Anchored by the Sword

In this episode of Anchored by the Sword, I'm joined by Naomi Overton—CEO, author, and general editor of Every Woman's Bible. Naomi's heart for people shines through every word as she shares her powerful journey of growing up serving in the orphanages of Tijuana, Mexico, and how a rainy day and a little girl's home changed everything.From that defining childhood moment to leading global ministries like MOPS and Stonecroft, Naomi walks us through her freedom story—a life marked by reconciliation, restoration, and God's vision for flourishing. We also dive into the incredible backstory of Every Woman's Bible—how it came to be, what makes it different, and the worldwide team of women who made it happen.You'll hear about: • Why Ephesians is her anchor • The power of crossing barriers in Jesus' name • How her mission was shaped by love and justice • What it means to truly embrace every woman • Why this Bible is both solid in theology and full of invitationWe also talk about how Every Woman's Bible isn't just another women's Bible—it's an embrace. A place where your story meets God's story and you're reminded you belong.

In this powerful episode, I'm joined by author Julie Sunne, who reminds us what it looks like to hold on to hope when life doesn't look like we imagined. Julie opens up about her journey through five miscarriages, the deep grief that followed, and the unexpected path of parenting a child with disabilities. She shares how her faith, which once felt more like a Sunday habit, was transformed into an anchored trust in the character of God.Julie's book, Sometimes I Forget: Reminders of Hope for Your Hard Days, isn't just words on a page—it's a reflection of the battles she's walked through and the unchanging God who walked with her.

In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Kimberly Haar, a licensed professional counselor and author of the new book Healing From Life's Deepest Hurts: Reclaiming Your Life After Grief, Loss or Trauma. Kimberly shares her incredible testimony of surviving a multiple hour assault by her ex-husband, the attempted murder of her then-boyfriend and navigating the long road of healing from deep trauma, grief, and abuse.We talk about: • The moment her life changed forever—and how God met her there • What it looks like to walk through complex trauma as a believer • How to rebuild emotionally and spiritually after domestic violence • Why counseling, faith, and truth-telling are all part of healing • How to move forward with hope even when your past is full of painWhether you're walking through a hard season or love someone who is, this conversation will stir your faith, offer tools for healing, and remind you that God never wastes our pain.Bio:Kimberly Haar, LPC, LMFT, is a survivor of domestic violence, a licensed professional counselor, and a licensed marriage and family therapist with nearly two decades of experience helping others find healing and wholeness in life. She holds an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southern Nazarene University and is a featured cohost on Oasis Radio Network. Kimberly's therapy practice is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she continues to inspire hope and strength in those facing life's challenges.Anchor Verses:Psalm 23Psalm 34:18Connect with Kim:Website: https://kimberlyhaar.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/kimberly.haarFB: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyJHaar/***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

What happens when the life you dreamed of falls apart—and somehow, God uses it to write a better story than you could've ever imagined?In this episode, I'm talking with Amy Eaton, author of Hope When It's Heavy, a woman of deep faith, a military wife, mom, and grandma with a story of radical redemption and honest hope. Amy grew up in a nontraditional home, but she met Jesus at 20—and everything changed. That doesn't mean the road was easy. After walking through betrayal in her first marriage, Amy held onto trust in God—even in the middle of heartbreak.She shares how meeting her now-husband Justin—who adopted her son and became a godly father—was a picture of true redemption. Her journey is proof that grief and joy can coexist, and that God is not afraid of our hard questions.Amy opens up about her new book, Hope When It's Heavy, written for the woman who feels like she has to fake it in Christian spaces. This is for the one who's been shamed for asking the hard questions or saying “I'm not okay.” Amy reminds us: You don't have to walk through pain alone. You can let people in. You can be honest. And most of all, you can find peace in Jesus—even when the weight is heavy.We talk about:​ Grieving with honesty and grace​ Letting go of shame in faith communities​ The painting behind her book cover—and the moment of peace it brought during her father's final days​ Why you don't have to retreat in the hard things​ What it means to see hope, even in the darknessThis is your permission to be honest. You don't have to fake it. Jesus meets us right where we are.Bio:Amy Eaton writes from a deep well of having walked through many heavy seasons. She acknowledges the wrestle and reality of holding seemingly conflicting truths with a grace and tenacious hope that is contagious. She deeply loves Jesus, her family, the Church, and her community. Amy's background in local church ministry, psychology, and corporate human resource work uniquely equip her to write and speak to the whole person (spiritually, emotionally, and mentally) as an overflow of the Lord's kindness in her life to carry her through so much.An encourager, her greatest hope for any project she produces is for women to draw closer to God and to rest in His infinite love for them. Amy and her husband are empty nesters, residing on a mini farm in Southeast Tennessee with their ever-shifting number of chickens, two cats, and three of the sweetest, fluffiest dogs.Anchor Verse:Isaiah 26:3John 6:12Connect with Amy:Website: https://amyeatonauthor.comBio.Site: https://bio.site/amyeaton***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

In this empowering episode, Gina sits down with Lisa J. Allen—wife, grandmother, former Proverbs 31 executive, and now confidence coach, speaker, and first-time author of Your Confidence Compass: From Self-Doubt to Self-Leadership. Lisa shares her journey of rooting her identity in Christ, rediscovering her confidence, and stepping into a new season of leadership and purpose.They unpack what true godly confidence looks like, how boundaries and self-awareness are tied to freedom, and why confidence isn't about being the loudest in the room—it's about being rooted in your creative design. Lisa opens up about her early struggle with identity, her career shifts, and how her definition of confidence is anchored in courage, action, and grace.Key Takeaways: • Confidence grows through identity in Christ, mindset renewal, and self-leadership • True confidence allows us to create margin, cultivate purpose, and walk into uncertainty with peace • Vulnerability isn't weakness—it's the bridge to connection, leadership, and transformation • Boundaries are a gift that protect your freedom and help you lead with clarityWhether you're starting a second act, building a side hustle, or stepping out in faith for the first time, Lisa offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight to help you lead yourself well.Bio: Lisa Allen is a Jesus-loving, coffee-loving, leopard-print loving woman. She has a passion for and connection to women and uses this passion as a speaker, coach and ministry leader. She comes with a combined two decades of non-profit leadership with a national women's ministry and as staff of a large church. These 20 years of experience give her a unique connection to and understanding of women of faith, women pursuing faith and women desiring to walk out their faith authentically.Lisa has been featured as a keynote speaker at Proverbs 31 Ministries' annual She Speaks Conference, the She Laughs Conferences, and various Women's Ministry keynotes and conferences. She has offered her insights for the Charlotte Today Show as a contributor. She has also been a contributing writer for the She Laughs newsletter, womensministry.net, Proverbs 31 Ministries' COMPEL Writers Training, and more. Her experience as a Board-Certified Life Coach has uniquely influenced her style. She is as comfortable delivering passionate keynote messages that leave her audience with a sense of calling and confidence, as she is to facilitating one on one coaching and/or training workshops for ministry and staff leadership teams. Lisa is obsessed with personality assessments and enjoys the certifications she's received for Team Coaching, DISC Personality Profile, Enneagram Coach, and Gallup StrengthsFinders.Lisa loves fashion and Pilates (though confesses her favorite part of any workout is the end). She lives in Charlotte, NC, with her husband and family, embracing her favorite title—LiLi (grandmother).Anchor Verses:2 Timothy 1:12Ephesians 2:10Connect with Lisa:Website: https://ljallencoaching.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/lisaallenconfidencecoachFB: https://www.facebook.com/LJAllenCoaching***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

Today on the podcast, I'm joined by Krissy Miles—speaker, author, and leader with the Nfluence Network. From growing up in a home marked by poverty, trauma, and instability, Krissy's journey is one of radical repentance, transformation, and total submission to God.She shares candidly about the pain of her past, the deep emotional wounds she carried, and how her desire to escape it all only led her deeper into confusion and despair. But when Krissy surrendered her life fully to Jesus, everything changed. In just four months, the trajectory of her life shifted dramatically—including the miraculous way she met her husband.Krissy now equips others to walk in freedom through biblical discipleship, obedience, and hearing God's voice clearly. Her testimony is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we feel from God, He's still able to reach us—and restore us.

In this raw, powerful episode, I sit down with Tabitha Yates, author of the newly released audiobook Jesus and Therapy, to unpack her courageous journey through mental illness, spiritual abuse, and rediscovering the kindness of God.Tabitha opens up about surviving intense childhood trauma, narcissistic abuse cloaked in spiritual authority, and being told her depression was a sign of rebellion. Her story is one of survival—but even more, one of redemption. From being disowned by her father to enduring psychological and physical abuse within the church, Tabitha vulnerably shares what it looked like to walk through the valley of the shadow with God, even when the church felt like the enemy.We talk about: • What it's like to be spiritually gaslit when you're already struggling mentally • How EMDR, therapy, and the Word helped Tabitha untangle lies from truth • Why she almost didn't publish this book—and the wrestle of sharing your pain for the sake of someone else's healing • How motherhood became the turning point in her healing journey • What it looks like to walk alongside others who are hurting without doing more harm • The verses that finally broke through the pain and helped Tabitha see God's true heartThis isn't just a conversation about mental health. It's about the bravery it takes to heal, the lies we need to unlearn, and the freedom that comes when we realize Jesus never asked us to fake it till we make it—He meets us in our pain and brings us home.

Today on the show, I sit down with Kristen Strong—author, military wife, twin mama, and encourager of the soul—as she shares her freedom story and the journey that led her to write her newest book, Desperate Woman Seeks Friends: Real Talk About Connection, Rejection, and Trying Again for the Friendships You Need (out today!).Kristen opens up about her move from Oklahoma to Ohio and how that shift uncovered her deep need for true connection—along with the realization that she didn't really know how to make friends from scratch. Sound familiar? You're not alone.We talk about the loneliness that creeps in during transitions, the awkwardness of initiating friendships, and the grief of losing friends who were once close. Kristen also shares how working on her friendship with Jesus became the foundation for healthy, life-giving relationships with others.Whether you're navigating new seasons, dealing with friendship anxiety, or wondering if you'll ever find your “ride or dies,” Kristen offers hope, truth, and a whole lot of grace.We also dive into: • How to take online friendships offline • Practical steps to rebuild your friendship muscles • The importance of boundaries (and how to lovingly set them) • Why 300 hours builds a deep friendship • And the truth that friendships are for a reason, a season, or a lifetime—and that's okayThis is a conversation for the woman who's been hurt, but still hopes. Who's lonely, but still showing up. Who's ready to risk again for the kind of friendship that goes deep and lasts.Grab Kristen's book wherever books are sold—and if you're in a season of rebuilding your circle, start right here.Bio:Kristen Strong, who has authored books include Girl Meets Change and When Change Finds You, also compiled the 90-day devotional, Praying Through Loneliness. She writes as a friend walking alongside you in your lonely season to a more helpful, hopeful destination. She loves sharing laughs, long talks, and meaningful stories with family and friends while holding a cup of strong black tea. She and her US Air Force veteran husband, David, have three beloved adult children. Together this military family zigzagged across the country (and one ocean) several times before settling in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Anchor Verses:1 Peter 5:7Romans 8:31-32Connect with Kristen:Website: https://kristenstrong.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/kristenstrongLinktree: https://linktr.ee/kristenstrong***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

