A Cup of Gratitude
By: Amanda Schaefer
Language: en-us
Categories: Religion, Spirituality, Christianity
An honest look at how gratitude can change absolutely everything. Interesting discussions and stories of finding gratitude even in the midst of life's difficulties. Everyday people sharing their extraordinary stories.
Episodes
Season 10 - Episode 25 - Christmas Break Special Episode #3
Dec 15, 2025Special episode 3 is this week. I speak with fellow Prudent woman Retreat speaker Tracy Harper who is a Christian author and speaker with more than twenty years of experience mentoring young adults through campus ministry. Her journey—from the East Coast to Hawaii—has taken her across the country and into countless conversations with young women wrestling with faith, identity, and emotional overwhelm. She holds a degree in Secondary Education/English from Towson University and completed Cru’s Institute of Biblical Studies. Now based in Maryland with her husband and three teen daughters, Tracy enjoys life by the water...
Duration: 00:23:14Season 10 - Episode 24 - Christmas Break Special Episode #2
Dec 08, 2025Welcome to episode 2 of the Special Christmas Break episodes. This week, I speak with Gayl Wright. In upstate South Carolina, from her log home bordering the woods, Gayl loves to encourage others as she writes from her heart about life and faith. She has been married to Steve for over 50 years. Daily, they enjoy reading and discussing the Bible and other books. They are parents of 7 (one son is now with the Lord) and have 14 grandchildren. Gayl enjoys visiting with friends and family, taking daily walks, and exploring creativity through various outlets, including...
Duration: 00:24:32Season 10 - Episode 23 - Christmas Break Special Episode #1
Dec 01, 2025Welcome to the first Christmas Break special episode of a Cup of Gratitude. All of December, I will be sharing fellow speakers from the Prudent Woman Retreat. This week, I speak with the founder, Dr Ifeoma Samuel, your down-to-earth Bible Study writer and speaker, passionate about helping women grow in faith through the Word. She is happily married to her heart throb, Obiora, and together they are blessed with a daughter and a son. You can find her Bible Study Group on Facebook: "Purposeful and Meaningful." She is on FB and IG as @Purposeful and Meaningful Bible Studies...
Duration: 00:20:21Season 10 - Episode 22 - Finding Gratitude Beholding Our Beauty
Nov 24, 2025This week I speak with Deborah Rutherford, who loves Jesus, being a wife to Don, singing old hymns, and nature walks. She is an author, poet, podcaster, and an award-winning makeup artist who has swapped her brushes for a pen. She is the founder of the Behold-Her Beauty Podcast and Blog, where she enjoys cheering others on. Her books include "Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God's Best," forthcoming "Prodigal Daughter: Poems of Light for the Lost Ones," and she is working on a beauty and faith book represented by the Blythe Daniel Agency. We look at her childhood...
Duration: 00:50:05Season 10 - Episode 21 - Finding Gratitude in an Optimistic Attitude
Nov 17, 2025This week, I speak with Na’Kedra Rodgers, who is a powerhouse Christian Motivational Speaker, Author, and Entrepreneur who brings a burst of sunshine wherever she goes! Famous for her boundless optimism and grit, to sprinkle biblically rooted encouragement across the globe, lighting the way for women wrestling with faith or on a quest for purpose. Na’Kedra is a multi-time published author who writes in both nonfiction and children’s genres. Na’Kedra is a recipient of the 2024 NCTRCA Outstanding WBE Award, 2025 Community Impact Award, and was also recognized as a 2025 Epsilon Tau Business Honoree. Na’Kedra stirs othe...
Duration: 01:01:05Season 10 - Episode 20 - Finding Gratitude When the "Hart" Speaks
Nov 10, 2025Today I speak with Janet Hart Leonard, who is an award-winning newspaper columnist, author, and speaker. She speaks to women who think that God has written only a one-hit wonder for their lives. In her unique and quirky way, she shows them through scripture that He is writing a Greatest Hits Album for them throughout their lives. (Look at Naomi in the book of Ruth.) Janet is a cheerleader, without the cartwheels, who brings the scriptures to life with her wit, whimsy, and way with words, encouraging others to find joy in the midst of difficult circumstances. She’s b...
Duration: 01:07:23Season 10 - Episode 19 - Finding Gratitude in Seasons of Change
Nov 03, 2025This week, I speak with Jac Filer, a lifelong resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who presently lives with his family and dog. Since 2020, he has been enjoying a second career as a writer. Jac’s books include the Advent devotional Preparing for Jesus, the Biblical novel Coin and Dagger, and his new memoir, The Widower and the Washer. We look at his childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in his life. You won’t want to miss this encouraging episode!<...
Duration: 01:05:49Season 10 - Episode 18 - Finding Gratitude and Joy in All Circumstances
Oct 27, 2025This week I speak with Dr. Jerry L. Woodbridge who is a Christian author and educator specializing in grief support and education. After experiencing the sudden loss of her husband, she guided her own children through grief, inspiring her to write books that offer hope and healing. Her works include Trading My Sorrows: For the Joy of the Lord, which explores widowhood and faith-based healing. Joy Overcame Sorrow, a children’s book on grief and resilience and Joy’s Journal, which provides guided questions, thoughtful prompts, and space to write, as you explore Joy’s story while making sense...
Duration: 00:56:14Season 10 - Episode 17 - Finding Gratitude Beyond the Surface
Oct 20, 2025This week I speak with Sarah Krizek who is the author of Beyond the Surface, published in August 2024. She was born and raised in the Hudson Valley, New York. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Mount Saint Mary College. When she is not writing or reading, Sarah enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their two children. We look at her childhood up to the present to fond the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this amazing episode!
www.sarahkrizek.com
<... Duration: 00:54:00Season 10 - Episode 16 - Finding Gratitude in Every Kingdom Connection
Oct 13, 2025This week I speak with Sandee Macgregor who was educated and trained as a teacher, an inspired writer, and the award-winning creator and founder of a popular website www.sandeemacgregor.com. She is the author of two top-selling devotionals, A Mother-Daughter Devotional and Shared Journal Experience for Psalm 119 and A Devotional for Mothers and Sons: Walking in Wisdom Through Proverbs, which both encourage and enable the building of a deeper spiritual bond between a mother and her daughter(s) and her son(s). Her first award-winning children’s illustrated book, titled Can I Take It...
Duration: 00:55:45Season 10 - Episode 15 - Finding Gratitude in the Everyday Quandaries
Oct 06, 2025This week I speak with Mama, editor, and writer Elise Tegegne who has published articles at Risen Motherhood, Christian Parenting, and (in)courage,among others. Her first book In Praise of Houseflies: Meditations on the Gifts in Everyday Quandaries is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Calla Press, In addition to serving as the Director of Communications for missions organization Synergie Francophone, she also writes <...
Duration: 00:57:20Season 10 - Episode 14 - Finding Gratitude in the Weaving Threads of God's Story
Sep 29, 2025This week I speak with Kate Battistelli who is a bestselling author, speaker, and co-host of the Mom to Mom Podcast. She’s written The After Party of the Empty Nest, The After Party Devotional Companion, The God Dare, and Growing Great Kids, and her words appear in the (In)courage Bible for Women, Guideposts, and more. Once a Broadway actress starring opposite Yul Brynner in The King an...
