Today we learned about when God helped Nehemiah rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. Parents, want to extend the discussion with your kids? Here are some discussion questions:

For your kiddos ages 2-4, say: What did Nehemiah and God’s people build? Walls can make a city feel safe. What makes you feel safe?

For your kiddos ages 5-9, say: Nehemiah didn’t get too discouraged when enemies tried to stop him and trick him. He prayed to God for help! What do you do when you feel discouraged? What could you do?

For your kiddos ages 10-12, say: Do you understand how the story of Nehemiah fits into God’s big story? Why do you think God continues to help His people even when they disobey him?  
Here’s our big question this week: Did you enjoy this podcast? Did you learn something new about God or the Bible? Did your family talk about God for the first time together?

Please share your feedback and stories with us by emailing jmccoy@messiahnetwork.org Have a great summer!

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

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160: KIDS VERSION - Rebuilding The Walls

We've reached the end of Old Testament section in The Story. We’ve seen the cycle of the story- God’s people sin, receive judgment, cry out, God saves them, and they fall back into their old patterns of sin again. Now that they've been rescued from slavery, it might seem like we'll know what happens next- God's people fall back into idolatry. But they don't. Gods people never fall back into the habit of idolatry. They lost their kingdom, they're weak, they're subservient to other worldly powers. But God used this weakness to change their hearts. By their own power, they couldn't achieve righteousness, but by the power of the Spirit, they've been changed. We today are powerless to change ourselves. We find ourselves unable to break free from our sin and our destructive habits.  Listen to this week’s episode as Ryan Pfendler explains by the power and work of Jesus, we are changed. By his power we are transformed and made new.

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.

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

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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

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159: Rebuilding The Walls

Today we will learn about Esther and the amazing story of how she became a queen and helped save God’s people. Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas:

Ask: Who was Esther (Esther was a Jewish girl who was made a queen) What hard things might you have to do? Who can help you? (ages 2-5)

What do you think Esther made for the big dinner with King Xerxes and Haman? What would you have made? If you were in Esther’s place, what would you have asked the king to do? (ages 6-10)

Esther prepared for her meeting with the king by fasting and encouraging others to fast with her. What does it say about Esther that she went to God with her request first? Talk about a time when you went to God in earnest prayer before making a decision. What happened? (ages 11-12)

One last thing! This week April asked, “How can you SHOW God’s love to the people around you?”. 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

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158: KIDS VERSION - The Queen of Beauty and Courage

Over the past few months, we've seen God come to the aid of His people over and over again. Whether through dreams or prophets, God guides the Hebrew people in times of war and times of peace. Perhaps you find it hard to relate to stories of people whom our God is constantly revealing Himself to. If so, Esther's story might be one you can identify with. And what a story it is! It's got palace intrigue, a petty villain intent on destruction, and a courageous queen who risks her life to save her people. What it doesn't have is God intervening. Or does it? In this week’s episode, Pastor Chuck Schlie explains how we are going to see how God is with us even when it feels like He isn't. In hopeless situations, He is working the good.

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

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157: The Queen of Beauty and Courage

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

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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

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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

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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

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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 

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.