In this episode, I'm joined by Laine Lawson Craft, the author of Warfare Parenting, a powerful book dedicated to equipping parents and loved ones who are fighting for a prodigal or struggling child. Laine shares her personal journey, her heart for parents, and the incredible revelation she had that prayer is the most powerful weapon in the battle for our children. Through her experience of walking through the challenges of marriage and parenting, she discusses how to actively engage in the spiritual warfare that often accompanies the journey of raising children, especially when they're lost or hurting.Takeaways: 1. Understanding the Battle:One of the most impactful moments in Laine's journey was recognizing that her battle was not against her children, but against the enemy. She encourages parents to focus on spiritual warfare and prayer rather than becoming frustrated with their children's actions. She emphasizes that God's love for our children is greater than we can imagine, and He is always in the battle with us. 2. The Power of Prayer and the Blood of Jesus:Laine shares the power of praying over her children and invoking the blood of Jesus for their protection. By visualizing the blood of Christ covering her children, she trusted God's protection over them, especially during their most challenging years. 3. The Miracle of Presence, Not Perfection:Sometimes, the miracle we pray for isn't the one we envision. Laine shares her story of a lost child and the pain of seeing them struggle, but she reminds us that even in the darkest seasons, God is present and working in ways we can't always see. Whether or not our prodigal children come home in the way we wish, the miracle is that we continue to stand firm in our faith.Closing Thoughts:Laine's message is one of hope for all parents, especially those navigating the heartache of a prodigal child. Her journey of surrendering control to God, relying on prayer, and trusting in God's bigger plan is powerful. No matter how far off course our children may seem, God is always at work in their lives, and He has not given up on them. For parents fighting the battle of raising a prodigal, remember—you are not alone, and the power of prayer is the key to victory.Bio: Laine Lawson Craft, dynamic speaker and host of top-ranked podcase Warfare Parenting, is the best-selling author of several books, including Spiritual Warfare and The Parent's Battle Plan.She has been featured on major media outlets, including FOX News,The 700 Club, CBN, CTN, TCT, various radio programs, and in many online features.Married for over thirty-seven years, Laine lives in Florida. As a mother and grandmother, she leverages her experiences to empower and support moms and families worldwide.Anchor Verses:Isaiah 54:17Ephesians 3:20Connect with Laine:Website: https://lainelawsoncraft.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/lainelawsoncraftLinktree: https://linktr.ee/lainelawsoncraft***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

On today's episode is my friend, Abby McDonald, author of Surrendering Certainty. Abby shares her powerful story of moving from a place of fear and uncertainty to embracing God's guidance and surrendering control. After a tough season of postpartum depression and struggling with her faith, Abby came to the life-changing realization that she had never fully surrendered her life to God. Her journey of healing, both physically and spiritually, has shaped her ministry and writing, inspiring others to trust God's direction, even when the outcome isn't clear.Abby's new book, Surrendering Certainty, explores how to trust God with the unknown and be free from the constant need for control. She discusses the importance of surrendering fear and letting it propel us toward Jesus, not away from Him. Abby's message is one of hope and encouragement for anyone feeling stuck in uncertainty and seeking clarity in their relationship with God.Takeaways: 1. Surrender is Freedom: Abby's story highlights that true freedom in Christ comes when we fully surrender control. Letting go of certainty and trusting God's plan allows us to step into His peace and direction, even when things don't go as expected. 2. Fear Can Propel Us Toward Jesus: Fear often leads us to retreat or avoid difficult decisions. However, when we choose to face our fears with God, it becomes a catalyst for deeper connection with Him and a stronger sense of His presence and peace. 3. The Power of Discernment: When uncertain about what God is asking, Abby suggests two questions to ask ourselves: “Does this show my love for God?” and “Does this show my love for His people?” These questions can guide us in discerning God's voice and moving forward in His will with confidence.Abby's journey from fear to freedom and her invitation to surrender to God's will is a powerful reminder that we can trust Him in the uncertainty. As we lean into His love and guidance, we find peace and purpose in every season of life.If you're feeling uncertain or stuck, Abby's story and message are a powerful reminder that God is with you, guiding you every step of the way. Surrender your need for control and trust in His perfect plan for your life.Bio: Abby McDonald is the author of Shift and Surrendering Certainty. She is also a writer, speaker, wife and mom whose work has been featured on (in)Courage, For Every Mom, Crosswalk, and more. She writes for for Proverbs 31 Ministries' daily devotional, Encouragement for Today, and her passion is to empower women to grow in faith and hope, even when life is messy. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in English from the University of South Carolina, and loves to teach at writing conferences each year. When she's not reading or writing, you can find her wrangling her three kids and black lab while drinking copious amounts of coffee. Abby lives with her husband and three children in western Maryland.Anchor Verses:2 Corinthians 12: 9-10Connect with Abby: Website: https://abbymcdonald.orgIG: https://www.instagram.com/abbymcdonaldwriterLINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/abbymcdonaldwriter***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

In today's episode, I am joined by Erin Harrigan, a Christian wife of 31 years, mom, business coach, author, and speaker. Erin shares her powerful journey of pursuing success while learning how to align her business and life with God's will. After giving her life to Christ at age 46, Erin's life took a complete turn as she embraced her relationship with Jesus and started navigating her business and career with a renewed purpose.Takeaways: 1. The Power of Surrender: Erin's story of overcoming her dependence on herself to lean fully on God highlights the importance of surrendering control. When you let God take the wheel, your life and career are filled with peace, clarity, and His guidance. 2. Redefining Success: Success in God's kingdom is not measured by worldly standards like wealth or status, but by deepening your relationship with Him and fulfilling His assignments for you. It's about being obedient and walking in His calling, even when it doesn't align with the world's expectations. 3. Trusting God's Timing: Erin's experience of trusting God's timing, even when things didn't go as planned, shows us that God's timing is always perfect. When we stop trying to “hustle” in our own strength, and instead focus on God's direction, He leads us to success in His way, not ours.Erin's journey is a powerful reminder that success God's way isn't about achieving for the sake of achievement—it's about walking in His will, embracing surrender, and letting Him define what success looks like for us.As you reflect on Erin's story, remember that God has uniquely equipped you to succeed in His way. Embrace His direction and trust that, in His time, you'll see the fruit of your obedience. Don't chase the world's version of success—pursue His calling for your life, and watch how He transforms your journey.Bio:Erin Harrigan is a Christian wife, empty nest mom, speaker, author, and Biblical business coach for high-achieving Christian women in business and the boardroom who seek to scale new heights in their business or career without compromising their faith. Using her 30+ years of corporate leadership and 12+ years of entrepreneurship, she helps sisters in Christ break free from the drain of “business as usual” by teaching them to redefine hustle and align business strategy and goals to God's truth. Erin's coaching provides women with a safe space to integrate their faith and business through strategy, accountability, focus, and encouragement in a judgment-free zone so they can transform the way they work and the results they achieve. She serves her audience through customized private business coaching, group coaching, speaking, podcasting, and writing. Erin hosts the award-winning podcast, Redefining Hustle: Navigating Success as a Christian WomanErin loves the beach, tacos, good cheese, red wine, singing along to Broadway show tunes, and living in Chesapeake Beach, MD with her husband Brian, and their Bernedoodle, Rory.Anchor Verses:Psalm 24: 4-5John 15: 4-5Connect with Erin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinharrigan/IG: https://instagram.com/erindharriganFB: https://facebook.com/thehustlewithheartcoach YouTube: https://youtube.com/erinharriganWebsite: https://erinharrigan.comPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redefining-hustle-pursuing-success-as-a-christian-woman/id1455892487 ***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

Rachel Faulkner Brown's story is one of pain, resilience, and ultimate freedom. After losing her first husband to an aneurysm just days after September 11, Rachel navigated the deep waters of grief and loss at the age of 24. Despite the heartbreak and confusion, her faith in God kept her anchored through it all. But Rachel's journey didn't stop with her loss. Two years later, she remarried and began a new chapter of life with her second husband, Blair, and their children. However, tragedy struck again when Blair died in a plane crash, leaving Rachel to grieve once more.In this episode, Rachel shares her powerful journey of healing, the importance of confronting and releasing deep-rooted secrets, and how her story is now helping other widows find freedom and restoration through her ministry, Never Alone.Takeaways:1. Healing Begins When We Face Our PainRachel's story teaches us that healing can only begin when we confront our emotional pain, rather than suppressing it. Secrets may seem to protect us, but they only keep us stuck. By addressing the hurt, Rachel found freedom and was able to move forward with a renewed purpose in her life and ministry.2. Faith Transforms Our Grief into PurposeRachel's experience highlights the importance of leaning into faith even during the darkest times. In the midst of her grief, she realized that her story wasn't just for her—it was meant to help others. God took her deepest pain and turned it into a ministry that now helps other widows heal and find hope.3. Ministry Is Born Out of Brokenness Rachel's ministry, Never Alone, started in the wake of her grief. What began as a small retreat for widows grew into a life-changing ministry that helps women process their losses, embrace healing, and step into a new season of hope. Rachel encourages us that even in our darkest moments, God is preparing us to be a light for others.Rachel's journey reminds us that no matter how deep our pain, God's grace is always available to heal, restore, and transform. May her story encourage you to trust in God's faithfulness and find hope even in the most difficult seasons.Bio:Rachel Faulkner Brown tragically lost two husbands before she was thirty-one years old. Out of Rachel's healing, she founded Never Alone Widows, the largest Christian widows' ministry 501c3 in the country. Never Alone Widows currently has 70 chapters from California to Maine and reaches thousands of widows daily through the organization's social media platforms, their partnerships with the Gary Sinise Foundation, and Bob Goff's Love Does foundation. Never Alone Widows has published the only video series specifically designed to support widows on RightNow Media, the world's largest library of video-driven Bible study resources. Rachel also cowrote Father's House, an eight-week, video-driven Bible study that has helped thousands of women find freedom from their past and grace for their future. As a United States Air Force Gold Star widow, Rachel has shared her story nationally hundreds of times through Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization helping to provide educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders. Rachel's greatest ministry is her family, her husband, Rod, and her children, Davis and Campbell. Together they reside in Atlanta, Georgia.Anchor Verses:Genesis 50:20Connect with Rachel:Website:  www.RachelFaulknerBrown.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/rachelfaulknerbrownNever Alone Widows: https://www.neveralonewidows.com***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

In today's episode, I am chatting with my friend, Kate Battistelli, author of The After Party of the Empty Nest. Kate shares her inspiring journey of faith, obedience, and the unexpected joys that come in the later seasons of life. With a background in Broadway and a career in the arts, Kate's life was turned upside down when God called her to lay down her dreams and step into a new season of family and ministry.After navigating personal challenges, including having an abortion at 18 and an unexpected season of infertility, Kate found a renewed sense of purpose. Now, in her book, The After Party of the Empty Nest, Kate helps guide women through the emotional journey of the empty nest and what it means to rediscover purpose in this next season.Key Takeaways: 1. Obedience Over Comfort – Kate shares her journey of surrendering her career in the arts to pursue a calling from God. When you listen for His voice and obey, God honors that obedience, leading you into new seasons of blessing and purpose. 2. Embrace the Empty Nest – The empty nest doesn't have to feel like the end of your purpose. Instead, it can be the beginning of a new chapter, filled with opportunities for growth, travel, hobbies, and connection. 3. The Power of Gratitude – Whether you're facing infertility, anxiety, or relationship struggles, learning to be grateful in the midst of hardship allows you to see God's purpose and blessings, even in the toughest moments.Kate's story is a powerful reminder that even in the most unexpected seasons of life, God's plan for us is full of purpose and promise. She demonstrates how God can take our most difficult moments and turn them into a foundation for new beginnings. Her story encourages us to listen for God's voice, trust in His timing, and step into the fullness of what He has for us in every season. If you're in a transition or looking for guidance in your next chapter, Kate's message is a beacon of hope and inspiration. Remember, the best is yet to come.Bio:Kate Battistelli is the author of The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom is Not Your Only Name, the bestseller, The God Dare: Will You Choose to Believe the Impossible, and Growing Great Kids: Partner with God to Cultivate His Purpose in Your Child's Life. She is a contributing writer to the (in)courage Bible for Women and The Spirit-Led Woman's Bible, and her writing has appeared in Guideposts, The Joyful Life magazine, The Better Mom, Mici magazine, and more. She is one-third of the popular Mom to Mom Podcast. In addition, she is an honoree with She Leads Tennessee. As a young actress in New York City, Kate had a life-changing experience, going from understudy to starring as Anna in the Broadway National Tour of The King and I opposite Yul Brynner for more than 1,000 performances. Kate and her husband laid down their careers in the Broadway theatre in answer to their first “God Dare,” moving out of New York City and into a life of homeschooling and home business. She lives in Franklin, TN near her daughter, contemporary Christian recording artist Francesca Battistelli, and seven precious grandchildren. Kate serves women by encouraging them to step out of their safe space and into His irresistible future.Anchor Verses:Psalm 16:5-8Connect with Kate:Website: https://katebattistelli.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/katebattistelli/LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/katebattistelliGet the introduction and first chapter of her book by texting “AFTERPARTY” to 44144!***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

