00:07:05,666 --> 00:07:05,967 Speaker 3: for sure. 152 00:07:07,116 --> 00:07:09,977 Speaker 1: For me, with Jacob being five years older, I've always 153 00:07:10,017 --> 00:07:11,237 Speaker 1: been trying to play catch up. 154 00:07:11,377 --> 00:07:14,387 Speaker 4: And so just for us to finally get that moment, 155 00:07:14,727 --> 00:07:16,946 Speaker 4: it took five years into my career for that moment 156 00:07:17,027 --> 00:07:20,727 Speaker 4: to become a reality. And just so thankful that God 157 00:07:20,767 --> 00:07:23,237 Speaker 4: blessed us with that moment. It really was a dream 158 00:07:23,257 --> 00:07:25,316 Speaker 4: come true because we had been dreaming about it since 159 00:07:25,377 --> 00:07:26,617 Speaker 4: kids as soon as Jacob had. 160 00:07:27,207 --> 00:07:28,547 Speaker 1: The chance to play in the NHL. 161 00:07:28,587 --> 00:07:30,397 Speaker 4: We were like, one day we want to be able 162 00:07:30,427 --> 00:07:32,937 Speaker 4: to play together. It was very special to share it 163 00:07:32,957 --> 00:07:36,397 Speaker 4: with family and friends and just each other. I remember 164 00:07:36,477 --> 00:07:38,277 Speaker 4: after the game, we gave each other the biggest hug 165 00:07:38,316 --> 00:07:39,497 Speaker 4: and it was really special. 166 00:07:41,097 --> 00:07:44,077 Speaker 2: To learn more about Jacob and Josiah Slavin, follow them 167 00:07:44,117 --> 00:07:46,227 Speaker 2: on social media and be sure to tune in to 168 00:07:46,267 --> 00:07:50,027 Speaker 2: the Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Wolves games this season. Stay 169 00:07:50,066 --> 00:07:59,297 Speaker 2: tuned to Sarah McDaniel's story after a brief message. Enjoy 170 00:07:59,417 --> 00:08:03,617 Speaker 2: abundant gratitude this fall as you reflect on God's overflowing blessings. 171 00:08:04,277 --> 00:08:08,177 Speaker 2: Jesus Calling, Harvest of Blessings, can help you focus on 172 00:08:08,197 --> 00:08:11,956 Speaker 2: your blessings and cultivate a gratitude mindset, allowing you to 173 00:08:12,017 --> 00:08:15,377 Speaker 2: center your mind more on Jesus and less on stress 174 00:08:15,457 --> 00:08:21,837 Speaker 2: and anxiety. This inspirational full-color devotional includes stunning autumn seasonal photography, 175 00:08:22,237 --> 00:08:25,597 Speaker 2: Bible verses, and words of hope from God's heart to yours, 176 00:08:26,207 --> 00:08:30,247 Speaker 2: and 50 Reflections on Gratitude, Thankfulness and God's Blessings from 177 00:08:30,327 --> 00:08:34,987 Speaker 2: Sarah Young's bestselling, Jesus Calling. This volume is perfect for 178 00:08:35,047 --> 00:08:38,507 Speaker 2: families who want to cultivate a tradition of counting blessings together, 179 00:08:38,887 --> 00:08:41,467 Speaker 2: those who are looking to deepen their experience of trusting God, 180 00:08:41,867 --> 00:08:44,447 Speaker 2: and those who want to walk closely with Jesus and 181 00:08:44,487 --> 00:08:48,707 Speaker 2: begin daily habits of expressing thankfulness. Be inspired to walk 182 00:08:48,767 --> 00:08:51,787 Speaker 2: more closely with Jesus as you focus on Him and 183 00:08:51,807 --> 00:08:55,117 Speaker 2: the blessings He has put in your life. Find Jesus Calling, 184 00:08:55,417 --> 00:09:04,557 Speaker 2: Harvest of Blessings at your favorite retailer. Our next guest 185 00:09:04,617 --> 00:09:08,277 Speaker 2: is Sarah McDaniel, a real estate investor and content creator in. 186 00:09:08,237 --> 00:09:09,257 Speaker 4: Minden, Louisiana. 187 00:09:09,757 --> 00:09:12,477 Speaker 2: She bought a broken down cottage after her divorce and 188 00:09:12,497 --> 00:09:15,937 Speaker 2: began sharing how restoring the house mirrored restoring her life, 189 00:09:16,217 --> 00:09:18,547 Speaker 2: which led to a Better Homes and Gardens cover and 190 00:09:18,587 --> 00:09:21,747 Speaker 2: appearances on HTTV and Magnolia Network. 