Podcast interview – Naty Matos

What if the nudge you’re feeling isn’t just a thought, but a spark?

In this week’s episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, returning guest John JR Rennie joins Naty and Veda for a deep and raw conversation about faith, calling, and his new book, Sparks Turn Into BrushFires.

JR doesn’t show up with pretense. He shows up with lived experience, spiritual wisdom, and a message for anyone who’s been stuck in a dry season, wondering if God is still speaking.

This episode is for:

Anyone who’s ever felt disconnected from their purpose
Those wrestling with regret, doubt, or burnout
Believers looking for real talk, not sugarcoated sermons
People are ready to reignite their faith and relationships

From church hurt to divine redirection, JR opens up about what it means to hear God clearly, obey when it’s uncomfortable, and find joy, not after the breakthrough, but during the battle.

We talk faith. We talk about failure. And we talk about the book born from the journey: Sparks Turn Into BrushFires.

As the founder of a nearly 40-year business software company, I thought I was going to ride off into the sunset and retire. All that changed in 2015 when God decided to redirect me to my True Purpose. Promptings, new understandings, and inspired guidance brought me to founding the BrushFires Ministry. A ministry that helps other Believers discover their God Given Purpose and Destiny, just like God had led me to mine.

The BrushFires Ministry has created a system and tool set that allows believers to discover their strengths and weaknesses. Once they have done this for themselves, they can discover this for their family, friends, and other ministry members. There is nothing worse than feeling you are being misunderstood, overlooked, and spinning your wheels as a Believer. I should know. Our system and services can help the believer to find their jam and achieve that joy-filled state of mind that only the Lord can provide.

BrushFires Digital Workshop – an online video series to lead individuals, couples, small groups, churches, and organizations through our Workshop materials.
The Design Coaching / Graduate Training programs – through three new workbooks (Mentoring Manual, Graduate Workbook and the Instructor’s Manual) we delve into deeper design insight, counseling tools, group dynamics and Church Body Building techniques. This is also facilitated through Zoom conference training for the leaders.
Church Leadership Training programs – using the Graduate Training materials, we coach church leaders to implement the BrushFires curriculum and to facilitate the BrushFires program in-house. This is also facilitated through Zoom conference training for the leaders.
The ReKindle coaching program – Follow up with Design Discovery Meeting graduates to help them pursue their purpose.
Ignite Ministry Coaching – a facilitated Motivated Role exercise to help ministries brainstorm new solutions, new ministries, and new endeavors.

In 2025, the BrushFires program is expanding with the following new services. To connect with BrushFires, you can go to their website, find them on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

🎧 If you’ve ever believed you were too far gone to start over, this episode will change your mind.

In this week’s episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we delve into the intricate web of the justice system, shedding light on its nuances, challenges, and the inspiring journey of one individual dedicated to reforming it. Join us as we sit down with Ramona Toole, a beacon of resilience, service, and hope, whose personal story fuels her unwavering commitment to creating a safer and more equitable community for all

Ramona’s upbringing was marked by adversity, with a tumultuous household overshadowed by her father’s abuse and addiction. Yet, amidst the chaos, a pivotal moment ignited her path towards justice. A chance encounter with a black female judge sparked a flame within her, propelling her towards a career in law, driven by the desire to be a voice for the voiceless and a source of inspiration for the marginalized.

For Ramona, faith has been a guiding force, shaping her perspective on justice and compassion. While the legal system may be bound by the separation of church and state, Ramona emphasizes the crucial role of faith in addressing mental health within the justice system. She advocates for holistic approaches, integrating mental health support and rehabilitation services to break the cycle of crime and stigma

Central to Ramona’s mission is bridging the gap between law enforcement and marginalized communities. Through community service projects and mentorship programs, she aims to foster trust, understanding, and mutual respect between officers and civilians. By humanizing the badge and fostering genuine connections, Ramona believes we can cultivate safer, more inclusive communities.

Ramona underscores the importance of equitable access to justice, regardless of background or circumstance. Treating individuals with dignity, providing platforms for dialogue, and amplifying marginalized voices are essential steps towards building a more just society. Additionally, she advocates for comprehensive mental health support, urging policymakers to prioritize funding and accessibility for all.

As Ramona embarks on her journey to become a Gwinnett County State Court judge, her platform extends beyond the courtroom. With a focus on accident cases, civil disputes, DUI offenses, and traffic violations, she seeks to uphold fairness, integrity, and accountability in every case. Her nonpartisan approach underscores her commitment to serving the community above all else.

As we conclude our conversation with Ramona Toole, we are reminded of the power of resilience, compassion, and advocacy in reshaping our justice system. Through her tireless efforts, Ramona exemplifies the transformative potential within each of us to effect meaningful change. Check out our latest episode for more!

Until next time, be blessed.