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What can a simple backpack mean to a child at Christmas? Join Penni Cooke and Bill Barker, Director of Appalachian Children's Ministry, as Bill shares the heart behind the annual Christmas Backpack project and the children whose lives have been touched through this ministry. Discover how churches can come together to meet practical needs, share the love of Jesus, and bring hope to children during the Christmas season. Bill also explains how churches can get involved in this year's project. Want your church to participate? Visit the Appalachian Children's Ministry website for more information and contact the ministry for current packing instructions and November delivery deadlines. Real stories. Everyday faith. God's love in action. This is Manna-Festations — trusting God for today.Facebook page Yellow Daisy Bakeryhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586505314649Appalachian Children's Ministry Web Site https://appalachianchildrenministry.org/“This podcast is independently produced. The beliefs and opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs, sponsorship, or endorsement of Union Grove Baptist Church.”

What happens when a young person is given more than a skill—when someone helps them discover purpose?In this episode of Manna-Festations, Penni sits down with Darrell Galloway of Xcel Strategies in North Georgia to talk about mentoring, hands-on trade training, building relationships, and helping young people find direction for their future.From camps and construction projects to faith and everyday conversations, Darrell shares how investing in the next generation can help young people discover their strengths, develop confidence, and take their next step with purpose.Sometimes God doesn't give us the whole roadmap—just enough manna for today.Facebook page Yellow Daisy Bakeryhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586505314649“This podcast is independently produced. The beliefs and opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs, sponsorship, or endorsement of Union Grove Baptist Church.”

What happens when a young person is given more than a skill—when someone helps them discover purpose?In this episode of Manna-Festations, Penni sits down with Darrell Galloway of Xcel Strategies in North Georgia to talk about mentoring, hands-on trade training, building relationships, and helping young people find direction for their future.From camps and construction projects to faith and everyday conversations, Darrell shares how investing in the next generation can help young people discover their strengths, develop confidence, and take their next step with purpose.Sometimes God doesn't give us the whole roadmap—just enough manna for today.Facebook page Yellow Daisy Bakeryhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586505314649“This podcast is independently produced. The beliefs and opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs, sponsorship, or endorsement of Union Grove Baptist Church.”

Celebrating 6 months of Manna-Festations! ❤️Join Penni Cooke as she looks back at the stories, faith, laughter, challenges, and blessings God has brought through this podcast since March.From family and adoption stories to caregiving, missions, business, and so much more, one message continues to shine through:Ordinary lives touched by an Extraordinary God.God has been faithful to provide—one day, one blessing, one story at a time.And we’re just getting started! 🙏What would YOU like to hear next? Comment below!#MannaFestations #FaithStories #godisfaithful Episode 27 The Pastor's Wife - Part 2Episode 26 The Pastor's Wife Part OneEpisode 25 Retired from work, but not retired from God.Episode 24, One Step at a Time: The Story of Andi GraceEpisode 23 Stuck in the Middle with GodEpisode 22: Faith that StaysEpisode 21: When Thousands Prayed:Episode 20: Dad Was Always There...Until He Wasn't Episode 19: She said “Yes” with no regretsEpisode 18: When God Says GoEpisode 17 b "You are not alone" Part 2Episode 17 "You are not alone" Part 1 of 2 Parts 1Episode 16: Preparing for a Promise!Episode 15: When God writes a different story:Episode 14: Faith Through the Battle — Trusting God Through Cancer, Calling, and Daily GraceEpisode 13: Caregiving Changes EverythingEpisode 12: College, changes, and finding your calling.Episode 11: Dawn and Jimmie On the Road 0Episode 10: “Big Family, Big Laughs, Real Faith | Welcome to Summer ☀️”Episode 9: Raising little girls with a big faith.Episode 8: Dialysis Didn't Stop Him,...Faith Fueled HimEpisode 7: When Thousands Prayed Episode 6: When God Leads: Business + Faith 0 Episode 5: When Faith is Tested at HomeEpisode 4: Becoming Who God Created You to BeEpisode 3: Walking through a life-changing experience!Episode 2: The Unlikely Road to Adoption 1Episode 1 Manna-Festations Premier PodcastFacebook page Yellow Daisy Bakeryhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586505314649“This podcast is independently produced. The beliefs and opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs, sponsorship, or endorsement of Union Grove Baptist Church.”

Today’s conversation is a little different.We’re going to talk about a role that many people see from the outside—but may not fully understand from the inside.The role of a pastor’s wife.There can be a lot of assumptions about what that means. There can be expectations, responsibilities, joys, pressures—and sometimes things that are difficult to talk about because of the need to protect the privacy of others.So today, we’re not going to talk about specific people, specific churches, or anything that could compromise someone’s confidence.Instead, we’re going to talk about the woman behind the title.What does it really feel like to be married to a pastor?What does God teach you in that role?Where do you find your identity when people have expectations of you?And what happens when ministry is wonderful… but also hard?Because, just like every other season of life, God gives us manna for this one day at a time.And I’m so glad you’re here for this conversation.INTRODUCING OUR GUESTToday I’m joined by a very special guest, a pastor’s wife who has graciously agreed to let us peek behind the curtain—not into anyone else’s private life, but into her own experience.Thank you so much for being here.Yellow Daisy Bakeryhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586505314649“This podcast is independently produced. The beliefs and opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs, sponsorship, or endorsement of Union Grove Baptist Church.”