In today's episode, I had the joy of speaking with one of my favorite online friends, Elle Cardel, author of She Delights, a book and Bible study releasing today. Elle is the founder of Daughters of Delight, an online ministry dedicated to helping women grow in their relationship with God and dive deeper into the Word. Through her ministry, Elle offers devotionals that balance personal storytelling with sound biblical theology, helping women navigate their faith with purpose and joy.In She Delights, Elle shares the beauty of delighting in the Lord through various disciplines, inviting readers to explore how they can live out their faith in practical and transformative ways. Elle also discusses her personal journey, from her love of theology and ministry to the profound challenges she faced, including the life-altering experience of nearly losing her daughter. Her book is an invitation to walk in obedience to God, even when motivation feels lacking, and to find delight in the discipline of connecting deeply with Him through prayer, Bible study, and community.Key Takeaways: 1. Delighting in the Word: Elle teaches that delighting in God's Word is not just about motivation but about discipline. She encourages readers to move beyond feelings and focus on obedience, creating a habit of engaging with the Word even when it's hard. 2. The Discipline of Delight: Throughout the book, Elle introduces five key disciplines—doctrine, imitating Christ, prayer, spreading the Gospel, and being part of the church body—to help women go deeper in their faith and live a life that continually grows in the knowledge of God. 3. Healing Through Obedience: Elle's own story of nearly losing and the healing of her daughter, Selah, showcases how God can restore joy through obedience and trust, even when life is full of grief and uncertainty. She emphasizes that we all need accountability, and seeking it can lead to transformation.Elle and I both pray that as you listen to this episode today, you can learn to find the ability to delight in the Lord no matter what is going on by staying close to God and in His Word. Bio:Elle Cardel is first and foremost a sinner saved by grace. She lives in middle Tennessee with her college sweetheart, Michael, and their two lovely children, Selah and Aidan. Elle loves being a mama, nerding out over strategy board games with Michael, catching up over coffee with friends (all the lavender lattes, please!), making meals from scratch, and writing on the truths of the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.Elle holds a bachelor's degree in biblical theology and is the founder of the global online women's ministry Daughter of Delight, a growing community of 170,000-plus women of faith. Elle is a firm believer that, in order to truly know God, we must know His Word. She is deeply passionate about equipping everyday women of faith with the tools to be faithful stewards of Bible literacy. She lives on a mission to help others learn and love Scripture via the Daughter of Delight podcast, daily devotionals woven around the Word, and free biblical resources, all of which you can find at her website, daughterofdelight.com.Anchor Verse:Psalm 40Previous Episode-98https://open.spotify.com/show/4UZScXao2zUHZ1m8cH8GiAConnect with Elle:Website: https://www.daughterofdelight.comDOD IG: https://www.instagram.com/daughterofdelightElle's IG: https://www.instagram.com/elle_cardelFB: https://www.facebook.com/shedelights/Podcast: https://www.daughterofdelight.com/podcast-episodesShe Delights: https://www.tyndale.com/p/she-delights/9781496482396***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

In today's episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Cindy Saab, author of Beyond: Strength and Hope Through Unexpected Storms. Cindy shares her incredible journey of walking through multiple life storms, including the loss of her younger brother to cancer, her mother's decline with dementia, and the devastating end of her 28-year marriage. Through each of these trials, Cindy has learned to lean into God's presence, finding strength, peace, and hope amidst the chaos.In her book, Cindy takes readers on a journey of restoration, using her personal experiences and the stories of others who have faced their own storms. She encourages those who feel stuck or broken to remember that God's restoration is for them too and that He will walk with them through the darkest of times. She offers not only her testimony but also practical steps to finding hope in the midst of life's most difficult moments.Key Takeaways: 1. God is Our Refuge: Cindy emphasizes that in times of loss and brokenness, God is our refuge. He doesn't want us to handle our struggles alone, and through surrendering to Him, He can carry us through even the most overwhelming storms. 2. Hope in the Midst of Pain: Cindy shares that even when emotions are raw and grief is heavy, God's faithfulness can be seen in the small glimpses of hope. Romans 15:13, which speaks of being filled with joy and peace as we trust in God, has been a key verse in Cindy's journey of healing. 3. Healing is a Process: Cindy's experience has taught her that healing doesn't happen overnight. In her Bible study, Beyond, Cindy walks readers through a six-week process where they can explore different levels of healing. From acknowledging their grief to finding joy, each week brings a deeper understanding of how God works in our lives through trials.I pray that as you listen to her story , you will find encouragement to continue looking beyond what is in front of you and to the God who is holding onto you.Bio:Cindy is an intentional CEO—a Connector and Encourager to Others. She loves to inspire, empower, equip and coach those traveling through unexpected storms and motivate them toward new seasons of life. Cindy is an award-winning Bible study author, a passionate communicator, and a strong biblical teacher who participates in Christian writing and speaking conferences and coordinates for a nationwide Christian outreach ministry. The mother of two adult children, she can often be found at the local coffee shop or the inspirational beach near her New Hampshire home.Anchor Verses:Romans 15:13Connect with Cindy:Website: https://cindysaab.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/cindysaab***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

In today's episode, we are celebrating the release of Restored: Partnering with God in Transforming Our Broken Places with Meshali Mitchell, a deeply personal and transformative story of healing. Meshali, a Dallas-based photographer, shares her journey of brokenness and restoration, revealing the powerful lessons she's learned along the way. From childhood trauma to finding hope and healing through God's grace, Meshali's story will resonate with anyone who has experienced pain and longed for restoration.Throughout the episode, Meshali talks about her personal experiences and how the the restoration of an 1800s farmhouse led her to write this book, offering hope and encouragement to those who feel stuck in their own ruins. Her words are filled with compassion and understanding, making this episode a must-listen for anyone navigating their own healing journey.Three Key Takeaways from Meshali's Journey: 1. No One is Exempt from Restoration: Meshali shares how, despite her years of ministry involvement and working with Christian influencers, she lived in a place of internal doubt and believed that restoration was for everyone else—but not for her. She reveals how God's transformative power was meant for her too, and that no one is excluded from the healing He offers.2. Healing is a Process: The journey of restoration is rarely a quick fix. Meshali talks about how her healing involved confronting deep pain, including the trauma from her parents' divorce and the sexual abuse she experienced. Through a long process of seeking counseling and partnering with God, Meshali came to understand that healing takes time and intentional effort, but the results are worth it. 3. Grace and Hope are Key: For anyone feeling stuck in their own brokenness, Meshali's encouragement is clear: there is grace and hope ahead. God has a unique and beautiful restoration story for each person, and Meshali prays that those reading her book will be deeply encouraged by the truth that God is in the business of renewing hearts and lives.Bio: Meshali Mitchell is a portrait artist who believes every human being has a story worth hearing and a story worth telling. An Arkansas native, current resident of Texas, and frequent traveler, she owns and operates Meshali Mitchell Photo, which is run out of her home but takes her all over the world. She is a creative image builder and storyteller, confident in her style, and recognized for her ability to capture the true heart of a moment.Anchor Verse:Joel 2:25Connect with Meshali: Website: https://www.meshali.coIG: https://www.instagram.com/meshaliTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meshalico***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

In this deeply powerful and raw episode, I sit down with Dr. Kim Maas—global minister, author, prophet, professor, and most importantly, a woman in love with Jesus. Kim's story is one of deep heartbreak, radical restoration, and the miraculous power of God to redeem even the most broken places in our lives.Her latest book, Our Muchness, released in May 2024, is a passionate call to women everywhere to reclaim their God-given identity, calling, and voice. But today, Kim takes us behind the curtain into her own freedom story—one marked by teenage salvation, a dark night of the soul, marriage, addiction, miraculous deliverance, and the still small voice of a Savior who refused to give up on her.We talk about: • Kim's powerful encounter with Jesus at 13—and how it marked her • The silent years and the pain of walking away • Her marriage, divorce proceedings, and the miracle of reconciliation • How God radically delivered her husband from addiction • Hearing the voice of God—and choosing to follow, even in fear • What Our Muchness means and why women need it now more than everFrom a living room chair and a crying-out heart to ministering on stages across the world, Kim reminds us that healing often starts with saying “yes” in the middle of our mess. Her testimony will stir your spirit and remind you that no one is too far gone for the grace of God.Bio:Kim Maas is a sought-after international speaker, author, and Christian minister. After a radical encounter with the Holy Spirit on March 22, 1994, Kim left her twenty-two-year nursing career to serve God full-time. She is the president and CEO of Kim Maas Ministries, the founder and director of Women of Our Time, and the host of the Move Forward with Dr. Kim Maas podcast and TV show. She can also be heard each month live on social media with the Voice of the Shepherds. Kim is ordained with the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel and the Apostolic Network of Global Awakening. She earned a Doctorate in Ministry at United Theological Seminary and a Master of Divinity at King's University. She and her husband, Mike, live in northern Idaho. They have three married children and a growing number of grandchildren. Anchor Verses: Hebrews 10: 19-39Connect with Kim:Website: https://www.kimmaas.comIG: https://www.instagram.com kimmaasministriesFB: https://www.facebook.com/MoveforwardNowKimMaas***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

Today I had the absolute honor of talking with Aubrey Sampson—author, podcaster, pastor, and a woman who carries the kind of hard-won hope you don't get without walking through the deep. Her newest book, What We Find in the Dark, releases today and it's one I truly believe every person navigating grief, loss, or the silence of God needs to have on their shelf—and in their hands.Aubrey shares the raw, powerful journey behind this book—how she cried out to God in her car while pregnant with her first son, begging for freedom from shame. She tells us about the Holy Spirit's presence in some of her darkest moments, the redemptive power of truth-telling, and what it looks like to meet Jesus in the middle of trauma and heartache.From losing her best friend to breast cancer, to grieving the unexpected loss of her father just two years later, to wrestling with the “dark night of the soul,” Aubrey's story is not a neat testimony wrapped in a bow—it's a holy invitation to let Jesus meet us in the night, even when He feels far away.This episode is for the one who is still in the middle of it—for the one asking, “Where are you, God?” and needing to know they're not alone. Aubrey reminds us that while answers may not always come, His presence does. And that is everything.Bio:Aubrey Sampson (MA, evangelism and leadership) coplanted and serves as a teaching pastor at Renewal Church, a multiethnic congregation in Chicagoland. She also speaks regularly at churches and conferences around the country. She is an award-nominated author, a coach with Propel Women Cohorts, and the cohost of The Nothing Is Wasted Podcast. Aubrey is the author of several books, most recently Big Feelings Days: A Book about Hard Things, Heavy Emotions, and Jesus' Love (October 2023). She is passionate about helping hurting Christians find God's presence in their pain. She and her husband, Kevin, and their three hilarious sons live, minister, and play in the Chicagoland area.Anchor Verse:Psalm 34, with an emphasis on verse 5Connect with Aubrey: Website: https://www.aubreysampson.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/aubsampFB: https://www.facebook.com/aubsamp/The Nothing is Wasted Podcast: https://www.nothingiswasted.com/podcastBuy What We Find in the Dark: https://www.tyndale.com/p/what-we-find-in-the-dark/9781641583121***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help build our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

I couldn't be more excited to welcome Dr. Deanna Shrodes to the show today. Her brand-new book, Uncommon Answers: Partnering with the Holy Spirit to Receive Extraordinarily More, comes out Tuesday, April 8th, and trust me—this conversation is packed with Holy Spirit fire, healing, and hope.Deanna shares her story of being adopted into a Christian home, growing up with a grandmother who pointed her to Jesus daily, and the incredible miracle of reuniting with her biological parents—stories only God could write. From meeting her mom at the age of 27 to meeting her birth father for the first time when he was 91 years old and leading him to salvation… friends, this episode is a front-row seat to God doing immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.We talk about:— What it means to be anchored in identity through daily intimacy with the Holy Spirit— Why your miracle might look uncommon—and why that's a good thing— What happens when you stop getting stuck on unanswered prayers and start pursuing the yet-to-be-answered ones— The beauty of soaking in God's presence and learning His voice— How sacrifice and obedience can either unlock miracles—or hold them back— The hope that it will turn around. Because friend, it's often darkest right before the dawnDeanna reminds us that God still moves, still speaks, and still saves. If you've been desperate for a breakthrough—whether in your family, your health, your marriage, or your heart—this one's for you.Bio: Dr. Deanna Shrodes is an international speaker gifted in candid communication, an ordained Assemblies of God minister, an accomplished musician, a worship leader, and a recording artist. Dr. Shrodes has been featured on CBS News, People magazine, Woman's World magazine, the New Yorker, HuffPost, God TV, and more. She holds a master's in ministerial leadership and a doctor of ministry degree and also serves as an adjunct professor at Southeastern University. She lives in Tampa, Florida. Anchor Verse:Joshua 1:5Connect with Deanna:Website: https://www.drdeannashrodes.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/ddshrodesFB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ANdujGhG1/?mibextid=wwXIfrAmazon Book Link for Preorder: https://a.co/d/6T4sMhz***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help build our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

Today's episode is one that's both weighty and freeing. We're joined by Tabitha Westbrook, licensed therapist and author of Body & Soul, Healed & Whole, which releases today! Tabitha specializes in working with survivors of complex trauma, domestic abuse, and spiritual control in the church—and she's walked this road herself.In this conversation, we dive into:

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Emily Berning, the President and Co-Founder of Let Them Live and the author of Let Them Live. Emily shares her incredible journey from recognizing the heartbreaking reality that financial hardship is one of the leading reasons women choose abortion to founding an organization that provides real, life-saving assistance.During our conversation, Emily opens up about:✨ The Story Behind Let Them Live – How one phone call changed everything and led her and her husband, Nathan, to create a nonprofit that has now helped over 800 mothers choose life for their babies.✨ The Role of Financial Hardship in Abortion Decisions – Why many women feel like they have no choice but abortion and how Let Them Live steps in to provide rent assistance, groceries, medical care, and emotional support to mothers in need.✨ Powerful Testimonies of Hope – Hear real stories of mothers who were on the brink of abortion but chose life because of the financial and emotional support they received.✨ Faith, Calling, and Action – How Emily's personal faith journey has shaped her passion for this mission and why she believes we are all called to step in and help in practical ways.✨ How You Can Make a Difference – Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, Emily shares tangible ways you can be part of the pro-life movement and support mothers in crisis.Emily's book, Let Them Live, dives even deeper into these stories and the mission behind the movement. If you've ever wondered how you can truly make an impact in the fight for life, this episode will inspire and equip you to take action.Tune in now to hear Emily's incredible story of faith, hope, and action.Bio:Emily Berning's story is one of passion, perseverance, and tangible impact. Her work with Let Them Live offers a fresh perspective on addressing the complex issues surrounding abortion, making her an ideal subject for features on women in leadership, social entrepreneurship, or the evolving landscape of reproductive rights advocacy.Anchor Verse: Esther 4:14Connect with Emily and Let Them Live:Website: https://letthemlive.orgIG: https://www.instagram.com/emilyberningLINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/emilyberning***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help build our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

Today's episode is one that will stir your heart and challenge you to step into the fight for justice. I sit down with Britney Higgs, founder of Her Campaign, an organization dedicated to providing restoration and healing for survivors of human trafficking.Britney's journey is nothing short of incredible. She shares how God took her from a place of personal trauma and brokenness to a calling she never expected—standing in the gap for women who have endured the unimaginable.What started as a simple “yes” to God turned into a movement. For over three years, Britney and her family opened their home to survivors of trafficking, integrating them into a family system that provided deeper healing than any program they had ever been in. But as they walked alongside these women, they recognized a critical gap: survivors needed a stabilization phase before they could truly begin to heal.So, they pioneered an 8-week emergency stabilization program—a safe place where survivors could begin recovering body, mind, and spirit before stepping into long-term restoration. And now? Her Campaign is seeing transformation like never before. Survivors are not just healing—they're leading. Some have even stepped onto staff, walking alongside others with the same compassion and hope they once needed themselves.In this conversation, we dive into:✨ How childhood trauma led Britney to believe lies about her worth and identity✨ The moment she heard God's voice for the first time—and how it changed everything✨ Her journey from a comfortable entrepreneurial life to high-risk missions overseas✨ What she learned from survivors in Iraq and why she couldn't turn away✨ The call to establish safe homes in the U.S. and how Her Campaign was born✨ The power of family-centered healing in survivor restoration✨ Why stabilization is a missing link in survivor care across the nation✨ How God uses even the darkest places to bring His glory and redemptionAnd at the core of it all? The unwavering belief that God truly does use what the world calls foolish to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27). That His heart is always for restoration, even in the midst of suffering.If you've ever wrestled with how a good God could bring beauty from unthinkable pain, this episode will root you in Romans 8:18—what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later.Bio:Britney Higgs lives in Billings with her husband, Sammy, and their four children. Together they founded HER Campaign, a non-profit organization that provides residential programs for survivors of human trafficking. She is an advocate for freedom and passionate about cultivating a culture of community living and ecosystem of holistic care for survivors of human trafficking.Anchor Verses:Psalm 68Romans 8:18Connect with Britney:LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/britneyhiggsIG: https://www.instagram.com/britneyhiggsHER Campaign:Website: https://hercampaign.orgHER Campaign: https://www.instagram.com/hercampaignLinktree: https://linktr.ee/hercampaignCRISIS SUPPORTIf this is an emergency, please dial 911.For Suicide prevention please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, for free confidential, 24/7 help. Or you can reach the Crisis Text Line 24/7 by texting “START” to 741-741.Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world.REPORT TRAFFICKINGNational Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888www.HumanTraffickingHotline.org (you may submit tip online)Polaris Project Text “BeFree” (233733)***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help build our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Brenda Yoder as she shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming food addiction, battling reactionary emotions, and learning to live authentically. Brenda opens up about her struggles with anorexia and bulimia, how she found healing through her faith, and the transformative moment when she realized she needed to break the cycle for her daughter's sake.We also discuss:✨ The importance of recognizing unhealthy coping mechanisms✨ How 1 Corinthians 10:23 & 10:13 shaped her journey to freedom✨ Learning to regulate emotions instead of reacting✨ Finding healing through faith and intentional choices✨ The power of authenticity, humility, and setting boundariesBrenda also shares insights from her book, Uncomplicated: Simple Secrets for a Compelling Life, specifically her chapter on humility and authenticity. We talk about the challenge of being genuine in a world that often rewards curated images and highlight reels. How do we balance what we share? How do we stay true to who we are, whether we're in public or behind closed doors? Brenda gives practical wisdom on how to set healthy boundaries while remaining real and relatable.If you've ever struggled with addiction, unhealthy habits, or the tension between transparency and privacy, this conversation will encourage you to seek God's freedom and take steps toward healing. Bio:Brenda L. Yoder, LMHC, is a counselor, speaker, author, and educator. She is the author of Uncomplicated: Simple Secrets for a Compelling Life; and Fledge: Launching Your Kids without Losing Your Mind. She's the cohost of the Midlife Moms Podcast and Facebook community. She also hosts and writes the Life Beyond the Picket Fence podcast and blog, covering a variety of topics on faith, life, and family beyond the storybook image.Brenda writes for Guideposts, Mornings with Jesus, and has been featured in: The Washington Post, Publisher's Weekly, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Every Woman's Bible, For the Family, and For Every MomAs a teacher, Brenda twice received the Touchstone Award for teachers. Brenda is currently a part-time elementary counselor and therapist in private practice. She and her husband, Ron, are parents to four adult children and two daughters-in-law and grandparents to three grandsons with whom they love creating new memories. Brenda and Ron live on a farm in Shipshewana, Indiana, where she loves gardening and spending evenings sitting on her front porch rocker.Anchor Verse:1 Corinthians 10: 131 Corinthians 10: 23Connect with Brenda:Website: https://brendayoder.comEmail: brenda@brendayoder.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendayoderspeaksFB: https://www.facebook.com/brendayoderspeakerLinktree: https://linktr.ee/brendayoderspeaks***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

Jill Eileen Smith has spent years bringing biblical women to life through her novels, and her latest book, Dawn of Grace, is no exception. But beyond her writing, Jill is a wife of 48 years, a devoted mother and grandmother, and a woman deeply rooted in prayer. Her passion for biblical storytelling comes from a desire to see the Bible come alive—to step into the shoes of those who lived it.In this episode, Jill shares her faith journey, which began as an 8-year-old searching for answers about eternity. That curiosity led her to a lifelong relationship with Christ. She opens up about her love for writing, how Dawn of Grace came to be, and the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with creative storytelling.We also dive into Mary Magdalene's story—how she encountered Jesus, experienced transformation, and how her past struggles resonate with many of us today. Jill's research sheds light on the biblical and historical context of Mary's life, separating truth from centuries of speculation.If you love biblical fiction that stays true to scripture while immersing you in the emotions and experiences of real people, Dawn of Grace is a must-read!

Marriage isn't always easy, but what if we could make it easier? In today's episode, I sit down with Arlene Pellicane, author of Making Marriage Easier, to talk about the ups and downs of marriage, navigating grief and loss together, and how small intentional actions can reignite connection. Arlene shares her own love story—from longing for marriage as a young woman to waiting on God's timing and eventually walking through infertility and loss. She also gives practical tips on keeping fun and affection alive in marriage, communicating well, and choosing commitment even when emotions wane. Whether you're newly married or decades in, this conversation is full of wisdom, encouragement, and hope for making your marriage stronger.What You'll Learn in This Episode: • How waiting on God's timing shaped Arlene's view of marriage • The importance of processing grief together and marking moments of loss • Why affection and fun are vital to a thriving marriage (and how to cultivate both!) • The power of small daily actions that strengthen connection • How to move from transactional to intentional in your relationshipBio:Arlene Pellicane is a speaker, host of the Happy Home podcast, and author of several books, including Parents Rising, Making Marriage Easier, and Screen Kids (coauthored with Dr. Gary Chapman). She is the spokesperson for National Marriage Week and has been happily married to her husband, James, for more than 25 years. Arlene earned her BA from Biola University and her master's in journalism from Regent University. Arlene lives with her family in San Diego.  Connect with Arlene:Website: www.arlenepellicane.com  IG: https://www.instagram.com/arlenepellicane Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArlenePellicaneAuthor***Call to Action:Loved this conversation? Share this episode with a friend and tag us on social media! Don't forget to leave a review—it helps more people find hope and encouragement for their marriages.

In this episode, I sit down with Emily Assell, author of the newly released and soon to be released books, When It Hurts and Wherever You Are. Emily's journey is one of faith, freedom, and the undeniable power of God's Word in the middle of life's hardest moments.Emily shares her story of overcoming financial struggles, battling anger, and discovering the transformational power of scripture. From writing Bible verses on the walls of her mother-in-law's basement to seeing strongholds break one step of obedience at a time, Emily's testimony is a reminder that God meets us in our pain and never stops pursuing us.We talk about:✨ The highs and lows of self-publishing and how God opened unexpected doors✨ Trusting God in every circumstance—even when life doesn't look the way we planned✨ How speaking God's Word in faith shifts our perspective and changes everything✨ The power of taking every thought captive and renewing our minds with truth✨ God's heart for His daughters today—His mercy and loving-kindness are always nearNo matter where you are—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—God is with you. His love never stops. His goodness never runs out. And He is calling you deeper into His presence today.Bio:Emily Assell is a bestselling children's book author and speaker. She believes dry shampoo, snacks, and the Word of God can solve almost any parenting problem. She and her husband, Matt, started Generation Claimed in 2017 to self-publish her first book, You Are. A year later, Tyndale House Publishers released the book, which has gone on to sell over twenty-five thousand copies. When not writing, Emily homeschools her three children, volunteers at Love Moves.Us (a nonprofit for foster and adoptive children and families), or gets lost reading someone else's book. Emily has spoken at many parenting conferences, schools, mothers' groups, and special events, and she has been a featured guest on multiple podcasts, teaching and encouraging all ages about the power of God's Word. But don't worry, her three kids are her own personal slang dictionary and keep her down-to-earth despite her best efforts to be cool.Anchor Verse:Psalm 138:8Connect with Emily:Website: https://www.generationclaimed.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/generationclaimedLinktree: https://linktr.ee/generationclaimed***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

What happens when the life you thought would bring you power and respect leads only to destruction? Robert Borelli knows that journey firsthand. Raised in Brooklyn, he was drawn into the Gambino crime family at a young age, searching for identity and security. What followed was a life of crime, addiction, and despair—until a prison cell became his place of surrender.In this episode, Robert shares his incredible testimony of how Jesus found him at his lowest, redeemed his life, and set him on a new path. From being deeply entrenched in the mafia to entering witness protection and finding true freedom in Christ, his story is a testament to the transforming power of God's grace.Key Takeaways: • The deceptive allure of power, money, and status • The depths of addiction and the brokenness it brings • A life-changing encounter with God in the midst of despair • How surrendering to Jesus led to complete restoration • The power of Scripture in renewing the mind and heartThis is a story of hope, transformation, and the relentless love of God. No matter where you are or what you've done, it's never too late for a new beginning.Bio:‘At the age of 20, I was arrested for two murders and possession of a gun and I was paraded around as the up and coming star of the Gambino Crime Family. If God can save me, he can save anyone.' — Robert BorelliRobert Borelli was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1954, in the middle of the Gambino Crime Family neighborhood. As a young boy he quickly built a reputation as a little tough guy. Surrounded by real tough guys he began working for The Gambino's by fourteen. By twenty he had two murder wraps and numerous arrests under his belt. He was being paraded around the neighborhood as the up and coming star of the feared Gambino Family, the same family which John Gotti would eventually bring into the main stream media and make a household name.Robert Borelli was once a rising star in the New York Mafia's biggest crime family. But his gangster lifestyle—and a crippling drug addiction—eventually landed him in prison, abandoned by everyone who he knew could help him. When his three-year-old daughter asked him in tears why he didn't visit her, despair crashed over him and he cried out: “God, either have me killed or change me—I don't want to live like this anymore. Please help me!” He began reading the Bible and became a new man in Christ, along with becoming a new person under the Federal Witness Protection Program. Today Robert is blessed by his wife Patricia and is passionate about sharing the truth about God's transformative power with others.He has gained some intense formal education in his newfound faith. Mr. Borelli's story baffles the mind and intrigues the hearts of all who hear it.His passion and calling is to share his story as a preventive to those who are in similar situations, and encourage each of us to find the Truth about who we really are. Today, as he tours around the world, he candidly, emotionally and passionately shares his life story with all who will listen.Anchor Verses:Matthew 6: 33Romans 8:28Galatians 2:20Connect with Robert:

In today's episode, I get to spend some time with my friend, Niki Hardy. We have been friends for quite some time, even doing an event together back in 2019!Niki's journey from England to the U.S. to plant a church has been filled with both challenges and profound insights. She opens up about her battle with cancer and how it reshaped her understanding of an abundant life—not as one free from pain, but as one rich in intimacy and connection with God and others.Niki introduces us to her latest book, God, Can We Chat?: A Daringly Honest Guide to Growing Closer to God, One Doubt at a Time, releasing on March 25, 2025. In it, she encourages readers to embrace their doubts and questions as pathways to a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. She shares practical tools, including the CHAT acronym, to guide us in honest conversations with God, transforming our uncertainties into opportunities for spiritual growth. Key Takeaways:Embracing doubts can lead to a stronger, more intimate faith. Practical steps to engage in open dialogues with God. Understanding that an abundant life includes navigating hardships with hope and connection. We both pray that you will find this episode both encouraging and challenging to your relationship with God. Do not be afraid to ask the difficult questions. Doing this will help you to grow as His child and into the person He is calling you to become.Bio:Niki Hardy is the author of the Audi Award-nominated Breathe Again and One-Minute Prayers for Women with Cancer, and has been featured on the Hallmark Channel, Life Today, and Premier Radio. Having left corporate life, been to seminary, moved continents, planted churches, started businesses and nonprofits, and navigated loss, cancer, church hurt, and painful uncertainty, she firmly believes God loves a cheerful doubter. Niki lives in North Carolina with her husband and ridiculous Doodle, Charlie, who is the main reason their three grown kids come home. Anchor Verse:Psalm 62Connect with Niki: Website: http://NikiHardy.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/niki.hardyFB: https://www.facebook.com/share/16ETWymGuM/?mibextid=wwXIfr***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help build our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

Today, I get to chat with Dr. Derwin Gray, pastor of Transformation Church and former NFL player, to talk about his brand-new book, Lit Up With Love: Becoming Good-News People to a Gospel-Starved World.Dr. Gray's story is powerful—going from a college football scholarship at BYU to an NFL career, then encountering the relentless love of Jesus through a teammate who shared the gospel with him for five years. He opens up about how that love transformed his life, healed his heart, and set him on a mission to bring the good news to a world desperate for hope.We dive into: • His journey from the NFL to pastoring a thriving, multiethnic church • How sports taught him about leadership, discipline, and faith • The way God's love changes how we see ourselves, our families, and our purpose • Why everyday believers are called to be everyday missionaries • What it means to be “lit up with love” and how the gospel fuels our witnessDr. Gray reminds us that the nations are no longer just “out there” they're right here, and the church has a calling to welcome and love people from every background. He challenges us to see the mission field in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and everyday relationships.This conversation is full of wisdom, encouragement, and a deep passion for Jesus. Don't miss it!

When the kids leave home, life shifts in big ways—so how do you navigate the empty nest season with joy instead of fear? In this episode, I sit down with Jill Savage, author ofEmpty Nest, Full Life, to talk about embracing this transition, strengthening your marriage, and letting go of control while still staying connected to your kids.Jill and her husband, Mark, have been married for 41 years and now serve as full-time marriage coaches, walking couples through healing, restoration, and reconnection. But their story isn't without hardship. Jill opens up about a deeply painful season in their marriage, how God brought redemption, and what it means to become a “2.0” version of yourself, even when life doesn't go as planned.We also talk about:✨ How to love well, even when it's hard✨ Letting go of expectations and learning to trust God with your adult children✨ Practical ways to reconnect with your spouse after years of parenting✨ Finding purpose and joy in the empty nest seasonIf you're stepping into this new stage of life or know someone who is, this episode is full of encouragement, wisdom, and hope.Bio: Jill Savage is an author and speaker who is passionate about encouraging families. She is the author or co-author of fourteen books includingProfessionalizing Motherhood, My Hearts At Home, Real Moms…Real Jesus,Living With Less So Your Family Has More, No More Perfect Moms,No More Perfect Marriages(with her husband Mark),and her most recent release Empty Nest Full Life.Featured on Focus on the Family, Crosswalk.com, Family Life Today and Today's Christian Woman magazine, Jill is the founder of Hearts at Home, an organization that encouraged moms from 1994-2017. Jill and her husband, Mark, have five children, three who are married, and eight grandchildren. They make their home in Normal, Illinois.Anchor Verse:Psalm 37: 4Romans 12: 9-21Connect with Jill:Website:https://jillsavage.orgIG:https://www.instagram.com/jillsavage.authorLINKTREE:https://linktr.ee/jillsavage.author***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

Today is the release day forBefriending God by Tanya Godsey, and you don't want to miss this powerful book! Tanya is a singer-songwriter, spiritual director, and founder of Redeeming the Story. She carries a deep passion for helping people encounter God—not just through doing things for Him but by being with Him.In this episode, Tanya shares about:✨ Growing up in a Mexican mission and feeling unlikely, yet chosen, in God's plan✨ How God calls the least likely and meets us in our places of obscurity✨ The personal loss that changed her faith at 13 and led her to truly seek God✨ The power of honest prayers and learning to be fully real with God✨ HowBefriending God was birthed from a season of exhaustion and striving, leading her back to the simple, beautiful reality of knowing Him as a friendTanya's story is one of deep transformation—moving from achievement-driven faith to a life of intimacy with God. Her words will encourage anyone who has ever wondered if they're enough or if God sees them.She also shares about her recording,The Returning, a musical companion to the book that captures the presence of God in an empty room, just her and Him.Her final encouragement? God is your permanent home. No matter what is shifting in the world, He is your safe place, your anchor, and He wants to be with you.Go grab your copy ofBefriending God today and be reminded that your relationship with Him is not about striving—it's about abiding.Bio:Tanya Godsey is an artist, a worship leader, a speaker, a spiritual director, and the founder of Redeeming The Story, a nonprofit organization focused on spiritual renewal and personal development resources and gatherings. Tanya has spent 29 years in full-time ministry and created four critically acclaimed albums that have served as conduits of inviting others into God's transforming presence. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology with an emphasis in Christian counseling from Dallas Baptist University and is the host of the Unforced Gifts podcast. Tanya and her husband have been married for over twenty years and live in the Nashville, Tennessee, area with their two children.Anchor Verses:The book of PsalmsPsalm 25Connect with Tanya:Website:https://www.tanyagodsey.comIG:https://www.instagram.com/tanyagodseyLinktree:https://linktr.ee/tanyagodseyBook Link:https://www.tyndale.com/p/befriending-god/9781641588676***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In this episode, I sit down with Lynette Eason, bestselling author of theLake City Heroes series and numerous other Christian suspense novels. With 20 years in the industry, Lynette has built a full-time career writing thrilling, faith-filled stories.Lynette shares her personal testimony of following God's call from an early age, rededicating her life to Him in college, and trusting His plan for her writing journey. We discuss: • How her love for suspense, law enforcement, and storytelling shaped her books • The inspiration behindLake City Heroes and her process for crafting gripping plots • Advice for aspiring writers—how to develop characters, push past creative blocks, and trust God with the journey • Balancing faith, family, and a writing careerLynette also gives us a sneak peek at what's coming next—including her latest book releases and where you can keep up with her work.Bio:Lynette Eason is theUSA Today bestselling author of Double TakeandTarget Acquired, as well as the Extreme Measures, Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband. They have two adult children.Anchor Verse:Jeremiah 29:11Connect with Lynette:Website:https://lynetteeason.comIG:https://www.instagram.com/lynetteeasonFB:https://www.facebook.com/lynette.eason***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

Grief is a journey that reshapes us, and no one understands that better than Erin Nelson, co-author of When Grief Comes Home, which releases today. In this first episode of season 16, Erin shares her powerful story of loss—from the devastating plane crash that took her first husband's life to the later loss of her son, Carter. Through these tragedies, she discovered the deep need for grief support, leading her to found Jessica's House, a ministry that walks alongside children and families experiencing loss. We'll talk about: •How Erin turned her own grief into a ministry of healing. •The importance of community and faith in navigating loss. •Misconceptions about grief and why it's not a linear process. •Practical ways to support grieving children and families. •The powerful acronym C.A.R.E. for grieving parents. If you or someone you love is walking through grief, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone—and healing, though hard, is possible. Bio: Erin Nelson is the founder and executive director of Jessica's House, a grief support center for children and families. Through the tragic losses of her husband in a mid-air collision, her mother to suicide, and her son in a car accident, Erin has learned the importance of grief support for children and teens. She is an advanced certified trauma practitioner through the National Institute of Trauma and Loss in Children and has been supporting grieving families for more than 20 years. Anchor Verse: 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 Connect with Erin and Jessica's House: IG: https://www.instagram.com/erinleighnelson FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/189Gk9gP9g/?mibextid=wwXIfr Amazon link: When Grief Comes Home: A Gentle Guide for Living Through Loss While Supporting Your Child Jessica's House:  FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/14mwJ1UzsL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Website: https://www.jessicashouse.org ***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

Today, I'm joined by Veronica Cornejo, author of Unshackled: A Teen Mom Finding Unstoppable Freedom. Veronica's story is one of redemption, resilience, and the transformative power of God's grace. From becoming a mother at 16 to stepping into full-time ministry, she shares how God took what was meant for harm and turned it into something beautiful. In this episode, we discuss: ✨ Veronica's journey as a first-generation Salvadoran American and teen mom ✨ How God used her story to break generational cycles ✨ The power of faith in navigating marriage, parenting, and ministry ✨ The inspiration behind Unshackled and the meaning of the butterfly imagery on her book cover ✨ How she and her husband now walk alongside other couples, mentoring them in marriage and faith ✨ The incredible journey of adopting her brother-in-law and watching God's hand in his life Veronica's testimony is a powerful reminder that nothing is wasted in God's hands. He breaks chains, heals hearts, and gives us a new identity in Him. Whether you've faced struggles in motherhood, marriage, or finding your purpose, this conversation will encourage you to trust that God is working all things together for good.