Duration: 01:15:06Season 10 - Episode 13 - Finding Gratitude in Total Wellness of Faith
Sep 22, 2025This week I speak with Theresa Rowe who is a nationally certified fitness professional, author, speaker, and the founder of Shaped by Faith, a ministry dedicated to whole-person wellness—spirit, mind, and body—while shaping bodies and hearts for God's purposes. With over 35 years of experience, she has impacted countless lives globally through her faith-based fitness programs, heart-centered workouts, and inspiring testimony of transformation. Her TV show, Shaped by Faith with Theresa Rowe, airs on 15 networks, reaching nearly 800 million viewers worldwide. She also hosts a globally recognized radio show and podc...
Duration: 01:06:00Season 10 - Episode 12 - Finding Gratitude in the Whisper and the Roar
Sep 15, 2025This week, I speak with Marissa Busby, a follower of Jesus, whose main mission is to know God and make Him known through living, teaching, speaking, and writing. She is a wife and mother of three, one of whom she adopted when she was 21 and her daughter was 16. Her upcoming book, A Call to Love, tells the journey of discovering the heart of God for herself through the adoption of her daughter. She is also a CrossFit coach who loves to show people that they can do hard things, like follow Jesus and lift barbells! We look at...
Duration: 01:18:26Season 10 - Episode 11 Finding Gratitude in Every Circumstance
Sep 08, 2025This week I speak with Ron Keres who is a husband to his best friend Jen, dad to three goofy boys and one sweet little girl, and the author of the popular Finn the Frog Collection and Scariest Silliest Stories series. After serving as missionaries for 10 years with his family, Ron is now settled in Geneva, IL, and spends his days writing interactive and laugh-out-loud picture books that families love to read together. When he’s not chasing kids or cracking jokes, you’ll find him working out, fishing, or hunting down the best local eats. He’s curren...
Duration: 01:07:42Season 10 - Episode 10 - Finding Gratitude Empowering Others to Live More Fully
Sep 01, 2025This week I speak with Maureen Graham who is a Master's level, Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. Maureen specializes in helping individuals and couples navigate anxiety, trauma, relationships, and life transitions with compassion and values-guided action. Drawing from her training in various treatment modalities, she empowers clients to live more fully and authentically. Maureen also offers faith-based counseling upon request, integrating Christian principles with evidence-based care. She is passionate about helping clients develop practical tools for thriving despite life’s hardships. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesu...
Duration: 01:02:28Season 10 - Episode 9 - Finding Gratitude in Every Step of the Way
Aug 25, 2025This week I speak with Kim Wyse who is a Mom to one, Stepmom to four, and Grama of four. She is Happily Married and living life in the mountains. Kim says she has become a “ridiculous dog-mom” in her older years, and enjoys her days as best as she can although she struggles with pain and still has bad days from her stroke. She is a relentless renovator and has supervised her way through a complete re-haul of her home. Kim’s physical strength is not what it used to be, but she can still boss the trades around...
Duration: 00:54:59Season 10 - Episode 8 - Finding Gratitude in the Commonplace Moments
Aug 18, 2025This week I speak with Jessica Luckey, a seasoned marketing professional whose career has spanned the federal government, investment banking, and telecommunications. When an industry shift left her unemployed, she was unexpectedly led into the most meaningful season of her life. In the quiet and uncertainty, Jessica built a deeper relationship with God—one that awakened her true calling and paved the way toward ministry. A friend’s simple idea to “market Jesus” became a catalyst for using her voice, creativity, and experience to share hope and faith with others. Today, Jessica is answering that call, walking boldly in her p...
Duration: 00:52:10Season 10 - Episode 7 - Finding Gratitude Through the Eyes of Children
Aug 11, 2025This week I speak with Julia Taves who is an experienced educator with an M.A. in Educational Leadership. She served for 26 years as a teacher in the states and Principal of two International Schools, in Uganda, Africa, and the Dominican Republic. Julia has seen God work through her own children, and kids worldwide. Realizing these kids could be an encouragement to others, she collected their writings with a variety of experiences, voices, and perspectives who knew God’s truth and want to share the things that matter most. Her free time may involve dance parties with her gr...
Duration: 00:55:48Season 10 - Episode 6 - Finding Gratitude in Your Fierce Calling
Aug 04, 2025This week I speak with Doris Swift, who is a follower of Jesus, speaker, host of the Fierce Calling podcast, and author of award-winning Bible study Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You. In ministry for over 30 years, Doris is passionate about equipping and encouraging women to walk deeper in God’s word, use their gifts to impact the world for Christ, and to take action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. She holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in Christian counseling, psychology, and business from Liberty University and...
Duration: 01:20:05Season 10 - Episode 5 - Finding Gratitude in Audacious Faith
Jul 28, 2025This week, I speak with Jay Gauthier Sr., who is a seasoned pastor and ministry leader with over 38 years of experience faithfully serving the body of Christ. He is the founder and voice behind the Audacious Faith Podcast and the visionary leader of Audacious Faith Ministries, a movement empowering believers to live boldly, walk purposefully, and impact the world around them. Jay is also a multi-book author, with resources designed to challenge, equip, and inspire people to pursue their God-given calling. Whether behind the pulpit, on the mic, or mentoring leaders, Jay brings real, raw, and relevant truth...
Duration: 01:07:11Season 10 - Episode 4 - Finding Gratitude Trusting God to Fight For Us
Jul 21, 2025This week, I speak with Jesslyn McCutcheon who is the founder of Fighting Goliath for Mental Illness, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit ministry dedicated to supporting women who live with bipolar disorder. Since being diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder for over two decades, she is passionate about helping others overcome the hopelessness this illness can bring. She empowers women to lead more fulfilling lives through resources, shared experiences, and the Word of God. Jesslyn is affiliated with the American Association of Christian Counseling (AACC) and NAMI NW Piedmont (National Alliance for Mental Illness). She holds certifications in Adult Mental Health First...
Duration: 01:04:57Season 10 - Episode 3 - Finding Gratitude in the Mysteries of God
Jul 14, 2025
Growing up, Uche could always be found with her nose in a book (quite literally) and started writing riveting stories from an early age in Enugu, Nigeria, mostly for the consumption of delighted family members and friends. Her love for reading, writing and all things literature persisted into adulthood as she went on to obtain a law degree, a master’s and a doctorate in international business law and to practice law in London, UK. Her entire world was turned RIGHT SIDE UP when she had a life-changing encounter with Jesus a few years ago. S...
Duration: 00:55:23Season 10 - Episode 2 - Finding Gratitude at the Crossroads in Life
Jul 07, 2025This week, I speak with Mary Spencer Veazey, a Georgia native known for infusing her writing with relatable and uproarious storytelling, as well as profound truths about Jesus. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her cat, Confetti, and is the Engagement Manager for Daystar Counseling Ministries. Mary Spencer is a proud graduate of both Auburn University (BA) and Belmont University (MBA). We look at her childhood up to the present to discover the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won't want to miss this inspiring episode!
Instagram: @mencervz
Facebook: @maryspencervz
Substack...
Duration: 00:59:55Season 10 - Episode 1 - Finding Gratitude in the One Thing Desired
Jun 30, 2025
This week, I speak with Cara Blondo. Whether through teaching Bible studies, speaking to groups in person or online, or writing devotional and other Christ-centered resources, Cara is passionate about helping women connect Biblical truth to their everyday lives. A contributor to YouVersion and featured on Proverbs 31, (in)courage, Her View From Home, and other popular sites, she loves to help women shift their perspective in order to know Christ as their one thing desired (Psalm 27:4). When Cara isn’t studying or sharing what she’s learned from God’s Word, you can find her at her favorite place...
