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Step Into The Light Podcast introduces listeners to people who have found their way out of the dark shadows of life and those who lead others on their journey from darkness.
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Available archived episodes currently are EP #250 – #272
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Latest Show
2024-12-26
Episode #272 - Featuring Antony Kolenc
Antony has won several book awards, is a columnist for Practical Homeschooling Magazine, and hosts The Shepherd’s Pie radio show and podcast. A previous guest on Step Into the Light, Antony returns today to discuss the sixth book in his teen historical fiction Harwood Mysteries series titled The Devil’s Ransom. Join us as Antony discusses The Harwood Mystery series, it's message for teens, and his plans for an innovative and intriguing adult series due to release next year.
Recent Shows
2024-12-12
Episode #271 - Featuring Pastor Joseph Misiaszek
STAVE OFF THE WORLD’S MESSAGE BY READING AN INSPIRATIONAL BOOK by REBECCA REED 2/11/2025 10:50:00 PM BY Patti Shene
FEATURED BOOK: Loving the Rodeo Queen
AUTHOR: Rebecca Reed
PUBLISHER: Moonsong Publishing
GENRE: Christian Contemporary Romance
SERIES OR STAND ALONE: Book 1 of the Love Overshadows series
TARGET AGE: adult
IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR REBECCA REED TO PATTI’S PORCH. REBECCA TALKS ABOUT GAIINING INSPIRATION THROUGH WORK BY CHRISTIAN AUTHORS.
STAVE OFF THE WORLD’S MESSAGE BY READING AN INSPIRATIONAL BOOK
by
Rebecca Reed
In today’s culture of “You do you” and “Just do it” where advertising and media are geared toward self-importance and self-aggrandizement, it can be difficult to navigate a way of living that focuses on something or Someone bigger than ourselves. Yet numerous verses in the Bible point us to the ideas of service, loving others, and relying on outside – even Supernatural - help to solve our problems.
How then, can we mitigate the world’s message with a Godly one that will aid us in locating and staying on our less-traveled path? My first and second go-tos are prayer and Bible reading, but following that, I recommend a steady diet of Christian and inspirational fiction.
When I first considered becoming a writer, I was drawn to Tolkien and C.S. Lewis with their fantasy worlds. I still am, and one day I plan to publish in that genre, but first, God set my hand to romantic fiction. To a story of horses and my adopted state of Montana where I lived for several years riding race horses. (More about that tale another time.) Several years later, I learned to write a proper romance, and the idea for Loving the Rodeo Queen was born.
I wanted to share a story about characters searching for their place, their identity, and their calling. For where they fit into the bigger picture.
Quinn’s childhood dream to have a glorious reign as a college rodeo star, turned out to be a disappointment. And then disaster struck. Nearly two years later, she’s only beginning to understand that God’s hand was in even her darkest moment. The return to Montana of Tiago, her hero from that night, shines another light into her world.
Together, Quinn and Tiago must learn to trust each other and to trust God. My hope is that the readers of this story will see their own darkest moment from the perspective that Quinn adopts. God never leaves us, and He is able to bring forth light and goodness from the direst of circumstances if only we will look to Him with love, trust, and faith.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose Romans 8:28 NIV
So if you’re looking for entertainment that won’t shove you off God’s path, try some inspirational fiction and nourish your soul as you sate your desire for cheap ways to travel beyond your armchair and experience the delights God created for His children in this temporary home.
Book Blurb for Loving the Rodeo Queen:
She was his Queen. He was her hero.
Quinn Mulroney, former rodeo star, lost it all. Now, she's dreaming of becoming a veterinarian while caring for her daughter, but she's never forgotten the one she called hero.
Tiago Vargas is seeking his passion, hoping to prove himself to his exacting father. When fate brings Quinn back into his life, he sees a second chance at his first love and offers her a job.
But she's not the same woman he rescued. She carries a secret, and if Tiago discovers it, will he still be her hero, or will her hidden life destroy her last shot at happiness?
A second-chance, twist on the secret baby, ex-rodeo star, contemporary romance that carries you on a journey of discovery and faith from Montana to Nashville to Wyoming and back, before leaving you filled with hope and happily-ever-after.
Rebecca Reed writes romantic tales filled with discovery, hope, and horses to fulfill a lifelong calling as a storyteller. From riding race horses to teaching Spanish to traveling, she sees obstacles as challenges.
A lover of Jesus, animals, music, and nature, she might be found listening to audiobooks on her rural Indiana farm. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, she's learned to embrace joy where she can find it––in life’s unexpected moments and inside a good story
Connect with Rebecca on her website and become an Insider with first-to-know access to all things writing-related. Book 2 releases February 28th!
Subscribe to her newsletter and check out her podcast: Rebecca and Rebecca
EMBRACING FIRSTS: THE JOY OF NEW BEGINNINGS AT 73 by DR. PATRICIA GRENELLE 2/7/2025 11:40:00 AM BY Patti Shene
IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR PATRICIA GRENELLE TO THE OVER 50 WRITER. PATRICIA TALKS ABOUT THE REWARDS OF ENGAGING IN NEW BEGINNINGS.