In this episode, I am joined by Melissa Dougherty, author of the upcoming book Happy Lies. Melissa shares her incredible testimony of how God rescued her from depression, spiritual deception, and counterfeit gospels. Growing up in a Presbyterian home, she encountered the Gospel at a party as a teenager, which completely transformed her life. However, her early faith journey was shaped by a legalistic church and a hunger for intellectual answers about Christianity. Melissa reveals how she fell into the alluring teachings of New Thought spirituality, which disguised itself with biblical language and concepts like the Law of Attraction and health-and-wealth theology. Through years of study and God's grace, she realized the dangers of these teachings and is now on a mission to equip Christians to discern truth from deception. In her book Happy Lies, Melissa exposes how New Thought spirituality has infiltrated modern Christian culture, distorting the Gospel and replacing it with self-centered ideologies. If you've ever felt unsettled by the prosperity gospel, progressive Christianity, or teachings that seem “almost biblical,” this conversation is for you. Key Takeaways: Melissa's powerful testimony of encountering the Gospel and finding hope in her darkest moments. What New Thought spirituality is and how it deceptively uses Christian language to mislead believers. The connection between New Thought teachings and the prosperity gospel. Why knowing your Bible is the best defense against spiritual deception. Join us as Melissa unpacks the importance of knowing Scripture deeply and standing firm in the truth of the Gospel. Bio: Melissa Dougherty is a Christian apologist best known for her YouTube channel with over 285,000 subscribers and counting. Her videos, which primarily cover New Age and New Thought, have been viewed over 18 million times. Melissa is highly regarded and connected in the apologetics community. She has had  numerous influential guests on her YouTube channel and is a frequent guest on the YouTube videos and podcasts of popular thinkers as well. Melissa has a bachelor's degree in religious studies from Southern Evangelical Seminary, where she's also pursuing her master's degree in religious studies. Melissa is married with two daughters and lives in New Mexico. Anchor Verses: 2 Timothy 3: 4 2 Timothy 2: 22-25 Connect with Melissa: Website: https://www.melissadougherty.co YouTube: https://youtube.com/@melissadougherty Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hrvYxTWuajR2vaoHSwQ67?si=_SXqEFXtSMW8O30uagxpsA IG: https://www.instagram.com/melissaldougherty FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/163SonUPtv/?mibextid=wwXIfr ***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In this episode, I chat with Tracey Gee, a coach, speaker, and now author, about her new book, The Magic of Knowing What You Want. Tracey's journey of rediscovering herself and navigating the "desire fog" will resonate deeply with anyone who's ever felt stuck, uncertain, or overwhelmed by options. We dive into: How Tracey helps people uncover their strengths and use them effectively. Her personal journey of leaving vocational ministry and stepping into a season of wilderness, identity, and self-discovery. Why asking "What do you want?" is such a powerful (and sometimes uncomfortable) question. The beauty of taking small, intentional steps of action to build clarity instead of waiting for clarity to come first. The importance of being playful and curious as adults to reconnect with what truly brings us joy and fulfillment. How authentic desires can align with who God created us to be. Tracey's honest, holistic approach to personal development allows us to embrace who we truly are—without trying to fit into a cookie-cutter mold. Her story is a beautiful reminder that clarity often comes through action and that our desires can be God-given, meant to lead us closer to the life He's calling us to. Whether you're in a season of transition, looking to rediscover yourself, or simply curious about how to live a more aligned and joy-filled life, this conversation will inspire and challenge you. Bio: Tracey Gee is a certified leadership coach and consultant dedicated to guiding individuals toward transformative self awareness and meaningful personal and professional growth. As an author, Tracey draws insight from her extensive experience across workshops, speaking engagements, and personalized coaching sessions. She is also a certified facilitator in four frameworks—Gallup CliftonStrengths, Working Genius, Enneagram, and Cultural Intelligence. Her diverse clientele includes UC Berkeley, Firm Foundation, AltaMed, Nomi Network, Coca-Cola, Amazon, and the Miami Heat. Tracey is originally from the Bay Area of California and now lives in Los Angeles with her husband, children, and dog, Kona. She loves coffee shops and every dog she's ever met. Anchor Verses: Matthew 4 John 1 Connect with Tracey: Website: https://traceygee.me  IG: https://www.instagram.com/traceygee.me/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@traceygee.me Preorder Book: https://traceygee.me/book  ***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In this episode, I sit down with Christine Trimpe, author of SugarFreed: Stop Losing the Weight Loss Battle, Start Gaining the Victory, to hear her powerful testimony of transformation—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Christine opens up about her years of struggling with yo-yo diets, emotional eating, and spiritual apathy. She shares how a moment of frustration on a mountain trail in Colorado led her to surrender her health, life, and cravings to God. From that pivotal point, Christine embraced a sugar-free lifestyle that restored her physical health, rewired her brain, and deepened her relationship with Jesus. Christine talks about: • The spiritual freedom that comes from relying on God instead of unhealthy coping mechanisms. • Her journey to lasting joy and her life verse, Psalm 4:7: “You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.” • How she now empowers women as a health coach to step into the freedom Christ offers, physically and spiritually. • Her latest book, SugarFreed, which invites readers to release cravings for worldly comfort and anchor their hearts in God's goodness. Christine reminds us that freedom in Christ transforms every area of life—and it's never too late to let Him into your story. Bio: Christine Trimpe is a transformative wellness leader dedicated to empowering professional Christian women to reclaim their health and vitality through her faith-based, holistic approach to weight loss. As the founder of The SugarFreed Me Method and a certified SUGAR® Licensed Practitioner, Christine helps clients achieve lifelong healing from sugar addiction and food-related struggles. Her clients experience dramatic transformations, including sustained weight loss and breakthroughs in physical, emotional, and spiritual health, with over 80% retention in her programs. After a 100-pound weight loss journey, Christine created a method beyond conventional dieting, integrating faith, emotional regulation, and metabolic health principles. Christine's own story—marked by a significant health journey, an embrace of ketogenic eating, and a breakthrough lifestyle change—has inspired thousands since she first shared it on her blog and across social media. Her journey has been highlighted in leading wellness magazines, including Woman's World and First for Women, and featured on DietDoctor.com, where she was named a top low-carb success story. Christine's extensive career in corporate America, paired with her BBA degree, uniquely equips her to guide women in tackling complex health challenges and finding balance in all aspects of life. Her upcoming book, SugarFreed (2025), follows her acclaimed devotional, Seeking Joy (2021), which received the Christian Market Book Award and Christian Indie Award. Christine and her husband, Rob, have been married for over thirty years and enjoy life in Metro Detroit, where she leads worship, hikes the outdoors and loves spending time with her family and pets. With her passion for exhortation, faith, and generosity, Christine's mission is to equip women to overcome years of weight struggles, embrace freedom from sugar addiction, and ultimately live with joy and purpose.  Anchor Verses: Psalm 37 Psalm 4:7 Hebrews 12:1-3 Connect with Christine: Website: http://christinetrimpe.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/coachchristinetrimpe ***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. I think that this powerful episode will make you stop and really think about how this is a problem, not just in large cities, but also could be in your own backyard. Today, I sit down with Becky Murray, the founder of One By One and author of Embrace the Journey. Becky shares her incredible story of growing up in a Christian home, her journey of faith, and the life-changing moment that led her to dedicate her life to ending modern slavery. Becky recounts the heartbreaking encounter with a 9-year-old girl in Africa that revealed the harsh realities of child exploitation. This moment became the catalyst for One By One, a nonprofit organization that fights human trafficking, provides resources for vulnerable children, and addresses issues like period poverty through initiatives such as The Dignity Project. We also discuss the incredible work of the Mercy Center, a safe haven for girls rescued from trafficking and exploitation. Becky shares how One By One not only rescues but also rehabilitates and empowers these young survivors, helping them find healing and equipping them with skills for a brighter future. Key topics include: Becky's personal journey of faith and her heart for vulnerable children. The story behind the founding of One By One. The Dignity Project: addressing period poverty and preventing trafficking. The Mercy Center: rescuing, healing, and empowering young survivors. How each of us can make an impact by loving our neighbors and standing against injustice. This episode is a testament to the power of one moment, one life, and one act of faith to bring hope and transformation. Bio: Becky Murray is the founder and CEO of One By One. Her life was transformed in 2006 when a young girl she bought a pair of shoes for on the streets of Sierra Leone assumed she wanted sexual favours in return. This moment sparked the formation of One By One, and after acquiring land in Africa in 2009, One By One Kenya opened its doors in 2012. Becky is also the founder of the Dignity Project and is the host of Embrace The Journey, to be seen on TBN UK. She has spoken at both the White House and 10 Downing Street and has appeared on the BBC and many other media outlets. She is married to Matthew and the couple have one son, Josiah. ABOUT ONE BY ONE One By One is a charity with a heart for the vulnerable across the world. Formed in 2011 by Becky Murray, One By One's first project was its residential facility in Kenya which aims to rehouse and give hope to children that otherwise would be living in abject poverty. More recently, a rescue centre was built near to South Asia, housing victims of human trafficking. There are more than 3 million people in slavery in this nation, being forced to work in some of the country's 20,000 brick kilns. One By One has a heart to reach, rescue and restore lives across South Asia. The charity also runs a widows' programme in North Sri Lanka, working with women whose husbands were killed in the brutal civil war. In addition, The Dignity Project – that provides teenage girls with re-usable sanitary items and education – was formed in 2015, and has now expanded to nine countries. Nearly 45,000 girls have been reached through the Dignity Project since its launch in the Houses of Parliament. Most recently we have started a project within Jinja Uganda, where our focus is on educating the local community and health care professionals on the dangers and signs of Human Trafficking. In addition to this we have expanded the Dignity Project to become a year long curriculum that is delivered across schools within Jinja. One By One is a registered charity in the UK and a registered 501(c)(3) in the USA. All funds given to either entity are governed by One By One's executive team and are restricted for use in One By One's ongoing projects across the world. Anchor Verses: Galatians 5:13 Connect with Becky and One By One: Website: https://onebyone.org  IG: https://www.instagram.com/becky1by1 LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/becky1by1 ***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In this episode, I sit down with Shauna Braun, the author of Dealing with the Difficult in a God-Honoring Way. Shauna's story is one of resilience, faith, and learning to trust God in the midst of some of life's most challenging circumstances. From living in the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian mountains, Shauna reflects on her journey through despair, addiction, and life-altering trials. She candidly shares how God's Word transformed her life, bringing healing and hope even when the circumstances seemed insurmountable. Shauna's testimony includes battling eating disorders, navigating the pain of being married to an alcoholic, and finding herself homeless and husbandless with three young children. But through it all, she found joy, provision, and the truth of God's promises. Her story is a testament to God's faithfulness and how His Word equips us to not just survive the furnace of affliction but to emerge stronger and anchored in Him. In her book, Shauna addresses the hard questions many of us face: How do we deal with difficult people and situations while honoring God? What does forgiveness really look like? How do we arm ourselves with God's truth to stand strong against the enemy? She shares practical wisdom on forgiveness, spiritual warfare, and how to live with a satisfied mind anchored in God's truth. Shauna's passion is to help others embrace the transformative power of God's Word and the peace that comes from trusting Him. If you've ever wondered how to navigate life's storms with grace and faith, this conversation will inspire and encourage you. Bio: Shanna Braun served as an inductive Bible study teacher and trainer for Precept Ministries for many years, leading classes, workshops, and seminars in the inductive Bible study method. She has also served as the executive director of International Christians in Crisis. Working in the medical profession as an operating room technician, she gained firsthand experience with people facing physical difficulties and the associated fear that comes from the unknown. All of these opportunities led her to develop the course Dealing with the Difficult in a God Honouring Way. Ms. Braun lives in the interior of British Columbia with her husband, Don. They live in a home on a mountain enjoying the beauty of God's creation. She has three daughters and seven grandchildren. Anchor Verses: Psalm 27: 13-14 Isaiah 48: 10-11 Connect with Shanna: Website: https://www.shannabraun.com ***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In this episode, I'm joined by Robin Gerblick, author of Giving Up Grace: A Spiritual Rebranding of the Soul. Robin shares her remarkable journey of finding freedom and forgiveness through Christ, after decades of searching for love and identity in all the wrong places. Robin opens up about her struggles with abortion, failed marriages, and a season of spiritual wandering before encountering the transformational power of God's grace. She shares how her “come-to-Jesus” moment set her on a path of healing, restoration, and finally learning to forgive herself. Robin's testimony reveals the deep connection between forgiveness and freedom and reminds us of the unfailing love of our Heavenly Father. Robin is also the founder of Exodus Women's Retreat, a ministry she has led for 20 years, guiding women to break away, break through, and break free in their own faith journeys. She's a passionate advocate for foster care and adoption, having adopted her daughter at the age of 14. We also discuss: • The role of grace in forgiveness • Spiritual freedom through surrender • How God works in unexpected ways to reveal His plans • Finding purpose through telling your story Robin's life verse, Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God,” has been a steady anchor through it all, and her book is a powerful testament to God's ability to redeem and rebrand any story for His glory. Bio: Born out of Broken, Delivered by Destiny, and Grown into Grace. Chosen, Daughter of the King. Lover of life and the Living Water . Motivated to share her love of God and overall wellness in a non-traditional venue, Robin founded Exodus Women's Retreat… Break Away, Break Through, Break Free! Robin Gerblick is an award winning Author, Personal Trainer and Biblical Life Coach, meeting women wherever they are on their spiritual journey!  After leaving a long career as a “CSI Girl”, she is fulfilling her lifelong passion helping women realize their true, lasting, and influencing beauty is grounded in God's Grace… it's the beginning and end of everything! She is married to her best friend and soul mate of 31 years, mom to their adopted daughter, dog mom and Grammy of two precious granddaughters.  Her #1 new release, Giving Up Grace… A Spiritual Rebranding of the Soul, is available wherever books are sold online. Anchor Verses: Psalm 46:10 Job 10:10 Connect with Robin: Website: https://robingerblick.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/robin.gerblick IG: https://www.instagram.com/robingerblick/  Exodus Women's Retreat: https://exoduswomensretreat.com  ***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In this episode, I am joined by Chrystal Cuellar, a sober coach passionate about helping women embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle and step fully into their God-given purpose. Chrystal shares her powerful testimony of navigating a toxic relationship, struggles with alcohol, and finding freedom through her relationship with Christ. From being a gray-area drinker to a thriving sobriety coach, Chrystal opens up about the challenges she faced, including the pivotal moments that brought her to the end of herself and the beginning of a life led by God's grace. She dives deep into her journey of letting go of alcohol, rebuilding her foundation on Christ, and discovering what it means to live with a sober mind. If you're navigating your own relationship with alcohol or feeling a nudge from God to surrender it, this episode offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and hope for your journey. What We Discuss: • Chrystal's journey from a gray-area drinker to a sobriety coach • The impact of toxic relationships on her alcohol use • How finding Christ transformed her life and relationship with alcohol • The importance of accountability, mentorship, and support in sobriety • Living a sober-minded life and demolishing other idols • Building a fruitful, God-honoring life beyond just counting days • The power of Isaiah 40 in Chrystal's journey If you're ready to explore sobriety or deepen your walk with Christ, reach out to Chrystal or join her community to get started. Bio: Chrystal Cuellar is a sober coach on a mission to empower Christian women to embrace sobriety and unlock their true purpose. Having triumphed over her own battles with binge drinking, God has led her to help others find freedom too. She approaches this through a biblical and practical approach so women can break free for good! Anchor Verse: Isaiah 40:31 Connect with Chrystal: Facebook Kingdom Alliance Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1XnvRpk2FL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Email: cuellarchrystal@gmail.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/chrystalcuellar ***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In this powerful episode to start off 2025, I sit down with my friend, Anna LeBaron, author of The Polygamist's Daughter, to hear her extraordinary story of escaping the grip of a violent, polygamous cult and finding healing through faith, courage, and community. Anna shares her personal journey of growing up in a household led by her father, Ervil LeBaron, a self-proclaimed prophet responsible for unspeakable acts of violence. She opens up about the trauma of being raised in a toxic environment, her eventual escape at age 13, and the long process of deconstructing harmful beliefs while reconstructing her identity in Christ. Key topics we discuss: • The realities of life inside a polygamous cult and its impact on identity and mental health. • Anna's harrowing escape and the challenges of rebuilding her life after leaving everything behind. • Deconstructing toxic theology and learning to separate God's truth from man-made distortion. • How she found healing through therapy, community, and faith. • Encouragement for those facing trauma, abuse, or the process of reconstructing their own beliefs. Anna's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of God's grace to bring beauty from ashes. If you or someone you know is navigating trauma, spiritual abuse, or the challenges of deconstruction, this episode offers hope, healing, and practical wisdom. Bio: Anna LeBaron is a n inspiring author, captivating speaker, and skilled social media strategist. Each of these components allows Anna to do what she loves most: connect with people from a diverse array of backgrounds. Anna uses her experiences of escaping from a violent, polygamist cult and her journey to freedom as evidence that every story can be redeemed for good, no matter how bleak parts of it may be. Countless women have walked away from Anna's events with a renewed desire to face their fears, overcome obstacles, and find freedom in the redemption of their own stories. Anchor Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 Connect with Anna: Website: https://annalebaron.com IG: Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/annaklebaron/ Hulu Docuseries, Daughters of the Cult: https://www.hulu.com/series/daughters-of-the-cult-ecb95c0a-c542-4716-8320-24e0a67e133b Anna and I both love books and these are the ones mentioned during this interview: Her book, The Polygamist's Daughter Prophet of Blood: The Untold Story of Ervil Lebaron and the Lambs of God by Ben Bradley, Jr Try Softer by Aundi Kolber Attached to God by Krispin Mayfield The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. Safe People by Henry Cloud ***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In this episode, we welcome Lee Ann Mancini, author of Raising Kids to Follow Christ, Bible professor, and advocate for equipping parents and ministry leaders to guide the next generation in building a strong foundation in faith. Lee Ann shares insights from her extensive research and personal experience as a mother of two adult children and discusses the pressing challenges families face today in a culture increasingly hostile to biblical truth. Lee Ann dives into: • The alarming statistics about young people walking away from faith and the cultural factors contributing to this trend. • Practical steps for parents and grandparents to instill a biblical worldview in their children, starting as early as infancy. • The importance of intentional parenting and creating a family mission statement to guide your home. • How to navigate difficult topics like gender dysphoria, digital safety, and the influence of media. • Encouragement for parents who feel they've fallen short and actionable ways to move forward with grace and consistency. Lee Ann reminds us that raising children in today's world requires prayer, preparation, and persistence. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or ministry leader, this conversation will inspire you to take an active role in helping the next generation stand firm in their faith. Bio: Author Lee Ann Mancini is the award-winning author and executive producer of the Sea Kids series, which can be viewed on Answers.TV, Pure Flix, Right Now Media, and SeaKidsTV. Lee Ann earned a master's degree in theological studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Trinity International University), as well as two master's degrees — one in Christian and Classic Studies and one in Biblical and Theological Studies — from Knox Theological Seminary. She serves as an adjunct professor at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary and hosts the award-winning podcast, Raising Christian Kids.  Anchor Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 Connect with Lee Ann: Website: https://leeannmancini.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/raisingchristiankidsministry FB: https://www.facebook.com/RaisingChristianKids Troomi Phone: https://troomi.com ***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In this episode, I am joined by Justin Kendrick, pastor, church planter, and author of Out of the Hurricane. Justin shares his powerful journey of coming to faith in Christ and the life-changing peace and hope he found in surrendering to God. Together, we explore themes of resilience, discipleship, and the importance of building an internal foundation that endures life's hurricanes. Key Topics Discussed: Justin's Journey of Faith: From realizing his need for a Savior to experiencing freedom and transformation in Christ. The Call to Church Planting: How God called Justin and his wife to plant churches in New England, one of the most challenging mission fields in America. Understanding Spiritual Resilience: Why suffering is a part of the Christian journey and how Scripture equips us to endure trials. The Story Behind Vox Church: The inspiration for the church's name, rooted in John 5:25, and their mission to make Christ's voice heard in the Northeast. Insights from Out of the Hurricane: Preparing for life's storms by building a foundation of faith, understanding the biblical view of suffering, and walking through trials with Christ. Key Scripture References: Romans 6-8: Understanding the power of the new self in Christ. Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you…” John 5:25: The inspiration behind Vox Church. Justin's Wisdom for Listeners: God uses available people, not perfect people. Surrender to God brings ultimate freedom. • Prepare your heart now to withstand life's inevitable hurricanes. We pray this episode encourages and challenges you to become stronger in God so that you are ready to walk through storms that will come your way. Bio: Justin Kendrick is the Lead Pastor of Vox Church, which he founded in 2011 with a small group of friends on the doorstep of Yale University. Since that time, the church has grown to multiple locations across New England, with the dream of seeing the least-churched region of the U.S. become the most spiritually vibrant place on Earth. Justin and his wife, Chrisy, live with their three sons in the New Haven area. Justin is the author of two previous books: Bury Your Ordinary: Practical Habits of a Heart Fully Alive (2021), and The Sacred Us: A Call to Radical Christian Community (2022) as well as the upcoming release How To Quiet A Hurricane: Strategies for Christian Endurance in the Midst of Life's Storms (2024) Anchor Verses: Isaiah 41:10 Romans 5:1 Romans 12:1 Connect with Justin: Website: https://www.justinkendrick.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/15PCx8vaP7/?mibextid=wwXIfr IG: https://www.instagram.com/pastorjustinkendrick Amazon Book Link: How to Quiet a Hurricane: Strategies for Christian Endurance in the Midst of Life's Storms ***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