Season 9 - Episode 25 - Special Episode #4
Jun 23, 2025This is the final episode of our Summer Break Series. All four weeks have featured the winners of the “Holy Plot Twists” book Contest 🏆🏆🏆🏆. Each week, a winner will interview me, asking questions based on my story, which is found at the beginning of the book. Then they will share insights they received from their time in the journal section of the book. These conversations have been powerful and encouraging. Special Episode #4 is Available Tomorrow on all podcast platforms. This week, I speak with Heather Jeffery, who is a Christian writer and certified mental health coach. Sh...
Duration: 01:01:28Season 9 - Episode 24 - Special Episode #3
Jun 16, 2025It’s time for our Summer Break Special Episode Series on A Cup of Gratitude podcast!! 🎉All four weeks will feature the winners of the “Holy Plot Twists” book Contest🏆🏆🏆🏆Each week a winner will interview me asking questions from my story found in the beginning of the book and then they will share insights they received from their time in the journal section of the book - These conversations have been powerful and encouraging - Special Episode #3 is here! This week I speak with Sherrie Pilkington who enters into various aspects of life as a daughter of the One True God. Sh...
Duration: 01:04:40Season 9 - Episode 23 - Special Episode #2
Jun 09, 2025Welcome to week two of the Special Episode Summer Break Series. We will be having a conversation based on my newest book. This week I am speaking with Dr. Chizobam Idahosa who is a wife, mother to three beautiful girls, and a dentist specialized in oral medicine, orofacial pain, and lifestyle medicine. At the core of her identity, she sees herself as a child of the Most-High God and a servant of Christ Jesus. Chizobam is passionate about studying, meditating, and teaching the Word. In 2015, she founded Beautiful in Jesus, a Christian ministry born from her journey toward in...
Duration: 01:02:40Season 9 - Episode 22 - Special Episode # 1 of Summer Break Series with Dawn Ward
Jun 02, 2025It’s time for our Summer Break Special Episode Series! All four weeks will feature the winners of the “Holy Plot Twists” book Contest🏆🏆🏆🏆Each week, a winner will interview me, asking questions from my story found at the beginning of the book. Then they will share insights they received from their time in the journal section of the book. These conversations have been powerful and encouraging. This week, I speak with Dawn Ward, who is a speaker, writer, and Bible teacher. She is the founder of The Faith to Flourish, a ministry equipping women to live transformed lives through inspiring...
Duration: 00:47:33Season 9 - Episode 21 - Finding Gratitude in Life's Challenges
May 26, 2025This week I speak with Melony Brown, who is a Jeep-loving, book-reading, nature enthusiast. Chocolate is not her friend. Neither is laundry. Inviting overcomers to share their stories and the strategies, mindsets, and habits they relied on during their fight to overcome their challenges is her passion. Melony shares their stories on her podcast, Challenges Won’t Stop Me. Her award-winning books, Challenges Won’t Stop Me and Keep Moving Forward, take readers on an interactive journey to equip and empower them to fight to overcome whatever challenges dare to intersect their paths. We look at her childhood up t...
Duration: 01:09:06Season 9 - Episode 20 - Finding Gratitude Drawing Near to God
May 19, 2025This week, I speak with Rose McCombs Jordan, who is the creative heart behind Beneath The Fig Tree, a movement that helps women discover devotional practices they truly love. She also serves as the Director of Tourism for a charming North Texas town, leads worship at her church, and—together with her husband Brandon—hosts at their favorite state park. Married for 30 years, Rose is the proud mom of one son and daughter-in-love. She understands how challenging it can be to balance a busy life with the desire to connect with God. By sharing pract...
Duration: 01:08:11Season 9 - Episode 19 - Finding Gratitude in Our Everyday Battles
May 12, 2025This week, I speak with Theresa Miller, who is adventurous at heart and dedicated to pursuing spiritual, mental, and emotional healing for the betterment of future generations. Originally from the wooded East, Theresa now resides in the wide-open spaces of Wyoming, nestled near the Big Horn Mountains. She cherishes her role as a wife to Rob and mother to their four children. Weaving words has been her creative outlet since childhood, bringing clarity to life’s complexities. Theresa is the co-author of “Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God’s Best” and “The Posture of Victory: Finding True Peace amidst Our...
Duration: 01:02:38Season 9 - Episode 18 - Finding Gratitude in Purpose with Joy
May 05, 2025This week I speak with Kim Mosiman who is a woman smack dab in the middle of her second act: Her children are grown and joyfully living lives of their own. She enjoys writing, traveling, and perfecting her technique in her new role as Nana. She is a certified nutritionist and personal trainer who closed her small boutique gym in 2017. She thought she was ready to retire and fade into the sunset, but the sudden career change created a lack of purpose in her life. She was alone during the day and abandoned the good habits she had...
Duration: 01:02:36Season 9 - Episode 17 - Special Episode - Holy Plot Twists; God is Still Writing Your Story
Apr 28, 2025This week on the "A Cup of Gratitude" podcast, we're having a special episode where I share with you about my new book, "Holy Plot Twists." This book is an overflow of the podcast. God led me to share vulnerable and pivotal times in my life when He came in and worked things out for good, when He turned things around and made them usable. God can take the sharpest, most broken pieces and put them back together in a way that allows us to reach others with our story. I've realized that the way we go into...
Duration: 00:14:00Season 9 - Episode 16 - Finding Gratitude Learning to Share the Gospel
Apr 21, 2025This week, I speak with Joan Farley, who has been crafting stories and messages since high school, dedicating her gift to uplifting local ministries and churches. As a missionary, her desire is to see the next generation rise above the previous ones, growing in wisdom and godliness to impact the world in profound ways. Her latest work, Letters to Cassie, reflects her desire to empower young women and inspire them to embrace their potential to make lasting change. When she's not writing or traveling for ministry, you'll find her getting lost in a good...
Duration: 00:50:40Season 9 - Episode 15 - Finding Gratitude Even in the Pain
Apr 14, 2025This week I speak with Sherrie Pilkington who enters into various aspects of life as a daughter of the One True God. She dearly loves her 2 grown sons and 2 daughters-in-love but it’s her 6 grandchildren that keep her young at heart and the sound of joy in her laugh. Known for pondering the hard things in life through the lens of God’s heart, she shares her revelations through her podcast, Finding God in Our Pain. Sherrie and her guests do not shy away from the hard questions about the reality of pain and suffering and the good God w...
Duration: 01:00:31Season 9 - Episode 14 - Finding Gratitude in Health and Restoration
Apr 07, 2025This week I speak with Nicole Roth who empowers the “hard on herself” woman of God to live as a much-loved daughter: held, healed, and whole, and to restore from the damage done due to striving: over-functioning and over-serving. Wife to David of over 20 years, mom to 3 young adult daughters, an autoimmune warrior of 20 years, and former dietitian, Nicole is most at home in her kayak, out on a hiking trail with her dogs, in her hammock, or hanging out in her camper! The means Nicole uses to be a catalyst of change, healing, and growth include coaching, comm...
Duration: 01:00:00Season 9 - Episode 13 - Finding Gratitude in the Truth of God's Word
Mar 31, 2025This week I speak with Tischa van de Reep who is a Trinidad-born Christian writer and speaker, a mental health and autism mom who brings authenticity and vulnerability to all her teachings on Scripture. Her Bible studies and women’s gatherings bring diverse groups of women together in fellowship and take them deeper into God’s Word. Her work in ministry extends from homeless women in Houston to expat wives in Budapest, Hungary, to rural villagers in Malawi, Africa, and women across the US. Tischa currently lives in Houston, Texas with her husband and two teenaged sons. We look...
