Today we learned about when God’s people got to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Parents, want to extend the discussion with your kids? Here are some discussion questions:

For your kiddos ages 2-4, say: What did God’s people build? Who did God’s people promise to follow? Who do you follow? (Play follow the leader!)

For your kiddos ages 5-9, say: God’s people pitched in their gold and silver to make the temple magnificent. Talk about a time you worked together with someone else to accomplish a big thing.

For your kiddos ages 10-12, say: The people got distracted building their own homes before completing the temple. Why is it important put God first in our lives?

One last thing! This week Hannah asked, “Why do you think God wants us to work together with others?”. Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. *By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast*

Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

156: KIDS VERSION - The Return Home

We've come to a pivotal point in "The Story." The Hebrew people have been released from the Babylonian exile and given a chance to return to their homeland and rebuild the destroyed temple in Jerusalem. Finally, the people are turning back to the God who never left them! But despite the backing of a king, the project is slow going. Both internal and external obstacles stall the rebuilding, though God's plan ultimately prevails. What parallels does this story have with Messiah's people in 2025? Listen to this week’s episode as Pastor Jim Mueller explains.

If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. [https://messiahstcharles.org/the-story/] You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.

 
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

155: The Return Home

Today we will hear the incredible story of Daniel and the lion's den. Life can be scary at times, but God will always take care of us. Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas:

Ask: Who protected Daniel? (God sent an angel to protect Daniel). Who prayed to God? (Daniel) What can you pray about? (ages 2-4)

Daniel followed God’s rules instead of the king’s and got in trouble. Have you ever gotten in trouble for doing the right thing? If so, what happened? What are some actions you can take to show others you serve the one true God? (ages 5-9)

How was Daniel able to make the decision to always follow God? Do you think God sends his protecting angels today? (ages 10-12)

One last thing! This week April asked, “What AMAZES you about the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den?”. Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. *By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast*

Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

154: KIDS VERSION - Daniel In Exile

Daniel's a guy who's got everything going for him. He's a winner in life, enjoying championship status in sports, intellectual pursuits, and the Judah Hot Dog League. All this success attracts the attention of the conquering Babylonians, and Daniel is sent into the service of their king...and gods. It's here that he really shines. With courage and an unwavering faith in the one true God, Daniel stands firm. He faces some extreme tests, but Daniel never doubts that God is with him.  We can draw so much inspiration from his example. Listen to this week’s episode as Pastor Chuck Schlie dares you to be a Daniel!

If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions [https://messiahstcharles.org/the-story/]. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.

Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

153: Daniel In Exile

Today we learned about Jeremiah, a young man who was called to share God’s message with the people. Parents, want to keep discussing today’s story? Here are some ideas:

For your kiddos ages 2-4, say: God knows everything about us! He has big plans for you! What color are your eyes? God knows! He made them! How many hairs are on your head? God knows! He made you special! What job do you want to have when you grow up? God knows what it will be!

For your kiddos ages 5-9, say: When is a time you experienced a good consequence? When is a time you experienced a bad consequence? I love you even when you made bad choices. God also loves you, all the time, no matter what.

For your kiddos ages 10-12, say: What can you learn about God from the story of Jeremiah?  
This week, discuss with your family: Please share your thoughts with us! Record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. We’d love to feature you on next week’s episode! Sending a voice memo grants permission for us to include it in a podcast.

One last thing! This week Hannah asked, “Since God still loves you even when you mess up, how should we treat others then they mess up?”. Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. *By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast*

Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

 152: KIDS VERSION - The Kingdoms’ Fall

As we read through these stories of the Hebrew people ignoring God, turning to pagan idols, and worshiping a false god like Baal, it's easy to spot where these ancient people went astray. We would never worship a shiny baby cow. We wouldn't ignore a prophet with a good track record of rightly speaking God's Word. We will always follow great advice. I hope that last one is true. Scripture has some exceptionally wise words that are as relevant now as they were in ancient times.  Psalm 119:105 tells us, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Join Pastor Chuck Schlie in this week’s episode for three simple words from our God that will keep you on the right path and guide you to life in His great name!

If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. [https://messiahstcharles.org/the-story/] You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.

