In this episode, Mark and Dr. John discuss the topic of insomnia. 40 million people suffer from insomnia each year. 25% of people have had insufficient sleep for 15 out of the last 30 days! The guys discuss the effects of poor sleep as well as nighttime routines to help people go to sleep. Some of these include blue light, reducing stress before bed, proper environments, gratitude, forgiveness, and the avoidance of heavy meals before bed. Mark and John also discuss how the Lord uses sleepless nights, and they take some examples from Scripture.

LINKS

55k Year End Giving Link- https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/55-giving-campaign/

Facebook Link- https://www.facebook.com/GraceFellowshipInternational/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/gracefellowshipinternational/

Sleep Hygiene- https://elcmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sleep-hygiene.pdf

Blessed Sleeplessness- https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2025/05/16/blessed-sleeplessness/

Watch the Pineapple Story- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfxBl-qaItg&t=15s

Natural Health Article- https://myhdiet.com/blogs/healthnews/here-is-why-sleep-is-your-health-s-ultimate-superpower?

Insomnia Symptoms and Causes- https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/insomnia-symptoms-and-causes


Sleepless Night in Scripture- https://gracenotebook.com/diligent-to-rest/

Soaking Affirmations- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N3vxfDTSw8

Music- www.BeStillMusic.com

Book: Surrendered Sleep- https://www.amazon.com/Surrendered-Sleep-Biblical-Perspective-2011-09-15/dp/B01F81VZO0/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3AQNT3GIQ6VND&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iDain7tGlzepjaPiL5ehVf8l1uVqa_ogKD2v1fnRMzpcjfNXovDfsMDjDIH4xVWpCtsOpq41-EEWQA5ZP8NesVNsD6Nc44TkF4o2j5vVjXRC0iaGrdClpW3NNTcD2dCE-b8jY3EhyqFiruHEKVDW-w.ruFq7xIw3mlPwJq55VPF-hIEW6FgVexjow5X3oTV4aA&dib_tag=se&keywords=surrendered+sleep&qid=1765398968&sprefix=surrendered+sleep%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-2

In this podcast, Liz, our office manager, joins us as we begin the episode, sharing holiday traditions. The first part of the episode is fun. At minute 23:30, John, Mark, and Liz discuss causes of holiday stress and how to have JOY during the holidays. The stresses discussed include the pressure to meet expectations, family dynamics, financial burdens, overwhelming schedules, loneliness, and grief.

Links

55k In 55 Days For 55 Years: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/55-giving-campaign/

In this episode, Mark and Dr. John discuss the difficult topic of suicide. Those speaking of suicide should be taken seriously. They need hope and support. Part 1of this podcast speaks directly to the person struggling with suicidal ideology. Suicide is a liar saying that life is better without you. Life is not better without you, and those left are devastated, not better off. You are loved by God and others, so please do not believe the lies. The answer is not trying harder but surrendering your life to Jesus.

Part 2 of the podcast helps listeners know how to help. We discuss how to talk about suicide and the importance of active listening. Mark and John discuss suicide intervention, biblical anchors of hope, and key important truths to know and communicate.

To conclude, Mark discusses the difference between identity, purpose, and assignment. These are all different and should never be combined. Our identity is given to us by God. Our purpose is what we do, and is also given to us by God. Our assignment is what we do in this world. Our assignments change, but our identity and purpose remain!

Links

55k Year-End Giving: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/55-giving-campaign/

U-Turn Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgxtbeW4DaY

John Stevens' book on Suicide: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/collections/other-authors?page=2

In this episode, Dr. John interviews Rob and Dorie Blake. They share about how they met at GFI and their ministry in North Carolina.

Links

Rob's Testimony: https://gfiworld.wordpress.com/2025/10/29/a-testimony-of-robert-blake/

7 Steps to Freedom: https://www.ficm.org/

In the midst of assassinations, school shootings, and individual turmoil, how do we respond and live by faith? In this episode, Mark and John discuss the fact that we have not been left alone to face the storms of life in our own strength. John shares that by faith God reveals truth, you and I choose to agree with Him, we confess with our mouth what we believe, and then we walk according to the truth. Daily, we need to run to God! Jesus is the victor, and we are victorious in Him. Individually, we need to process trauma with God. John declares, "Jesus can turn our question marks into exclamation points!" Mark dives into Carrie's comment on how God hasn't forgotten the recipe for manna. He is faithful! Mark and John share some practical principles, which include abiding in Christ, affirming identity, choosing gratitude, encouraging others, and how to rest in victory. Finally, John quotes John Hunter, "For this _____, we have Jesus!"

Links:

GFI Scholarship Fund: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/

Jp Polukda's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Story-Has-Villain-Spiritual/dp/1400341175/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ASRQZQL63WL3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6eBberbB4a3UAjHywtvKjJSs20dBVNBbK-dvUvH1N3YfkW2qHb0POt3RObN9RWBJT8-_QKKw5KIBveu_nPabEgVgm5oiTjvl6mVYMlnbqhMZtLGP8_LLzPaPb5LxPuNt959MAR_9UscN-GmT1aLKLQ.3DVEs0XHldEi03YtZhSOLUpMG_ORdKm9CYwoE8qgeUg&dib_tag=se&keywords=jp+pokluda+your+story+has+a+villain&qid=1758212197&sprefix=jp+po%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1

Victory in Christ by Charles Trumble: https://www.amazon.com/Victory-Christ-Messages-Victorious-Life/dp/B000FKI1BA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=11136HYD5P5UX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IY6Tz3GCA2hfPCcMA3FUT4a3B1KWiei2OOpsxQyEvuIeAMLjO4LqRCncZppy94pe.az9sldpAbbB4MEhhcf_WA2vtFNvVyYjd_AnXWDg-CnU&dib_tag=se&keywords=trumble+victory+in+christ&qid=1758212247&sprefix=trumble+victory+in+christ%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-2

In this podcast, Mark and John interview Mark's wife, Carrie McKeehan. Carrie shares about her family and testimony. She also discusses her role as a Life Coach at GFI and her time as a pastor's wife. We also dive into her new book, "Battle Cry!" John and Carrie discuss the difference between entertaining and hospitality. You do not want to miss the end of this episode!

Links:

Carrie's Book: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/battle-cry-losing-everything-lacking-nothing-copy

Information on GFI's Life Coaching Certification: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/coach-certification/