First Shallowater: FIRST THINGS FIRST

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.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Graduating Seniors Kade Smith and Samantha Thomas

As we get ready to celebrate our graduating Seniors in a little over a week, First Things First welcomes two of our seniors to the podcast. Kade Smith and Samantha Thomas drop in, and we talk about youth group, school trips, mentors and growing up. We also talk about finding faith, learning to serve God and figuring out the future. So excited about what God is doing in the lives of these two young people! you will be too!
Click here for more information about our church, First Shallowater.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Alana Hayes

Being a mom is really rewarding, really exciting, but also really hard. With Mother's Day coming up, we decided to an air an episode we recorded back in March with our friend Alana Hayes. We talk about dancing, pick up lines, marriage, morning sickness, growing up in church, farming and health inspectors. We also talk about mission, about calling, about the leadership of the Holy Spirit, about grief and loss and about living out Christ-life. You will be inspired and encouraged to hear Alana's story.
Alana's started a company, Against the Grain, to raise money for an orphanage in Nepal. Check our their stuff! You can also go to that website for tickets to A Night for Nepal.
The book, When Helping Hurts, was really impactful to Alana and she mentions it on the podcast.

Brad and Michael Answer Your Questions

Faith and life can be really confusing and we often have questions. That's especially true if you are a teenager. At our recent DNow event for our youth ministry, small groups were asked to write down questions that they had about God, faith, the Bible, life. We got LOTS of questions! We hosted a panel Q&A during DNow, but we weren't able to get to nearly all of the questions. So, we decided we'd answer a few more on the podcast this week! Our pastor, Brad Miles, and youth minister, Michael Corallo, answer some really insightful questions from some amazing students on this week's episode. Make sure you listen! They might even talk about a question that you have had!
For more information about our church, click here.

First Things First: Joe Longway

Sometimes life really wrenches us in a new direction. We didn't ask for it, certainly didn't see it coming, but we are faced with figuring out how to navigate it. This week on the podcast we get to sit down with Joe Longway. We talk about law enforcement, about the Walk to Emmaus movement, about heartbreak, divorce and seeking God when we feel lost.
For more information about First Shallowater, visit our website.
Can we pray for you? Send us your prayer requests.

First Things First: Brittany Brewer

This week on the podcast we welcome our first celebrity guest! Lady Raider Basketball legend, Brittany Brewer, join us. We talk about basketball, family, European culture, accidental memes and what its like to be a professional athlete. We also talk about toxic work environments, anxiety, fear, cancer, grief and loss. Hear Brittany share about how her faith has grown and strengthened her through it all.
Brittany recommends these books for those who are dealing with grief: Suffering Is Never for Nothing and The Hiding PlaceWe also recommend One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
For more information about First Shallowater, visit our website.
Can we pray for you? Send us your prayer requests.