The Good Day

Dr. Gladys Childs understands how our circumstances can try to shake us and make us want to do anything and everything except the one thing we need to do - praise God. I know - how backwards it sounds! And this is why we're talking about this today. In hopes praise will become the seedling and even more - our very response to life's circumstances - the good and the hard. For our circumstances do not change the foundation of our faith: God is still God. Dr. Gladys Childs, the 'Truth Doctor,' meets people at the crossroads of faith and life's challenges, offering clarity, hope, and practical wisdom. As a Religion professor, pastor's wife, author, speaker, and mom, she empowers individuals to navigate life's toughest moments with unwavering truth and faith. Learn more at gladyschilds.com. Follow on Instagram or Facebook. C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

The cycle of overwhelm. We all know this. The things in the cycle, causing it to pick up momentum vary but the overwhelming result is not a foreign feeling to any of us. To interrupt this cycle, we need to learn to use our minds to calm and quiet our brains. When we do, our soul finds rest. The truth is life is overwhelming but God has peace for us available to us today. Are we seeking this or surrendering to our circumstance and running the rat race? This pivot is something my friend, Laura L. Smith has experienced too. She's sharing her reflection of Psalm 131 to help us recenter today and engage in the peace God has for us. Laura L. Smith is an author, speaker, and podcaster. She's written fifteen books including her most recent two, Brave Woman, Mighty God and The Urgency of Slowing Down. She lives in the charming college town of Oxford, Ohio with her husband and the youngest of their four young adult kids. There you'll find her running the wooded trails, strolling the local farmer's market, or sipping an almond milk mocha at her favorite coffee shop. Find her at www.laurasmithauthor.com and @laurasmithauthor on Instagram. C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Psalm 124 is where we're starting this summer and though I've chosen this, seemingly by happenstance, simply picking up where we left off from last summer, I don't believe this is a matter of happenstance.I believe it's a Psalm our hearts need to ponder.Perhaps I'm projecting my teacher days a bit here, but summer is often looked at as a time of refreshment. Not just because we can beat the heat by splashing in a refreshing pool of water with friends, but because the days are longer, our schedules a bit more flexible. We vacate, even if not physically to a new location, we vacate to a less stressed, more relaxed state of mind.Or at least, we long to.And what I know to be true is if we want to feel this refreshment mentally - have less to do's and to be's on our minds- and physically - our shoulders moving away from our ears, our guts finding healthy rhythm once again... If we want to feel this refreshment emotionally - less weight to carry... Then, we must be intentional to seek this refreshment spiritually. In other words, if we want to be refreshed mentally, physically and emotionally, we have to bring these things to God.The Psalms are just that. A collection of times when people who lived before us have brought “their things” to God...C A N D A C E  C O F E Rauthor + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Matt and Katie Harder join to share how God has added to their family through adoption as they live out the command in scripture to care for orphans. Serving in education in the Oklahoma City area, together they have two sons and one daughter, Millie, who they adopted from China. They share their conversations and questions leading up to this decision, their experience with international adoption as well as their many joys and challenges of parenting and how this has grown their faith in deeper ways. Today, we're talking about: Adding to their family through adoption Considering domestic vs. international adoption Living out your faith in bold ways C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

