First Shallowater: FIRST THINGS FIRST

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Danielle Rendon

So many of us know how it feels to face rejection, abandonment. We know how it feels to struggle with anxiety, to question our self-worth and doubt the goodness of God. This week on the podcast we get to talk to Danielle Rendon. We talk about raising boys, White Sands New Mexico, surviving parenthood and sleep deprivation. We also talk about addiction, about abandonment, about fear and about the steadfast mercy of God. Danielle's story is going to encourage you. Check it out now!
For more information about First Shallowater, click here.
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FIRST THINGS FIRST: Kyla Hamilton

Sometimes God uses really difficult and tragic circumstances to reveal His mercy, and to draw us close to him. This week on the podcast we welcome Kyla Hamilton. We talk about teenagers, farming, Alabama (the band) and cows. We also talk about falling in love, finding Jesus, facing tragedy and raising a family. We had a lot of fun hanging out and you will really enjoy and be encouraged by how God has been at work in Kyla's life.
For more information about First Shallowater, click here.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Clinton Lowin

 There are a whole lot of people in the world who have been greatly influenced by the life and ministry of Dr. Clinton Lowin, including many people in Shallowater. Dr. Lowin was interim pastor at First Shallowater, and there are so many people at our church who were blessed by his wisdom, humility and desire to serve. This week we sit down for a conversation with Dr. Clinton Lowin. We talk about volleyball, pizza, Taco Villa, ski trips and growing up in West Texas. We also talk about ministry, about faith, about learning to walk in humility with God, about following God's call on our lives even when that means moving WAY outside of our comfort zone. Dr. Lowin shares some awesome truth with us that will encourage and inspire you.
For more information about First Shallowater, click here.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Skylah Hoffman

Being a mom is tough. Balancing all of the demands of caring for a growing family with the work it takes to build, to maintain, to grow a healthy marriage is not easy. This week on the podcast we welcome Skylah Hoffman. We talk about basketball, young love, raising kids, and West Texas. We also talk about the importance of family, finding purpose and the challenge of connecting with your spouse in the middle of the craziness of raising a family. Skylah has so many encouraging things to share, particularly with young mothers, in this podcast episode. Take a listen, and share it with someone you know.
For more information about First Shallowater, click here.
You can find out more about Jennie Allen and her new book, Find Your People, by clicking here.
Want to know more about IF:Gathering? Click here.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Ann Marie Molina

Since we've been talking about commitments we make that help to insure successful, healthy marriages, this conversation with Ann Marie is timed perfectly. We talk about growing up in a small town, raising boys, and type 1 diabetes. We also talk about facing adversity in our marriages, learning to place our trust in God and figuring out how to love others selflessly, like Jesus. You are going to really appreciate Ann Marie's openness, her sincere faith and her love for her family.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Maddox Phillips

To say that Maddox Phillips is "relentlessly positive" may actually be a bit of an understatement. When you hang out with Maddox, you can't help but be impressed by his optimism, his care for others, his outlook even in the face of adversity. Of course, it's not easy for him, or anyone really, to maintain that, especially when life gets particularly tough or when people are particularly mean. This conversation with Maddox is so encouraging, though, because he steadfastly chooses to believe the best about others, and because steadfastly refuses to allow challenges to slow him down. In our conversation we talk about youth camp, friendship, school and football. We also talk about overcoming challenges, recovering from injury, growing closer to God and responding in love when people say mean things. There's something for everyone in this episode, and Maddox is a truly special young man.
For more information about our church, First Shallowater, click here.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Ernest Hopkins

Every now and then, you meet someone, and as soon as you meet them, you know that you are going to be friends. Ernest Hopkins is one of those people. Everyone who meets him feels like they are his best friend. He has a unique talent for making people feel accepted, seen, loved. During the five years that he served as Associate Pastor at First Shallowater, he made a huge impact on the lives of a lot of people, and he and his family are remembered fondly for their time here. Ernest joins the podcast this week and we talk about family, military service, grandkids and the joys of ministry. We also talk about grief, loss, race and God' guidance and provision. If you know Ernest Hopkins, you love him. If you don't know him, you are going to love this episode and, I promise, by the end of it, you will love him too.
For more information about First Shallowater, click here.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Rodney Vincent

There are people in our lives who profoundly change our course because of their faithfulness, their compassion and their sincere commitment to Christ. Rodney Vincent is now, and has been for a long time, one of those people for a lot of folks. During his 20+ years of coaching, Rodney has influenced countless young people to work hard, dream big, be team players, and to follow Christ. On this episode, though, he talks about the people in his life who did that for him. You are going to love hearing these stories and getting to know Coach Vincent a little bit better.
For more information about First Shallowater, click here.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Kerry Sarchet

Only a really special person would choose to spend the bulk of their career working with middle school students. Kerry Sarchet is one of those people. We talk about sports, kids, family, band, E-Harmony and small town America. We also talk about loss, grief, parenting, and the steadfast love of God. Check out Kerry's encouraging story.
For more information about our church, First Shallowater, click here.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Charity Sparks

Have you ever felt like life pulled the rug out from under you; like in a single, gut wrenching moment everything changed? How do we respond in those moments, and how do we walk through the aftermath. This week on the podcast Charity Sparks joins us. We talk about the Lone Star State, yo yos, magicians, big moves and new places. We also talk about trusting God, depression, suicide, family and the hope and peace that can only be found in the presence of God. You are going to be encouraged by Charity's story.
For more information about First Shallowater, click here.
Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer