The Good Stuff Family with Dawn Kendrick

Infertility is hard. Tina and Ben Gibson KNOW firsthand. “Why does it hurt so bad? I don’t know. Maybe it’s because it’s something you just expect to happen, or maybe because there’s always someone around you complaining about kids that you wish you had, or maybe it’s because people are ruthless with their comments. I don’t know, but it’s hard.” -Tina Gibson

But Ben and Tina Gibson’s story today is how God worked it all for GOOD. Twice:) as a matter of fact. Their daughters Emma and Molly are beautiful examples of how donated embryos are blessing couples struggling with infertility. They share their story and we talk with Mark Mellinger with the National Embryo Donation Center about the growing numbers of frozen embryos waiting for families.

What are you wearing?If you’re joining us live… maybe Jammie’s still? a cup of coffee as the only accessory? What about the Ephesians 6 Armor of God as we get ready to take on the day? It’s Haute Couture for me and more and more sister friends…especially nowadays, ARMOR UP! no? Helmet, breast plate, sword, a cute belt and don’t forget the shoes. We unpack what it means to wear the Ephesians 6:10-18 ultimate designer label from the creator who ultimately designed…well, the whole world.

Murphys Don’t Quit/Colleen Murphy“In Their Own Words” Author Series!S1 E7 Colleen Murphy reads from her book ‘Murphys Don’t Quit’. See why I couldn’t put it down. Come along and join in the conversation as we discuss this story of how the Murphy family navigates the road to recovery through daughter Lauren‘s traumatic brain injury. It’s a story of faith, grit, grind, resilience and recovery.

Chapter 7 Moving Right Along

Coach Dan Rolfes: A household name in the world of Womens basketball in Missouri and beyond. He and his record breaking, unstoppable Incarnate Word Academy Red Knights were a game away from another State Championship. The night before, Coach Rolfes had a serious heart attack. The real Overcomer, Champion story is playing out now. 2 weeks to the day after the Rolfes family and the whole IWA family and beyond now… Standing on the faith we proclaim. THOUSANDS OF HEARTS hoping and praying for a recovery. The man who has hoisted almost too many championship trophies to count… Now held up, himself, in payer. It’s the IWA Way. Check out the video interview here with Incarnate Word Academy President Sharon Gerken https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfCNSr2SPtU&t=1s

Good Friday. Given what happened this day… seems like an oxymoron. Terrible sadness. Can you imagine the grief? Overwhelming. Think of Mary at the foot of the cross. But we KNOW the GOOD NEWS of it all. What does the promise of the resurrection look like for women of faith today? We’ll talk it out this morning with some of my most admired sister friends rooted in The Word.

The story of 10-year-old Aviona was so much on the heart of 25 year-old Brianna Thibeault that she’ll be giving Aviona her kidney on Thursday. What a story it is.

Murphys Don’t Quit/Colleen Murphy

“In Their Own Words” Author Series! S1 E5. Colleen Murphy reads from her book ‘Murphys Don’t Quit’. See why I couldn’t put it down. Come along and join in the conversation as we discuss this story of how the Murphy family navigates the road to recovery through daughter, Lauren‘s traumatic brain injury. It’s a story of faith, grit, grind, resilience ad recovery. Chapter 5 Moving To Beverly Hills

“In Their Own Words” Author Series! S1 E4

For today, it’s Colleen Murphy’s own words… but read by me;)… While Colleen and Lauren are on a cruise with other families rising up through Aphasia. This week we’re on Chapter 4: “Taylor and Rick”. As in Swift and Springfiled. Come along and join in the conversation about the book, “Murphys Don’t Quit’. We’re discussing this story of how the Murphy family navigates the road to recovery through daughter, Lauren‘s traumatic brain injury. It’s a story of faith, grit, grind, resilience ad recovery.

Chapter 4

Taylor and Rick

“In Their Own Words” Author Series! S1 E3Colleen Murphy reads from her book ‘Murphys Don’t Quit’. See why I couldn’t put it down. Come along and join in the conversation as we discuss this story of how the Murphy family navigates the road to recovery through daughter, Lauren‘s traumatic brain injury. It’s a story of faith, grit, grind, resilience ad recovery. Chapter 3. Meeting The Driver

“In Their Own Words” Author Series! Colleen Murphy reads from her book, 'Murphys Don’t Quit’. See why I couldn’t put it down. Come along and join in the conversation as we discuss this story of how the Murphy Family navigates the road to recovery through daughter, Lauren‘s traumatic brain injury with faith, grit, grind and resilience. Chapter 2.