191 00:09:21,767 --> 00:09:27,027 Speaker 5: I'm Sarah McDaniel, and I am a full-time real estate 192 00:09:27,067 --> 00:09:35,247 Speaker 5: investor and content creator in Minden, Louisiana. I got married 193 00:09:35,587 --> 00:09:39,607 Speaker 5: at a very young age. I was barely 20 years old, 194 00:09:39,887 --> 00:09:43,587 Speaker 5: and I grew up in the church. I just, for 195 00:09:43,667 --> 00:09:48,516 Speaker 5: some reason, thought my entire life I should go to 196 00:09:48,557 --> 00:09:55,477 Speaker 5: high school, graduate, go to college, get married, have a career, children, retire, 197 00:09:55,597 --> 00:10:01,807 Speaker 5: and die, basically. I was on that trajectory. until things 198 00:10:01,967 --> 00:10:04,537 Speaker 5: went very, very wrong when I was about 32 years old. 199 00:10:05,877 --> 00:10:06,057 Speaker 4: Old. 200 00:10:07,197 --> 00:10:11,887 Speaker 5: I had big hopes and dreams of being a mother, 201 00:10:12,087 --> 00:10:16,447 Speaker 5: being a grandmother one day, but all of that got derailed. 202 00:10:17,157 --> 00:10:23,117 Speaker 5: When my marriage fell apart, it was absolutely devastating. And 203 00:10:23,137 --> 00:10:28,747 Speaker 5: I was completely convinced that my life was over, that 204 00:10:28,767 --> 00:10:33,307 Speaker 5: I would never be happy again. Just being completely honest, 205 00:10:33,427 --> 00:10:37,567 Speaker 5: I was very, very angry at God. I had served 206 00:10:37,627 --> 00:10:41,917 Speaker 5: Him faithfully my entire life. I'd Been on the mission 207 00:10:41,957 --> 00:10:46,817 Speaker 5: field for him, taught Sunday school, served in several different capacities. 208 00:10:47,017 --> 00:10:49,577 Speaker 5: And I was the good little Christian girl, you know, 209 00:10:49,637 --> 00:10:54,897 Speaker 5: the pastor's daughter. And this was not supposed to be 210 00:10:55,037 --> 00:11:00,287 Speaker 5: my life. So at the time, I absolutely could not 211 00:11:00,507 --> 00:11:04,517 Speaker 5: understand and fathom anything. how I would ever be happy again. 212 00:11:05,317 --> 00:11:08,427 Speaker 5: Every hope and dream I had held since I was 213 00:11:08,467 --> 00:11:11,967 Speaker 5: a little girl came crashing down. Everything I believed to 214 00:11:12,007 --> 00:11:17,526 Speaker 5: be true was over. And it was the most difficult 215 00:11:17,647 --> 00:11:22,197 Speaker 5: season of my entire life. Jesus Calling has been my 216 00:11:22,237 --> 00:11:28,467 Speaker 5: lifeline for so many years. It really became a crucial 217 00:11:28,527 --> 00:11:32,427 Speaker 5: part of my healing during my divorce. Even to this day, 218 00:11:32,447 --> 00:11:36,537 Speaker 5: it's part of my morning devotion every single day. But 219 00:11:36,617 --> 00:11:37,657 Speaker 5: I feel like Sarah. 220 00:11:39,607 --> 00:11:44,737 Speaker 5: It's uncanny how when I read this devotion, I feel 221 00:11:44,787 --> 00:11:49,277 Speaker 5: like that it was written just for me at just 222 00:11:49,397 --> 00:11:52,837 Speaker 5: the moment in time where I am. And there's obviously 223 00:11:52,937 --> 00:11:56,957 Speaker 5: like no way to explain that other than she was 224 00:11:57,057 --> 00:12:01,037 Speaker 5: God ordained to write this book. And so it has 225 00:12:01,117 --> 00:12:05,937 Speaker 5: been instrumental in my healing and continues to be instrumental 226 00:12:05,977 --> 00:12:13,237 Speaker 5: in my life all of these years later. One night 227 00:12:13,337 --> 00:12:17,247 Speaker 5: I was in Laredo, Texas, and I was having dinner 