Rise & Shine

This is just me sharing about moving forward in spite of the hard chaos of today.

Tressa & Garth Bellows have navigated every parent's worst nightmare - the 2020 drowning death of their 22 year-old daughter Abigael. Tressa's light shines brightly in this conversation even in the midst of unthinkable grief. Let us listen and learn how to love & support one another in the hardest of times.

Maria Banks works for the Chambersburg Area School District with students who need extra support, help, guidance, and grace. May this conversation enlighten, encourage, and challenge you to see and hear beyond what you see and hear.

John & Ruth went to South Africa with Operation Christmas Child in June. What an adventure, what a learning experience, and what a wake-up call to the conditions of poverty so many children live in today. And yet . . . JOY!

Enjoy this update from Adam Keath on his work as a shepherd with Standing Stone Ministry. Adam's first podcast was on September 4, 2025 entitled, "Navigating Transitions." 

Listen to updates on several of our past guests (including the Buchers and their new non-profit) and learn about the non-profit Luminest with my guest Dave Keller!

Enjoy this update from Jimmy & Wendy Herbert about life with 'Ruth,' Jimmy's prosthetic leg. Go back to Episode #6 on August 15, 2025 to hear part one: 9/11, Path Valley, & Ruth. 

Wow! What an education on how to gain and use points for traveling for very little cash all over the world! Enjoy and take some notes from Rev. Scott Bowerman - a real life travel hacker!!

Carla Christian, the Chambersburg YMCA Executive Director is now a member of Fling Golf Team USA - heading to compete in London in August. How cool is that?

Here's a short update on what's going on with the podcast, what to look forward to, and what's happening with me professionally and personally! Thanks for listening!

In this conversation with Marcie Ditzler Taylor, I learned about Drew's Hope and the Drew Michael Taylor Foundation that was founded to help grieving children and their families - but has expanded to help so many different 'kinds' of grievers. I'm so thankful for such a rich resource for our communities.

This conversation with Mike Yasenchak taught me so much about our American cemeteries in foreign lands. What a life he has lived so far!

I loved this conversation with my friends John & Ruth Mitchell - talking about the generous ministry opportunities God has given to them. I hope you love it too!

Do you know Scott Brown? You might...but you probably know him as Bubba! He is the CEO of Uprise Festival held each September in Shippensburg, PA. His life is a redemption story!  

I loved this conversation with Ben Raber, Executive Director at NETwork Ministries in Chambersburg. There is so much good in the world. We just have to be intentional about looking for it!

Take a deep breath before listening to this interview with Tricia Koons Maciejewski, mom of Levi, who died on August 20, 2024. Go to www.livelikelevifoundation.org to learn more and offer support.

This is a great conversation with dear friend Sherrie McClearly who is living a beautiful life in the season of retirement. Whether you're there yet or not, Sherrie's words will impact you and help you live generously!

Join me as I learn about OSI, Inc. in Chambersburg from Executive Director Michelle Lane and Client Services Manager Marissa Flood. It's more than you think!

Join me for an honest, insightful, encouraging, faith-filled conversation with business-owner, wife, mom, step-mom, and cancer survivor Laura Nicklas Sponseller.  

Shepherds, Angels, and To All a Goodnight

My 9-year-old granddaughter compares two different homeschool programs. 

An interview with 3rd generation confectioner, Tony Pananes. Shout out to the 12-14 part-time and 4 full time employees of the Olympia Candy Kitchen in downtown Chambersburg!

An interview with Dawn Johnson, creator of The Holding Space community. Dawn is a beautiful Christian woman, wife, mom, friend, and humble leader. Listen and learn. 

The Cumberland Valley School of Music is starting its 36th year! Hear what's going on in 2025 from Executive Director Heather McEndree and consider how you can be part of it!

I was honored to hear about King Street Church's Agape English Ministry from Sue Marshall. Wherever you live, this is an important and vital way to help new neighbors from other countries. 

Oh boy. This is nothing but real. If you have anyone in your circle who struggles with addiction, this is for you.

It's just me, thinking out loud.

Rising and shining in the midst of griefwork is not easy. But they are doing it, day by day, family by family, hospital by hospital. Learn about Sweet Grace Ministries from the determined staff member duo of Katy Boozer Dortenzo and Vanessa Kalbach. 

This conversation with Adam Keath is about the messiness of life, and the persistent goodness of God.

Learning about dyslexia with Steve and Pam Bucher.

Join me for an important conversation about faith and perseverance with Jimmy & Wendy Herbert from Fannettsburg, PA. 

Welcome to this interview with Angela Lynch and Anne Boryan with the Chambersburg Area Education Foundation. They are doing great things to help others rise and shine!

The challenges and blessings of starting something new.

My first interview starring Carla Shearer Christian, YMCA Executive Director

The inaugural episode - who, what, when, how, & why.