Good morning!We start it in gratitude.What name do you call yourself? Grab a cup of coffee and let’s chat about author Sharon Jaynes take on self talk.

"In Their Own Words" Author Series S1 E1 Colleen Murphy reads from her book ‘Murphys Don’t Quit’. See why I couldn’t put it down. Come along and join in the conversation as we discuss this story of how the Murphy family navigates with faith, grit, grind and resilience the road to recovery through daughter, Lauren‘s traumatic brain injury. Chapter one.

Let’s talk.

We talk about Gratitude.

We talk about Grace.

…and Patience

… and Humility

But what do those words REALLY LOOK LIKE in our lives?

How do we PRACTICE them when the HALLELUJAH!!!!!s feel few and far between?

I’ve got some GREAT EXAMPLES this week!! Do you? Wanna grab a cup of coffee and settle in for a conversation to fuel the day? Click in for some inspiration as you’re getting ready for work. Click in if you’re on your way to work? Click in if you’re running the kids to school? Click in if you’re on your morning jog or stuck in traffic We would love to spend this time with you. Together We Can. Together We Will.

From 800 to ***18,000*** TikTok followers in ONE WEEK? Why? Because Montravius (you can call me Tray:) Ferguson had a download from up above and took the next best step by “opening his mouth” and sharing it. Then the masses shared it. We’re one on one with my new plugged in friend on what he believes blessings from God have in common with getting your Chick-fil-A order… and in it all we find several stories that would make MLK proud.

It’s TRUE!

We knoooowww himmmm!!! And Santa and Mrs. Claus are classic The Good Stuff in ways you may not even know.  Today, for example, an annual tradition takes place.  A massive undertaking in which firefighters and police officers from all over Ohio escort Santa to Children’s Hospitals and at 8pm a simulcast message from Santa unfolds to young patients and at the same time presents find their way into the rooms of all of them.  In this special Christmas edition interview with Santa himself… you’ll hear how we met years ago… hear the original story I did at the NBC affiliate in Cleveland… and you’ll hear and see first hand from Santa and Mrs. Claus today why we’ve been friends ever since. The Minister of Merry and his better half lead with their hearts all year long for sick kids and their families and I love them for it. For me, it seems Santa and the small army rallying behind him have cornered the Good Stuff Christmas market in the way they See The Good in these sick kids and their families and consistently show up to BE The Good for them. 

Grace. It’s right there in the name.

I FEEL grace at Grace Church in Middleburg Heights OH. It’s the secret sauce that packs the parking lot… even the EXPANDED ONE. And here’s the GREATEST THING… What fuels Lead Pastor Jonathan Schaeffer and his beautiful soul wife, Mary and the Grace Church family….IS AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE.

Our friend Sam Schaedler… ABOVE AND BEYOND. That’s the lengths she consistently goes to to SEE the GOOD in others and to BE the GOOD for them. This weekend, again, she’ll soar... With Vietnam veterans on an Honor Flight to D.C. It’s classic The Good Stuff. Maybe you’ve heard of Honor Flights… now hear the inside track first hand from a veteran who has been and from his tour guide, the incomparable Sam Schaedler.

The world marks Mental Health Awareness Day every year on October 10th.Jamie Norton lives it.The author and therapist leading from experience out of her own brokenness and faith.45y years of counseling clients to go from broken to filled up. In her words, "Witnessing the light of hope in Christ shine through broken people."Her own story is raw and vulnerable, detailed in the pages of her book, 'Secrets From The Third Pew'.Her overcomer story and mental health journey is inspiring to so many...including me.

-Halloween “BOO-bies” -RIP Jackie Allen ❤️🙏🏻 -Grounded In The Middle;Back To Our Roots

-What’s keeping you from making time for a loved one? For the love of all that’s GOOD! Forget the FLIPPIN pie n flowers! NOW is the time to visit friends on your heart and on your mind. In my case… a beautiful soul friend I haven’t even met. We’ll explain. -Danielle has some huge news….RIGHT on the heels of last week’s conversation about “repositioning”. God. At. Work. Let’s chat over coffee shall we? Because the best part of waking up IS Waking up. On your mark. Get set. Let’s GOOOO!