Today’s conversation is a little different.We’re going to talk about a role that many people see from the outside—but may not fully understand from the inside.The role of a pastor’s wife.There can be a lot of assumptions about what that means. There can be expectations, responsibilities, joys, pressures—and sometimes things that are difficult to talk about because of the need to protect the privacy of others.So today, we’re not going to talk about specific people, specific churches, or anything that could compromise someone’s confidence.Instead, we’re going to talk about the woman behind the title.What does it really feel like to be married to a pastor?What does God teach you in that role?Where do you find your identity when people have expectations of you?And what happens when ministry is wonderful… but also hard?Because, just like every other season of life, God gives us manna for this one day at a time.And I’m so glad you’re here for this conversation.INTRODUCING OUR GUESTToday I’m joined by a very special guest, a pastor’s wife who has graciously agreed to let us peek behind the curtain—not into anyone else’s private life, but into her own experience.Thank you so much for being here.Yellow Daisy Bakeryhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586505314649“This podcast is independently produced. The beliefs and opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs, sponsorship, or endorsement of Union Grove Baptist Church.”

Retirement may be the end of a career—but is it the end of our calling?In this episode of Manna-Festations, Penni and longtime friend Sharon Harris talk about retirement, purpose, faith, and discovering what God has for us in this next chapter.Facebook page Yellow Daisy Bakeryhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586505314649“This podcast is independently produced. The beliefs and opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs, sponsorship, or endorsement of Union Grove Baptist Church.”

Hey There, welcome to Manna-Festations, and thanks for joining me here today.Today we're talking about a story that is filled with courage, perseverance, miracles, and a whole lot of faith. It's a story about a little girl named Andi-Grace.Andi-Grace's story began with a diagnosis that no parent ever wants to hear. At just a young age, she was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor that left her partially paralyzed.Her parents, Haley and Jacob, suddenly found themselves walking a road they never expected to travel. There would be surgeries, chemotherapy, long days in hospitals, appointments, therapies, and an uncertain future.But there was also something else.There was faith. There was prayer. There was family. There was a church family. And there was a God who met them in every single step.Today, Andi-Grace is growing up. She walks with walking aids, she goes to school, she has friends, and she has a personality that is all her own. She's funny, she's outspoken, and she isn't afraid to tell you exactly what she thinks.And she knows something very important: She is uniquely and wonderfully made—and she knows that God loves her.Today I'm joined by her parents, Haley and Jacob Kiser, who are going to share the story of their daughter—from her birth, through her diagnosis and treatment, through remission, and into the everyday life of continuing to trust Jesus.Because sometimes we think the miracle is the moment the cancer is gone.But what happens after that? What does daily life look like? What does faith look like when the hospital visits become therapy appointments, and the biggest prayers are sometimes about taking the next step?And what happens when God provides not just through a miracle, but through the people He places around us to help carry us?That's what I want to talk about today.Because this is a story about a family who learned to trust God—not for the whole journey at once—but one day, one need, and sometimes one step at a time. Yellow Daisy Bakery: Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586505314649 “This podcast is independently produced. The beliefs and opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs, sponsorship, or endorsement of Union Grove Baptist Church.”

oday we're talking about something I think a lot of us experience—but we don't always talk about it. It's the waiting. That place where you've prayed. You've asked God for direction. You've asked Him what's next. You've tried to be patient. You've tried to be still. And yet… you're still waiting.Today, I'm joined by someone who has been here before—and she's back for a second conversation on Manna-Festations. My friend, Naomi Fricke.Many of you may remember Naomi from our earlier conversations, and if you've been listening for a while, you may also know her as the owner of Yellow Daisy Bakery. But today, we're not talking primarily about baking. Yellow Daisy Bakery, Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586505314649 “This podcast is independently produced. The beliefs and opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs, sponsorship, or endorsement of Union Grove Baptist Church.”

Today's conversation is about something many of us will experience at some point in our lives...walking beside someone we love through their final season on earth, while learning to trust God one day at a time.My guest today is Candy Rainwater. Candy and I actually met only about ten months ago through our church, Union Grove Baptist. Although we're not lifelong friends, we quickly became sisters in Christ as we worshipped together each week.Yellow Daisy Bakery Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586505314649“This podcast is independently produced. The beliefs and opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs, sponsorship, or endorsement of Union Grove Baptist Church.”