228 00:12:17,347 --> 00:12:21,447 Speaker 5: with clients and I got in my car to go 229 00:12:21,487 --> 00:12:24,817 Speaker 5: back to the hotel. And as soon as I got 230 00:12:24,837 --> 00:12:28,797 Speaker 5: in the car, I audibly heard the Lord tell me 231 00:12:28,817 --> 00:12:31,717 Speaker 5: it was time to move home to Louisiana. This was 232 00:12:31,777 --> 00:12:35,207 Speaker 5: years after my divorce had been final. I wanted to 233 00:12:35,267 --> 00:12:38,756 Speaker 5: stay in Texas where I was currently living, but he 234 00:12:39,297 --> 00:12:42,217 Speaker 5: wouldn't let me let that nudge or that notion go. 235 00:12:42,297 --> 00:12:44,917 Speaker 5: And so I began to explore, like, where would I 236 00:12:44,997 --> 00:12:49,077 Speaker 5: live if I decided to move home to Louisiana? So 237 00:12:49,237 --> 00:12:52,547 Speaker 5: fast forward about 10 months after that initial call, I 238 00:12:52,567 --> 00:13:00,317 Speaker 5: was driving through Mendon, Louisiana. And I saw this beautiful, cozy, 239 00:13:00,957 --> 00:13:04,537 Speaker 5: broken down cottage just on the edge of the historic 240 00:13:04,557 --> 00:13:08,417 Speaker 5: residential district. And all I know to say is that 241 00:13:08,607 --> 00:13:12,327 Speaker 5: I knew in that moment that that house was supposed 242 00:13:12,367 --> 00:13:16,607 Speaker 5: to be mine. There's this whole story about how I 243 00:13:16,727 --> 00:13:22,167 Speaker 5: acquired the house. It took about 22 months. It wasn't abandoned, 244 00:13:22,377 --> 00:13:25,787 Speaker 5: but no one was living there. And it had been 245 00:13:25,827 --> 00:13:29,107 Speaker 5: in the ownership of this family for about 90 years 246 00:13:29,187 --> 00:13:31,987 Speaker 5: at that time. And so they had this strong emotional 247 00:13:32,047 --> 00:13:35,787 Speaker 5: attachment to it. But basically, I just kind of wooed 248 00:13:35,907 --> 00:13:40,157 Speaker 5: and pursued them and just felt in my spirit that 249 00:13:40,197 --> 00:13:43,877 Speaker 5: this house was supposed to be mine, not understanding then 250 00:13:44,297 --> 00:13:47,197 Speaker 5: how it was going to alter the course of my life. 251 00:13:47,997 --> 00:13:52,727 Speaker 5: So eventually I get the house and I start social 252 00:13:52,767 --> 00:13:56,427 Speaker 5: media accounts and a blog, Simply Southern Cottage, just to 253 00:13:56,487 --> 00:14:00,297 Speaker 5: document the process. I thought my mom will click, my 254 00:14:00,337 --> 00:14:03,557 Speaker 5: sister will click, and the good people of Minden, Louisiana 255 00:14:03,597 --> 00:14:08,077 Speaker 5: will want to follow along. But what happened is that 256 00:14:08,537 --> 00:14:12,837 Speaker 5: I slowly started sharing more and more about my personal journey. 257 00:14:13,417 --> 00:14:17,087 Speaker 5: And I was realizing that there was a very strong 258 00:14:17,147 --> 00:14:21,947 Speaker 5: parallel between the renovation of this house and the restoration 259 00:14:21,987 --> 00:14:26,137 Speaker 5: of my life post-divorce. And so I began opening up 260 00:14:26,197 --> 00:14:29,517 Speaker 5: about my story. And when I would talk about slowly 261 00:14:29,657 --> 00:14:33,707 Speaker 5: putting the house back together, I would draw this parallel 262 00:14:33,887 --> 00:14:37,227 Speaker 5: about how the Lord was healing my heart and slowly 263 00:14:37,247 --> 00:14:41,937 Speaker 5: putting me back together also. I remember one night I 264 00:14:42,017 --> 00:14:47,017 Speaker 5: was out in West Texas working in Midland, Odessa, and 265 00:14:47,277 --> 00:14:51,577 Speaker 5: all of a sudden my phone starts blowing up with 266 00:14:51,677 --> 00:14:55,357 Speaker 5: Instagram notifications. And I was like, what in the world 267 00:14:55,517 --> 00:14:59,247 Speaker 5: is happening here? And so when I went to check, 268 00:14:59,967 --> 00:15:04,487 Speaker 5: Better Homes and Gardens had shared my before and after. 269 00:15:04,587 --> 00:15:08,167 Speaker 5: And it was the first time that a large national 270 00:15:08,247 --> 00:15:12,017 Speaker 5: magazine account shared had shared my home. And honestly, I 271 00:15:12,167 --> 00:15:16,617 Speaker 5: just could not believe it. My initial career, I was 272 00:15:16,677 --> 00:15:20,497 Speaker 5: a teacher. I later became a technology director and then 273 00:15:20,637 --> 00:15:24,767 Speaker 5: assistant principal, and then later became an educational sales rep. 274 00:15:24,787 --> 00:15:28,387 Speaker 5: But I was not an interior designer. I was not 275 00:15:28,407 --> 00:15:32,367 Speaker 5: a home renovator. I simply just took this broken down 276 00:15:32,407 --> 00:15:38,047 Speaker 5: cottage and paralleled the restoration of it alongside my wife. 277 00:15:38,067 --> 00:15:43,417 Speaker 5: And What's so crazy is that it started happening over 278 00:15:43,597 --> 00:15:48,797 Speaker 5: and over and over. Southern Living Magazine shared, then Cottages 279 00:15:48,837 --> 00:15:54,497 Speaker 5: and Bungalows shared. Eventually, I ended up with a legit 280 00:15:54,597 --> 00:15:58,517 Speaker 5: Better Homes and Gardens photo shoot. My house was actually 281 00:15:58,697 --> 00:16:01,417 Speaker 5: on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens Cottage Style. 282 00:16:02,077 --> 00:16:08,187 Speaker 5: It was all happening so incredibly fast. And I seriously 283 00:16:08,207 --> 00:16:11,067 Speaker 5: just could not believe it. I could not believe, number one, 284 00:16:11,147 --> 00:16:15,087 Speaker 5: that this little girl from Louisiana who's doing these renovations 285 00:16:15,207 --> 00:16:21,527 Speaker 5: caught the attention of magazines that noted national interior designers 286 00:16:21,807 --> 00:16:26,937 Speaker 5: are a part of. But then just realizing that the 287 00:16:26,997 --> 00:16:32,437 Speaker 5: Lord was increasing my platform so that I could continue 288 00:16:32,557 --> 00:16:37,147 Speaker 5: to tell the story of restoration and grace, hope, mercy, 289 00:16:37,227 --> 00:16:41,707 Speaker 5: and redemption, and how He can take beauty from ashes. 290 00:16:42,527 --> 00:16:46,947 Speaker 5: Slowly after the magazine attention started happening, I was on 291 00:16:46,967 --> 00:16:52,247 Speaker 5: an episode of Hometown Kickstart with HGTV. And then later, 292 00:16:52,427 --> 00:16:54,607 Speaker 5: I was on an episode of In with the Old 293 00:16:54,887 --> 00:16:59,737 Speaker 5: on Magnolia Network. Halfway through filming of our episode, I 294 00:16:59,777 --> 00:17:02,897 Speaker 5: got a call one morning from my mom that said 295 00:17:02,977 --> 00:17:08,237 Speaker 5: that my dad had collapsed. And so our world just stopped. 296 00:17:08,956 --> 00:17:11,317 Speaker 5: They lived about 45 minutes away from me. And so 297 00:17:11,337 --> 00:17:13,757 Speaker 5: I got in my car, flew up there. And long 298 00:17:13,777 --> 00:17:18,976 Speaker 5: story short, he goes out for a three-mile run literally 299 00:17:19,197 --> 00:17:23,127 Speaker 5: every day. And on his way out to a run, 300 00:17:23,197 --> 00:17:27,007 Speaker 5: he actually collapsed from a brain bleed. It was about 301 00:17:27,327 --> 00:17:31,867 Speaker 5: a two-week journey. And we did end up losing him, unfortunately, 302 00:17:32,027 --> 00:17:36,557 Speaker 5: right in the middle of filming that episode. And I 303 00:17:36,597 --> 00:17:41,897 Speaker 5: was so just taken aback by how the production team 304 00:17:42,017 --> 00:17:46,307 Speaker 5: handled that entire situation. Not that I expected them to 305 00:17:46,367 --> 00:17:50,746 Speaker 5: handle it differently, but they were like, do whatever you 306 00:17:50,787 --> 00:17:54,767 Speaker 5: need to do. We will stop production. This is about us. 307 00:17:55,487 --> 00:18:00,107 Speaker 5: being with your family and remembering your dad and his legacy. 