The Cultivate Podcast

Lydia shares her experience at a recent event for songwriters, and what she learned about the importance of the disciplines of worship and prayer in our daily walk with Jesus. She reminds us that each new day, we need to start with prayer and worship to prepare our hearts for the battles we will face throughout the day. Then, as we go throughout our day and we face these battles, big or small, the answer is always to go back to a place of worship + communion with the Lord.

In this new season of The Cultivate Podcast, we are focusing in on the moments where we have seen God working & teaching us in the mundane, everyday moments of our lives! We believe that God speaks in the everyday moments of our lives, and we are expectant that we will grow together through this special NEW season of the podcast! Today, Kayla will be sharing a moment with listeners where God reminded her that He has worked all things together for good throughout her story. She will inspire and equip you in this episode to reflect on the unique story that God has been writing in and through your life, too!

Today, Kayla and Lydia sit down to chat about the season of Advent. We discuss what the birth of Jesus means for us as Christ followers today, as well as what it will mean for us one day when Jesus returns. We also share some practical ways that you can savor the Christmas season and focus your heart on what is most important.

On this episode of The Cultivate Podcast, we join our friend, Ashley Stegall, who is a woman on mission for Jesus, and owner of a local marketing agency called Four Eight Marketing! During our conversation with Ashley, she shares about her journey in learning how to walk in step with the pace and priorities of Christ, and how her desire to "protect her pace" and give Jesus space to move in and through her life ultimately led to her and her husband stepping into a new season of business and ministry. She has an inspiring story that will encourage you in whatever season of life you find yourself in right now!    Ashley's Recommendations for Further Encouragement: Christine Cain's Message "Get Off Your Mat" Levi Lusko's Sermon Series "Morning, Noon & Night"

In this special episode, Tim Puentes joins Kayla and Lydia to discuss our connection to the cross of Jesus Christ. For those of you who would consider yourself Christians, Jesus dying on the cross for us is not a new concept; however, today we hope to bring you back to a place of remembrance, as well as gain a deeper understanding of how the cross of Christ is truly central to our spiritual walk. Tim brings fresh insight and teaching to the show as he shares his personal journey. We know that you will be encouraged by hearing all that God has done in his life!

Today's episode is a truly special one! We join our guest and friend, Jennifer Hinman, who is the owner of Cloud Nine Bridal Boutique in Peoria, Illinois! Jen's story leading up to where she is today is one of perseverance and trusting in God's perfect timing and plans for her life. Her passion is to serve brides and help them to feel beautiful and loved. We love her heart and we know that you will, too! If you are a bride-to-be and want to check out Jen's gorgeous shop, visit www.cloudninepeoria.com.

In today's episode, we want to celebrate the incredible gift of marriage, as well as the humbling journey of growing alongside your spouse in pursuit of holiness and becoming more like Jesus. Kayla interviews co-host, Lydia, and her husband, Jimmy, to share about their unique relationship story, what God has been teaching them throughout their marriage, as well as share encouragement for both single people and married couples.

In today's episode, we have a fun and encouraging conversation with Marisa Weyeneth & Kylie Law, who are both teachers, wives, moms, and business owners! Marisa and Kylie share their journeys to entrepreneurship over the past several years, wisdom they have gained along the way, and how to attain more fulfillment and freedom in our lives when we release comparison and an unhealthy competitive heart to the Lord so that we can have genuine, deep friendships and community. This is an episode that will encourage you to follow God's "nudges," and step fully into the unique call He's placed on your life!

Jake Sutton joins us to bring a fresh word on discipleship, and the importance of both disciple-making and being discipled by other Christians. Our conversation covers what discipleship looks like in the life of a believer, stories of discipleship in action, and encouragement for believers - whether you have known Jesus for a long time or have just began a relationship with Him - you will learn in this episode that if you are listening to the Lord and learning from His Word, then you are called to make disciples and you have something to share with the people around you!

In this new season of The Cultivate Podcast, we are excited to grow in Cultivating Connection - with God and others. 2020 was a year of often feeling somewhat "disconnected" from others, but we believe that we serve a God who created us for connection with himself and with other people. We are going to set the tone for this season today by focusing in on a phrase that you may have heard before: love God and love others. But what does that actually mean and how do we do that well in our daily lives? We unpack this and provide some biblical insight and practical advice in today's episode!