Today's episode is with Jessica Ronne—author, speaker, nonprofit executive director, documentary producer, and a mother of eight, including a son with profound disabilities. Jessica's newest devotional, Caregiving with Grit and Grace, is a powerful resource of encouragement and hope for caregivers navigating the complexities of caregiving. Jessica shares her journey of faith, beginning with her son Lucas' diagnosis after a devastating stroke and the heartbreaking season of walking alongside her late husband through brain cancer. Through these experiences, Jessica's relationship with God deepened as He shepherded her through unimaginable pain, strengthening her trust and surrender to His plan. In this episode, Jessica opens up about: • How God transformed her understanding of His role as a loving Father during her most difficult seasons. • The importance of self-care for caregivers and trusting God in seasons of exhaustion and burnout. • Why caregivers need recognition, respite, and tangible support—and how her nonprofit seeks to meet those needs. • Stories of caregiving challenges and the importance of community support, even in long-term situations where help often fades over time. • The inspiration behind her devotional and how it became a lifeline during her hardest moments. Jessica also encourages us to surrender our plans to God and trust that He is working for our good, even when we don't understand His timing or will. Whether you're a caregiver or know someone walking this road, Jessica's message is a beacon of hope and practical wisdom for finding strength in God's presence. Bio: Jessica Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host of Coffee with Caregivers, associate producer of the “Unseen Documentary,” and caregiver advocate. She is founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a non-profit dedicated to serving parent caregivers with recognition, respite, and resources. She and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their eight children, including their son Lucas who has profound disabilities. Her story of beauty from ashes is detailed in her memoir “Sunlight Burning at Midnight.” Anchor Verses: Psalm 23 Luke 22: 39-44 Connect with Jess: Website: https://www.jessplusthemess.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessplusthemess FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AcdtaY5Mz/?mibextid=wwXIfr Learn about her nonprofit and caregiving resources: The Lucas Project Order Jessica's newest devotional, Caregiving with Grit and Grace: Available here. ***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In today's episode, I'm joined by Christy Boulware, author of Nervous Breakthrough, as she shares her powerful journey through anxiety and panic attacks. From being a successful corporate go-getter to experiencing her first panic attack on a beach in Cancun, Christy opens up about the long, hard road to healing and how she found peace in surrendering to God. Christy discusses the importance of addressing anxiety through a holistic approach that includes physical, emotional, and spiritual care. Tune in as we dive into her story of finding freedom and how God's faithfulness helped her break through the chains of fear and anxiety. Key Points: • Christy's panic attack experience on a beach in Cancun led her down a long journey of healing and recovery. • Navigating anxiety and panic required more than just spiritual growth—it took therapy, medication, and time to heal. • Christy emphasizes the importance of a whole body, soul, and spirit approach to healing, not just focusing on one aspect of mental health. • She shares the significance of surrendering control to God and how her relationship with Him deepened throughout her healing process. • Understanding the signs of anxiety through “smoke alarms” in the body can help prevent burnout and panic. If you're struggling with anxiety, know that you are not alone. God has not given you a spirit of fear. Surrender to Him, seek the help you need, and trust that healing is possible. Share this episode with someone who needs hope today. Bio: Christy Boulware suffered a nervous breakdown caused by severe panic and anxiety disorder in 2011. Her pain turned into purpose, and she founded Fearless Unite, a non-profit organization. She is an international speaker, author of Nervous Breakthrough, bible study creator, and leader. Christy's biggest passion in life is to see men and women of all ages overcome fear and anxiety by stepping into their God-given purpose and identity. She is happily married to the love of her life, Troy. They have three beautiful children together. Anchor Verses: Psalm 121:2 Isaiah 55:9 2 Timothy 1:7 Isaiah 26:34 Connect with Christy and Fearless Unite: Website: https://www.christyboulware.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/christymboulware Fearless Unite:  Website: https://www.fearlessunite.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/fearlessunite ***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, I'm joined by the incredible Tawana Lowery—an author, international speaker, and women's leadership coach with over 20 years of experience empowering women of faith. Tawana shares her deeply personal story of overcoming unimaginable trials, including grief, divorce, and trauma, and how God turned her pain into purpose.Tawana's journey reminds us that no matter how broken we feel, God can use our experiences to build a beautiful testimony and equip us to lead and serve others. We discuss:* Her “trifecta of grief” and how God met her in the hardest moments.* The moment she realized her pain wasn't a liability but her résumé for empowering others.* How her ministry, Miss Overcomer, is equipping women to reclaim their courage, rediscover their identity, and maximize their potential.* Why transformational prayer and hearing God's voice are critical for the days ahead.Tawana's passion for helping women step boldly into their God-given calling is contagious. Whether you're facing challenges, stepping into a new season, or looking for encouragement to keep going, this episode will inspire you to rise up, trust God, and keep moving forward.

In this episode, I sit down with Kyle Winkler, author of Permission to Be Imperfect: How to Strive Less, Stress Less, and Sin Less. Kyle shares his personal journey of overcoming insecurity, striving, and the weight of perfectionism through the transformative power of God's grace.We dive into:* Kyle's faith journey, from childhood struggles with shyness to finding freedom in God's unconditional love.* The dangers of turning faith into a self-improvement project and how striving often makes things worse.* Why understanding that Jesus came because we can't be perfect changes everything.* How Kyle's app, Shut Up, Devil!, empowers believers to overcome lies with the truth of Scripture.* The beauty of deconstructing harmful beliefs under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and discovering the true character of God.* Moving from living for God's approval to living from His approval as His beloved children.This conversation will encourage you to take a deep breath, step off the treadmill of striving, and embrace the freedom Jesus died to give you.Resources Mentioned:* Kyle Winkler's book: Permission to Be Imperfect* Kyle Winkler's app: Shut Up, Devil!Tune in now for a refreshing perspective on God's grace and permission to live as the wonderfully imperfect person He made you to be!Bio:Kyle Winkler is a practical Bible teacher who equips people to live in victory. His highly acclaimed mobile app, Shut Up, Devil!, ranks as a top Christian app. As an author, sought-after speaker, and frequent guest on Christian media, including TBN's Praise the Lord, The 700 Club, and Sid Roth's It's Supernatural!, Kyle is known for using his own story to boast in the power of God's Word for victory over fear, insecurity, and issues of the past. Kyle holds an MDiv in biblical studies from Regent University.Anchor Verses:Ephesians 3:17Connect with Kyle:Website: https://www.kylewinkler.org IG: https://www.instagram.com/kylejwinklerFB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E2fgLPBiF/?mibextid=LQQJ4d***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In this episode, I sit down with my friend, author, and speaker Tiffany Bluhm. Tiffany is a powerful voice on the intersection of women's liberation, spiritual formation, justice, and leadership. She's also the Executive Director of a foundation development organization in the Pacific Northwest, a wife, and mom to two sons. Tiffany shares her incredible journey of being adopted as a young child from India, growing up in a predominantly white community, and finding freedom and belonging in the Gospel. Her story is a testament to God's redeeming love and how He meets us in every corner of our lives. We also dive into her newest book, The Women We've Been Waiting For, where Tiffany highlights women throughout history—biblical and modern—who have modeled resilience, leadership, and faith. From the courage of Queen Esther to the boldness of the women in St. Augustine, California, Tiffany challenges us to recognize how our ordinary actions can lead to extraordinary impact. Listen in as Tiffany shares: -How she found confidence and healing in the kindness and goodness of God -The lessons we can learn from women in scripture and history who thrived amidst chaos and challenge. -Practical encouragement for embracing your unique story as a purpose. Whether you're a woman seeking liberation, a leader navigating chaotic times, or someone longing to see the beauty of God's work in your life, this conversation will leave you inspired to live with courage and intention. Bio: Tiffany Bluhm is a speaker and writer with more than fifteen years of experience in ministry and nonprofit leadership. She is the author of Never Alone, She Dreams, and Prey Tell and former cohost of the Why Tho? podcast. She speaks at conferences, companies, and churches around the world, and her work has been featured in Publishers Weekly and Sojourners. As a minority, immigrant woman with an interracial family, Bluhm is passionate about inviting all to the table of faith, equality, justice, and dignity. She lives in the Pacific Northwest. Anchor Verses: Psalm 40: 1-3 Connect with Tiffany: Website: https://www.tiffanybluhm.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm FB: https://www.facebook.com/TiffanyABluhm/ ***We love hearing from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to be a part of our podcast family and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is quick and easy! Just head to Apple podcasts or wherever you are tuning in and share your thoughts. Your feedback makes a big difference!***

Today, I am joined by award-winning journalist, pastor, and author Lee Weeks to discuss his powerful new book, Sunday at the Tracks. Lee shares his journey from growing up as a preacher's kid to pursuing a journalism career, and how God redirected his path into ministry and storytelling. In Sunday at the Tracks, Lee highlights 36 powerful faith stories from the NASCAR community, including drivers, crew members, and families. From triumphs on the track to personal battles with loss, addiction, and faith, these stories reveal how God is at work in the lives of people in one of America's most beloved sports. Tune in to hear: The inspiration behind Sunday at the Tracks Stories of faith and perseverance, like driver Chase Briscoe's journey through loss and hope Insights into NASCAR's vibrant faith community How Lee trusted God's timing to bring this book to life Whether you're a NASCAR fan or simply looking for stories of God's grace, Sunday at the Tracks is a book that will inspire you to trust in God's faithfulness, no matter what race you're running. Bio: Lee Weeks is an author, journalist, editor, communication strategist, and former senior pastor. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master's degree with biblical languages from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina. Lee is passionate about communicating the life-changing message of the gospel in clear, creative, and compelling ways as expressed in Scripture and exemplified in real-life stories of people who have been transformed by God's redemptive work in their own lives. Anchor Verse: Romans 8:28 Connect with Lee: Website: https://lee-weeks.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/lee.weeks.50 *Get Sunday at the Tracks wherever you purchase books! ***We love hearing from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to be a part of our podcast family and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is quick and easy! Just head to Apple podcasts or wherever you are tuning in and share your thoughts. Your feedback makes a big difference!***

In today's episode, I sit down with Donna Amidon, a wife, mom, musician, and Bible teacher, to talk about her freedom story and her book, Tracing His Promise. Donna shares how a simple ornament exchange sparked a deep revelation of Jesus' presence throughout the Old Testament, transforming her family's Advent tradition into a faith-filled journey. We explore the concept of the Jesse Tree, a meaningful way to trace God's promises from Genesis to the birth of Christ. Donna also opens up about how Scripture, particularly 1 Peter 5:10, anchored her through seasons of personal suffering and loss. She reminds us that even when life feels like a "cut-down stump," God sees opportunities for new life and restoration. Donna's book is a powerful guide for anyone seeking to see Christ in fresh ways. Whether you're looking to refocus this Advent season, strengthen your faith, or engage your family in a Christ-centered tradition, this episode is for you. Bio: Donna Amidon is a graduate of Southern Evangelical Seminary and a dedicated teacher at Back to the Bible. She's a seasoned speaker at women's events and conferences, bringing insights from years of leading women's Bible studies. She has held various church roles, including pastor's wife, worship leader, small group director, and student ministry leader. Donna and her husband make their home in Virginia with their two children. Donna's first book, Tracing His Promise, includes illustrations from her daughter Charity who is a talented artist. Anchor Verse: 1 Peter 5: 10 Connect with Donna: Website: https://www.donnaamidon.org IG: https://www.instagram.com/donnaamidon FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/19S44ZB417/?mibextid=LQQJ4d ***We love hearing from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to be a part of our podcast family and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is quick and easy! Just head to Apple podcasts or wherever you are tuning in and share your thoughts. Your feedback makes a big difference!***