{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 169 :: Nikki Anders :: Stories of The Journey to Bethlehem ","description":" I am so excited to share with you a really special conversation with the incredibly talented Renaissance woman Nikki Anders. Nikki is an award-winning musician, songwriter, and music producer in the TV and film industry. She shares some of her experiences in the music industry as a solo artist and member of the music group Avalon, her and her husband Adam\u2019s time working on \u201cGlee\u201d as well as many other films, and now are the creative team behind the new movie musical \u201cThe Journey to Bethlehem.\u201d Nikki shares how the Lord closed and opened so many doors over the last seventeen years from an idea about a Christmas movie the whole family could enjoy and focus on the true story of Christmas, all the way to bringing the music, script, and spectacular vision on their hearts to fruition. Placing themselves in the shoes of the real people who lived the days of Jesus\u2019 coming into the world was a practice of holy imagination and allowing themselves to wonder how God wove this story together. The Christmas story is sometimes too familiar to those who have grown up hearing it. This movie and its music breathes so much life into the incredible true story of the God who loved us so much, He sent His Son as a baby, to a very real family, who faced very real risks, because we needed a Savior. Ever since I had this conversation with Nikki, the music has brought up some really amazing conversation opportunities and questions from my two kids, and I already can tell our experience of Christmas and Advent this year will be different because of this movie, the music, and the way it has ignited the curiosity and imagination of my children.  This world is weary and longs and groans to be restored. A Savior has come and made redemption and salvation available to all who call on Him. And I hope that wherever you are, I can whisper some hope to your heart today. You matter, friend. And your story matters. Connecting with Nikki: Anders Media Adam\u2019s Instagram \u201cJourney to Bethlehem\u201d\u2019s Instagram \u201cJourney to Bethlehem\u201d soundtrack Nikki\u2019s Instagram Twitter\/ X   Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and\/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story. Scripture References:  Ephesians 4:1- Following the call of God Matthew 13:1-9- Scattering seed living as God wants you to live 1 Corinthians 10:31- Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God Daniel 1- Daniel and the exile in the Palace of Babylon Daniel 3- Shadrach, Meshach and Abendengo\u2019s God Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2- Mary, Joseph, and the Christmas story that is in the pages of scripture Luke 1:26-56 - Mary and an angel appeared to her Matthew 2:16- The massacre of the innocents 1 John 1:7 (among others!)Jesus covers us with His blood Matthew 6:13- Thine is the Kingdom  Ecclesiastes 1:9- There is nothing new under the sun Luke 1:20-25, Luke 1:57-80- Zechariah couldn\u2019t speak Isaiah 14:27-Nothing can stop the Lord Luke 1:37- Nothing will be impossible with God  Matthew 2- The wise men Matthew 2:7-9-Conversations between the wise men and Herod Ephesians 6:10-18-We are armed with the Armor of God James 1:2-4- consider it all joy when you endure trials Ephesians 6:12- We are not at war with flesh and blood  Hebrews 9:28 (and many others)- He\u2019s coming again References: Adam Anders Avalon  Steven Curtis Chapman  See ALL of Niki\u2019s accolades and credits here. It is a LONG list. \u201cGlee\u201d Belmont University Avalon \u201cA Maze of Grace\u201d \u201cAdonai\u201d Lea Michelle When you sing you vibrate your vagus nerve\/singer's joy Corey Monteith Mark Salling Naya Rivera  \u201cThe Glee Project\u201d \u201cGlee\u201d First Season Soundtrack \u201cGlee\u201d Second Season Soundtrack \u201cFaithfully\u201d from Glee \u201cHigh School Musical\u201d movies Zac Efron  \u201cThe Greatest Showman\u201d \u201cIf Only\u201d Dove Cameron Lost Valley Ranch The Navigators Bob Foster \u201cWest Side Story\u201d \u201cAnnie\u201d \u201cDawson\u2019s Creek\u201d Her song from Dawson\u2019s Creek \u201cOnly Give My Heart\u201d Paula Cole\u2019s theme song from DC \u201cThe Wedding Planner\u201d movie Jennifer Lopez \u201cAdore You\u201d from TWP movie  \u201cCamp Rock\u201d \u201cWhite Christmas\u201d \u201cMeet Me in St. Louis\u201d \u201cElf\u201d Our past Advent series on the podcast  Antonio Banderas  The Dad from \u201cSpy Kids\u201d and \u201cPuss in Boots\u201d Joel Smallbone - \u201cIn My Blood\u201d \u201cThe Chosen\u201d \u201cIt's Good to Be King\u201d- Antonio Banderas \u201cThe Passion\u201d on Fox hosted by Tyler Perry The wise men didn\u2019t come right away Charlie Brown reading the Christmas Story \u201cMother to a Savior & King\u201d \u201cMary You\u2019re Getting Married\u201d For King & Country Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life \/\/ Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog    ","author_name":"Simply Stories Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/simplystories.libsyn.com\/website","html":"