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Hello friends,
Can you believe it?!? This week is Episode 26, which means that for the last 6 months, we have successfully released a new episode, a new transformative story, every week!!!
It has been such a privilege to share this journey with you, and we are making so much progress. This last week, we crossed 100 YouTube subscribers, and our email newsletter hit 246 subscribers!
In the last month, we also had 4 new supporting members and 2 new one-time donors contribute to the mission of Stories & Other Things Holy through Buy Me A Coffee.
Friends, it is such a privilege to bring these stories into the world, and in these time of increasing division, conflict, suffering, and isolation, I am more than ever conviced that the power of stories can contribute to the renewal of the face of the Earth and Her people, and can radically impact the way we relate to one another.
The podcast is just the beginning, but we need your help to spread the word and grow our community so that we can bring more Stories & Other Things Holy into the world!
Peace and All Good,
LATEST EPISODE
Jesus Among the Ashes: Real Stories of Sacrifice and Transformation
'Stories and Other Things Holy' Episode 26:
 Watch 'Stories' on YouTube or Spotify
Listen to "Stories' Here, or on your favorite podcast app
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REFLECTION:
‘Make Yourself Available’
Terry Nelson-Johnson
My daughter had an iconic coach during her high school lacrosse career. Like any truly memorable coach worth his salt, he had a never-ending repertoire of “coach-ee” sayings that he would repeat over and over to urge his girls into fruitful, VICTORIOUS action. One of those sayings was, “Make Yourself Available!”
Ironically—and with abundant Grace—this very phrase now stirs deep within my soul as I stand on the threshold of Holy Week. The cross holds so many different meanings for different people, at different times. Yet for me, one of its most essential, foundational, simple, profound, tender meanings is forever entwined with that indelible coach’s call: “Make Yourself Available.” In the midst of all my assorted experiences of loss, pain, suffering, discouragement, diminishment, loneliness, and anguish, the cross keeps declaring to my little soul—over and over again—“I Am Available to and with you.”
Amen.
Gracercise #1
Open Heart Meditation
Find a quiet space and take several deep, intentional breaths. As you inhale, repeat softly to yourself, “I am available.” As you exhale, surrender the weight of any worry, pain, or loneliness. In the silence that follows, imagine the cross before you—with all its splintered, honest beauty—and allow its message of vulnerability and unconditional love to wash over you. End by praying, “Lord, I stand before You with an open heart, ready to receive Your grace and healing. Make me available to You this day.”
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Gracercise #2
The Cross at the Center
Set aside a few moments to reflect on the moments when life’s losses and pains have felt overwhelming. Visualize the cross—the symbol of sacrifice, suffering, and redemption—and allow its presence to envelop you. In this stillness, whisper, “I make myself available, Jesus, even in my brokenness.” Let your heart speak freely: acknowledge your struggles, offer them up to God, and listen for the soft reassurance that reminds you, “I am here; I am with you.” Close this time with a prayer of surrender and trust, inviting God to transform your vulnerability into strength.
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Gracercise #3
The Coach’s Call
Recall the powerful phrase, “Make Yourself Available,” echoing from an iconic coach who urged his team into victorious action. Now, picture that call directed inward as a gentle reminder from God. Sit comfortably, and in a reflective tone say, “I choose to be available.” Consider what doors might open when you allow God to enter—where the pain of loss and discouragement becomes the space for healing and renewal. Conclude by praying, “Lord, help me to lay aside my defenses and to embrace Your presence fully. May I be as available to You as You are available to me, transforming my wounds into pathways of hope and renewal. Amen.”
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Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson
Principal Storyteller
Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson is a dynamic storyteller and theologian whose engaging narrative weaves together the rich tapestry of Jesus’ story with our own life journeys. With a passion for narrative theology, poetry, and humor, he invites us to embrace the mystery of grace and spirit. As the mind behind Soul Play and a guiding voice in retreats and faith formation, Terry’s reflections inspire us to see the sacred in every story and every day.
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Joshua Minden
Producer & Host
Joshua Minden is the host and technical force behind 'Stories and Other Things Holy.' With a rich background in youth ministry and Franciscan spirituality, he uses the art of storytelling to spark transformation, healing, and community connection. As founder of Amplify and a skilled communicator, Joshua creates spaces where faith, hope, and shared humanity come alive through every episode.
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" Then the boys said, 'well, when they can come back, do you think we could just all get together and we could just play in the ashes?'"
— Terry Nelson-Johnson
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