Duration: 01:19:45Season 9 - Episode 12 - Finding Gratitude in the Joy of the Small Things.
Mar 24, 2025This week, I speak with Mary Folkerts, a mom to four grown kids and wife to a farmer living on the southern prairies of Alberta. She is a contributing author in one of Lisa Terkeurst's latest devotionals, Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart. She writes with a desire to push back the dark, especially for those struggling with anxiety and depression. Mary is also an advocate for those with Down Syndrome, as their youngest child introduced them to this extraordinary new world. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. Y...
Duration: 00:53:55Season 9 - Episode 11 - Finding Gratitude in the Healing
Mar 17, 2025
This week I speak with Michele Vrabel who is an expert bean-counter by day. In addition to her work as a bookkeeper, her superpowers and side hustles include pastry chef and author-in-training. She has been told she has “sass,” which she deploys regularly. She has with exponential joy finished her first book, Butterfly Stitches, and is working on the sequel. According to her King, she apparently has several other books in her. At 61, she has launched a podcast and is having the time of her life. She is an enthusiastic traveler, foodie, smart alec...
Season 9 - Episode 10 - Finding Gratitude Sharing God's Word Through Publishing
Mar 10, 2025Melvese Johnson is a native New Yorker who currently resides in Colorado. She has four sons and five grandchildren. She loves to travel and faithfully serves as the Production Coordinator at her church. Her passion for writing led her to become a published author, ghostwriter, editor, and publisher. Anointed to help independent authors spread God's Word, she established Written Words Publishing LLC to provide the type of service she expects to receive—professional, proficient, reliable, patient, timely, and affordable. We look at her childhood up to the present to see the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. Yo...
Duration: 00:49:21Season 9 - Episode 9 - finding Gratitude During Grief
Mar 03, 2025Hadassah Treu is an award-winning international author of "DRAW NEAR: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings," a writer at onthewaybg.com, poet, speaker, and motivator, living in Bulgaria. She loves encouraging people to draw near to God in the dark valleys of life. From the platform of her greatest pains equipped with lessons gathered on the way, she delivers a powerful message of comfort and hope, found in God’s Word. Hadassah is a contributing author to several faith-based platforms like Koinonia and Devotable, and 13 devotional and poetry anthologies. She has been fe...
Duration: 00:54:58Season 9 - Episode 8 - Finding Gratitude as a Child of God
Feb 24, 2025Dorease Rioux is a Kingdom-minded entrepreneur, an ordained minister, a best-selling author, and a dynamic speaker with inspirational messages that are passionate and relatable. Dorease is “The Victory for Purpose” Coach. You’re invited to connect with her to get empowered and to achieve breakthrough from hidden hurts that are hindering & holding you back… AND… so you can discover & activate your God-given purpose… to go fulfill your kingdom destiny for such a time as this. Dorease and her husband live on a little farm in the Deep South. They enjoy a country-living lifestyle as animal enthusiasts, with 8 beloved dogs and a my...
Duration: 01:03:30Season 9 - Episode 7 - Finding Gratitude in True Identity
Feb 17, 2025This week I speak with Nic Henry Jones who is a Supermum, Senior Digital Marketing & Business Strategist, Business Thought Leader & Educator, Entrepreneur, Changemaker, Coach, MC, two-time #1 Best selling Author behind Books ‘The Christian Entrepreneur’, and ‘Your Life your Masterpiece’, and co-Author in the recently released Book 'Courageous Voices unlocked'. Nic is a passionate and purpose-driven visionary with a unique ability to engage, empower and inspire people to live their best whatever the context. Nic is a living testimony of how pain can be turned to gain, and how embracing a life of intention & alignment, positions you to thrive not just...
Duration: 01:01:58Season 9 - Episode 6 - Finding Gratitude in Transformation and New Beginnings
Feb 10, 2025This week I speak with Stephanie Miller who is a multi-published author, speaker, and certified Spiritual Growth Coach and Writing Coach with a heart for inspiring Christian women to reach their full potential. She regularly teaches workshops, speaks at events and has been featured on over 50 podcasts (and counting). Previous published works include The Butterfly Blueprint (Lucid Books, 2020) and several multi-author books. Through her coaching, she has helped many aspiring writers overcome their fears and develop their craft while also growing in their faith. She enjoys indulging her creative side with painting watercolor and...
Duration: 01:10:47Season 9 - Episode 5 - Finding Gratitude Loving Others
Feb 03, 2025This week I speak with Hewlette Pearson who taught incarcerated persons and returning citizens general education, job readiness skills, character education, and life skills. She is the president and founder of iLove Now, Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes love through humanitarian programs and activities in inner-city communities. Two of its flagship events include: •Lunch in the Park for The Homeless—where food, hygiene products, clothing, prayer, and a listening ear are provided to those in need. •The Love Thrives Community Conference—a biennial event focusing on the spiritual and personal development of persons in communities. Hewlette’s enthusiasm...
Duration: 00:48:21Season 9 - Episode 4 - Finding Gratitude the "Type A" Way
Jan 27, 2025This week I’m speaking with Laurie Meek Watkins who has always referred to herself as a “Cracked Pot”. She’s the Type A Lady behind the blog type a checklist. Laurie dedicates her imperfect self to helping you know a great big God who overcomes an imperfect world. (2 Corin. 4:7-9). In 2020, Laurie shifted from being “cracked” to “shattered” as her husband and companion of 40 years walked away from their marriage. For the next two years, Laurie experienced the ongoing trauma and chaos of trying to pull her marriage back together...until Godly counsel told her it was time to let go...
Duration: 00:52:13Season 9 - Episode 3 - Finding Gratitude in the Stories of God
Jan 20, 2025This week, I speak with Anthony Hyslop, who was born in St. Clair, Michigan in 1986, moved to northern Idaho at the age of 7 with his family, was homeschooled, took his GED, and went into concrete flatwork, working for his father, and he has been doing that for the past 19 years. During that time he married his first love, Elizabeth in 2007. They have had 7 children, Clarence, Daphne, Dakota, Kirsten, Titus, Judah, and Caleb, the latter now living with the Lord. They have 15 chickens and a black cat named Rocky. Anthony loves Jesus, occasionally hunting, looking for antlers, snorkeling, going...
Duration: 00:47:51Season 9 - Episode 2 - Finding Gratitude Sharing God's Love
Jan 13, 2025This week, I speak with Dr. Ifeoma Samuel a trained Veterinarian from the University of Ibadan. She has a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health (University of South Africa), Masters Degree in a Public Health (University of Roehampton, U.K) and currently a PhD researcher in Public Health at the University of South Africa. With a keen interest in children education, youth development and mental health. She has a Postgraduate Diploma in Education registered with TRCN. She is also a Cambridge certified Coordinated Sciences Teacher. Presently, she is the Head of Operations at Bryanston Academy. Dr Samuel is yo...
Duration: 00:57:59Season 9 - Episode 1 - Finding Gratitude in Faithful Stories
Jan 06, 2025This week, I speak with Stacey Gittens, who was born in Australia to show business parents; Stacey performed on screen and on stage before becoming a schoolteacher, children’s author, and globetrotter. Now based in the UK as a Creative Consultant focusing on editing and design, Stacey enjoys collaborating with authors worldwide to create life-affirming and inclusive content. Committed to excellence with the belief that small changes are significant, Stacey goes the extra mile to transform projects into success stories. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her li...
Duration: 01:08:48Season 8 - Episode 27 (Special Episode 5)
Dec 30, 2024Welcome to the last special episode of the series! This week we hear a word from Dawn Ward who is an author, speaker, and biblical life coach. She is the founder of The Faith to Flourish, a ministry that equips women with addicted loved ones to break free from the cycle of addiction, reclaim their lives, and flourish in their faith. The Faith to Flourish also offers life-transforming insight, wisdom, and Christian guidance for all women, along with hope and support for those burdened and overwhelmed by life. Dawn is the author of the book From G...
Duration: 00:11:51Season 8 - Episode 26 (Special Episode 4)
Dec 23, 2024Welcome to Special Episode #4 of our Christmas Break Series. This week, we have a word from Sherri DeWalt, who has been dedicated to connecting, encouraging, and teaching women to grow in their relationship with God and others for over twenty years. Her home, where she welcomes friends and family alike, is a hub of shared life, conversation and celebration. Sherri recently published her first book, "Let's Huddle - friends, faith and fun at the table," a guide for Christian women to host gatherings and create meaningful community, so that friendship can flourish and faith can take root o...
Duration: 00:13:29Season 8 - Episode 25 (Special Episode 3)
Dec 16, 2024Welcome to our special episode #3 of the Christmas Break series. This week we here a word from Heather Jeffery who is a Christian writer and certified mental health coach. She is passionate about empowering women with Biblical truth as they link arms to seek clarity specializing in emotional and spiritual abuse as well as healing through divorce. Heather believes our stories have purpose and are meant to be shared to encourage others just as we are encouraged by those in the Bible. She lives in Maryland with her two teenage daughters and works as a physical therapist. She e...
Duration: 00:17:17Season 8 - Episode 24 (Special Episode 2)
Dec 09, 2024Welcome to our special episode #2 where we get a word from my amazing friend Tracey Breinich. She works part-time at her church as the Preschool Assistant after being a stay-at-home Mom for 15 years. She has used her teaching degree within the classroom, at a health store, as well as with her own children. She is a wife of 22 years and Mom of 3 children; ages 20, 16, and 6. The Lord has shown favor and humor in she and her husband’s lives with these blessings. She loves to share who Jesus is with others over coffee, in a classroom, online, and thr...
Duration: 00:11:20Season - Episode 23 (Special Episode 1)
Dec 03, 2024Welcome to our first of five special episodes for December. Between Seasons, we will hear from amazing guests.
Mary Rooney Armand loves to write inspiring and faith-based stories focused on helping others grow in their intimacy with Christ. She is an Author, Speaker, and Creator of the faith-based blog ButterflyLiving.org. Mary’s work is featured on CrossMap, Woman of Noble Character, Pray with Confidence, Sunday God Meets Monday Mom, Steady On, and other sites. She is a regular contributor on CrossMap. Mary is the author of the Bible Study, “Identity, Understanding, and Accepting Who I...
Season 8 - Episode 22 - Finding Gratitude Being Unabashedly You
Nov 25, 2024This week, I speak with Rechelle Conde-Nau, a podcaster/blogger who created Unabashed You "because you're already good enough.” Other roles she’s enjoyed: elementary school teacher (5th grade is the best!), director for children’s performing arts programs (creating, mentoring, celebrating – so fulfilling), author of Standing Tall: A Collection of Hope (after the death of her infant son with lots of gifts after loss). In addition to being a teacher, Rechelle is a servant-leader – any role/opportunity that encourages. She aspires to inspire. UY has been heard in over 90 countries, wit...
Duration: 01:09:13Season 8 - Episode 21 - Finding Gratitude One Step at a time
Nov 18, 2024This week, I speak with Carrie Watts, who lives in Brandon, Mississippi. Her favorite time of day is early morning, enjoying quiet moments with God’s word, writing in her prayer journal, sipping on coffee, and capturing the beauty of the sunrise. Writing a book is a new adventure for Carrie, one she welcomes in the second half of her life. Although her degree is in nursing, her husband’s Air Force career led them to move frequently, which allowed her to focus on raising their three boys. She enjoys volunteering at church in women’s ministry and spirit...
Duration: 00:57:39Season 8 - Episode 20 - Finding Gratitude Moving Forward
Nov 11, 2024This week I speak with Lori Vober, who suffered a hemorrhagic stroke at age twenty-nine, and then developed epilepsy from the stroke. She is a survivor, overcomer, connector, and passionate about sharing hope with others. With the right perspective, attitude, and perseverance, we can stay unstuck and keep moving forward. Even with her difficulties, Lori and her husband, Dainis, were able to become adoptive parents to a sibling group of three. Lori’s journey and books can be found at www.lorivober.com. We look at her childhood up to the present to find th...
Duration: 01:07:19Season 8 - Episode 19 - Finding Gratitude Leading Hearts to God
Nov 04, 2024This week I speak with Amber Weigand-Buckley who navigates bipolar disorder while embracing her best life. She is the podcast co-host of Coffee Chat with Amber & Lisa (on all podcast platforms) as well as the author of the award winning book Leading Ladies: Discover Your God-Grown Strategy for Success and the companion Leading Ladies: Discovery and Next Steps Creative Journal with Lisa Burris Burns. They join over 30 women of diverse backgrounds, ages, and walks of life to redefine what leadership looks like in God’s marketplace. Find out more at www...
Duration: 01:03:21Season 8 - Episode 18 - Finding Gratitude Encouraging Others
Oct 28, 2024This week, I speak with Mathana Senthilnathan, an esteemed Christian life coach and author. Her journey began in Sri Lanka, where she was born and raised until the age of 11. Due to the civil war in Sri Lanka during the 1980s, her family relocated to North America in search of a safer environment and better opportunities. Originally raised in a Hindu household, Mathana discovered the transformative love of Christ at the age of 16, following her parents' divorce. Embracing Christianity has been the most pivotal decision of her life, providing her with the strength and resilience to overcome the...
Duration: 01:01:00Season 8 - Episode 17 - Finding Gratitude Being Brave-Hearted
Oct 21, 2024This week, I speak with Dawn Damon, who is an Ordained Minister, Conference Speaker, Coach, Podcaster, and Author of 6 award-winning books, including “When a Woman You Love Was Abused, published by Kregel Publications, and“The Freedom Challenge: 60 Days to Untie the Cords that Bind You, Redemption Press,” and her most recent, Selah Award finalist…“The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife.” Dawn is the founder and CEO The BraveHearted Woman, and BraveHearted YOUniveristy, a coaching enterprise designed to awaken the God-given vision of wo...
Duration: 01:00:01Season 8 - Episode 16 - Finding Gratitude Loving wisely
Oct 14, 2024This week I speak with Pam Farrel. She and her husband Bill are relationship experts, international speakers, and Directors of Love-Wise. They have been married and in ministry for 36 years.Bill has experience as Youth, Small Groups and Lead Pastor; Pam as Director of Women’s Ministry; They have written 44 books including best-selling Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti , Red Hot Monogamy and their 10 Best Decisions series (for couples, singles, parents, grads, leaders, men and women).Their books have been translated into 15 languages. They hav...
