First Shallowater: FIRST THINGS FIRST

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
 

FIRST THINGS FIRST: D’Neise Laverty

Sometimes, when we are going through really hard things, it's difficult for us to imagine how God might be at work. It's only when we look back at our experiences that we see evidence of his handiwork. This week, we welcome D'Neise Laverty to the podcast. We talk about Hallmark movies, small towns, West Texas people, and great churches. We also talk about abandonment, addiction, losing a loved one and the relentless grace of God. You are going to love hearing from D'Neise.
If you would like more information about our church, First Shallowater, click here.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Cayenne Williams

This week on the podcast we sit down with Cayenne Williams for a conversation about family, college life, friendships, youth group and dating. We also talk about faith, purpose, foster care and adoption. If you ever worry about the future of our world as today's young people move into positions of leadership, then you need to listen to this episode. Cayenne is a great example of a young person with a desire to serve others, to be used by God to make a difference in the world. Grab your favorite teenager and listen together!
For more information about our church, click here.
Cayenne mentioned Amarillo Angels. Make sure you check out their website to discover more ways to help foster families in our area.
Also, our church works really closely with Texas Girls and Boys Ranch. Check out their volunteer opportunities.
Want to email Cayenne? Here's her address: caywill20@gmail.com

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Deanna Harville

When we are facing something really big and scary, our faith can be what sustains us. Hearing from people who have walked through those situations, who are positive and centered in spite of everything, can be really helpful. That is who Deanna Harville is. This week on the podcast, Deanna and I talk about homemade ice cream, second chances, cancer, faith and the difference that the love of a good husband can make. Tune in and keep the Kleenex handy! You're going to love hearing what Deanna has to share!
For more information about First Shallowater, head over to our website.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: The Media Episode

Summer is here! That means trips, vacations, hopefully a little more downtime hanging out beside a pool. You are probably looking for a new show or a new movie to watch. You might also be on the hunt for some new music, or a new book, or maybe even another podcast to listen to. We've got you covered! Brad, Annie and Carsen discuss what they have been watching, reading and listening to with a particular focus on how those things have caused them to think about faith. So, dive into summer with some new entertainment options!
For more information about First Shallowater, check out our website!
Here are some links to some of the things we mention in this episode:
Don't Give the Enemy A Seat at Your Table - Louie Giglio
Peace Like a River - Leif Enger
Uninvited - Lysa TerKeurst
John Adams - David McCullough
Blink - Malcolm Gladwell
Holier Than Thou - Jackie Hill Perry

First Things First: Dora Potter

Sometimes, in our lives, we run up against obstacles. The obstacles can seem really big, insurmountable even. With Christ, though, we are able to move through, and even grow stronger from the obstacles that we find in our path. This week, our guest on the podcast is Dora Potter. We talk about "hayseed," working with students, living in Hawaii and growing up on a farm. We also talk about raising children, blended families, losing loved ones and learning to trust Christ through it all. You'll love hearing the wisdom that Dora has to share.
For more information about our church, click here.