Today, we have the opportunity to sit down with the lead pastor of Pathway Church, a new church plant in the Quad Cities! Pathway Church's vision is to "see the Kingdom of God established in the Quad Cities area by leading every person we possibly can into an authentic, growing, and purposed relationship with Jesus Christ," and Kayla and I could not be more supportive of this amazing mission. On this episode, we hear Tanner's story of how God led him to plant this church, stories of God's provision along the way, and how you can be praying for and get involved in local church planting.

Pastor Andrew Wingo joins us for today's episode as we dive into the topic of Spiritual Gifts. Andrew provides us biblical insight on what spiritual gifts are, steps you can take to begin to determine what gifts God has given you, as well as encourages you to use the unique gifts that God has given to you to further His kingdom.

Hey listeners! On today's episode, Kayla and Lydia reflect back on our first year of 25 episodes and give praise to God for His faithfulness this past year of the podcast. We also talk about our current favorites, and provide some practical tools and tips for you to use as you grow in your relationship with the Lord. We hope that today's episode will encourage you and inspire you!

As the new school year is quickly approaching, Kayla and Lydia welcome teachers Tyler Hallstrom and Kenzie Cooper to the show. We reflect on the importance in times of uncertainty to center our hearts and minds on the greater purpose that we are each called to - to love God, serve others, and do everything in love for His glory. Join us as these teachers share powerful stories and wisdom from their years in the classroom, and inspire you to believe that God has a greater purpose for the call He has placed on your life!

Our friend, Katie Schmitt, shares a timely message of what it means to walk in obedience to Christ. She reflects on her role as a local "seed sower" into women at Peoria Rescue Ministries, the steps of obedience the Lord is directing her to take in her role as a mother, as well as her recent call to start her online Bible study resource shop, "Shop Remain." We can't experience all God has for us or wants to do in us if we don't respond in obedience. Let's explore this topic in today's episode!

Lydia & Kayla welcome Bobbi Bucknam to the show in this episode to talk about what prayer is, the power of prayer, and the heart of God to commune with and speak to His people through prayer. Bobbi shares powerful personal stories, as well as practical tips to cultivating a strong prayer life.  If you have a prayer request or any further questions about the topic of prayer, please email us at thecultivatepodcast@gmail.com or on any of our social media platforms. We would love to connect with you!

On today's episode, Kayla and Lydia talk with Chris Rink, local ministry leader, as he shares his story and what the Lord has placed on his heart in regards to the importance of greater unity in the body of Christ. Join us as we reflect, learn, and grow together to be believers who understand the value of each of our brothers and sisters, and discuss God's heart for justice and racial reconciliation.

Kayla and Lydia welcome Bri Parkhill, current college student and future ministry leader, on today's episode to share her story of discerning God's unique call on her life. Bri shares how often "peace comes after the process," and how sometimes God calls us to things that are initially uncomfortable in order to push us to trust Him, step out in faith, and allow Him to do His work in and through our surrendered lives.

Lydia joins her mother, Traci Puentes, on today's episode! Traci shares her journey to motherhood, the struggles and the joy she has experienced during her years of raising her daughters, why it is vital to pray for and with your children, and some pieces of wisdom that you can apply as you live out your unique calling - whether you are currently a mom, will one day be a mom, or have a heart to love and impact children in your sphere of influence.

Today's episode is our very first episode where we interviewed a remote guest! Brooke Heaton shares her story of how God lead her to do international medical mission work in Peru, what He has taught her throughout the over 2 years of her time serving as a nurse, and a powerful message that God cares about us, meets us where we are at, and is faithful when we say, "YES!" to what He has called us to!

Today, we want to share two worship songs that have encouraged our hearts in this season. By looking at the lyrics and messages of these songs, as well as sharing personal stories, we focus on how we can move from FEAR to FAITH, and how even when the circumstances around us don't "feel good," we can rest in knowing that God is good and that He will NEVER give up on His people!

In this episode, Lydia Bridgeman, one of the hosts of The Cultivate Podcast, shares her heart for uncovering the true meaning of biblical joy. Lasting, true joy can only be found when we are in the presence of and in fellowship with Jesus, because in His presence there is "fullness of joy." She shares the importance of clinging to the joy of the Lord in difficult seasons, and how the contagious joy that we carry can be a catalyst for reaching people in our spheres of influence with the message of the Gospel.

Melissa Lacy, local women's ministry leader, shares about the importance of surrounding yourself with a community of Christ-followers who encourage you, spur you on, and draw you nearer to Christ both in times of celebration, as well as seasons of hardship. Melissa shares about her heart for uniting women in community, how to find your "people" and invite others into your community, and why doing life alongside others is vital to our growth as Christians.

