Living the Grace Life

Do you live overwhelmed, rushed, and stretched thin by anxiety? Do you struggle to let things go? What if there's a slower, more grace-filled way? According to author Nichole Suvar, there is. It begins by realizing you don't have to hold it all together. This episode launches our Summer Book Club mini-series, The Grace of Surrender—three conversations centered on three formational books that invite us into deeper trust, open hands, and God's grace in the places where life feels a little undone. Nichole shares her personal journey with anxiety, panic attacks, and the habits of control that often masquerade as peace. Together, we explore how surrender impacts both our spiritual lives and our physical well-being. We talk about: Nichole's experience with panic attacks—beginning at age eight The difference between being busy and overwhelmed How the vagus nerve helps regulate the body's stress response Practical rhythms that support nervous system regulation  The difference between trying harder and trusting God more deeply Moving from rigid boundaries to grace-filled living Surrender isn't about giving up—it's about loosening your grip and learning to trust God when life feels heavy. If you struggle with letting things go, listen in for real grace, open hands, more grace. 💬  Grace Quotes from Nichole Suvar: "Controlling my environment felt like it helped quiet the anxiety. But it really just shoved it down further." "We need to take our overwhelm to the Lord first—even if it's just to say, 'This is too much. I can't hold all of this.” "God's answer, everytime, is this: 'I never asked you to hold it all together.'" Resources Mentioned: 🌿  Nichole's book I Don't Have to Hold It All Together 🌿  Eden attribute quiz  🌿  Free Gift: Resource for an Intentional Summer 🎶  Nichole's go-to grace song, Be Thou My Vision by Keith and Krysten Getty Connect with Nichole Suvar: Website: livewithintent.org Instagram: @MrsNicholeSuvar YouTube: @NicholeSuvar Related Episodes: Ep. 76 Grace for the Anxious Soul with Becky Keife Ep. 86 Training in Grace: From Trying to Formation with Kyle Waid  Ep. 49 What GRACE Taught Us: Season One Reflections on Real Faith and Healing Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   👉🏼Living the Grace Life is the place where real grace meets real life. Host Jennifer Sakata helps bridge the gap between grace as a theological idea and lived practice in everyday moments of faith, encouraging listeners to experience forgiveness, freedom, and trust that they then extend to others.   Website | Instagram | Facebook

When forgiveness feels impossible, where do you turn? What happens when the people who should have protected you are the ones who caused the deepest wounds? In this deeply honest conversation, Johanna Henderson shares her story of discovering that she had been abused as a child and the long road God led her on toward healing, identity, and forgiveness. Together, we talk about the complexity of trauma, the weight of unforgiveness, and the grace of a God who restores what feels beyond repair. A Gentle Note to Listeners ⚠️ This episode includes discussion of physical and sexual abuse. If this is part of your story, please listen at your own pace and with care for yourself. You are not alone. In our conversation, we explore: Johanna's discovery of childhood abuse Why identity in Christ matters in healing What forgiveness is—and what it is not The cost of carrying unforgiveness How God brings redemption and restoration through surrender If you or someone you know is walking through the difficult process of healing from trauma, this conversation is a reminder that God meets us with compassion, patience, and grace—even when forgiveness feels impossible. 💬  Grace Quotes from Johanna Henderson: "I had to know how much God loved me before He could take me to the darkness." "God wants to take you somewhere—not to hurt you, but to bring healing and restoration. To redeem you for His Glory.” "Sometimes, it's just saying the words: Help me, Lord."   Scriptures Mentioned: Isaiah 43:2 – God's abiding presence Luke 8:38-48 – Jesus gives the bleeding woman an identity Resources Mentioned: 🌿  Bessel Van Der Kolk's The Body Keeps the Score 🌿  Journey with Maker quarterly magazine 🎶  Johanna's go-to grace song My Redeemer Lives by Nicole C. Mullen Connect with Johanna Henderson: Website: JourneywithMaker Instagram: @Johanna_journeywithmaker Facebook: @JourneywithMaker Related Episodes: Ep. 35 Where Grace Intersects with Sexual Trauma with Nancy Manassero Ep. 36 Don't Hoard Your Healing with Nancy Manassero Ep. 79 He Knows Your Name with Paige Allen Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   👉🏼Living the Grace Life is the place where real grace meets real life. Host Jennifer Sakata helps bridge the gap between grace as a theological idea and lived practice in everyday moments of faith, encouraging listeners to experience forgiveness, freedom, and trust that they then extend to others.   Website | Instagram | Facebook

