A Daughter’s Journey in Faith Podcast

What melody is playing in your heart?
In this episode of A Daughter’s Journey in Faith, I read and reflect on my father’s sermon, The Melody in Your Heart, originally preached in August 2006.
Drawing from Ephesians 5 and Psalm 111, this sermon explores wisdom, worship, prayer, and the struggle to keep our hearts focused on God instead of the noise of the world around us. My father reminds us that we can become “drunk” on many things besides wine — worry, power, pain, fear, pride, and even our own struggles.
But true worship replaces the melodies of this world with a melody to the Lord.
In my reflection, I talk about prayer as conversation, my lifelong habit of making lists, and how faith can become a roadmap when life feels overwhelming.
If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, distraction, self-doubt, or simply trying to hear God through the chaos, this episode is for you.

This week on A Daughter’s Journey in Faith, I read and reflect on my father’s sermon, “Hidden Gifts,” originally preached on August 6, 2006.
Using stories about forgotten Christmas presents and unopened gifts, my dad explores a powerful truth: God has given every one of us gifts, talents, and abilities meant to be shared — not hidden away.
In this episode, we reflect on what it means to be the body of Christ, how our individual gifts strengthen community, and why so many of us hesitate to let those gifts shine.
In my reflections, I share stories about people in my own life whose gifts became visible once they felt seen, valued, or loved enough to share them. From drug court participants rebuilding their lives to a quiet church member surprising everyone with an incredible dessert, this episode is about recognizing the beauty God places inside ordinary people.
What gifts are you hiding?

This week on A Daughter’s Journey in Faith, I read and reflect on my father’s sermon, “A Tale of Two Cities,” originally preached on July 5, 2009.
Through the contrast of Jerusalem and Nazareth, this sermon asks a difficult but important question: will we choose faith or unbelief? My father explores how God calls us into relationship, not by force, but through faith freely given.
In my reflections, I share my own struggles with fear, doubt, and the overwhelming feeling that almost caused me to stop this podcast entirely. I talk about the prayer that helped calm my storm, the power of even mustard-seed-sized faith, and what it means to participate in what Jesus is already doing instead of trying to “have it all figured out” first.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your faith is enough, this episode is for you.

In this episode of A Daughter’s Journey in Faith, I reflect on my father’s sermon, “And They Laughed at Him,” originally preached on June 28, 2009, during the 4th Sunday after Pentecost.
Through the stories of Jairus’ daughter, the woman healed by faith, and the very public deaths of Ed Thomas, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson, this sermon wrestles with grief, fame, suffering, faith, and what it truly means to live.
My reflections connect this message to the lasting impact of Ed Thomas’ life and death, mental health reform, and the reminder that tomorrow is never promised.
This episode is ultimately about one question:It’s not how we die that matters most — it’s how we live.
Live with purpose.Live with love.Live with Christ in your heart.

In this episode of A Daughter’s Journey in Faith, we explore the powerful and familiar story of Jesus calming the storm from Mark 4:35–41, alongside Psalm 9:9–20. Originally preached on June 21, 2009, in a sermon titled “Asleep at the Wheel,” this message reminds us that even in life’s most chaotic and frightening moments, we are never alone.
Through a vivid retelling of the disciples’ fear in the storm, we are invited to reflect on our own journeys—the ones we didn’t choose, the ones that feel overwhelming, and the ones where God may seem silent. But is He absent…or simply at peace, fully in control?
In my reflection, I share what chaos looks like in my own life right now—balancing family, work, and uncertainty—and how this message speaks into those moments of overwhelm. This episode is a reminder that while we may not be in control of the storm, we can trust the One who is.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re in a “leaky boat,” wondering where God is in the middle of it all, this episode is for you.

