JJLifeOnPurpose@gmail.com

https://www.youtube.com/@studio220films1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3VSfuK-27A

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In this episode, find out how Jerry's long-time dream of making movies, and Julie's job as an emergency room nurse, combine to the opening of Studio 220 Films. She initially played a role in bankrolling and making phone calls but eventually became actively involved in every aspect of the company, even having a small speaking role in their first film.

The discussion covers the challenges faced during the opening of the company, including the initial need for income through commercial work, the search for projects, and the involvement of various individuals, including first-time actors. She emphasizes their commitment to being a faith-based film company that reaches non-churched audiences.

The conversation then delves into personal aspects, such as her role as her husband's biggest cheerleader and encourager. It touches on memorable moments during the filmmaking process, including funny incidents on set and the emotional impact of certain scenes.

Julie expresses excitement about the quality of the movie and its potential impact, particularly on unchurched individuals. The episode ends with reflections on life wisdom gained from the experience, emphasizing the importance of loving and accepting people.

Finally, Julie shares her biggest regret, and why this episode is titled what it is. She acknowledges the redemptive nature of time and appreciates the wisdom gained with age. The ultimate heartstring for her is the desire for Studio 220 Films" to reach and impact many people, spreading the message of God's redemption.

In this final episode, Taylor talks about her experience of losing her Nana. She asked for a peace from God and prayed for guidance and this is what He gave her:  the scripture “Weeping may remain for the night, but joy comes in the morning”. She said she saw the words “joy in the morning” spelled out on a whiteboard, and then right under it was “joy in the mourning” and she felt like God was telling her the difference in the two spellings was the letter “U”.  This was the sign she needed…that she needed to put God in the middle of her grief to find joy in the morning.

It’s okay to grieve and feel sadness when we lose someone we love. Alec and Taylor remind us that Jesus is close to those who mourn and that He will walk us through it. Sadness is not a sin, and it’s important to allow ourselves to feel our emotions. Their experience shows us that even in the midst of grief, we can find joy by putting our faith in God.

Joy Through Adversity: A Discussion on Faith, Family, and Marriage

In this intimate discussion, I sit down with my brother-in-law Jamie, and sister-in-law Carlee, about their experiences navigating the ups and downs of marriage, health challenges and family life. They share their unique journey, from meeting and getting married within six months to sustaining their relationship through health issues and struggles. They highlight how their faith played a significant role in helping them endure these challenges, transforming their lives from simply being happy to experiencing real joy. Jamie and Carlee also details the importance of incorporating faith in their daily lives and teaching the same value to their children.

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:22 Marriage Journey: The Early Years

01:36 The Role of Pets in Family Life

05:16 Understanding Each Other: Childhood and Family Dynamics

08:44 Facing Health Challenges Together

09:09 The Power of Positivity and Support

14:24 Finding Strength in Faith

23:56 The Impact of Prayer and Faith on Relationships

26:08 The Power of Patience and Trust

26:43 Overcoming Health and Financial Challenges

27:40 Finding Solace in Scripture and Song

29:11 The Impact of Faith on Personal Relationships

32:05 The Importance of Prayer and Communication with God

33:05 Living a Christlike Life

38:50 The Difference Between Happiness and Joy

43:06 The Journey Through the Valley and Beyond

46:13 The Future: Living Day by Day with Faith

Alec and Taylor Keating continue their story, recounting their struggle with infertility and the eventual arrival of their child, Shep. Taylor's medical issues made conception a challenge, leading them through various treatments. Despite the hardships, they remained steadfast, continuing to lead worship and preach.

Taylor speaks of her belief in her body as a “house of miracles”, finding strength in prayer and the name of Jesus during tough times. She shares a personal anecdote about her infertility journey and the loss of her grandmother, finding comfort in the verse "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." The significance of naming their son "Shepherd" is tied to this verse and their personal journey.

Alec reflects on the obstacles they faced and the importance of leaning on God and being part of a supportive church community. The conversation underscores the value of seeking answers in faith and accepting grief and sorrow as part of the journey.

In this episode of JJ Life on Purpose, I sit down with Alec and Taylor Keating, a young couple who share their journey of marriage and faith. I am intrigued by Alec and Taylor's unique perspective. They met in Bible College, fell in love quickly, and embarked on a journey of four eventful years of marriage, complete with both joys and challenges.