As a mother to 8 children, Bethany Kimsey understands the weariness, discouragement, and stress of motherhood. Her purpose is to equip you to win the battle against worry and fatigue as you understand your identity in Christ and rest in the hope of the Gospel. She helps other moms learn to rest, recuperate, find encouragement, and feast on the truths of God's Word. Today, we're talking about: The real delight of godly motherhood How to gain God's vision for your children and family The truth you need as your foundation to combat the lies moms hear C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Cheri Fletcher is a dynamic writer, compelling speaker, and the host of the "Your Spiritual Game Plan" podcast.  She is passionate about guiding individuals in crafting a strategy to live out God's plan for their lives. Cheri believes that understanding the enemy's strategic plots is crucial to overcoming life's challenges. Through the ups and downs of her own journey, Cheri has faced numerous changes and transitions, each feeling like a piece of her identity left with each role. Her experiences have equipped her with empathy and insight, enabling her to connect with others navigating similar paths. Visit Cherifletcher.com to learn more about Cheri, her podcast, and her grief cards. Today, we're talking about: How to support moms through loss of a child What to do when your role changes Helpful words when approaching another in grief C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Patty Conrad graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Education. She taught special education for 8 years, has been homeschooling for 22 years and currently teaches 1st grade at a private classical school.  Patty and her husband have four boys: two teenagers and two young adults. She enjoys planning, cooking, reading and spending time with her family and friends. Today, we're talking about: Zinger gift ideas for Mother's Day Longing for motherhood and waiting on God's timing and plan for you How to incorporate spiritual truths and disciplines into your family's ordinary life C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Last year, while serving at one of the water stops at the OKC Memorial Marathon, I see these two come running by (with the front of the pack, I may add) and I was immediately inspired. Then did a double-take to recognize it was Dubya and I's good friend, Hunter Sallee running! The moment only allowed for a quick "HUNTER!!!" and a wave, but I knew I wanted to hear their story. You don't just run a half marathon pushing a wheelchair on a whim... Nah, a selfless act like this, God has nudged your heart and propelled your legs. Sure enough, hearing Hunter's story and how it began from birth for him, it's a beautiful testimony of gratitude for healing and also a reminder of how we can and should use the gifts and talents God has given us for the benefit of others. Hunter Sallee is an avid runner who has chosen to use this gift of his to serve others through the Hoyt Organization, which is a non-profit organization that was formed in 1989 which aspires to build the individual character, self-confidence and self-esteem of America's disabled young people through inclusion in all facets of daily life. Today, we're talking about:Hunter's story as an infant which fuels his purposeRunning with the Hoyt OrganizationOutdoing one another in showing honor - a modern illustration of an ancient scriptureC A N D A C E  C O F E Rauthor + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Michael Harbert III, known as Trey, is a minister at Alive Church in Northwest Oklahoma City where he serves as the lead pastor's Armor Bearer while also serving as the CFO of the church. His ministry is very youth-focused as he teaches a Christ-centric youth leadership class at PC West High School during the school year while being a team lead of the Teen ministry at Alive, OVERTAKERS! Today, we're talking about: Why spiritual growth is not linear The absurdity of Easter and what it means for us Repentance - what it is, what it's not and why we need it daily C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Courtney Cartwright is the founder and owner of Whitespace Living Co. and is passionate about helping others experience peace in their homes, offices and other spaces through organizing. Today, we're talking about: Spring cleaning - tips to tackle the clutter in our homes Psychology behind this practice What does our physical reveal about our spiritual state? C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Laura Bailey is a Bible teacher who challenges and encourages women to dive deep in the Scriptures, shift from an earthly to an eternal mindset, and filter life through the lens of God's Word. She is a wife and momma to three young girls. She is the author of, Beyond the Noise: Silencing the Deceiver in Loud World of Lies  and blogs at www.LauraRBailey.com, connect with her on Facebook and Instagram @LauraBaileyWrites Access the Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now Devotional Today, we're talking about: Pivoting to an eternal perspective What does the Lord require of me? Fasting and feasting - what does this look like for me right now? C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