In this episode of A Daughter’s Journey in Faith, I read and reflect on my father’s sermon, “All By Itself,” originally preached on June 14, 2009.
Through Jesus’ parables about seeds and the Kingdom of God, this message reminds us that God is always at work — even when we cannot see it.
My father explores how faith grows quietly, how we are called to plant seeds of hope in others, and how the Kingdom of God is not just something waiting for us in heaven… but something already near to us here and now.
This episode is a reminder not to miss the blessings, joy, and presence of Christ surrounding us every day.
The seed is growing.The Kingdom has come near.Imagine that — here and now.

In this episode of A Daughter’s Journey in Faith, I reflect on a powerful and deeply meaningful sermon my father preached for Trinity Sunday on June 7, 2009.
Through readings from Psalm 29 and John 3:1–17, we step into one of the most profound and often challenging mysteries of the Christian faith—the Trinity. How can God be both three and one? While the answer may never be fully explained in words, this sermon reminds us that the Trinity is not just a concept to understand, but a truth to experience in the depths of our hearts.
My father explores how the presence of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is woven throughout Scripture—from Genesis to the life and ministry of Jesus—and how this divine relationship reveals the very meaning of life itself: love and connection.
At the heart of this message is a simple but challenging truth:The fullness of life is found in relationship—both with God and with one another.
In my reflection, I share how this message speaks into my own life—particularly the struggles and growth that come with opening up, building relationships, and learning to forgive. These aren’t easy things, but they are essential if we are to live fully in the love God intends for us.
This episode is an invitation to:
Reflect on your relationship with God
Consider where healing and forgiveness may be needed
Take a step toward deeper connection and unity
Who are you estranged from? What is holding you back from forgiveness? And how might those barriers be keeping you from a fuller relationship with God?
Join me as we explore these questions together and continue this journey of faith.
We are on this journey together.
 

In this Pentecost Sunday episode of A Daughter’s Journey in Faith, I read and reflect on my father’s sermon, “Will You Jeer or Testify.”
Grounded in Romans 8 and Acts 2, this message explores the deep groaning we experience in a broken world—and the powerful hope we are given through the Holy Spirit. Even when life feels overwhelming, when we don’t know what to pray or how to move forward, we are not alone. The Spirit intercedes for us, connects us, and reminds us that helplessness does not have to lead to hopelessness.
In my reflection, I share how these words still ring true today, what it means to stay hopeful in difficult times, and even a personal story about being a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan as a picture of enduring hope.
Whether you’re feeling weary, searching for peace, or simply needing a reminder that you are connected to something greater, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and let the Holy Spirit meet you where you are.
 

In this new season of A Daughter’s Journey in Faith, I continue the conversation with my father through one of his sermons, this episode was originally delivered on the Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 17, 2015.
We begin with Scripture readings from Ephesians 1:15–23 and Luke 24:44–53, reflecting on Christ’s ascension and His final instructions to the disciples. The sermon, “Repentance and Forgiveness,” reminds us of the simplicity and power of the Gospel message: that through Christ’s suffering and resurrection, repentance and forgiveness are offered to all.
Through my father’s words, we are challenged to examine our hearts—what we are holding onto, where we resist forgiveness, and how unrepented sin and bitterness can weigh us down. I then share my own personal reflections on forgiveness, the struggle to let go of past hurt, and the freedom that comes when we do.
This episode is a heartfelt reminder that repentance is not just about acknowledging our sins—it’s about releasing them, forgiving others, forgiving ourselves, and opening our hearts to the love God has for us.
If you’ve ever struggled with letting go, this message is for you.
Thank you for joining me on this journey of faith.
 

In this deeply personal bonus episode of A Daughter’s Journey in Faith, I share the eulogy I wrote for my father at his funeral.
These words were written in the middle of grief, love, gratitude, and heartbreak — an attempt to honor the man whose faith, wisdom, and sermons continue to shape my life today.
This episode is not only a reflection on loss, but also on legacy, family, faith, and the lasting impact of a life devoted to God and to others.
For anyone who has loved deeply and experienced loss, I hope this episode reminds you that love continues long after goodbye.