Duration: 01:14:11Season 8 - Episode 15 - Finding Gratitude in the Astounding Truths of the Bible
Oct 07, 2024This week, I speak with author Annie Weber, who is known for her bold and uncompromising approach to sharing God's Word. She lives with a keen awareness of how the Truth of Scripture has led her to put her faith in Christ. Annie is a wellness enthusiast and adventure seeker, wife to Bryan, and mom to Lucy, Luke, Lily, and Levi. She enjoys beach time, fitness, photography, snorkeling, hosting parties, making people laugh, and exercising her social skills. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You...
Duration: 01:01:03Season 8 - Episode 14 - Finding Gratitude in the "Write Choices"
Sep 30, 2024This week, I speak with Martha Bolton, who is an Emmy-nominated writer and the author of 89 books, including the award-winning Dear Bob... Bob Hope's Wartime Correspondence with the GIs of WW2. She is also the playwright for Blue Gate Musicals and was a writer for comedian Phyllis Diller and The Lockhorns cartoons. Her newest book, co-written with New York Times bestselling author Wanda Brunstetter, will be released in January 2025. We look from her childhood to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this inc...
Duration: 01:01:29Season 8 - Episode 13 - Finding Gratitude in a Healthy Life
Sep 23, 2024This week I speak with Tracey Breinich. She works part-time at her church as the Preschool Assistant after being a stay-at-home Mom for 15 years. She has used her teaching degree in the classroom, at a health store, as well as with her own children. She is a wife of 22 years and a Mom of 3 children, ages 20, 16, and 6. The Lord has shown favor and humor in she and her husband’s lives with these blessings. She loves to share who Jesus is with others over coffee, in a classroom, online, and through writing. She became a functional health advocate wh...
Duration: 01:14:01Season 8 - Episode 12 - Finding Gratitude Encouraging Others
Sep 16, 2024I speak with Jordan Gatewood, a.k.a Jwoodz, a rap artist based out of Dallas-Fort Worth. His music embodies the sound of hip-hop from new wave flows, to the essence of lyrical flavor from historic artists. This gifting makes him phenomenally versatile. Jwoodz’s high energy creates an electrifying atmosphere at live shows and on record. He strives to use the art of music to reach the lost, encourage and inspire listeners. Jwoodz's mission is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and nothing more. We look at his childhood up to the present to find the bea...
Duration: 01:17:10Season 8 - Episode 11 - Finding Gratitude in God's Grace
Sep 09, 2024Today, I am speaking with Robin Gerblick. She was born out of brokenness, delivered by destiny, and has grown into God’s grace. Robin is a Teacher, award-winning author, communicator, inspiration influencer, lover of life and the living water. She is the founder and visionary of Exodus women's retreat, focusing on Faith, Fitness, and Freedom. A pro-life advocate and speaker for Living Hope Dream Centers, she has also served as a Stonecroft Ministries speaker over the past decade. Robin is an award-winning author for her contributions to three anthologies, she has written numerous magazine articles, and is an ac...
Duration: 01:02:35Season 8 - Episode 10 - finding Gratitude on the journey to Mental Wellness
Sep 02, 2024
This week, I speak with Megan Wilczek, who grew up in rural Wisconsin, where she was always known as the quiet girl with a book in her hands. Now, Megan is working on her lifelong dream of becoming the author of her very own book. Out of her struggle with trauma and mental health, she created the Jordan Crossings Blog to empower those who are healing and educate Christians on how to minister to those who are hurting. She is a counselor in training at Liberty University, a fire wife, and an adoptive mom. She also serves...
Season 8 - Episode 9 - Finding Gratitude as We Grow
Aug 26, 2024Doralyn Moore has a Master of Education degree from the University of Toronto and over thirty-years’ experience in social services, working with diverse populations. This familiarity with people from various walks of life informs the storylines of her books. She has also been involved for many years in Christian ministry, both as a home group leader and as a lay pastor. Doralyn hopes the journey of the characters in her books encourages readers to consider seriously the life-changing news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Doralyn lives in a small community 150 kilometers east of Toronto. Her husband, Carey passed aw...
Duration: 00:50:58Season 8 - Episode 8 - Finding Gratitude in Whatever Comes Our Way
Aug 19, 2024This week I speak with Sami Cone, a communications specialist who hosts her own 30-minute TV show in Nashville while also teaching public speaking at the university level. Her intuitive interview style is her superpower. She is a blogger, best-selling author, and entrepreneur who has made a living in the online space for almost two decades. Sami is a soon-to-be empty-nest mom of two teenagers in Music City, but her passion for all Chicago and UNC sports transcends where she happens to call home. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread o...
Duration: 01:17:39Season 8 - Episode 7 - Finding Gratitude by Choosing Joy
Aug 12, 2024This week, I speak with Season Bowers. She is a pastor, radio host, author, speaker, and Joy Bringer! After spending over 30 years as a professional performer on the stage, the Lord called her into full-time ministry. Season is passionate about proclaiming the good news that brings great joy in any way she can, whether on the radio, through her first published book, The Joy Bringer Challenge, or speaking to groups large and small all around the country. Everything is her favorite, but one of her newest favs is hosting guests in her two Airbnb homes as she and...
Duration: 01:05:49Season 8 - Episode 6 - Finding Gratitude Starting Again
Aug 05, 2024This week I speak with Jasman and Juanita Rolle. Jasman is a christian creative coach with a heart to see others excel in their areas of giftedness. He is a graduate of Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a degree in Music Marketing. Jasman is an international-award-winning songwriter, and has worked in a number of capacities within the Music industry. Jasman is the founder of Purposed 365 and Higher Level Agency. Jasman and his amazing wife Juanita are blessed with 7 wonderful children. Juanita is an author, speaker, vocalist, and life coach. She is a woman working in her purpose...
Duration: 01:16:12Season 8 - Episode 5 - Finding Gratitude for the Beauty We Have in Jesus
Jul 29, 2024This week I am speaking with Dr. Chizobam Idahosa who is a wife, mother to three beautiful girls, and a dentist specialized in oral medicine, orofacial pain, and lifestyle medicine. At the core of her identity, she sees herself as a child of the Most-High God and a servant of Christ Jesus. Chizobam is passionate about studying, meditating, and teaching the Word. In 2015, she founded Beautiful in Jesus, a Christian ministry born from her journey toward inward beauty and maturity through the Word of God. Beautiful in Jesus equips believers with practical truth from the Word so they c...
Duration: 01:02:37Season 8 - Episode 4 - Finding Gratitude Seeking God's Truth
Jul 22, 2024This week, I speak with Jana MacCarrie Fraley, who is a Christian writer, speaker, ranch wife, and mom. Her heart’s passion is discipling and encouraging women as they pursue an active and enduring faith in Jesus by seeking God’s truth through His Word, developing a biblical worldview, and finding contentment through their hope in Christ. She has collaborated on two devotional books, Tapestry of Grace and Life-Changing Stories, and created and wrote The Truth Journal, A 30-Day Guided Journal to Combat the Lies of the Enemy With the Truth of God’...
Duration: 01:17:04Season 8 - Episode 3 - Finding Gratitude Shedding Your Shame
Jul 15, 2024This week I speak with Tess Scott, a Christian speaker, an award-winning author, and a former black sheep turned “Jesus Girl.” With humor and vulnerability, this Canadian mom of 8 has lived through multiple divorces, married her husband twice, and raised a whole brood of boys, which only goes to prove God is full of grace and mercy. Now, Tess is on a mission to help other women with messy stories to shed their shame by teaching them who they are in Christ so they can embrace the power of God in their imperfect lives. She’s been featured on podc...