308 00:18:00,127 --> 00:18:05,137 Speaker 5: And they waited on me. And so if you know 309 00:18:05,177 --> 00:18:10,017 Speaker 5: my dad, he lived life to the fullest. And he 310 00:18:10,097 --> 00:18:13,907 Speaker 5: would not have wanted us to wallow in pity for 311 00:18:13,967 --> 00:18:18,707 Speaker 5: too long over him. He celebrated life. He loved others well. 312 00:18:18,967 --> 00:18:22,507 Speaker 5: And so we pretty much jumped right back into production. 313 00:18:23,267 --> 00:18:28,387 Speaker 5: But our amazing producer, Christine Johnson, who also was responsible 314 00:18:28,447 --> 00:18:32,437 Speaker 5: for writing season one of Fixer Upper, weaved in the 315 00:18:32,517 --> 00:18:35,817 Speaker 5: story of my dad into our episode. And it was 316 00:18:36,117 --> 00:18:41,337 Speaker 5: such fun. a beautiful way to honor him, to take 317 00:18:41,417 --> 00:18:45,517 Speaker 5: note of what happened during filming, but to share the 318 00:18:45,557 --> 00:18:48,937 Speaker 5: legacy that he left behind. And I could not have 319 00:18:49,237 --> 00:18:55,937 Speaker 5: asked for it to have been more beautiful. It was 320 00:18:56,057 --> 00:19:00,977 Speaker 5: very hard to cling to hope through all of these trials. 321 00:19:01,937 --> 00:19:05,216 Speaker 5: I was very upset with God for letting my marriage 322 00:19:05,277 --> 00:19:09,367 Speaker 5: fall apart. thinking my life was never going to be 323 00:19:09,447 --> 00:19:14,617 Speaker 5: happy again. But the further I got away from that 324 00:19:14,677 --> 00:19:19,577 Speaker 5: situation and the more that I leaned into Him and 325 00:19:19,597 --> 00:19:23,196 Speaker 5: His plan for my life and the promise of Romans 8, 28, 326 00:19:23,197 --> 00:19:26,147 Speaker 5: that He is going to work all things for good, 327 00:19:26,157 --> 00:19:31,667 Speaker 5: I started to realize that there is a bright side 328 00:19:31,867 --> 00:19:35,827 Speaker 5: on the other side of this pain. The divorce is 329 00:19:35,987 --> 00:19:38,847 Speaker 5: only one part of my story. I walked through a 330 00:19:38,847 --> 00:19:43,477 Speaker 5: health scare where I almost died. I lost an amazing 331 00:19:43,737 --> 00:19:49,677 Speaker 5: six-figure job unexpectedly, kind of all in sequential order. Just 332 00:19:49,717 --> 00:19:51,947 Speaker 5: when you thought the worst thing has happened to her, 333 00:19:52,727 --> 00:19:56,277 Speaker 5: something else happened, but the Lord was so faithful to 334 00:19:56,317 --> 00:20:00,297 Speaker 5: redeem and I held on to Ephesians 3 20 that 335 00:20:00,337 --> 00:20:04,667 Speaker 5: he promises infinitely and abundantly more than we can ever 336 00:20:04,907 --> 00:20:10,337 Speaker 5: ask or imagine and I He made good on that promise. 