This episode is all about Cultivating Courage. To have courage literally means to be scared to do something, but to doing it anyway. Sometimes when God calls us to step out and do something big for His kingdom, it can be a scary choice to trust Him and be obedient to His call. Our friend, Megan Schreurs, shares her story to becoming a licensed foster parent, and what she has learned about being a courageous Christ follower throughout the process. 

Tre Cooper, local worship leader, shares a powerful message about cultivating a heart of worship. He shares personal stories & Scripture that reveals the truth that we can worship God corporately in worship, but also through service, loving others, and living our lives being obedient to Him. 

Kimberly Weber, a local author and speaker, shares her powerful love encounter story and how out of the overflow of her passion for drawing closer to Jesus, she was lead to begin Sparkling Brooks Ministry, which focuses on restoring hearts and releasing destinies. Kimberly's message and experience in cultivating a healthy imagination helps us to take steps in learning to use our imaginations in the way God designed.

Welcome back everyone! In this episode, we are sharing where we have been during the past few months, as well as sharing our hearts for this upcoming year of podcasting and continuing to grow together! We believe that God desires for us to live this next year with vision and intention, and we are excited to share with you reflections from 2019 and hopes for what God will do in this new year!

Gracie Coyle, a high school senior, joins us to talk about her generation - the next generation of Christ-followers who are boldly living out their faith in a world that oftentimes seems to be growing darker. Gracie shares about the move of passion and boldness that she believes God is cultivating in the hearts of those in her generation, and ways that we can support and encourage the next generation to continue to shine brightly for Jesus!

Today, we are hosting our first "Cultivate Conversation," where we share about what we are cultivating! We desire to be authentic on our podcast with our struggles and what we are learning, because we all have areas that we are growing in as Christ followers & we desire to support one another in the journey of growing into the likeness of Christ. 

We serve such a creative God, and because we have been created in His image, He has given each and every one of us the gift of being able to express creativity. Brittany Bryant shares the journey to starting her hand lettering business, Blessed Carta, what God has been teaching her about stepping out in faith, and what inspires her to cultivate creativity!

From a trial, to a new God-sized dream. Local small business owner of The Spot Coffee, Sara Skolaski, shares her story of how God stepped in and used the hardest of situations to reveal His grander vision for her career. Through a story of God's faithfulness and a heart for community, Sara has learned what it means to be a true leader in the small business world.

We've heard it said that leadership = influence. In today's episode, Jon Rychener shares with us about how to steward the gift of leadership well. As a local youth pastor, Jon has both practical experience and a heart to see the next generation develop and grow as leaders.

Jeremy Moser shares his health journey on this week's episode. Through personal testimony, Jeremy encourages us to have a greater motivation to be disciplined and consistent, and change our overall mindset towards growing in our health, work life, and relationship with God.

When a child is sick and you are crying out for God to move, who do you turn to? In this powerful episode, mom and essential oil expert, Amy Evans, shares the story of her daughter's health journey and how God showed up in the midst of the healing process. She reminds us that the ultimate healer is Jesus Christ, and He can empower us to make healthy choices that honor Him with the tools & resources He has given to us.

Health is an important piece of our relationship with Christ and our everyday lives.  Hope gives us a glimpse of what it has looked like for her to navigate her physical, spiritual, and mental health in different seasons. From high school to college, newly married, to the everyday activities, Hope shares honest stories that offer encouragement and truth. She reminds us that in our health and every area of our lives, we are made for more!

Jake and Amy Sutton are a couple who radiates passion for the Lord and helping people to understand who they are in Christ and what He has gifted them in to serve the Church. As pastors in the local church and parents, they share truths regarding the calling of fathers, mothers, wives and husbands, as well as pieces of their powerful testimony of how the Lord has lead them to understanding their unique callings in each season of their lives.

What is our calling as Christ followers? To be in relationship with God. When we are in right relationship with God, we are able to love others well and make disciples during our years on this Earth. The pressure to figure out this “One Big Calling” is softened and replaced with God's clear call for every believer. In this episode, Nathan and Paige discuss their experiences in discerning the Lord's call for their lives.

Welcome to the Cultivate Podcast! In today's episode, hosts Kayla and Lydia discuss how the Lord placed the idea of the Cultivate Podcast on their hearts, and how He lead them to meeting one another and doing ministry together. They share the purpose and mission behind this podcast, and encourage listeners to join them on a journey of growing together into the likeness of Christ.