Duration: 00:53:57Season 8 - Episode 2 - Finding Gratitude in the Fruit of the Spirit
Jul 08, 2024This week, I speak with Beth Read, a native of the Chicago suburbs whose roots now run deep in Grand Rapids, MI. She lives there with her husband, Kevin, of 19 years, their 4 kids, ages 13, 11, 8, and 6, and their 2 dogs Cookie and Jasmine. Beth's career as a nurse practitioner unexpectedly turned into a gig as a stay-at-home mom after the birth of their first child. She owns HeartWriters, a Christian company with a mission to "help grownups raise kids who live and love like Jesus." In this podcast, Beth will share how God led her down a long, winding path...
Duration: 01:00:06Season 8 - Episode 1 - Grateful for Finding True North
Jul 01, 2024This week I speak with Dianne Beck. She spent much of her career teaching students ranging from Kindergarten through adult before achieving her dream of publishing her first novel, Sticks and Stones. She recently published Finding True North and serves part time as a high school youth director at her church. She hopes young people and adults can find faith and strength in her stories. When not writing or reading a good book, she savors every moment possible with family and friends, and loves a good steaming cup of coffee o...
Duration: 01:07:38Season 7 - Special Episode #4 (Episode 26)
Jun 23, 2024Welcome to the final episode of the Summer Break Series Snap-shot Edition. I cannot believe what an amazing Series this has been. If you haven't had a chance to listen to them all, go back and start on special episode #1. I tell you, these are so encouraging and inspiring! God gave me the idea to discuss with people about the new things that he's doing in their lives, and boy, is God working overtime. I'm particularly excited to share something new God is doing in my life this week. This wasn't my original plan. My original plan was...
Duration: 00:35:09Season 7 - Special Episode #3 (Episode 25)
Jun 16, 2024Welcome to week three of the Summer Break Series “Snapshot Edition” where we talk with guests who have been on the show previously in order to find out the new things God is doing in their lives. This week, I speak with Dawn Ward who is a speaker, writer, and biblical life coach. She is the founder of The Faith to Flourish, a ministry that equips women to thrive by providing inspiring teaching, coaching, and biblical resources to help them cultivate resilient faith, grow through adversity, and live transformed lives. As part of the mission of The Faith to Fl...
Duration: 00:44:58Season 7 - Special Episode #2 (Episode 24)
Jun 09, 2024Welcome to week two of our Special Summer Break “Snapshot Episodes,” where we talk with guests who have been on the show previously in order to find out the new things God is doing in their lives! This week I speak with Hesther Jeffery who is a Christian writer and certified mental health coach. She is passionate about empowering women with Biblical truth as they link arms to seek clarity, specializing in emotional and spiritual abuse as well as healing through divorce. Heather believes our stories have purpose and are meant to be shared to encourage others just as w...
Duration: 00:40:33Season 7 - Special Episode #1 (Episode 23)
Jun 02, 2024Welcome to week one of the A Cup of Gratitude Summer Break Series “Snapshot Episodes,” where we talk with guests who have been on the show previously to find out the new things God is doing in their lives! I spoke with Tyler Logsdon this week, who says, “I'm still just a small-town man who adores the Lord Jesus.” He has a passion embedded within his heart that originated from the passion of the one who changed his heart. Tyler loves to share Jesus with the world in whatever capacity he can. One way he loves to do so, asid...
Duration: 01:00:21Season 7 - Episode 22 - Finding Gratitude Sharing the Word of God
May 27, 2024This week I speak with Jenn Dafoe-Turner who is a child of the Highest King. She is a wife of over 30 years to her amazing husband, Ken. Together, they have four incredible children, one daughter in love, and five precious grandchildren. Jenn loves to journey with people, teaching them to delight in inward truth so they can experience freedom in every area of their lives. She is passionate about the word of God and loves to preach it, teach it, and live it. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of...
Duration: 01:09:10Season 7 - Episode 21 - Finding Gratitude - Don't Miss the moments in Your Life
May 20, 2024This week, I speak with Donna Arlynn Marie Austgen Frisinger, who loves to introduce herself using her full name because each of its titles represents a vital piece of her life’s story. A multi-award-winning author, freelancer, poet, entertainer-extraordinaire, classroom teacher, ordained evangelist, championship dance team director, all-around trail-blazer, wacky-winsome wife, and self-declared “Best-Aunt-in-the-Galaxy,” she’s a steadfast warrior and precocious princess of The Most-High God. Far from the neon lights of Broadway, Donna’s worked tirelessly to promote the arts in Small-Town, USA, where in the past three years alone, her books have won two prestigious GOLDEN SCROLLS, t...
Duration: 00:58:04Season 7 - episode 20 - finding Gratitude in God's Faithfulness
May 13, 2024This week I speak with Sandee Macgregor who is the author of two top-selling devotionals, A Mother-Daughter Devotional and Shared Journal Experience for Psalm 119 and A Devotional for Mothers and Sons: Walking in Wisdom Through Proverbs, which encourage and facilitate a deeper spiritual bond between a mother and her children through reading Scripture devotional segments together. Now, she has blessed us with her new, delightful children’s illustrated book created for younger children called Can I Take It To Heaven? This book just came out in April 2024. Sandee is an educated and trained teacher and is an inspired wr...
Duration: 00:57:24Season 7 - Episode 19 - Finding Gratitude In the Way God Speaks
May 06, 2024This week, I speak with Cheryl Grey Bostrom, M.A., who writes surprising prose that reflects her keen interest in nature and human behavior. Her four books include her international best seller Sugar Birds—the winner of more than a dozen fiction awards, and Leaning on Air, called “a reader’s dream,” and a “cross-generational masterpiece” by early reviewers. An avid photographer, birder, and poet, she and her veterinarian husband live in NW Washington State.
Learn more at CherylBostrom.com.
*Theme Music "Blesse...
Duration: 00:58:52Season 7 - Episode 18 - Finding Gratitude Turning Pain into Purposeful Action
Apr 29, 2024This week, I speak with Stacy Horst, a wife of 33 years, a mother of two, a Co-founder of Erin’s Hope for Friends, a Realtor for 20 years, and a Board member of Nassau Habitat for Humanity. Stacy's journey took a transformative turn when she and her husband founded "Erin's Hope for Friends," a non-profit organization born out of love and tragedy. The organization's namesake, Erin, their beloved daughter, faced the complex intersection of autism, bullying, isolation and ultimately succumbing to the weight of exclusion. In the face of such heartbreaking loss, Stacy and Darren channeled their grief into a...
Duration: 01:10:58Season 7 - Episode 17 - finding Gratitude in a Divine Detour
Apr 22, 2024This week, I speak with Lori Ann Wood, who lives with her husband in an empty nest in beautiful Bentonville, Arkansas. Having discovered a serious heart condition almost too late, Lori Ann writes and speaks to encourage deep faith questions along the detours of life. She has been awarded the Frederick Buechner Narrative Essay Award, and awards from the Evangelical Press Association as well as from Colorado Christian Writers. Her work has been published in several anthologies and numerous print and online venues, including The New York Times, The Christian Century Magazine...
