Anchor + Waves

Friendship can be complex, in this episode Stacy, Jacque, and special guest Bailey Hurley are here to guide you through the ups and downs of finding and building meaningful connections. They'll explore God's purpose for friendship and offer insights on discovering deep, fulfilling relationships.

Join Jacque and Stacy for a very special podcast with Alex Kuykendall as they discuss the importance of appreciating your Actual Life. Jesus could have chosen any time to come as an infant and experience life, yet he came at a time where he had to walk everywhere, a time to meander. The ladies discuss the importance of slowing down to notice what is good and how to process the hard at the same time.=============================RESOURCES=============================

Intimacy can so easily fall into unhealthy rhythms and ruts over time. Join Jacque, Stacy, and special guests Joe and Traci Castaneda from 1 Plus 1 Marriage as they discuss how to keep the joy and freshness in emotional and physical intimacy. The group talks about common factors that contribute to intimacy getting placed on the back burner and how to have healthy conversations to understand each other better.=============================RESOURCES=============================

It is easy to look around the world today and feel hopeless. Join Stacy, Jacque and special guest Lillian Dehn as they discuss how to have hope, what it looks like and where it comes from. The ladies talk about how remembering what God has done, finding a "Yellow Jello Moment", helps us understand what hope is.=============================Anchor + Waves: Channel Credits=============================

The hard in family dynamics can be all-consuming this time of year. Join Stacy, Jacque, and special guest Amy Whitehouse as they discuss how to handle the thoughts that can often steal your joy and distract your focus from the true meaning of Christmas. The ladies will talk about practical tips and how to make a plan to help you walk freer during this season.=============================Anchor + Waves: Channel Credits=============================

When I hear the word submission, it often makes me cringe. It can lead us to believe it demands a shrinking of ourselves, a lessening or deforming of who we are. But I wonder if Esther can give us a different picture of submission being an empowerment of who God created us to be in his image as servant leaders. What if the deformation of ourselves is a version of compliance, not submission? One is the outcry of fear and the other of trust. Esther does things her way, but not out of rebellion. It is birthed from a place of trusting in a God she confidently knows is a Rescuer who freely extends his favor to her because of who she is. She still wrestles with the how, but in the end, she embraces who she is to creatively do things her way, while mysteriously also doing it God's way.=============================Reflection:=============================✅ When you hear the word submissive, what emotions does that evoke? Where has submission not gone well in your life? On the flip side, can you think of a time where being submissive to authority has brought you peace and assurance?✅ Are you in a situation where compliance has become the virtue rather than submission? Are you able to shift it from positional into building relationships? Can you communicate safe boundaries and expectations? Or has it gotten to a place where deformation is happening rather than transformation? ✅ What is your “Hineni” that you've been dragging your feet on? What has God been asking you to do that you're delaying in your response of Here I am. Use me. Send me.=============================The Story of Esther:A Product of Anchor + WavesChannel Credits=============================

Posting on social media can often feel freeing and sometimes necessary but may not helpful. Join Stacy, Jacque and special guest Frank Trimble, Executive Director at Family Time Training, as they discuss how to evaluate and filter your posts before you put them online. The group will talk about how potential blind spots, hurts, concerns and relationships can impact how you post.=============================Anchor + Waves: Channel Credits=============================

We often speak of our “calling,” but what does that really mean? Mordecai exemplifies the model of where we find our identity, because that is where we will find our favor. We must know the caller before we can know how to respond.=============================Reflection:=============================✅ What would you name as your “calling” other than following Christ?✅ If it's true that humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less, how often do conversations and actions revolve around you? Do you model self-forgetfulness?✅ “What if you were created for such a time as this?” - What does that mean to you, personally?✅ Who is the “caller” in your life, or who consumes your thoughts? In other words, who has your attention?=============================Scripture Reading:=============================

The things we put in front of us every day can have a great influence on our focus and attitude. God designed us to be free, not to be caught up in the daily gains and losses that can be a distraction from the good God has for us. Join Stacy, Jacque, and special guest, author Whitney Lowe as they discuss ways to adjust our focus so that we can be filled and purposeful with our lives.=============================Resources:=============================