WHY? Why Are we so inclined to COMPARE? How an article by Bianca Juárez Olthoff really got us thinking about the CHOICE to break free. Our Danielle Foulk sitting in this morning 👏👏👏 She reviewed Bianca’s book “Grit Don’t Quit” and we have some downloads from up above we can’t wait to share. Grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation! Looking forward to your thoughts and experiences as well.

A LIVE show today on Labor Day 2023 with some deep thoughts and personal reflection on our Labor of Love in telling The Good Stuff Family stories on a mission to share them far and wide. What do you feel God is calling YOU to do? What’s that knocking in your heart? What are the excuses keeping you from opening the door? We’ll share some fantastically plugged in thoughts from Anne Graham Lotz on that matter. Also a look back at one of our favorite Good Stuff/God Stuff ambassadors, 8-year-old BMX Superstar Huck Kurinsky and all his travels and triumphs this summer.

The Marlon Brown story is inspiration for anyone feeling "stuck".

He made a bold move, leaned into faith and now he's showing up for people who are where he once was.

Marlon's story came to us via what we call #DivineDesignNotMine:)

And it all started with a common love of the Harley Road King.

Getting new tires. The whole process stresses me out. That would be because I still have my left humorous bone held together by screws. Souvenirs from a hydroplaning car accident years ago. I thought of how my dad used to always help with advice in all areas automotive. Then a lump in my throat missing him and my mamma who passed away this year 8 years to the day after my dad. In the midst of the anxiety this time, I felt like I ended up exactly where I needed to be, with impossible to miss messages. Not by accident but by what I call Divine Design, Not Mine. I asked Siri to navigate to Annie's Auto. I believe GPS (God's Positioning Service) got me there.

"Retired" Pastor Joe West is on the road changing lives.He does it right alongside his singer-songwriter son, Matthew West.Joe is relatable, approachable and kind with a heart of gold on fire for God. That's how he's reaching thousands and thousands of people with ministry beyond Matthew's music and through popwe, a Matthew West Ministry. We admire him so much and think you will too!"

Keith Johnston walked out of a funeral with a divine design idea. Help those struggling with mental illness and addiction to start Running 2b Well. A stage 4 cancer survivor with a story of his own about leaning into faith in the thick of it...He preaches, matter of factly, that “moving makes you happier.” Well my heart is happier for having known Keith Johnston. Willing to bet yours will be too.

Celebrating the day legendary Browns Head Football Coach Sam Rutigliano was born and the world became a much kinder place. What we can all learn from his testimony of what Fellowship of Christian Athletes called “Red Right 88 to Romans 8:28”. And we’ll break down a particularly plugged in Bob Goff interview with Pastor Scott Sauls on his book “Beautiful People Don’t Just Happen: How God redeems Regret, Hurt and Fear”

She is an endurance athlete, charitable ambassador, author, and world-record holder. The list of accomplishments to her name is long and it started with one mile she reluctantly ran.

Her resume includes FIVE Ironman triathlons, cycling across the country, a 325-mile river swim, running 100 miles nonstop in less than 20 hours, and a solo row across the Atlantic Ocean. 

All the while it’s water on her mind.  

Access to clean water for everyone.

To date, because of Katie, and generous donors who believe in her mission, 43,000 people have access to clean water.

The endurance athlete adept at going the distance is just getting started.

BREAKING NEWS! :)…This December 2023, Katie is embarking on her latest challenge, A Long Way 4 Water, a 2,000-mile kayak from South to North America with the goal of helping 5,000 people gain access to clean water along the way.

Endurance and compassion landed Katie in The New York Times, CBS Morning News, CBS Evening News, Anderson Cooper 360, Sports Illustrated, Glamour Magazine, The Joe Rogan Experience, and more. 

“She used her raw courage to row the Atlantic, all alone, for 70 days, to make sure people who will never know her name have clean water to drink.”

— Diane Sawyer, ABC World News anchor

Katie’s world record breaking strength and tenacity is well documented.

Turns out she’s humble, sincere and full of grace as well.

I love her heart for The Good Stuff.

You will too. 

4 Special Operations Army Ranger veterans.

1 Custom made ocean row-boat.

3,000 miles of Atlantic Ocean.