William Daniel is a teenager, a WWII enthusiast, and a competitive gymnast. He builds model airplanes and wants to be a pilot someday. He has an older sister, Maris, and a twin sister, Calyn, and is the younger by four minutes. As you can well imagine, he enjoys making people laugh, which he does for family, for friends, and at school. William lives in Colorado with his family and his dog, Riley. Today, we're talking about: The art of a good joke How to use humor to connect with others in all settings and seasons of life A handful of jokes to equip your April Fools Day C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Muriel-Laure Kom has been serving as a prophetic fine artist since 2023, painting in oils with under layers in mixed media (acrylics, inks, spray paint, collage). In her own words she says, the Lord Jesus Christ spoke to me that year, telling me that art is a portal and that He wanted to use me to create paintings that would usher people in His Loving Presence. The honor that He gives me to hear His instructions as I am painting, to feel His Spirit filling me, to be ministered to as the image is taking form on the canvas, and to see people being touched by my artworks, is more precious than what words can describe. I pray to keep having a heart that abides in Him, so that I will remain in His Presence and keep being a vessel He will entrust revelations to, in order to reach the World and bless His People. Today, we're talking about: Serving out of a love and passion - all for an audience of 1 Inspiration behind her painting, “The Potter and the Clay” Collaborating with God with our gifts and talents C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Ever find yourself nodding along in church but silently thinking, "I didn't know that." Or, have you been wrestling with questions about faith or God's character, perhaps wondering if The Bible is real or maybe choosing to believe because "what's to lose?" rather than believing because you know it is real?We're diving into all of the above today and what I hope you get from my conversation with my friend and Pastor, Matt Cartwright, is it's okay - even good - to ask questions about God, faith, Jesus, The Bible. It doesn't mean you're a "bad Christian" to have questions. Actually, my experience has been the opposite. Matt Cartwright serves as a Pastor over Men's Ministry at Crossings Community Church OKC location. He initially joined staff as a graphic designer with many questions about faith and soon realized through godly mentorship that his questions were actually what would propel him into a deeper understanding and love for Christ. Today we're talking about: The value of asking questions and mentorshipStruggles men are facing today as a whole and how some men are overcomingFinding purpose right where you areC A N D A C E  C O F E Rauthor + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Cindy Guthrie is an artist who draws inspiration from her life experiences. Living as an Okie for the past 20+ years, she spent her childhood with one foot in the middle of Dallas and the other in my family's Polled Hereford ranch in Emory, Texas. Texas wildflowers, blackberries, sandy garden rows, and the white-faced cows on her grandparent's farm, are enduring images of beauty from her childhood. She also draws from travel experiences, especially beachy locales and the southwest/desert landscape, as favorite subjects for her paintings and photography. She hopes a painting will bring to mind and into your home a special memory or feeling of freedom, adventure, joy, hope or childhood.  Today, we're talking about: From “never tried to paint” to professional artist later in life Prioritizing passion over skill and allowing this to lead you Learning to look with artist eyes, beginning to really see  C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Since he was a little boy living in California, Everett Occhinpinti and his twin brother dreamed of experiencing severe weather and chasing a tornado for themselves. When their family relocated to Oklahoma, this dream became reality. Together, the document their weather photography and storm chasing on Instagram @tornado_twins. In addition to this, they turned their obsession for soda into a growing and thriving business, Okolahoma Soda Company. Today, we're talking about: ‘Naders, storm-chasing and weather photography Storms of life and a promise of God we can hold onto through these Okolahoma Soda - how this OK favorite got started C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Lissa Anglin is a seasoned freelancer and creative sidekick to vibrant and optimistic brands. She operates as the Creative Director for her business, Lissa Anglin Creative, and she and her team craft compelling imagery, strategic branding, captivating design, and seamless social media management for their clients. With a degree in art, Lissa's stationery and fine art photography is also featured on platforms like Minted, Greenvelope, and Target. A long career in photography and content creation also led her to food styling for commercial clients, and she can frequently be found on set touting an apron, and a few industry tricks up her sleeve. Beyond her creative pursuits, Lissa enjoys serving her church and her bustling family life with her husband and three kids. Today, we're talking about: Your first step to building a brand How to build a brand that is both unforgettable and genuine to your mission Owning and designing your own AirBnb C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