EMBRACING FIRSTS: THE JOY OF NEW BEGINNINGS AT 73
by
Patricia A.Grenelle, PsyD
As a 73-year-old retired forensic psychologist living in the stunning Sonoran Desert with my husband and our playful Goldendoodle, JP, I’ve learned that life is a series of firsts. Recently, I celebrated a significant milestone: my first personal essay was published in late December 2024, in a collection called Nonlinear Love on SubStack. The essay, inspired by a fortune cookie that read, “You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find Prince Charming,” reflects on how the third time truly was the charm for me in love.
While my recent publication may be a first, my life has been filled with new adventures. I’ve lived in sixteen different states across the U.S. and in Germany. I’ve worked as a secretary for two Major Generals, enlisted in the Army at the age of 32, and pursued my education with passion, earning two Master’s Degrees at 50 and starting a doctoral program in Clinical Psychology at 55.
My journey to find my soulmate was no simple path. After two marriages that didn’t last, I met my true partner at the age of 40. This April, we will celebrate 35 blissful years of marriage. Reflecting on my life, I realize that each chapter has been shaped by my willingness to embrace new experiences, even when they seemed daunting or unconventional for someone my age.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that age is just a number and should never be a barrier to pursuing new adventures. Had I allowed my age to dictate my choices, I would have missed out on the rich variety of experiences that have shaped who I am today. It’s crucial to keep pushing forward, to try new things, and to keep life lively, regardless of any minor aches, pains, or setbacks that life throws our way.
Taking on new challenges keeps us from stagnating and helps us live life to the fullest. I encourage everyone, especially those who may feel hesitant due to their age, to step outside their comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to go for the gusto! The worst that can happen? A small, insignificant failure here and there. Trust me, I’ve had my share of failures, from being expelled from a doctoral program to not finishing the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Academy after grappling with complex trauma in my childhood. The key is resilience. If something is truly important to you, pick yourself up and start again. Life is too precious to let fear or age hold you back.
As I continue writing my memoir and reflecting on my past, I am filled with gratitude for every first I’ve experienced. Each new endeavor has added depth to my life, and I look forward to many more firsts in the years to come. So, whether you’re contemplating a new hobby, a career change, or even a new relationship, remember that it’s never too late. Go out there and embrace the adventure that life has to offer!
Let's celebrate our firsts, no matter how big or small, and inspire each other to keep moving forward. Life is meant to be lived fully—let’s make the most of every moment!
Dr. Grenelle is a retired Forensic Psychologist who lives in the Sonoran Desert with her husband and Goldendoodle, JP. She writes op-eds, short stories, and personal essays and is working on a memoir. Her forensic work included clients who were criminally insane and incarcerated for being Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI).
NOT JUST FOR NEW YEAR'S DAY by PATTI SHENE GONZALES 1/28/2025 10:30:00 PM BY Patti Shene
NOT JUST FOR NEW YEAR’S DAY
by
Patti Shene Gonzales
As the month of January draws to a close, how many of us are feeling guilty about those New Year’s resolutions we have already broken? Did you light that cigarette, eat that extra piece of chocolate cake, speak that cross word, or already get behind on that Bible-in-one-year schedule?
I’ll cite some examples from my own life. One of my resolutions was to always be on time with blog posts, with keeping appointments, with sending out birthday cards. This morning, I was a tad late arriving at a scheduled event. Granted, a slow-moving vehicle in front of me on a two-lane highway and an ambulance that needed right of way contributed to my tardiness. Still, I should have made allowances for those unforeseen events by leaving a few minutes earlier than I did.
Procrastination is another shortcoming I vowed to resolve this year. I had intended two weeks ago to put out a notice that I had an open slot on this blog for today. However, here it is almost the close of my scheduled posting date and I’m barely slipping in a former post to fill that slot.
How fortunate we are as Christians to be able to come to Jesus and ask His forgiveness for our transgressions, not just on the first day of the New Year, but any day throughout the entire year. He offers us the opportunity to start over every day, any day. He doesn’t operate on a timetable, forcing us to wait until a certain date rolls around on the calendar. He forgives us of our sins and opens His arms to us 365 days a year, not just in the first month of the year, or on the first day of the month, or on the first day of a new year.
The next time you feel discouraged and defeated due to some broken resolution, remember there is no defeat with Jesus. He is always there to lift us up out of our discouragement, our frustration at failing, and our day-to-day struggles with everyday temptations.
No one expressed displeasure that I arrived late to this morning’s event, and I doubt my readers will be noticeably chagrined that this post is arriving in their inboxes on Wednesday morning instead of Tuesday morning. Still, we resolve to improve day by day.
What a blessing that we have the strength of the Lord to help us overcome our weaknesses as we strive to become more Christlike every day of the year.
Do you have a change in mind for this year? How’s it going so far?