There is none who Haman loves more than himself. The real danger arises when we surround ourselves with those who validate our ego. Pride, like lust, is a thought sin, and unseen sin can be the sneakiest. So, how do we take our thoughts captive and bend them to Christ out of submission and humility? When we seek favor from within ourselves, we will always live from a place of unrest and anxiety. =============================Reflection:=============================✅ How would you define pride? I threw out a lot of descriptive words in what Samuel associated with pride: disobedience, rebellion, lack of trust and idolatry, anger, fear, insubordination. How would you customize a definition that is specific to your life and struggle?✅ What prideful parallels did you begin noticing in your personal life? What people, circumstances, and events stir up anger and insubordination within you?✅ What areas of your life feel impossible to be submissive and find serenity?✅ Make a list of things you could do this week that might put you in positions of humility?=============================Scripture Reading:=============================

Amidst our current culture that still struggles to say “no” and find our “best yes,” we meet a king who is the ultimate people pleaser - always saying “yes” at any cost in order to gain favor and maintain his ego. He seems to beg others to find their favor in him, as he estimates his own worth based on their impressions of him. But finding favor from others demands scorekeeping, and the seduction of idolatry - of oneself.=============================Reflection:=============================✅ Whose favor are you seeking more than that of God? What about them causes you to desire their favor and acceptance more than God?✅ In what subtle ways do you petition others to seek your approval and favor?✅ Earlier I said the line: “I don't have favorites, but if I did, it would be you.” Favor is the Latin root of the word favorite and means “preferred before all others of the same kind.”Can you believe you are God's favorite and preferred before all others of the same kind? Why or why not?=============================Scripture Reading:=============================

The things we put front of us everyday can have great influence on our focus and attitude. God designed us to be free, not to be caught up in the daily gains and loses that can be a distraction from the good God has for us. Join Stacy, Jacque and special guest, author Whitney Lowe as they discuss ways to adjust our focus so that we can be filled and purposeful with our lives.=============================Anchor + Waves: Channel Credits=============================

Step back into the Ancient Persian Empire to discover what led to the Jewish people living under King Xerxes' reign. Walk alongside them as they question whether they still remained in a covenant relationship with God despite not returning to their homeland. Did that choice change things between them and their God? Did it impact his love and his favor? Join me as we live in the tension, as these characters did, of finding favor in the eyes of people and ourselves versus receiving favor from God.=============================Reflection:=============================✅ How do I measure my value in this world? Whose favor must I gain?✅ Where do I seek approval? In who will I seek approval from?=============================Scripture Reading:=============================

Have you ever wondered what is he thinking about or wish you knew what he was feeling? Join Stacy and Jacque as they ask a special guests Danny Oertli, Will Larsen, and Colin McFarland important questions about parenting, marriage, and overall guy stuff. The ladies get the scoop on emotions, perspectives, and how to get guys to open up and share a little more.=============================Anchor + Waves: Channel Credits=============================

Sonder, is the realization that each person you meet has a life as complex as your own. Often we are surprised when we take the time to get to know someone on a deeper level and find similarities you would have never guessed by simply looking at them. These moments are ordained by God to encourage us in our walk with him. Join Stacy, Jacque, and special guest Evangeline North as she shares about her complex trauma and how God has brought her to a place of healing.=============================Anchor + Waves: Channel Credits=============================

Dating can be a hard and complicated journey. Join Stacy and Jacque as they talk about what dating looks like with special guest Madi Herring. The ladies discuss some struggles associated with dating, the purpose of dating, and how God can play a part in helping us work through honest feelings associated with it.=============================Anchor + Waves: Channel Credits=============================

Body image is how you see yourself when you look in the mirror or when you picture yourself in your mind. It can be impacted by thoughts, feelings and experiences in your life. Join Stacy, Jacque and special guest K.C. Ledgerwood a licensed professional counselor, movement teacher, and fashion enthusiast as they discuss the dynamic relationship that many people have with their bodies. The ladies talk about how to look at the journey a little differently and understand the gift our bodies are from God.=============================Resources=============================WebsiteK.C. Ledgerwood

Join Kim Fearing and her mother-in-law, Dr. Molly Fearing, as they have a candid conversation about the dynamics of their “in-law” relationship alongside their theological understanding of Ruth and its contemporary application.=============================Reflection:=============================✅ How do you live from a place of remembrance about who God is - in practical, everyday ways?✅ What keeps you from intimacy in family relationships? What is there to celebrate in those relationships?✅ How can you remain curious about challenging family members? What are some questions you can ask instead of judgment?✅ What do you need from God in order to bring healing and restoration into some of those relationships?=============================Healing, Hope, + Remembrance:A Product of Anchor + WavesChannel Credits=============================

From death to life. From famine to fertile land. From emptiness to fullness. We see the lives of Ruth and Naomi come full circle as God creates new life. With the creation of life comes the reminder that God desired his creation to live life to the fullest in the beginning and continues with that same desire. No one is forgotten in the story. Just as Obed is a sign of new life in Ruth, we live in remembrance that God will send his Son as the ultimate resurrection of new life. That is cause for celebration.=============================Scripture/Book Reading:=============================

Perhaps one of the hardest things for me to receive is that God works through me to be an answered prayer to someone whom he deeply loves. A reminder they are not forgotten. You are not forgotten. A reminder that what once felt empty can now be full. I wonder if we can begin noticing the ways God uses Ruth, Naomi and Boaz to answer one another's prayers as they begin to remember who God is and who he has always been. A reminder that perhaps life can still be lived to the fullest.=============================Scripture/Book Reading:=============================

In a world that speaks of coincidences, chapter 2 overflows with God's sovereignty and providential timing. We can see him at work behind the scenes in every detail. Not only is it filled with reminders of God's hesed love but also reminds us he will use anyone willing in order to reveal his character and love through them.=============================Scripture/Book Reading:=============================

Stacy Ludwig and guest host Kathy Stafford were able to sit down with Ruth Chou Simons to get to know a little more about Ruth the artist, faith-based speaker, entrepreneur and award-winning author. She was able to share her heart about being a mother for six boys, a little about her own spiritual journey, the origin of GraceLaced Co., and a loving word of encouragement to us all. Her newest devotional “Pilgrim: 25 Ways God's Character Leads us Onward” is now available on Amazon Pilgrim and you can also check out all of Ruth's products by going to GraceLaced.com.=============================Anchor + Waves: Channel Credits=============================

I wonder what our lives would look like and feel like if we understood what it meant to cleave to God and one another. To follow hard after someone requires trust. There is an innate trust between Ruth and Naomi, and between Naomi and God that we feel in Chapter 1. Ruth seems to feel it too, as she chooses to journey with Naomi back to her homeland, leaving behind everything - to begin living her life to the fullest. There is confusion and bitterness yet hope subtly hovers in the background with God, as two grieving widows cleave to one another walking into the unknown. =============================Scripture/Book Reading:=============================

As we explore the Hebrew Scriptures, we begin to see that God's desire is for his creation to live life to the fullest. There is historical and literary context that explains the significance of this leading up to the book of Ruth. We notice that God will use anyone willing to work alongside him in redeeming this messy world, and the theme of remembrance begins to emerge.=============================Scripture/Book Reading:=============================

Follow the unlikely story of a young, widowed woman who leaves behind everything she has known to follow her mother-in-law to an unknown future. Witness how trust in an ever-present God brings hope and healing to women beaten down by life's circumstances. Explore how looking at your own life through new eyes will reveal how God is even now at work in you. Remember your God and Reignite your joy.=============================Healing, Hope, + Remembrance:A Product of Anchor + WavesChannel Credits=============================

Are we aware of how our actions and words impact others? In this episode, Ken West joins hosts Jacque and Stacy to share about his life, his personal experience with racism, and what he sees in our communities today. They explore how Ken was raised and how that has impacted his outlook and response to racism. The group discusses how to respect each other more so that we see each other as precious creations of God. =============================Anchor + Waves: Channel Credits=============================

Are we aware of how our actions and words impact others? God made us to be in community with those that are not like us to help US grow and love others. Join Stacy, Jacque, and special guests Jan Junge and Lisa Mundy as they discuss how to encourage single people differently and make sure they feel seen.=============================Anchor + Waves: Channel Credits=============================

If you are looking for a deeper dive into the women and historical context we discussed this season, this is the episode for you. Join Kim and Dr. Craig Blomberg of Denver Seminary as they take a scholarly perspective on questions that were submitted throughout the Audacious Love season.=============================Scripture/Book Reading:=============================

We live in a time in which we are hyper-focused on how we see ourselves and how others see us, we can often then begin to assign worth and value to ourselves based upon those labels. The sad and tragic reality is that underneath a label or classification is a person, a purposeful creation of God, who has been reduced to a cheap descriptor. Join Jacque, Stacy, and special guest Amy Grace as she shares her personal story of battling against labels put on her, she put on herself, and how God redeemed ALL of it.=============================Anchor + Waves: Channel Credits=============================

