Shaken with Steve Sunshine

Nathan Sutherland realized his compulsive video gaming had gotten to the point where he didn’t just enjoy playing, he needed to play to be okay. So he stopped. And hasn’t gone back. He’s turned it into a ministry which includes the Gospel Tech podcast, which helps guide families to healthy use of all tech. You can hear Gospel Tech right here on Purposely.

Cindy Brinker Simmons is back! Don't miss our first conversation in episode 32. This time we focused in on moving from grief to action. God wants to do something good with the thing that is causing you pain. And it's possible that the person He wants to work through is you!

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/47rPJpy

Please note that this episode includes references to the horrors of war. Listener discretion is advised.

Christians in Ukraine have come under attack by the Russian military. Karl Ahlgren has been there serving as a chaplain and has seen it first hand. He talks about the Christians in Ukraine, many of whom are courageously holding on to their faith in Jesus. You'll also hear about the new documentary film, A Faith Under Siege.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3IMBaD3 

Karl Ahlgren brings over 40 years of experience in government, politics, and advocacy. A s...

When Ashley lost her daughter Bridget to a miscarriage, it was devestating for her and her husband Matt. Since then, she has been committed to helping other moms who are grieving miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Her story, may help you work through yours.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Gy04W2

Note: Please be aware that this podcast includes descriptions of the horrors of war. Be careful of young ears around you when listening, or put your earbuds in.

Mikhail Pavenko has been serving the Ukranian military as a chaplain. Mikhail has been on the front lines of that devastating war, and has seen the horrors and the miracles up close, as he works to point those in the line of fire to Jesus. 

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4kLE0WJ

Making decisions can cause a lot of stress. Little ones like where are we going to eat tonight, or what movie do you want to watch, can be frustrating and irritating. But when there is more at stake, making a decision can cause anxiety. You so badly want to get it right. You don’t want to disappoint those around you, or worse, God. Rather than overthinking things to the point of analysis paralysis, Katie Reid has a new Bible Study called “God, What Do I do?” It’s based on the first five chapters of Judges and it’s written to...

Note: This episode contains depictions of violence and abuse. It is not recommended for kids, and listener discretion is advised.

Kimberly Haar has lived a nightmare. She was beaten and kidnapped by her ex-husband, and witnessed him shooting the man she was dating. Kimberly is sharing her story and helping others through her work as a licensed counselor, and her new book Healing from Life’s Deepest Hurts, Reclaiming Your Life After Grief, Loss, or Trauma.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3ZkM4W3

Imagine losing the person you're closest to in the whole world. That's what happened with AJ Strout when she lost her husband Steve to cancer. Where do you go from from there? How do you continue to live your life? This is AJ's story about grief and faith, and light overcoming darkness.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3S2KXGo

Has what's happened in your life up to now left you a bit perplexed? Niki Hardy, is a speaker, podcaster, and author of "God, Can We Chat? A Daringly Honest Guide to Growing Closer to God One Doubt at a Time." In this episode, we don't have the answers to things that only God knows (obviously), but we do talk about how we can respond to our doubts.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3YU1CPY

If you or someone you love has suffered from a neurological disorder, you may have asked yourself "Am I Just My Brain?" Sharon Dirckx has written a book by that name. Spoiler alert: she says the answer is no! Sharon has a PhD in Brain Imaging from Cambridge and also works with the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4jdJI2Q

Cindy Brinker Simmons is an author, businesswoman and philanthropist. She also experienced the tragedy in her life. Her response has been to help other people with practical ways to put life's pieces back together. For years to press forward, choose joy, and trust God.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3DENJhw

Adam Hannon and his wife Christina have lived every parent's worst nightmare. But what's truly remarkable about their story, is their response. If you have ever asked God "Why?" you may find some perspective in this episode.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/41t9gCN

JD King, co-author of the book Mighty Like Gideon talks about finding the courage to trust God in all circumstances.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/42P8Qri

Biblical Counselor, Scott Smith, talks about turning to scripture for help in hard times.

Steve and Pastor Elijah Shamenda wrestle with some big questions like: Why do we suffer? What causes someone to deconstruct their faith. How should we deal with doubt? And others. Elijah is lead pastor at Overflow Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4j5W2Td

For Davy Blackburn, the worst DID happen. His wife was murdered during a home invasion. Davey talks about grief, radical forgiveness, and how God can make something good out of the most awful things that happen.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3ZLNpFC

Mikhail Pavenko is a Ukrainian-born US citizen. He has lived in Washington State since he was a kid, He is also a volunteer Chaplain with the Ukrainian military. Mikhail talks about the devastation of war, the courage to persevere, the power of prayer, loving your neighbor, and even your enemy.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/494gG1x

Imagine you could take your biggest weakness, and turn it into a source of strength for other people. That’s what Kevan Chandler did. This is the uplifting story of faith, trust, ingenuity and friendship. It’s the story how We Carry Kevan has opened doors to experiences for people all over the world.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3zYZu0c

Ade Adeleke was a teenager living in Liberia when Civil War broke out and everything changed. This is the harrowing story of how God led her and her family out of war, to safety and a new life in the United States.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4dud7lZ

One question that we can't answer is why does God allow so much more suffering in some people's lives than others. Vaneetha Risner had polio as a child, was in and out of the hospital for years, was bullied in school, went through a divorce, lost a child, and now has post-polio syndrome which is a degenerative disease; And yet her relationship with God is as strong as its ever been.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3MHlzmD

Elizabeth Minikel had a friend who lost a loved one. So she wrote some encouraging letters to her. But it occurred to her that the encouragement she was giving her friend could comfort anyone in almost any situation. So, those letters became a book. In this episode, Elizabeth offers assurance that Jesus walks through our troubles with us, He is near, even when we can't sense him. He gives us strength to get through trials, and courage to share our faith with others.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4gmwKPw

Katie Matthews was in a terrifying accident as a teenager.. It left her in a coma for weeks, and then a quadriplegic. But even as Katie grew more and more angry with God, God was nowhere near done with Katie. Don't miss this extraordinary story of redemption and unexpected healing.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3WvrU9f

*This episode contains references to abuse and violence. It may not be appropriate for kids. 

John Jarman's childhood was so traumatic, that most of it has been blacked out of his memory. John tells how God used the military and a mentor to rescue him from the darkness.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4bRRYRA

Before Emily Hutchinson became known as the baker behind The Hutch Oven, she suffered the loss that a parent fears more than any other. Jenny, her beautiful baby girl died suddenly. She tells the story of how God pulled her husband and her out of the pit of despair, and showed them for them. Even for them.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3VZNjqO

Rob Roozeboom talks about how Muscular Dystrophy has affected his hopes and dreams, and how God uses us in our weaknesses and limitations.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3zkUD91

Chris Morris has battled depression and suicidal thoughts (and attempts) for most of his life. You may be surprised to know that these problems continued after he became a Christian. But Chris is redeemed, and he has dedicated his life to helping other people see that mental illness does not disqualify you from the love, mercy and grace of God.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Vw3i0W

*NOTE: This is a heads up that you might want to put ear buds in for this episode as there are topics discussed that are sensitive for...