We've kicked off this year with a mini series on health talking about spiritual, mental, physical, relational health and how these are all connected to our overall wellness and wholeness. Today, you are invited to dinner with Will and I as we are joined with our good friends, The Cunningham's, to talk about another big one - emotional health. We're talking about: Emotional health - from both a husband and wife's perspectives Celebrate Recovery - what it is and what it's not The impact our individual health has on our relationships C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Mark and Jill Savage are passionate about encouraging, educating, and equipping families and marriages.  After serving in church ministry for twenty years, the Savage's are now meeting the needs of families as authors, speakers, and coaches. Known for their honesty, humor, and practical teaching, Mark and Jill bring hope and encouragement to every audience. Jill is the host of the No More Perfect Podcast and the author of eighteen books including the bestselling No More Perfect Moms. Together Mark and Jill have created five online marriage courses and authored several books including No More Perfect Marriages, I Really Messed Up, and My Heart Is Broken. The parents of five adult children, and grandparents of six, the Savage's make their home in Normal, IL. You can find them online at www.MarkandJill.org. Also the free rebuilding trust guide we mentioned can be found at www.RebuildingTrust.us Today, we're talking about: The impact of marriage and the war waged against it The Savage's story - honest, real heartache, brokenness and victory Guardrails, the slow fade and Hope for marriage C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

David Gibson brings knowledge and dedication to his role as a financial advisor at Forge Financial in Edmond, OK. He strives to ensure clients receive exceptional customer service and tailored financial advice. What drives David's passion is his commitment to helping others. He believes in empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to take control of their financial futures. Every day, he educates clients, emphasizing that regardless of income, everyone has the potential to retire well. By instilling these principles, David believes we can not only transform lives but also impact future generations. Today, we're talking about: Checking the gauges for our finances 7 steps toward financial freedom How to find and partner with a financial advisor Contact David at (405) 340-1600. C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Scott Conrad is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, serving in LifeCare Ministries Counseling at Crossings Community Church in OKC. If you or a loved one is enduring mental health challenges, this episode is for you. It is our prayer you will find hope from hearing Scott's unique perspective, shaped by both his professional and personal journey with this. Know you don't have to struggle alone and there is help for you and there is HOPE.  Today, we're talking about: Mental health - signs, symptoms and next steps How to support a loved one through mental health challenges Rejoice in trials …even the heavy cloud of depression? C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Shiann Wickam currently serves patients as an RN in Oklahoma. Her very first assignment out of nursing school, to her surprise, was at a Covid-19 hospital. Though her experience eventually led to travel nursing, this initial assignment allowed her to see God placed her there to care and pray for these patients who were very sick and extremely isolated. Today, we're talking about: The necessity of hope, how spiritual health is connected to our physical health Disciplines to implement for spiritual growth Discussing Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Heather Brown is the energetic podcaster, writer, online mama cheerleader and healthy living advocate behind the brand & podcast Healthy by Heather Brown. She and her college sweetheart hubby Eric live in Bham, AL with two young boys. Since starting blogging 14 years ago, Heather is privileged to reach over a million women each year, and runs her podcast and business with a team where they daily share ways for young moms to love their life and pursue health in mind, body and spirit through her Sunday Reset!   Today, we're talking about: How this “influencing” gig started - coupons and a popular recipe Sunday Reset - what it is and why we need it A question to ask yourself as you start 2025 C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Ever wonder why God gave you a specific gift and/or talent? Sure, He has something for you to do with it but is it bigger than that? 100000% For this reason (which we'll get to soon enough), I've been asking the people around me about their gifts and talents. What does their gift have to do with me and you? So glad you asked! That's where we're starting - the why behind it all. P.S. Thanks so much for joining me for season 5! Can't wait for all the inspiration heaven has in store for us as we come together each week. C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

It's that time again... time to share the stories we've read and wisdom we've gained in the last year. I continued my commitment to read at least one book a month, and now I want to share my favorites with you. C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

The weary world rejoices - these words from the familiar Christmas hymn are ones I've held close in recent years. I gather strength from this reminder, this command from scripture to rejoice. Rejoice now, it tells me. For it's not "the redeemed world rejoices" but the weary world who does the rejoicing, the world weary in waiting. Weary from what seems like a prolonged coming, a prolonged advent. Much like Abraham's wife, Sarah... C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