35-50 days.

The stage is set for a show of strength, conviction and resilience...not of self, but in the name of every veteran who died by suicide and in the strong hope to end veteran suicides all together.

Veteran Army Sergeant Guy Phillips, of Painesville, OH about his latest mission he willingly took on.

Fight OAR Die is an audacious adventure but these men are awesomely inspired by the importance of it.

The crew will be rowing for FOD in 'The World's Toughest Row.'

Edit Note: Guy is not a founder, but an active participant in Hardrock Charlie Foundation.

hardrockcharliefoundation.org

Guy, who also happens to be humble, points out Dan Mead, Brendan”Duke” Durkan, Lewis Prettyman, William Henderson, Dirk Horwedel, Wesely Jurena and Troy Webb are founding members.

All, including Guy Phillips served in the 1st Ranger Battalion.

Another funeral.

And I wanted to stand up and clap.

The eulogy for Richard “Dick” Sadd wasn’t sad at all.

The fact that he will be missed by so many far beyond his large family is sad.

The way he lived his life is worthy of applause.

This morning can we please talk about why we wait until Good people are dead before we pull out all the stops to celebrate how they lived?

Why *then* is the best time to say the things they would have loved to hear in a church full of people who loved them..

what if BEFORE they were dead, before they are even sick, we put our daily schedules on hold, get dressed up, buy an overpriced card, relatives who’ve been out of pocket for years show up, and instead of tears in church when ‘On Eagles wings’ plays, we stand up and clap for the living, breathing Good Stuff who’s walking out, STILL Living Inspired…

What I heard on Friday at St. Ladislaus Church inspired us all to leave there and BE a Mr. Sadd.

I was “Sadd” I had never met him.

Talk about a life well lived!

In all the IMPORTANT areas like faith in action, Family first, gratitude, humility, Richard Sadd raised the bar. Consistently.

A man who lived inspired… is a man who still inspires with the legacy he leaves beyond his last breath.

I just wish we could tell them in such a big, profound way WHILE they’re breathing.

John O’Leary is living by example when he shares with the world how he LIVES INSPIRED every day.

He is humble, insightful and just…a really Good Dude.

You won’t want to miss his refreshing take on living in faith and insights into his #1 Best Selling book, ‘On Fire’ that has become a supplement of sorts to my Bible when it comes to instructions for living our best lives.

Tap into his time tested mindset of growing from ‘victim’ to ‘victor’.

John’s story is full of a beautiful cast of characters, especially his family and his parents who, along with God, gave the world John O’Leary who reminds us ‘The BEST is yet to come.’

Where are they now? A new AWESOME development in one of my most favorite stories as a news reporter. It was so God At Work when I met Megan and Greg Clifford and their story since then!!?? No WAY you won’t be inspired at the way they’re living inspired. John OLeary would approve.

Speaking of…. We look ahead to our interview with John OLeary that drops on Monday!

5/22 noon EST

Tap into his time tested mindset of growing from ‘victim’ to ‘victor’ and how to ‘Live Inspired’.

There were tears.

It was a funeral after all.

For an 11-year-old.

*A funeral for an 11-year-old.*

But there was also candy.

Lots of it.

In CHURCH.

That’s how Collin Nemet wanted it.

Station after well thought out station of all of Collin favorites like Skittles, of course. The bottomless bowl of Swedish Fish sat at the display with Collin’s fishing pole and all the pictures of him reeling them in.

Turns out, Collin Nemet was a “Fisher of Men”… and more.

Matthew 4:19

“And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

He had reeled us all into a closer relationship with The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

The cancer Warrior who was a force to be reckoned with in life and behind any Nerf air gun, stared death in the face with unflappable Faith that made us all want to be like him.

Jesus is Collin Nemet’s friend.

That’s how he talked to Him.

In what were clearly more conversations than they were “prayers”, Collin Nemet found the peace that surpasses all understanding.

We waited hours to wind our way through a seemingly endless line at Saint Ambrose Parish church to get up to a casket that should never have to be built that small.

We would have waited 3 days to hug Collin’s mom and dad and siblings like we never wanted to let them go.

“Thank you for making Collin Nemet,” I wanted to tell them.

2 years later, almost to the day, I’m still learning from the family that gave the world Collin Nemet.