To show up uninvited to someone's home, knowing judgmental stares and comments await, took unbelievable courage. But then, to perform such a scandalous act in front of those very same onlookers was shocking - and admirable. What's a person to do when you're overcome with adoration for Christ? His unimaginable forgiveness has the power to produce a response of love, even in the face of disdain. Christ wooing us back to himself is cause for joy. So, how do we experience that kind of uncontained joy for ourselves?=============================Scripture/Book Reading:=============================

Do you ever find yourself not fully understanding someone? There is much to say about Mary, the mother of Jesus, but what did Mary fully know about her son? Mary repeatedly treasures things up in her heart to ponder about Jesus, seemingly struggling to fully understand him. That's something I think we can all relate to. I wonder if she knew that if she simply kept believing, even in the midst of confusion, obediently saying YES to her God and moving along, that somewhere along the way, there would be more answers, more clarity. Perhaps that the point for all of us. Not to have all the answers in order for it all to make sense, but to simply have a collection of answers to “Who are you?” so that we can more accurately answer Who am I. =============================Scripture/Book Reading:=============================

The nameless Samaritan woman at the well unsuspectingly shows up one afternoon in hopes of avoiding anyone she knows. She never expected a male stranger to appear and know everything about her past. Like the other women, she has a choice before her. What happens when her truth is exposed? What happens when our truth is exposed? Do we stick around long enough to watch our sin wash away in the stream of living, flowing water or do we remain stuck in the dark and stagnant waters?=============================Scripture/Book Reading:=============================

The story of Mary and Martha is often presented with the message “Be more like Mary, less like Martha.” Yet, what is the deeper meaning behind Martha's busyness and Mary's kneeling? Is Martha doing it wrong and Mary right? Explore how our giftings and personalities are intentionally placed within us - never to be squandered - yet what is the “one thing necessary” that must come before service?In one audacious act, Jesus sends a clear message that he counts women among his disciples. Socially determined roles are no longer the defining point. In God's domain, neither gender, race, status, wealth, past behavior, or purity determine one's position. Women become equals to men as disciples under the teachings of their Master - the son of God. It is here we realize that we all have a Master. After listening to this week's episode and reflecting on the questions, notice who reigns as Master in your life, and the invitation to discipleship that is extended to everyone and results in reinstating Christ to that title in your life.=============================Scripture/Book Reading:=============================

Finding the key to making your marriage flourish just as God designed can be tricky. The longer you are married often the more elusive the concept feels. Join Stacy, Jacque, and special guests Deb Mitchell and Tracy Hall as they delve into the highs and lows of their real-life marriages. The ladies offer practical advice to help you build a more satisfying and fulfilling marriage. They discuss the importance of showing grace to each other, protecting your thought life, and fighting together for a better marriage. Stick around for an inspirational segment at the end where the guys will share what their ideal date night looks like.=============================Resources: Verses============================= 

The story of the nameless hemorrhaging woman is a picture of someone likely feeling hopeless, desperate, and rejected - physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially empty. Yet, she has enough faith to show up when Jesus arrives to her small town, despite her lingering doubt and questions, even though she has absolutely nothing to offer him. Shockingly, we watch Jesus' audacious response. But will she hear him call out to her for restoration, or will she quietly retreat through the crowd back to her isolated life?=============================Scripture/Book Reading:=============================

Join Stacy and Jacque as they introduce Audacious Love, a seasonal addition to the Anchor and Waves podcast. This new Audacious Love series is designed to study women in the Bible, with teaching written explicitly for women, and taught by women. It will look at five women in the gospels who boldly took risks to linger in the presence of Jesus. Kim Fearing, the host of Audacious Love, will join Jacque and chat about the new series, its goals, and God's plan for it.

Join Stacy and Jacque as they introduce Audacious Love, a seasonal addition to the Anchor and Waves podcast. This new Audacious Love series is designed to study women in the Bible, with teaching written explicitly for women, taught by women. It will study five women in the gospels who boldly took risks to linger in the presence of Jesus. Kim Fearing, the host of Audacious Love, will join Jacque and chat about the new series, its goals, and God's plan for it. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE   Audacious Love: A Product of Anchor + Waves Channel Credits

Every day we make hundreds of decisions, probably thousands. When God sets BIG decisions in front of us it is important to make sure we are following a healthy matrix to evaluate which choice is best. Join Stacy, Jacque, and special guest Lynne Schlottman as they talk through how to make healthy decisions in light of God's will. Stick around for a special segment at the end to hear Kim Hanson share special insights on how to prepare your kids to make difficult decisions on their own.