337 00:20:10,847 --> 00:20:15,527 Speaker 5: It almost sounds braggadocious about all the incredible things, but 338 00:20:15,687 --> 00:20:19,907 Speaker 5: it is totally bragging on our Father and just the 339 00:20:20,067 --> 00:20:23,587 Speaker 5: proof that He can bring a bright side to the 340 00:20:23,667 --> 00:20:30,907 Speaker 5: other side. I'm reading from Jesus Listens, November 6. Dear Jesus, 341 00:20:31,577 --> 00:20:34,657 Speaker 5: help me to lead a victorious life by living in 342 00:20:34,777 --> 00:20:39,677 Speaker 5: deep dependence on You. I used to associate victory with success, 343 00:20:40,617 --> 00:20:45,777 Speaker 5: not falling or stumbling, not making mistakes, but being successful 344 00:20:45,877 --> 00:20:49,197 Speaker 5: in my own strength made me vulnerable to going my 345 00:20:49,297 --> 00:20:53,577 Speaker 5: own way, forgetting about you. It is through problems and failure, 346 00:20:54,037 --> 00:20:57,257 Speaker 5: weakness and need that I am learning to rely on you. 347 00:20:57,917 --> 00:21:01,717 Speaker 5: I realized that true dependence is not simply asking you 348 00:21:02,337 --> 00:21:05,607 Speaker 5: to bless what I have decided to do, It involves 349 00:21:05,707 --> 00:21:09,067 Speaker 5: coming to you with an open mind and heart, inviting 350 00:21:09,127 --> 00:21:13,347 Speaker 5: you to plant your desires within me. Sometimes you instill 351 00:21:13,367 --> 00:21:15,907 Speaker 5: a dream in me that seems far beyond my reach. 352 00:21:16,967 --> 00:21:20,127 Speaker 5: I know that my own resources are inadequate for attaining 353 00:21:20,247 --> 00:21:25,157 Speaker 5: such a goal. Thus begins my journey of profound dependence 354 00:21:25,337 --> 00:21:29,037 Speaker 5: on you. It's a faith walk taken one step at 355 00:21:29,077 --> 00:21:33,177 Speaker 5: a time, leaning on you for strength and guidance. This 356 00:21:33,257 --> 00:21:36,477 Speaker 5: is not a path of continual success, but a way 357 00:21:36,697 --> 00:21:41,527 Speaker 5: of multiple failures. However, each failure is followed by a 358 00:21:41,567 --> 00:21:46,827 Speaker 5: growth spurt, nourished by increasing reliance on you. I want 359 00:21:46,867 --> 00:21:50,647 Speaker 5: to enjoy the blessedness of a victorious life by deepening 360 00:21:50,707 --> 00:21:55,057 Speaker 5: my dependence on you. In your victorious name, amen. 361 00:21:57,437 --> 00:22:02,027 Speaker 2: To learn more about Sarah McDaniel, visit simplysoutherncottage.com. And be 362 00:22:02,067 --> 00:22:04,127 Speaker 2: sure to check out her new book, The Bright Side 363 00:22:04,167 --> 00:22:07,807 Speaker 2: of the Other Side, available at your favorite retailer. If 364 00:22:07,847 --> 00:22:09,587 Speaker 2: you'd like to hear more stories about how we can 365 00:22:09,647 --> 00:22:12,917 Speaker 2: build something new after difficult times, check out our interview 366 00:22:12,957 --> 00:22:21,557 Speaker 2: with Jenny Mars. Next time on the Jesus Calling Podcast, 367 00:22:21,697 --> 00:22:24,677 Speaker 2: we hear from Chris Edmonds. Chris shares how his father, 368 00:22:24,877 --> 00:22:28,407 Speaker 2: Master Sergeant Roddy Edmonds, risked his life during World War 369 00:22:28,467 --> 00:22:31,017 Speaker 2: II when he was held as a POW And he 370 00:22:31,057 --> 00:22:35,137 Speaker 2: protected hundreds of Jewish American soldiers from being executed by 371 00:22:35,157 --> 00:22:36,157 Speaker 2: their Nazi captors. 372 00:22:37,777 --> 00:22:40,677 Speaker 6: I cherish the scripture that says all that's been accomplished, 373 00:22:40,717 --> 00:22:44,976 Speaker 6: the Lord has done, Isaiah 26.3. And I've done nothing 374 00:22:45,677 --> 00:22:49,057 Speaker 6: except try to follow God and discover what he wanted 375 00:22:49,077 --> 00:22:53,377 Speaker 6: me to know. And so everything that's happened from dad 376 00:22:53,437 --> 00:22:55,817 Speaker 6: being saved in that camp and all of his boys 377 00:22:55,857 --> 00:22:58,637 Speaker 6: getting out safe, that's all the Lord's doing. 378 00:23:04,657 --> 00:23:32,887 Speaker 2: Finally, you can find encouragement, resources, and more on the 379 00:23:32,947 --> 00:23:35,557 Speaker 2: Jesus Calling website at JesusCalling.com.