 
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

151: The Kingdoms’ Fall 

Today we will learn about the prophet Isaiah. God's people were not good at listening, but Isaiah faithfully reminded the people of God's love and forgiveness. Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas:

Isaiah gave people good messages. Create some good messages to send to friends and family in the mail. (ages 2-4)

Israel and Judah followed other Gods and ignored the one true God. The sins of the people caused God to allow them to be taken away from their home. Isaiah warned them that this would happen if they did not change their ways. He told the people the truth even though the truth was difficult. Have you ever told the truth, even though it was hard? (ages 5-9)

Isaiah's name means "God to the rescue." What does your name mean? Ask your parents to share how they chose your name. Isaiah tried to rescue the people by telling them God's truth. What would you have to do to live up to your name? (ages 10-12)

One last thing! This week April asked you to “What does your name mean?”. Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. *By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast*

Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

150: KIDS VERSION - Beginning of the End 

Israel is a mess. We already know that, but it's going from bad to worse. Israel is divided and the northern region (also called Israel) has fallen. Southern Judah has a faithful king who puts God first, but trouble persists, and God's chosen people are in a battle for survival. In his message, Ryan Pfendler examines three themes: Identity in God: Like Israel, we are called to find our identity in being children of the one true God, rather than seeking validation from worldly standards. Consequences of Idolatry: Israel's repeated idol worship led to their downfall. Ryan urges us to reflect on the "false gods" in our own lives, such as wealth or success, and to remember that true protection and peace come from God alone. God's Unfailing Love: Despite Israel's failures, God did not abandon them, and He will not forget us, even when we fall. God's love is steadfast, and He is always ready to welcome us back with open arms.

If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions [https://messiahstcharles.org/the-story/]. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.

Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

149: Beginning of the End

Today we learned about prophets. They shared God’s messages and got to show off God’s power!  
Parents, keep talking about this story at home by using some of these discussion starters:

*(ages 2-4) How do we hear from God? We read the Bible, we learn from parents and teachers and pastors. God is so powerful! God can do anything!

*(ages 5-9) Have you ever prayed for God to do something amazing, like a miracle? What happened?  

*(ages 10-12) God’s prophets had to share messages with people who didn’t always agree with them. Have you ever tried to share God’s message with others? How did it go?

One last thing! This week Hannah asked you to “Where have you seen God’s POWER at work?”. We would love to hear your ideas! Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. *By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast*

Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

148: KIDS VERSION - God’s Messengers

"The Story" continues with the story of Elijah from 1 Kings 18. The prophet Elijah stood boldly against the prophets of Baal, demonstrating unwavering faith in God amidst overwhelming opposition.

The Dangers of Compromise: Pastor Jim reminded us of the dangers of compromising our values, drawing parallels between King Solomon's alliances and our modern-day temptations to forsake our principles for perceived gains.

The Role of Prophets: We learned about the crucial role of prophets in ancient Israel, who spoke truth to power and guided the people back to God, emphasizing that genuine faith requires courage and conviction.

Elijah's Bold Stand: The highlight was Elijah's challenge on Mount Carmel, where his faith in God was vindicated through a miraculous display, teaching us that true faith often requires us to stand firm even when the odds seem against us.

If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions [https://messiahstcharles.org/the-story/]. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.



Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

147: God’s Messengers

Are you craving an open, honest conversation about the highs and lows of
parenting, your career, and home life? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone.
Jill Devine is here to talk about the daily grind of parenthood and how it can
make you feel alone, isolated and questioning it all. The Two Kids and A Career
Podcast is an outlet to escape the stresses of everyday life, while engaging in
real conversations. Jill is an entrepreneur, wife and mama. Her 20-year career
as an on-air radio personality inspired this podcast to give voice to the
complexities of raising a family, having a career and simply just trying to keep
it all together. From the tough talks to the hilarity of it all, she is here to
have a conversation and offer great advice from a tribe of amazing individuals.
Tune in and join along as we navigate the emotional roller-coaster known as
parenthood!

Two Kids and A Career

Christianity has become known for judgy people, strange words, confusing rules, and a members-only mindset. This is why I stayed away from the church for so long, but it’s not supposed to be that way. I’m Jill Devine, a former radio music personality with three tattoos and a love for a good tequila. Join me on the Normal Goes A Long Way podcast where we seek answers to real questions with real people about how faith and life intersect.

Normal Goes A Long Way

Laura Fleetwood was a gal who looked like she had it all together on the
outside, but was slowly falling apart on the inside (and she didn’t even know
it). This is her compelling story from burnout to breakdown to a new beginning.
Anyone who wants to know how to deal with anxiety, how to help a loved one with
anxiety, or simply how to be a good friend should listen in. Faith story. Mental
health journey. Anxiety diagnosis. Women empowering women.

Jill Devine

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