Alec, raised in a minister's family, shares his experience of growing up in a household where authenticity and realness were valued. His parents, Nathan and Adina Keating, provided a nurturing environment, focusing on grace and truth. Alec emphasizes that they were never pressured into ministry but were allowed to be kids, and this freedom influenced his decision to pursue a pastoral path.

Taylor, from South Alabama, narrates her early life, which began with a surprising revelation: her mother's pregnancy at 17. She shares the challenges her mother faced as a Christian girl in a conservative community and how her grandparents played a crucial role in supporting her mother's decision to keep the baby. Her childhood was marked by a unique family dynamic, and she grew up with a love for the Lord, discovering her passion for ministry at the age of 11.

The couple's stories intertwine as they talk about their love for each other, their respective backgrounds, and the importance of grace and authenticity in their relationship. Alec's family, characterized by a genuine representation of the gospel at home, has deeply influenced their approach to life and relationships.

The conversation delves into Alec's family and their commitment to realness, grace, and partnership in parenting. Taylor expresses admiration for her in-laws, especially their ability to let go of mistakes, forgive, and move forward without holding grudges.

As we wrap up the session, we hint at the upcoming segment where we will discuss Shep and their family life, and hopefully listeners will be eager to hear more about the couple's experiences as parents.

SHOW NOTES

Introduction:

• Gratitude for listeners joining another episode.
• Special guests: Alec and Taylor Keating.
• Acknowledgment of their busy weekend.

Segment 1: Early Years and Relationship:

• Alec and Taylor met in Bible College in Birmingham, Alabama.
• Quick engagement and marriage.
• Reflection on their journey through four years, including struggles.

Segment 2: Origin Stories:

• Taylor's background in Alabama, born to a Christian family.
• Taylor's mom's unexpected pregnancy at 17 and her journey.
• Challenges and dynamics growing up in a Christian family but not a ministry family.

Segment 3: Alec's Ministry Family:

• Alec grew up in a family deeply rooted in ministry.
• Emphasis on the importance of being genuine and not putting on a show.
• How his parents balanced being ministers and real individuals.

Segment 4: Parenting and Grace:

• Taylor's admiration for Alec's parents' approach to parenting.
• The concept of grace and truth in their household.
• Creating a healthy nest for their own children.

Segment 5: Forgiveness and Moving Forward:

• The Keating parents' ability to forgive and forget.
• The impact of growing up with grace in shaping Alec's decisions.
• Avoiding disappointment and honoring the family and God.

Closing and Teaser:

• Gratitude for the guests sharing their stories.
• Promise to return for the next segment focusing on Shep and the family's next generation.

Brian and Jo share their personal journey of healing and recovery from addiction within their marriage. They discuss the challenges they faced, the role of faith and counseling in their healing process, and the importance of trust and boundaries. Brian reflects on his addiction and the impact it had on their relationship, while Jo emphasizes the need for trust and the process of learning to trust again. They express their willingness to help others who may be struggling with addiction and encourage them to seek support and take responsibility for their actions. Overall, their story serves as a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and seeking help in overcoming addiction and rebuilding a marriage.

The culture we live in is (what Brian and Jo call) "a broken mindset" of "all guys do it" and "if you've got it, flaunt it." Desperate to be free, Brian tried everything he could think of. Jo, wanting to honor her husband, kept quiet and slowly suffocated in silence. Until they both discovered, keeping quiet was the way the enemy was winning and the first step to healing was to talk about it.

Addiction is real and needs to be addressed by the Church. Per James 5:16 "Confess your sins one to another and pray for each other so that you may be healed". There is healing in talking and shedding light on what the enemy wants to keep hidden.

If 50% of the population struggles with some sort of addiction, why aren't we talking about it more? Why is the Church silent for the most part about it. Sharing any struggle is hard, especially if you have kept it well hidden on the inside. You may feel, as Brian did, afraid of being rejected and judged. Baring your soul and shining the light of God into your heart is the exact opposite of what the enemy, Satan, wants. Satan wants you to keep those secrets because there is freedom in 1. acknowledging there is a problem and 2. sharing and having accountability partners to walk this valley with you. And Jo, wanting to protect her husband, kept silent about the addiction that caused her to question if God is real. And, if He was real, where was He in her hurting?

As Brian says..."addiction is straight from hell". Addiction recovery is not easy, but it IS possible. Brian is living proof. Please listen to this episode, especially if you or a loved one is bound by addiction and longs to be set free, or if you are watching a loved one fall off the wagon time and time again and you are asking why and what can you do to help.

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