Humorously, God used Paulina’s phobias and superstitions to point her toward His trustworthiness during a very upsetting time in her life. That is just one of the EXTRAordinary stories told by this Latina Spanish teacher. To be around Paulina is to be delighted by her laugh, positivity, endearing accent, strong belief, and compassionate heart. It’s easy to see why this “Mama Llama” is loved by her students.

Included in this podcast is Proverbs 3:5-6:" Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Bob encourages us that even though we all have "hurts, hang-ups, and habits," Jesus is right there with us to help us and grow us. Bob shares insights gained from Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step ministry he led at his church. He also shares the joys of leading a gratitude class at his local rescue mission and talks candidly about codepency and an alcoholic dad, marriage counseling, emotional maturity, and intentional discipleship. So many gems!

Show Notes:

*Bob references Nick Vujicic's talk about bullying: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l91cgdFCkJ0

*He also mentions the Bible Project videos: https://bibleproject.com/

*Ellen recommends the book, Crucial Conversations: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High.

Susan is a life coach, grief specialist, and counselor who, as an adopted only child, had to come to grips with difficult circumstances in her family and devastating truths about her family of origin. She tells us about these experiences and how God recently and unexpectedly infused her story with love and hope. In addition, she provides heartfelt insights for those who have been adopted (at 15:55) and helpful advice about how to talk with sensitivity to those who are adopted (at 17:45).

Susan's website and contact information can be found at ⁠https://www.walkingalongside.me/⁠

Susan mentions two books she has written (at 29:05). The first is Out of Breath, a psychological thriller (warning: adult content due to its subject matter of addiction and the death of a child.)

https://www.amazon.com/Out-Breath-Susan-Salluce/dp/0578090929

Her second book is a collection of stories about people who get grief tattoos: griefINK: Tattoo as the Language of Grief at https://www.amazon.com/griefINK-Tattoo-as-Language-Grief/dp/1519159870