What is it like to watch your dad fight for his lifewhile you're still growing up? In this heartfelt episode of Manna-Festations, sistersMaryAvis and Carley Casey share how their father's long battle with COVID-19, months away from home, and life-saving double lung transplant impacted their faith, family, and everyday lives. As a high school senior and an eighth grader during thisdifficult season, they learned to trust God through uncertainty, unanswered questions, and the power of prayer. Their story is a beautiful reminder that even in life'shardest moments, God faithfully provides the strength we need—one day at atime. 🌾 Trusting God for today. Facebook page Yellow Daisy Bakery href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586505314649"    “This podcast is independently produced. The beliefs andopinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarilyreflect the views, beliefs, sponsorship, or endorsement of Union Grove BaptistChurch.”

(On Mission for God; Uganda style) What happens when God calls you far beyond your comfortzone? In this episode of Manna-Festations, Penni Cooke welcomesAnna Grace Johnson, as she shares her incredible journey from a young girl with a heart for missions to serving as a missionary and elementary teacher in Uganda. Anna Grace talks about leaving home, trusting God in theunknown, raising financial support, building relationships in a new culture, and discovering God's faithfulness every step of the way. Her story is a powerful reminder that when God calls us, Healso equips us—providing exactly what we need for each new day. 🌾 Trusting God for today. Facebook page Yellow Daisy Bakery https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586505314649     “This podcast is independently produced. The beliefs andopinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs, sponsorship, or endorsement of Union Grove Baptist Church.”

Today's conversation is about something many parents quietly wrestle with—learning to trust God with the people we love most. As parents, we spend years protecting our children, guiding them, praying over them, and helping them prepare for life. But what happens when God calls them somewhere we cannot follow? Today's story is about faith, surrender, and discovering that God's protection reaches farther than we ever can." Facebook page Yellow Daisy Bakery https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586505314649     “This podcast is independently produced. The beliefs andopinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarilyreflect the views, beliefs, sponsorship, or endorsement of Union Grove BaptistChurch.”

Today's conversation is especially close to my heart.If you've listened to this podcast before, you know that caregiving has become a significant part of my own life. Caring for someone you love can be one of the greatest expressions of love and faith—but it can also be exhausting, lonely, and sometimes overwhelming.Today's guests understand that journey firsthand.We're going to talk about what it means to trust God when life takes an unexpected turn, how He provides daily manna for caregivers, and how His presence sustains us one day at a time.Facebook page Yellow Daisy Bakeryhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586505314649Linda Cobourn, EdD Book "You Are Not Alone: Rest and Refuge for Spousal Caregivershttps://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Not-Alone-Caregivers/dp/1968127356/ref=sr_1_2?crid=171108ESGNNSA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.beZn56Yi-36ixwyVT8_oAC7C1nATzYW3ghtXH2h6ywTqvuaBwLGTrZ8wwC-WH18B8J-DL1z5cjB0azBgqRGf8jK3sukPWsRuLDxmqR8e9Z_iFflyQKrGJ6CHTgd_HPAsv3qtocvVGBopkPnfBT6OMZPxqNDrNjHv7WZLwZFzyQAP_DLYWkrbylTPFat2V2TtXvTOcImr_PcLIoaLPrk8LfycIgpwS06SGR8iiUzqW9Y.7tV4E0gn921ifGJLr3lYmYHquw5bLLFv8l0BHGdikLs&dib_tag=se&keywords=you+are+not+alone+book+Linda&qid=1782835920&sprefix=you+are+not+alone+book+linda+%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-2“This podcast is independently produced. The beliefs and opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs, sponsorship, or endorsement of Union Grove Baptist Church.”

Today's conversation is especially close to my heart.If you've listened to this podcast before, you know that caregiving has become a significant part of my own life. Caring for someone you love can be one of the greatest expressions of love and faith—but it can also be exhausting, lonely, and sometimes overwhelming.Today's guests understand that journey firsthand.We're going to talk about what it means to trust God when life takes an unexpected turn, how He provides daily manna for caregivers, and how His presence sustains us one day at a time.Facebook page Yellow Daisy Bakeryhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586505314649Linda Cobourn, EdD Book "You Are Not Alone: Rest and Refuge for Spousal Caregivershttps://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Not-Alone-Caregivers/dp/1968127356/ref=sr_1_2?crid=171108ESGNNSA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.beZn56Yi-36ixwyVT8_oAC7C1nATzYW3ghtXH2h6ywTqvuaBwLGTrZ8wwC-WH18B8J-DL1z5cjB0azBgqRGf8jK3sukPWsRuLDxmqR8e9Z_iFflyQKrGJ6CHTgd_HPAsv3qtocvVGBopkPnfBT6OMZPxqNDrNjHv7WZLwZFzyQAP_DLYWkrbylTPFat2V2TtXvTOcImr_PcLIoaLPrk8LfycIgpwS06SGR8iiUzqW9Y.7tV4E0gn921ifGJLr3lYmYHquw5bLLFv8l0BHGdikLs&dib_tag=se&keywords=you+are+not+alone+book+Linda&qid=1782835920&sprefix=you+are+not+alone+book+linda+%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-2“This podcast is independently produced. The beliefs and opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs, sponsorship, or endorsement of Union Grove Baptist Church.”