If you've been following along with us this Christmas, you know we're looking at the genealogy of Christ, traveling back to Genesis with Adam, last week to Noah and now we're going to pause at Genesis 12 with Abraham. In Genesis 12, we see the unwrapping of grace - the very order of grace. C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Christmas, though we associate with jolly music, decadent recipes, colorful packages with shiny ribbon, and celebration, is not the absence of pain. Christmas is not the absence of suffering. And if you're thinking, "Okay, but my heart is broken in two. This pain I feel is real. It's overwhelming. If there's a God who feels, a God who cares, wouldn't He see the injustice of the world and His heart would break?" May I remind you friend, it does. God's heart breaks when He sees our pain and suffering. I know this sounds comforting but it's not just a nice-to-hear, it's the truth. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Walk with me back to Genesis. C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Finding the perfect Christmas tree - we consider the size, notably the height, volume of branches, spacing of branches to ensure there are no gaps between the branches, the hue of green, the touch of the pine, whether we want real or artificial, and if artificial then pre-lit or not, as well as assembly and disassembly. What none of us imagine, what none of us have in mind is a stump. But, this is precisely what the first Christmas tree was. An old root. A stump. C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

November to me is summarized most plainly and festively as "Fall-la-la-la" - the time when seasons merge, both pumpkins and maybe trees. By no effort of my own, only through means of a gift received, there is fudge in the fridge. Fudge, of all things, has been our first sign of the holidays this year. The anticipation of Christmas just around the bend. And soon conversations move from the tree to holiday plans, and with it, the holiday "F" word is mentioned. Family. C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Peace is not something we can create, it is always a gift. And as my friend, Sarah Geringer, is reminding us this week, we are surrounded by invitations to experience God's presence and His peace. Do we see them? Do we receive them? Sarah is a writer, speaker, podcaster, artist, book launch manager, creative coach, and author of six books, including Hidden Manna on a Country Road: Seeing God's Daily Provision All around Us. When she's not reading over 100 books per year (I know, right! Goals!), Sarah enjoys painting, baking, gardening, and playing the flute. She is a fifth-generation resident of southeast Missouri, where she lives with her three teens and beloved Labrador retrievers. Today, we're talking about: Experiencing peace when it seems the world is going crazy The discipline of awareness - connecting with God's presence through our five senses Prayer, praise and observing the beauty of nature - going on walks with God C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠facebook

Kaitlyn Fielder is the author of What Now?: Finding Renewed Life in Christ After Loss and is sharing her story of how God has worked in her life, bringing her healing, through catastrophic loss when her parents and all but one sibling were killed in a car accident when she was a young girl. She is a wife and mom of two based in SC and is currently pursuing her masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Today, we're talking about: Enduring loss and grief - Kaitlyn shares of how she and her brother lost her parents and four siblings in a tragic accident when they were young The power of changing your question from “Why God?” To “What now?” How to support others through their grief C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠facebook

Whitney Akin is the author of Overlooked: Finding Your Worth When You Feel All Alone and spends her days raising three kids with her husband, Eli, outside of Atlanta, Georgia. She's joining to remind us we serve the God who sees and how we can live with godly confidence and purpose. Whitney's heart is to see and celebrate the purpose and potential of the overlooked and invite them to live seen by the God who loves them. Today, we're talking about: Feeling overlooked - how this is not just for the shy or introverted but a “unifying human experience”  The truth that interrupts this lie and helps us move forward with godly confidence and purpose The damaging cycles of self-consciousness and insecurity and how our peace can be restored C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠facebook

This year, it's a bit different - a picture in a picture. Black and white, no color. It's tiny, hard to see. Something only modern-day technology has allowed us to see. And though we've taken many pictures this year, capturing our adventures abroad over the summer and ordinary but sacred moments we've shared at home, this is our picture of thankfulness this year... C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Heather Creekmore is the author of Compared to Who? and The Burden of Better. We're diving into the latter so we can find a way off the treadmill of constant comparison. Heather's sharing how she's reclaimed God's peace and freedom from comparison, specifically on the topic of body image. I'll tell ya, Heather is so fun and so relatable! Get this, she was on the pilot episode of Netflix's hit show, Nailed It. And though this was a fun and unexpected experience, it was so much more. She's inviting us into her story and helping us learn how to stop comparing and start living. Today, we're talking about: Netflix's Nailed It! Pilot Episode - is this a compliment in the best or worst way? The consequences of comparison - it's doing much more damage than just “stealing our joy” How to live a comparison-free life and the four kinds of grace we can lean into as we do C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠facebook

Courtney Cartwright shares a storm she and her husband endured soon after they said, “I do.” Instead of preparing for growing their family, they found themselves holding this dream loosely as Courtney was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. As a new believer, the peace she experienced was something she did not understand. She knew it wasn't something she created. It was indeed a miracle. Courtney is a wife, mom of two, and entrepreneur. She serves her community here in Oklahoma City as a Sunday school teacher at our home church of Crossings Community Church on Sundays and professional organizer during the week with White Space Living Co. and beautifying gardens with her neighbor turned best friend with Garden Girls. Today, we're talking about: From the initial diagnosis to accepting the potential consequences of thyroid cancer Peace in the “eye of the storm” and how our soul's peace and spiritual growth is dependent upon where we fix our eyes The comforts and challenges of resting in the Lord C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

What about those times when the downpour won't stop? When it's back-to-back _____. You fill in the blank. For Gretchen Leech, it was back-to-back battles with cancer for her husband. The storm intensified as she was a caretaker of not just her husband but also their 3-year-old and 8-month-old children while her husband battled cancer for nearly 3 years.  None of these things did she sign up for, but through these experiences, God grew her closer to Him. It's in the downpours when we most fully recognize we are not in control. Our peace, we'll find, comes as we surrender to the One who is.  Gretchen's passion is to guide and advise women how to live as imperfect women growing closer to Jesus in an imperfect world. Today, we're talking about: Peace in the middle of a downpour type of storm - is this possible and if so, how? From Hwy 1 vacation one week to a chemo chair the next and a 2.5 year battle with cancer Learning dependence and trust in God - what we must release in order to have this protection for our peace C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠facebook

How do we know God's peace when the reality before us is not what we wanted? Scripture speaks of “peace that passes all understanding” but does it cover these complex circumstances, too? The Sunday school answer is “yes” but sometimes it feels very much like a “no” when we are the one in the struggle. This week, my friend, Joy Marker, is joining us to talk about her journey with a chronic autoimmune disease, Multiple Sclerosis. For her, the diagnosis came when she was in her mid-forties. This diagnosis interrupted and threatened not only her plan but her peace. However, she now sees the gifts which might not have happened if she wasn't on this path. One being, she is able to see the world around her more clearly as she shares her reflections out loud. Today, we're talking about: Profound truths found all around us in nature and from the innocence of a child Peace that passes all understanding - not days or months or years after her MS diagnosis but the moment of Responding to the complex realities of life - the power of shifting your perspective to see this as a dance C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠facebook

Could God use our extremely un-peaceful circumstances to bring us into a deeper peace than we have ever known? My friend, Lori Ann Wood, is nodding an adamant “YES!” with this. Lori is a lifelong Christian, an unlikely writer, and a heart failure survivor. After enduring this health detour, she wrote, Divine Detour: The Path You'd Never Choose Can Lead to the Faith You've Always Wanted, for the believer who hits a snag in their careful life plan and starts to wonder if their faith is any good at all: the career has evaporated overnight, the adult child has turned his back on his family, the marriage vows have worn paper thin. If these or the like resonate with you, dear listener, lean on in. Lori Ann was trained at the Mayo Clinic and now serves as a Community Educator for WomenHeart, sharing heart failure warning signs she missed. Today, we're talking about: Divine detours, those times that make you wonder if your faith is any good at all and how to experience peace through it Doubt - if we doubt does it mean our faith is not strong enough? How does God view our doubt? 3 questions every life must answer (often more than once) Download Lori Ann's new heart failure resource, 5 Warning Signs of Heart Failure That Seem Like Something Else  C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook

Candace Carroll, after walking through the big decision of trading her corporate job in recruiting for her passion for art, is joining us to share how she was able to trust God and experience His peace in this career move. Candace is a very talented impressionist painter living in North Georgia. Working out of her barn studio, she paints abstracts, florals, landscapes and anything else that evokes creativity. As an outlet to create something tangible, her exploration of watercolor painting developed into a true love of painting. For her, painting is a gift from the Lord and is a way to connect spiritually using her talents. In her spare time, you can find Candace painting in the barn with her three children, relaxing on the porch with her husband Brad, playing with her dogs, or planting flowers in her yard. Today, we're talking about: How we can connect with God using the talents He's given us Experiencing peace in big decisions such as career moves - trading corporate recruiting for her passion for art How to know if this is the right decision and if you should continue to course correct Check out Candace's Website Connect with her on Insta C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠facebook

Megan is the author of Permission to Walk and also enjoys blogging with a heart for discipleship; she writes, speaks, and teaches women about enjoying God in each busy day as the Women's Director at her church in middle Tennessee. She's joining us this week to shine a light on our tendency to lean towards not just a hurried schedule or a hurried day but a “hurried heart.” Today, we're talking about: Identifying distraction - those things that we accept as “normal” but that are actually keeping us from the life to the full The “hurried heart” and the destruction that comes when this is left unattended “Unhurry” - how to cast off hurry and learn to walk in obedience and trust C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠facebook

Celebrating 4 years together with... buttered toast?! Well, you're gonna have to listen to understand why. I'm humbled and so thankful to have YOU on this journey with me. I pray through this offering of mine you come to realize the power of a story and realize YOUR story matters. It matters deeply to God and He is in your story. Take courage my friend, for the days ahead - He is with you always. May we become spiritually awake and aware to recognize His presence with us. C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

As my friend, Maegan Krisa, points out - like a recipe for a favorite sandwich, Psalm 117 is a recipe for praising the Lord. This psalm serves as a reminder our praise can come in all different sizes. Maegan is a dear friend of mine, one who I have had the pleasure of co-leading a small group with, who has continually blown me away with her heart for and knowledge of the Word of God and her desire to live a life worthy of her calling in Christ. When not serving at her local church, Maegan spends her days serving as a pediatric nurse at Bethany Children's Health Center. C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Evelyn J. Johnson is sharing her experience with this through her reflection of Psalm 110 to remind us where our help comes from - not just for the end of the battle, but when the battle is raging. A still, small voice guided her each step - literally, each step - of the way, and friend, this voice is available for us, too. Evelyn J. Johnson is the Founder of Joy's Circle to coach, encourage and empower individuals to believe in their true given talent and gifts. She is a stroke survivor and has been using her voice ever since to encourage bible teachings, motivation, empowerment, and leadership. Evelyn knew her voice was her gift. She is the co-author of two books and can be reached at www.joyscircle.com C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

My friend, Susan Shultz, is sharing her reflection of Psalm 103 with us today and reminding us of where all these Psalms began. Before the ink was on the paper, the inspiration came not as David and the other psalmists rushed through time with the Lord, but as they tarried in His presence - as they stayed longer than intended. When we need to be refilled - when we feel the excitement of purpose before us - may we remember first to tarry with Him. Susan is passionate about Christ and helping others live in preparation for Christ's return and for their ultimate wedding day as His Bride. She uses her gifts to encourage others to live lives that testify to Him and to know: He still longs to get His Bride ready. You can connect with Susan's blog, Bridegroom in the Clouds, here. C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠ website⁠ | ⁠instagram⁠ | ⁠youtube⁠ | ⁠facebook

We may be familiar with the phrase, "If you pray for flowers, be prepared to deal with a little mud." But, what if we're looking at the mud all wrong? What if it's not the necessary evil this phrase implies but actually what can awaken our souls to a rebirth and a deeper promise before us? I think that's what childhood faith is all about. As adults, we're tempted to dismiss it as icky mud, but children see puddles waiting to be jumped in! So today, put on your rainboots because we're jumping in the puddles together as my friend, Deidre Braley, shares her reflection of Psalm 96 with us and reminds us of where our peace and our joy come from and how we can experience this in a deeper way today. Deidre is a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Maine with her husband and three children, and most days can be found savoring an overly cheesy bagel or drinking a second cup of coffee while working on her weekly column & podcast, The Second Cup. Her debut poetry chapbook, The Shape I Take, was recently published by Bottlecap Press, and her award-winning poetry has been featured in The Way Back To Ourselves literary journal and Maine Women Magazine. Deidre's essays have appeared in Aletheia Today, The Joyful Life, and The Truly Co., where she also serves as the editorial content director. Deidre is a strong believer in the power of poetry, picking roadside flowers, and skipping the small talk.  Many ways you can connect with her including her website and on Apple Podcasts at The Second Cup Show. You can find her book, The Shape I Take, here.  C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠website⁠ | ⁠instagram⁠ | ⁠youtube⁠ | ⁠facebook