In this interview you’ll be inspired by Kim Nemet’s testimony of what it looks like to be truly rooted in faith and how it feels when a small army shows up to say We Love You and thank you for leading by example

This is legacy that will outlive ALL of us.

An 11-year-old who led more people than we can count to strengthen our faith or to start a relationship with the God of the universe who is also Collin Nemet’s friend.

Now they are forever friends…face to face.

And the world here, as we know it, will never be the same for having known a warrior for 11 short years.

#BeACollin

She shows up (most recently) in the mailboxes of 12 THOUSAND mostly strangers who could use a bit of love.

Handmade cards from a heart gold.

That’s Nancy Mino’s trademark.

I know, because I keep finding cards she sent to my mamma in memory care for a year before my mamma passed away.

The hands and feet of Christ for the cost of a stamp.

Turns out she’s a cancer warrior who works 2 jobs as well.

Described by her friend as “the heart of a warrior and the soul to help others warrior on.”

I love her.

You will too.

God At Work: The Amy Sullivan Story S2 E3

Matthew West’s My Story Your Glory:

We reflect on a recent email he sent out about how God uses our “mess as a message in the making”.

Can you relate?

Also… WHAT’S UP WITH ALL THE SIGNS MAMMAAAAA?!?!?!

Wait till I show and tell you about the last week of what sure seem to be back to back angel winks from my mama. Do you all believe in this?

Cra cra things that I can’t believe are coincidental. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in together for The Best Part of Waking Up #Gratitude

God At Work: The Lynette Scotese Wojtilla Story S2 E2

Taking our cue this morning from a Bob Goff interview that really resonated. We’ll re-examine my notes on encouragement to step into your calling. Plus we propose extending National High Five Day one more day. We’ll explain. Get ready to See The Good and Be The Good! On your mark! Get set! Go!

Volunteers with Special Spaces Cleveland come in to transform the bedrooms of sick kids and end up moving right into the hearts of the whole family they serve.Director Shari Caruso says it’s a calling God placed on her heart. She’s been inspired ever since. She and volunteers who believe in Shari and share in her vision have been taking the next best step for 5 years now…designing and delivering custom themed dream bedrooms to deserving little warriors.More than rooms, hearts are transformed and families are forever grateful. It’s God at Work.Listen to their story and be as inspired as we are because Together We Can. Together We Will See The Good in others and Be The Good for them.On your mark.Get set.Let’s go!

The Best Part of Waking Up (IS Waking Up) S2 E6 - Dawn discusses angels among us.

Amazing Grace with Pastor Mark Merlihan part 2: A 3-day primer on the importance of Easter

The Best Part Of Waking Up (IS Waking up) S2 E5

World Down Syndrome Day is March 21. In our season finale of Joy Through The Journey we talk inclusivity with International Model Olivia DePiore. Named one of 85 women in the United States in 2022 in “Women Worth Watching in Leadership” for her never ending advocacy for inclusion. Incredibly talented, breaking through barriers, working several jobs and leading by example in humility and compassion. That’s how Olivia is rockin’ the extra chromosome. Some surprise extra guests round out this interview as well as a look at the significance of March 21 as the day we celebrate our friends with Down Syndrome.

The Best Part Of Waking Up (IS Waking Up:) S2 E2

Joy Through the Journey: The Mickey Coyne Story. Bonus Edition

When is the last time you hugged your trash man?

We wanted to hug Donovan Laird for his humility as soon as we read about him.

The article was about his Championship garbage truck maneuvering skills, but sure enough we meet him...and he's classic The Good Stuff beyond winning 1st place in Republic Services NATIONAL side-loader competition.

We saw how he goes out of his way for elderly and friends with disabilities along his route.

And sure enough, now we want to hug his whole darn awesome family...including his gramma Nan.

Donavan says Nan "prayed away a kidney stone of his once"...so he knew when she prayed for him to win this competition...he believed he would.

By the way, beautiful 78-year-old Nan was an over the road truck driver for years and taught Donovan his now nationally recognized skills early on.  "I was driving bulldozers before I even had a real license", Donavan told us.  Today he is married to his beautiful high school sweetheart and has 2 great kids following in their daddy's footsteps.

We would like to start a HUG YOUR TRASH MAN movement...

because everyone has a story...and the person moving your garbage out...might just move right into your heart as one of your new favorite people.