Duration: 01:07:33Season 7 - Episode 16 - Finding Gratitude in the Pain and the Purpose
Apr 15, 2024This week, I speak with Dr. Michelle Bengtson, a hope concierge! Whether as a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, host of the award-winning podcast Your Hope-Filled Perspective, or the author of several award-winning books, including Hope Prevails and Breaking Anxiety’s Grip, her passion is to share hope and encouragement with others. Her newest release is The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms. She loves all things teal, spending time with friends and family, taking long walks, or sitting by quiet shores, and it’s a bonus when a...
Duration: 01:01:30Season 7 - Episode 15 - Finding Gratitude in Every Word of the Story
Apr 08, 2024This week, I speak with Becky Antkowiak, a writer, speaker, editor, Compassion International advocate, and enthusiastic Grammar Floozy. A lifelong serial extrovert, Becky believes every stranger is a friend she hasn’t met. Fair warning: if you make eye contact, you may be friends for life.
She’s the Chief Encouragement Officer of 540 Writers Community—a free group for writers focused on studying craft, sharpening skills, and sharing encouragement for the writing journey.
When she’s not writing or finding ways to connect people, you can find her d...
Duration: 01:18:09Season 7 - Episode 14 - Finding Gratitude Living Unhurried
Apr 01, 2024This week, I speak with Megan Evans. She and her family live in Tennessee, where she serves as the women’s ministry director at her church. An author and blogger with a heart for discipleship, Megan writes, speaks, and teaches women about enjoying God in each busy day. Her writing has been featured on Proverbs31.org, Crosswalk, and is the new author of the book Permission to Walk: A 4O Day Journey to Unhurried Peace. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You w...
Duration: 00:52:51Season 7 - Episode 13 - Finding Gratitude in a Joyful Perspective
Mar 25, 2024This week I speak with Yvette Walker, the host of the Positively Joy podcast and founder of Positively Joy Ministries at positivelyjoy.com. She published the life lesson-filled devotional “Whispering in His Ear” and its companion study and discussion guide in 2021. She can be found on social media at Positively Joy Podcast. Yvette is an Opinion journalist and a former Dean of Students at the University of Oklahoma. She has been inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. She has been a newspaper editor, a news ombudsman, a reporter, and a podcaster and has...
Duration: 00:49:10Season 7 - Episode 12 - Finding Gratitude Counting up to Christmas
Mar 18, 2024This week, I speak with Jennifer Elwood, who hosts the Refuge Podcast and Bible Study Community, where women cultivate their faith in the shelter of God’s Word. This Yakima, WA resident is a lover of Jesus, wife of Tom, mom of three, and bonus mom and grandma. She’s a travel fanatic and coffee addict and enjoys nerding out on Biblical context when studying the Bible. Going to Israel for the first time in 2015 sparked her desire to write, and she has not stopped since. She’s the author of Counting Up to Christmas: Twenty-Four Gifts...
Duration: 00:53:41Season 7 - Episode 11 - Finding Gratitude Cultivating a Deeper Walk with God
Mar 11, 2024This week I speak with Kari Minter, a pastor’s wife, an author, and a bible teacher who is passionate about helping people cultivate a deeper walk with God. With over a decade of experience teaching in public schools and a Masters in Theological Studies, Kari is known for her deep theological insight delivered in a helpful and practical way. You can find her discipleship course as well as Bible studies and helpful resources on her website. Her latest Bible study will be released in January 2024 through Hosanna Revival. When she is not writing and teaching, you can fin...
Duration: 01:06:33Season 7 - Episode 10 - Finding Gratitude Going From Guilt to Grace
Mar 04, 2024I speak with Dawn Ward, a speaker, writer, and biblical life coach. She founded The Faith to Flourish, a ministry that equips women to thrive by providing inspiring teaching, coaching and biblical resources to help them cultivate resilient faith, grow through adversity and live transformed lives. As part of the mission of The Faith to Flourish, she also ministers to women with loved ones struggling with addiction, mental health issues, and life-destructive behaviors. Dawn is the co-author of the book “Still Standing After All the Tears Workbook: Faith in the Battle Edition, a contributing author for the devotional She...
Duration: 01:12:13Season 7 - Episode 9 - Finding Gratitude in Transformation
Feb 26, 2024This week, I speak with Ronne Rock, who weaves themes of transformative hope into everything she shares on page and stage. She travels globally to cultivate stories of transformation with Orphan Outreach. Ronne is an author and speaker—offering road-tested wisdom about grace-filled leadership and discovering your God-crafted design and purpose. And as a teacher and mentor, Ronne offers writers and other creatives insight on how to safeguard your soul in a world that delights in demanding it from you. Her poignant stories are included in a number of anthologies, and she is the author of four books, in...
Duration: 01:09:40Season 7 - Episode 8 - Finding Gratitude in the Everyday Moments
Feb 19, 2024This week I speak with Tyler Logsdon. When asked to describe himself, Tyler responds that he is just a small-town man who adores the Lord Jesus when asked about himself. Tyler’s life is to rap and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Paul said, “All I want people to see when they see me and hear when they hear me is Christ and Christ crucified.” Some fun things about Tyler are that he is 6’3 and gave up the opportunity to play college basketball.- He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Kentu...
Duration: 01:18:22Season 7 - Episode 7 - Finding Gratitude Through Creativity
Feb 12, 2024This week, I speak with Carmel Austin, a vivacious Creative Artisan, Entrepreneur, captivating Podcast host, empowering Wholeness Life Coach, and trailblazing Publisher. She thrives on exhilarating challenges and paints her life's canvas in vibrant hues, crafting a masterpiece of multidimensional success. You can listen to or watch her podcast on Spotify, "The Thriving Woman." Founder of Carmel's Garden, she is a 3x Amazon #1 Bestselling International Author, a Wholeness Life Coach, and an Expert in Media. Carmel's Garden offers coaching programs to empower women and creatives to walk into wholeness and freedom. She advocates for self-love and personal growth...
Duration: 00:54:48Season 7 - Episode 6 - Finding Gratitude by Learning to Let go
Feb 06, 2024Nicole Williams is an author, poet, and course creator who helps people transform their lives by letting go of bitterness, anger, and paralyzing unforgiveness. Her passion is leading people toward spiritual transformation by helping them see the image of God’s love in all people. Nicole is the author of "RISE UP: Believing God When the World is Falling Apart.” It’s 31 devotional prayers that model intentional praise when life is hard. She lives in Houston with her husband of 29 years and is a mom to two young adults. We look at her childhood up to the present to fin...
Duration: 01:06:16Season 7 - Episode 5 - Finding Gratitude in Clearing Your Path
Jan 30, 2024Elise Daly Parker is a certified life coach, writer, and speaker. She helps women clear the path to a life they love, with a particular focus on helping moms savor, not just survive, seasons of motherhood with clarity, confidence, and calm. Elise has been married for 38 years and has four daughters and two sons-in-love, as well as two grandchildren. She shares her life lessons on identity, marriage, momming, and relationships with transparency, authenticity, and sometimes humor.
You can find Elise at elisedalyparker.com https://www.elisedalyparker.com/
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Season 7 - Episode 4 - Finding Gratitude in Creativity
Jan 22, 2024Today, I am speaking with Susan Park, a Korean American Christian writer. She loves encouraging God’s creative women with words of hope and joy. She is passionate about how we can co-create with God in our creative work. She is working on her first novel about a second-generation Korean American woman. Susan was a contributing writer and assistant copy editor for the Christian online magazine Marked Ministry. She was a speaker about creativity at The Extraordinary Faith Summit and a contributing writer for the Dawn Bible app. She has been a featured writer and podcast guest for ot...
Duration: 00:59:56