Nichole Suvar is helping us apply God's word to the current setbacks and disappointments we're facing as she shares her reflection of Psalm 89 with us. Nichole is a recovering perfectionist and intentional living strategist who lives in the Midwest US, with her husband and their three teenage children. She seeks to encourage others to take small moments of each day to intentionally seek after Jesus in every area of their life. Nichole has been published in Proverbs 31 devotionals, several online magazines, and her newest book, Numbering Our Days: Combating Anxiety in the Power of Small Intentional Moments. You can access the weekly Intentional Living email series, her Peace and Purpose course, and additional resources on her website, livewithintent.org, and on Facebook and Instagram @mrs_nichole_suvar. C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

My friend, Susan Davidson, is sharing her reflection of Psalm 82 with us. As she does, I pray John's words become the cry of our hearts together. When we face injustice, may we learn to steward our suffering well by praying fervently, "Come, Lord Jesus, come!" Susan Davidson, in her own words, is a simple country girl at heart. She spends a big chunk of her days in a pair of jeans and sneakers, walking her dog and watching for woodpeckers and squirrels. She draws strength from her Jesus and the mountains she calls home. She is a blogger, devotion writer, a Compel Training volunteer and challenge winner featured in the Proverbs 31 Ministry publications entitled Hope When Your Heart is Heavy and Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart, the latter of which was released Thomas Nelson Publishing and will include ten new devotions written by Lysa TerKeurst. When not busy serving from the home front, you can find her sharing her words and heart on her blog and on FB and IG. C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Mary Beth Powers, is sharing her reflection of Psalm 75 with us and addressing those times when anxiety, fear and depression tag along. What can we do? Mary Beth is passionate about seeing women experience Jesus in a life-changing way. She is a certified speaker and long-time Bible teacher. She currently serves as a connection Pastor at her church and is known for her infectious personality and care for others. You can connect with her at marybethpowers.com C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠ website⁠ | ⁠instagram⁠ | ⁠youtube⁠ | ⁠facebook

In these times when life is more than we can handle, we need a safe place to dwell. We need to be held. My friend, Ashanti Hoskins, is sharing her powerful testimony - how the words of Psalm 68 became reality for her. I have been so inspired by her faithfulness and how she turned to God in one of her most desperate times, and I believe you will be too. Ashanti has been married to her college sweetheart for 27 years and they live in Batesville, Mississippi. She is the mother of a college sophomore and a high school junior as well as the Assistant Child Nutrition Director for her local school district. Ashanti is aspiring to become a Christian writer, as it has been a push in her spirit for quite some time. She is a true "Jesus girl" who is striving to live her life on purpose for His purpose. C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

My friend, Marlene Houk, is sharing her reflection of Psalm 61 with us and beautifully tying in the gift her name has been in her adult life and the promise it represents for all of us. Marlene Houk opens doors of truth through her passion to resurrect the stories of women in the Bible. She reveals patterns that lead to biblical thinking and empower emotional healing. Determined to find and apply truth, she connects the Bible's wisdom to everyday living through thought-provoking questions that help others to embrace wholeness and freedom. Leading women's Bible studies for ten years has increased her passion to share profound and life-changing truths with others. After work, you might catch a glimpse of her at the lake, watching the sun on the water or staring at an old-style Challenger charging down the road. Find out more at https://www.MarleneHouk.com C A N D A C E  C O F E R author + speaker ⁠ website⁠ | ⁠instagram⁠ | ⁠youtube⁠ | ⁠facebook