All photography provided by Barbara Cox

Podcast Host Barbara Cox

Since 1988, Barbara has participated in Bible studies, learning about God’s word and how it can apply to our daily lives. Barbara was trained to become a Bible study facilitator, and has led dozens of studies. In September, 2019, Barbara enrolled in Wartburg Theological Seminary (Dubuque, Iowa). Barbara completed her undergraduate degree at Simmons University (Boston), and her Master of Social Work at Salem State Univeristy.

Barbara Cox has been an Army brat since birth, and a military spouse since June 2001. She and her husband, Jeff, celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary this year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Barbara calls Massachusetts “home”, even though she wasn’t born there. She lived the most number of years there compared to any other state, serving children and adult populations as a social worker in Early Intervention, schools, non-profit organizations and churches.

Barbara has facilitated Bible studies for many years in non-military churches, and started participating in Protestant Women of the Chapel studies in 2015, when she moved to Landstuhl, Germany for her husband’s civilian job. Barbara has been a volunteer for the U.S. Army Reserves as a Family Readiness Group chair and served as a full-time social worker at the Massachusetts National Guard as a Military Family Life Consultant.

Barbara and Jeff moved to Stuttgart in December 2017 for Jeff’s job; he deployed as a reservist in the U.S. Army four months later. Barbara and Jeff are now in northern New York state, near the Canadian border. Thanks to Jeff’s GI Bill benefits, Barbara is a full time student at Wartburg Theological seminary.

Barbara has been a blogger since 2012, with posts about cooking, basic gardening, travel, books, and more! www.throughthespicerack.blogspot.com

Barbara enjoys travel, photography, scrapbooking, reading and singing. Her favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11 in all translations, but especially The Message: I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

Prayer Leader Stephanie Hittle

Stephanie has been a military spouse for 11 years. She is from Washington state and has lived in 7 states & 1 country outside the USA. Her family, which includes 6 children/3 boys & 3 girls is currently in the process of moving to New York state. Stephanie’s faith background is Christian Mystic. She worked in the medical field as a Medical Assistant and her dreams are to travel the world and become a motivational speaker & author.

Stephanie’s favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 41:10  "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Musician Marianne Gould

Marianne is also a student at Wartburg Theological Seminary. Her soulful flute music graces the beginning of each episode in Season One. The flute is made by “High Spirits” in the key of F#.  It was created by Odell Borg, whose father was native American Indian and whose mother was German.  It is made from cedar with a 7/8” bore, 1 of 100 made in this style and purchased in Arizona.  There are several youtube videos about High Spirits flutes, how they are made, how they are played and how to read tablature for Native American songs from various tribes throughout the U.S.  Marianne also owns Native American flutes from other persons in the key of G and A.

Singer & Guitarist Eric Haitz

Eric composed the guitar music and lyrics for “The Lord’s Prayer”, which he sings and plays in Season Two for the episode about discerning spiritual gifts. He lives with his family in Iowa and is a student at Wartburg Theological Seminary, in the Diaconal Ministry degree program. Eric has been repairing musical instruments for the local school system for many years.

Title Creator Maria Gallo

I’m incredibly grateful for the inspiration for the title of this podcast from a fellow student in a podcast class, Maria Gallo. Her website is https://www.keepintoucheducation.com

The podcast course instructor, Paula Jenkins, is at www.jumpstartyourpodcast.com

Weekly Guests

Each podcast episode will feature a guest who has a heart for God’s people. This podcast is not just about Lutheran (Christian) people or for Lutherans. We seek to extend a warm welcome to everyone. Individual guest introductions will be featured with each episode.