The Graceful and Gritty Podcast: Doing Life God's Way

We all learn how to cope - in both healthy and unhealthy ways. We all have to cope because unfortunately, the outcome of being born into a broken, sinful world, means we all have to deal with sin and brokenness. Coping is overcoming in spite of the brokenness, but healing is different. Healing is a complete restoration of wholeness. We can all cope, but can we all really be healed? How does that play out in our life and into eternity? Join in today's episode to dig into those questions and more!

Just uttering the word "Submission" evokes a wide range of reactions - especially in our societies' feminist era. It's a touchy subject and one that we often feel and experience deeply. Jump in with us today as we explore what God actually says about submission, how it translates into real life, and how we can reclaim God's blueprint for His glory and for the honor and building up of our families and healthy relationships - today's episode will bless you!

The more we pursue happiness as the goal of our lives, the more elusive it seems to become. It's like trying to find that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. We seek happiness in the things of this world, but it cannot be found there. We make fun of holiness or we find pride in holier-than-thou. Both are wrong - as we pursue holiness, the gift that God bestows is happiness! Join us in today's conversation as we explore the wholeness, purpose, and happiness that only Jesus gives.

The question in the heart of every man, woman, and child on the planet is this: "Why am I here, and for what purpose was I created?" Turns out, that's a question only the purpose-Giver can answer. In this episode, we learned that calling and purpose are two different things, how to know what they are, how to tell them apart, and some different types of calls so that we can be equipped and trained to walk in what the Lord has for us!

What even is Unique Obedience?? It's the idea that God isn't a cookie-cutter God and He doesn't often do things the same way twice when it comes to our walk with Him. There are commands and principles that we all have to follow, but then there is the relationship piece. It means that we trust Him enough to uniquely guide us in the steps that He has for us, even if they aren't anyone else's. Join us today as we dig deep in what it means to be one of one!

Pride. What theologians call the Original Sin. The thing we all wrestle with that as soon as we think we have together is right back at it again. This episode is raw, real, and my heart is that it will challenge and encourage you to walk close to the Lord!

We tackled a tough topic today - Boundaries. What are they according to us? What are they according to God? How do we navigate being obedient to the Bible in a world that actively teaches us the opposite? We wrestled with it today, but learned that boundaries are actually much more about us and God than they are about other people at all. Check it out in this episode!

We just celebrated Memorial Day - a day when we stop to remember the brave men and women that gave their lives so that we can live in freedom - those who gave it all so that we can freely worship without fear. It made me think of Jesus who gave himself because he wanted to restore us to himself. I decided to study sacrifice in the Bible and found something I've never realized before - under the Old Testament Law, there were sacrifices of animals required. When Jesus died, it fulfilled that requirement so that we are no longer under the Old Testament, but a New Testament that we call Grace. However, when I studied it, I learned that there are 7 sacrifices that we are supposed to give God today! Check out this episode to learn about what they are and how we are supposed to bring our well-pleasing sacrifices to God.

Heaven will be perfect and wonderful, but until we get there, how are we to conduct ourselves? How do we function within a broken system and answer to a perfect God? Get in with us today as we discuss what it means to be in the world, but not of it.

Relationships with friends, sweethearts, co-workers, and family is wonderful, but it can also be one of the hardest experiences to navigate all the ups and downs. Join us as we dig in to see what God says about relationships, how we're supposed to love and live, and what it looks like to forgive and heal. We're supposed to live in community, not competition and today's conversation is an open, vulnerable conversation about the real life challenges and the redeeming power of Jesus' love!

As Christians, we have an enemy - his name is Satan. And he is dead serious about the battle we are in against him for souls, lives, hopes, dreams, and futures. It's time for the Church to rise up to the battle we are called to. We're not charging hell with a squirt gun - we're charging it with the full power and might of Heaven. God calls us and equips us for battle and there is no neutral ground.

What's better than coffee with a friend? Coffee with a friend sharing how God worked in each of our lives to bring us to Himself through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross! Tune in to be blessed, encouraged, and hear how the Lord brought both of us to where we are today.

Today I'm thrilled to make a big reveal and I get to introduce you to Christina, my weekly co-host for a series we're calling Life and Coffee! I'll still be doing solo episodes, but Graceful and Gritty is growing and we're adding in some more great content! Christina and I are good friends and we found ourselves spending a lot of time together talking about the things of the Lord, so a natural extension is inviting you into those conversations. Our heart is that you will be blessed and encouraged by a couple of friends sharing our hearts, lives, and learning over a cup of coffee. This episode is a brief introduction, and in the next, we'll share our salvation testimonies, so check it out!

There is no one good but God. We know this, we're taught this, we think we understand this. But often, what we really translate that into is this: no one is good until they meet Jesus, and then we are good and if we become more good, God will bless us and use us more. At the end of the day, it's a saved by faith, live by works mentality, and it will only take you so far. It may look good on the outside, but on the inside, there is still no one good but God. But here's the thing - God does not use us because WE are good, He uses us because HE is good! And if He had to wait for a good person to use, nothing would ever get done. So if you are living in your works, or if you are waiting to serve God until you are good enough - then this episode is for you!