Every day we make hundreds of decisions, probably thousands. When God sets BIG decisions in front of us it is important to make sure we are following a healthy matrix to evaluate which choice is best. Join Stacy, Jacque, and special guest Lynne Schlottman as they talk through how to make healthy decisions in light of God's will. Stick around for a special segment at the end to hear Kim Hanson share special insights on how to prepare your kids to make difficult decisions on their own. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE   Anchor + Waves Channel Credits

Traditions are repeated rituals that provide a sense of identity and help tell the story of your family. Over time you will find yourself in new phases of life and the traditions you have had for many years may need to change as life changes. Join Stacy, Jacque, and a gaggle of special guests as they share their favorite family traditions as well as fun ways to give back during the Christmas season. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE   Anchor + Waves Channel Credits

Traditions are repeated rituals that provide a sense of identity and help tell the story of your family. Over time you will find yourself in new phases of life and the traditions you have had for many years may need to change as life changes. Join Stacy, Jacque, and a gaggle of special guests as they share their favorite family traditions as well as fun ways to give back during the Christmas season.

The holidays can be tricky, often they are filled with laughter and fun until that one topic comes up, and the mood changes. Join Stacy, Jacque, and special guest Brooke Gage as they discuss the complications that arise when family gets together. The ladies discuss how to prepare, plan and handle conflict between family members. They share great ideas and tools to help you as you head into the holiday season with family.

The holidays can be tricky, often they are filled with laughter and fun until that one topic comes up, and the mood changes. Join Stacy, Jacque, and special guest Brooke Gage as they discuss the complications that arise when family gets together. The ladies discuss how to prepare, plan and handle conflict between family members. They share great ideas and tools to help you as you head into the holiday season with family. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE   Anchor + Waves Channel Credits

Join us for a personal story of testimony on the importance of memorizing scripture. Randa Avance shares with us how the precious gift of memorized scriptures carried her through difficult times of illness and diagnosis' in her life. You will be encouraged to prioritize this and hear about resources to help make the journey easier. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE   Anchor + Waves Channel Credits

Join us for a personal story of testimony on the importance of memorizing scripture. Randa Avance shares with us how the precious gift of memorized scriptures carried her through difficult times of illness and diagnosis' in her life. You will be encouraged to prioritize this and hear about resources to help make the journey easier.

God created us to heal in relationship but taking steps towards healing woundedness can be scary and hard. Join Stacey, Jacque, and special guest Sean Taylor from Cornerstone Christian Counseling as they discuss the stigmas attached to woundedness and trauma. How God has designed healing to happen when wounds are brought from the dark into the light. The group will discuss social, emotional, physical, and relational trauma and the hidden scars they can leave behind.

God created us to heal in relationship but taking steps towards healing woundedness can be scary and hard. Join Stacey, Jacque, and special guest Sean Taylor from Cornerstone Christian Counseling as they discuss the stigmas attached to woundedness and trauma. How God has designed healing to happen when wounds are brought from the dark into the light. The group will discuss social, emotional, physical, and relational trauma and the hidden scars they can leave behind. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE   Anchor + Waves Channel Credits

Waiting on answers from God can be a tricky and painful thing. Join Stacey, Jacque, and special guest Coletta Smith as they discuss some pitfalls, resources, and ways to find comfort during the waiting times. The ladies talk about how to know the difference between God's voice and your own desires. They dig into the importance of building up your confidence in God, understanding the character of who He is, and how to do that.

Waiting on answers from God can be a tricky and painful thing. Join Stacey, Jacque, and special guest Coletta Smith as they discuss some pitfalls, resources, and ways to find comfort during the waiting times. The ladies talk about how to know the difference between God's voice and your own desires. They dig into the importance of building up your confidence in God, understanding the character of who He is, and how to do that. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE   Anchor + Waves Channel Credits

Every day it seems that there is someone else that has a cancer diagnosis, is dealing with a death, or is suffering in a time of waiting. Often as women, the first thing we want to do is fix it. Join Stacy, Jacque, and special guests Debbie McSparran and Amy Whitehouse as they discuss some fresh ideas as well as some things we need to be cautious of when supporting someone going through suffering or pain. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE   Anchor + Waves Channel Credits

Every day it seems that there is someone else that has a cancer diagnosis, is dealing with a death, or is suffering in a time of waiting. Often as women, the first thing we want to do is fix it. Join Stacy, Jacque, and special guests Debbie McSparran and Amy Whitehouse as they discuss some fresh ideas as well as some things we need to be cautious of when supporting someone going through suffering or pain.