I just got back from a trip to Arizona to spend time with my family. As I was packing my suitcase, it made me think of what God says about packing light, traveling through life as a stranger in this world, and investing in eternity. Join me as we learn about what the Bible says about setting aside weight, running our race faithfully, and showing up as ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven.

This is the final episode of the Voice of the Holy Spirit series! We've learned all about how to hear and recognize the voice of God, but it does us no good if we don't obey it. Today's study goes into the command we have to obey, the consequences if we don't, and the floodgates of blessing that open when we decide were going to obey before He even says anything. I pray this is a blessing and encouragement!

The Holy Spirit isn't the only voice that speaks to our spirit. But we can know beyond any doubt how to test for the truth and be absolutely confident that we recognize His voice.

I don't know about you, but I struggle to rest - to be still, mentally calm, not stressed or worried. I'm constantly on the move and have things going on - but we are made for more than going from agitation to problem to challenge. We are built to rest - often and intentionally. And when we align ourselves to the blueprint God created us to live by, then the rest, worship, and blessings that follow will transform our life. I certainly don't have it all figured out, and I fail at it a lot, but God has invited us into a better way, so join me as we learn to answer that call He has placed in our hearts!

Sometimes it feels like nobody really sees you, life seems mundane and blah. You're going through the motions, but you wonder if it really matters. So often our hearts long to serve and know that our life makes a difference - but it feels so normal, and like it doesn't really matter. Maybe you feel like you're "just" one more person. But Jesus says something different. Today we're in John 1, where Jesus saw Nathanael under the fig tree. He was just going about his life when Jesus called him into the greatest adventure imaginable. Jesus sees you too - the hopes and dreams, the struggles and fears - and He's calling you to turn the world upside down with Him. Join me today as we look at how God sees us, and how it transforms our life and service when we understand what that truly means. 

Valentines Day is right around the corner - and everyone loves a good love story! It's tied to the God-sized hole in our hearts that only Love Himself can fill. Join me today as we talk about my love story on earth, and the greatest love story ever written. It doesn't matter what season of life you find yourself in, perfect love is something we can all use more of. 

I don't know what burdens you are carrying today - but we all will experience loss, grief, and questioning in our lifetimes. Please join me today as we look at the story of Lazarus - and how Jesus comes alongside us even in our darkest valleys to reveal His glory.

Welcome to more of the Graceful and Gritty Podcast! I'm excited to walk through this year learning to lean in to God and keeping our eyes on Jesus - regardless of the storm. We can rest knowing that God is good, He is faithful, and He will give us exactly the grace we need to point others to Him and stay the course. 

Today is a gentle reminder on what God's Word says about our priorities, focus, and response. The world is getting more harsh and more loud and more hateful, and often, we're responding the same way. We'll unpack Ephesians 4 and look at what Paul was teaching then, and how it's every bit as timely and relevant today. 

Christian, God has called you to more. And now is the time to lean into that. For so long we've been told not to talk about politics or religion because it's not polite. Jesus was not polite and He did not back down. He has commanded us to be bold, to be active, and to occupy this earth until He comes back. That means we cannot claim to be a disciple and sit back watching everything going on around us. It is time to step up to the ministry God has called us to, to be active and bold. Please join me in today's episode as we look at one of the parables Jesus shared that is absolutely relevant and timely for us today.

Join me as we dig deep into what God says about His strength and our weakness. We know the verse, we go to it often when we are struggling, but sometimes without truly understanding what it means when God says His strength is sufficient for us. Through one of the most challenging years of my life, with debilitating migraines, He's had to teach me what it means to truly know how weak and frail I am, and how desperately I need Him every single moment of every single day. Today's lesson is vulnerable, but I know that all of us face trials and God gives us each other to encourage and remind us that God is so sufficient and so good. May this be the reminder and encouragement you need today!

Child of God, we are not called to simply know, or understand, or believe the truth. We are called to speak truth, we are called to speak Jesus. Join me today as we learn about Elijah's journey and his calling to speak truth - even through suicidal thoughts, depression, and the belief that he no longer had a purpose on earth. It doesn't matter if you see yourself as bold, or a voice that God wants to use, we will look at what the Bible says and how we can effectively apply those principles as we seek to be salt and light in a crazy world. 

In today's episode, I'll share my journey of faith. I wanted to know truth and have a faith that was strong because it had a strong foundation, but that foundation started when I began to question everything I knew and everything I had been taught. Because of that journey, my faith became a relationship instead of just a religion or a way of life. May you have the courage to step out too - I promise will change everything!

Today's conversation is centered in who God has called us to be. We are living in a time where people are hungry for Truth, and their hearts are open in a way I haven't seen in my lifetime. That means as Christians, we are here to be bold and to point people to that Truth - not to anything else. God has not only called us, but He has also equipped us, so today we're going to look at the calling and the tools He has given us to be bold, effective witnesses in our world, right now. 

Today our conversation is all about being centered. It's easy to be frustrated, agitated, and angry as we watch the events unfolding in our nation and across the world. It's easy to get wrapped up in the discord and lose our joy. But regardless of circumstances, we should always turn to God and His Word and allow Him to teach us how to respond. We'll dig into Psalm 37 and look at what we can do to be the difference, reclaim our joy, and stay grounded.

One of my dear friends joins me in today's episode where we'll talk about how faith shows up in our lives. We'll talk about her journey of faith and growth and how caring for people transforms everything we do, and how we do it. 

Today's episode is not easy. It faces what is happening in our country right now through the truth of God's Word. It shows us where the problem lies, and lays out the blueprint for reconciliation. With the help of the Holy Spirit, may we have the courage to follow God's plan for healing. 

My husband, Drew, joins our conversation again - this time to talk about the building blocks for a strong marriage. Today we'll dive into alignment, communication, and setting big goals. We definitely don't have it all together, but we have been very intentional over the last four and a half years to lay a strong foundation and get very clear on what we're working toward as a couple for our future. It's helped us overcome incredible obstacles and come out in the other side stronger and better for them. I think you're going to love his input and perspective and hope you get just as much out of it as I did!

I don't know about you, but I'm the type of person that wants the people around me to be happy. I want to help carry burdens, and solve problems, and watch people achieve their deepest dreams. But that means I've fallen in the trap of pleasing people from time to time. It means that sometimes I've made bad decisions because I didn't want people to feel bad or be upset or unhappy with me. Join me today as I walk through the fundamental change that needs to happen in our perspective in order to have a strong foundation and the ability to make the best decisions - regardless of whether it pleases people or not. 

Join me as I get to talk to two of the best moms I know about life, grace, and love. It doesn't matter if you're a parent, a leader, or you just want advice that will help you live life to your fullest potential - this conversation will go deep on some of life's biggest lessons.

Crisis pulls back the curtain on who we really are and we we're really made of - so what is this crisis showing you about you? Today's conversation is all about character and focusing on our character pointing to Christ in the midst of the challenges. Get practical pointers to face it head on and allow God to refine you!

Our entire world has been turned upside down, and we're all coping in different ways. Regardless of your situation, change is difficult and all of this happening at once may be overwhelming - there have been times where it certainly has been for me. I'm still learning how to overcome it, but today we're going to talk about four things that have helped me get back on solid footing. Tune in to hear more!

With everything going on in the world, we are all going through a rollercoaster of emotions in a very short amount of time. Our old normal is gone, and we have no idea what our new normal will look like. How do we process all the feelings in a healthy way? What are some practical steps to recognize what's healthy and what isn't? How can we create a normal for ourselves in the midst of all the change? Tune in today for four super practical steps in processing!

Where do we start when life looks crazy? How do we show up, take care of others, and make good decisions? Today's episode is all about being unafraid - which is something that we can choose. Even with a global pandemic. Even with more questions than answers. Even when our natural response is fear. How does the Bible teach us to navigate this situation? Tune in to find out!

What is everyday courage and how do you build it into your life? Today I have a very special guest for this conversation - tune in and learn about showing up every day and what it takes to be successful in each area of your life!

Join me for my first unscripted podcast - all about inconvenience and real life and how we respond!

Follow along with some real-life experiences to understand what accountability is not, what accountability is, and how you can embrace it!

Today we're talking about influence, and how it helps or hurts who we can become, as well as the heart and meaning behind The Graceful and Gritty Podcast.

This week wraps up our study into community - and how we are created to do life together. We'll learn more about loving and living and the drastic impact it can have on our life, and the lives of those around us.

Last week we looked at the foundation for community, and this week we are learning about building on that foundation. We are created to do life together, and this will give us the Biblical tools to do just that.

Today we're going over how important it is to do life with others and what God has to say about how the church is supposed to be in community.

Today we're digging into the impact that thoughts have on our lives, mentally, physically, and spiritually. It's important that we discipline what we think about because what we think is ultimately what we become.

Today we're talking about seasons in life and nature. And how what we plant in each season we will harvest in the future. Plant intentionally and carefully and you will reap a harvest of blessings.

Today we're talking about fear and how it can hold us back from stepping into the life God has for us but that we can choose courage in spite of fear.

I am so excited to share this 3 part series with you on the Voice of the Holy Spirit! We're going to dig deep into the Word of God to learn how to recognize God's voice, separate it from all other voices, and then to obey. In part one, we build the foundation for what the Holy Spirit does and how we recognize when He speaks to us.

When we look back on all God has done in our lives, we can't help but be awestruck by His faithfulness, grace, mercy, and goodness. It's easy to get distracted or focused on the here and now, the hardship, the challenges. But when we take time to be reminded of the impossible work God has done in our lives, it gives us a testimony that we should want to shout from the rooftops!

Jump in with me as we look at the life of Elijah and how he goes from the highest highs to the lowest lows. God isn't afraid of the hard questions, the feeling that we're done and have nothing left to give. He's there in that still, small voice reminding us of our calling and His faithfulness.