What if spiritual growth isn’t about trying harder—but about training in grace? In this conversation with Kyle Waid, we explore the difference between effort-driven performance and grace-shaped formation. So often we find ourselves praying the same prayers, repeating the same patterns, and still feeling stuck. Trying harder leaves us frustrated. Grace invites us into a different way. Kyle Waid, Lead Pastor of New Circle Church in Lexington, KY, joins us to talk about spiritual formation, growth through seasons of change, and what it looks like to “put in the reps” of grace. Using the metaphor of marathon training, we discuss how setbacks, rhythms, inward journeys, and steady practices shape us over time. In our conversation, we explore: The difference between trying harder and training for spiritual formation Why grace is about process, not performance How to respond to setbacks in growth Taking the inward journey during seasons of change Running your own race in faith Practical rhythms that support training in grace If you’re weary of striving and longing for sustainable spiritual growth, this conversation offers encouragement and practical next steps. 💬  Grace Quotes from Kyle Waid: "You don't try to be Christlike—you train." "This is what pleases God—when you're dependent on Him and his grace to grace you in your weakness.” "The whole idea with grace is do what you can. Let God do what you can't."   Scriptures Mentioned: Matthew 5:1-12 – The Beatitudes Ephesians 2:8-10 – Grace is the gift of faith.  Luke 15:11-32 – Parable of the Lost Son(s) Resources Mentioned: 🌿  Henri Nouwen's The Return of the Prodigal Son 🎶  Kyle's go-to grace song Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord  Connect with Kyle Waid: Website: newcircle.church Instagram: @newcircle.church Facebook: @NewCircleChurch Related Episodes: Ep. 50 Five Grace Takeaways that Still Stick with Jennifer Sakata Ep. 72 Grace Behind Our Smiles with Joe and Tara Buchanan Ep. 61 Walking in Grace & Other People's Shoes with Neil Matthews Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   👉🏼Living the Grace Life is the place where real grace meets real life. Host Jennifer Sakata helps bridge the gap between grace as a theological idea and lived practice in everyday moments of faith, encouraging listeners to experience forgiveness, freedom, and trust that they then extend to others.   Website | Instagram | Facebook

In Grateful for COVID, Evelyn Sherwood shares how her COVID diagnosis led to the discovery of lung embolisms and ultimately cancer—an unexpected sequence that reshaped her understanding of grace. What began in fear became a testimony of gratitude, not because illness is good, but because it revealed something that needed to be treated. Her story invites us to reconsider what it means to be Grateful for COVID in light of God’s redemptive work. We explore how grace meets us in suffering and how lament can lead to deeper trust and peace. In this conversation, we discuss: Evelyn's "Job season" and what it taught her about surrender The distinction between grief and lament—and how both lead us to grace Practical, everyday practices that nurture gratitude and peace How gratitude can coexist with suffering Why worship can grow in the middle of hard seasons  If you’re navigating illness, diagnosis, or an unexpected storm, this episode will equip and encourage you to experience grace in the messy middle. 💬  Grace Quotes from Evelyn Sherwood: "Hard is hard but God is good." "I [God] can do more in your surrender that you can do with all your striving.” "Gather gratitude like a bouquet and give it to Jesus."   Scriptures Mentioned: Hebrews 4:16 – Approach God with boldness to receive grace Resources Mentioned: 🌿  Evelyn's The Pocket Full of Hope Series  🌿  Shop Evelyn's watercolors and other resources 🌿  Soakstream on YouTube 🌿 Dark Clouds, Deep Mercies by Mark Vroegop 🎶  Evelyn's go-to grace song Goodness of God by Cece Winans + Always on Time by Elevation Worship Connect with Evelyn Sherwood: Website: evelynsherwood.com Instagram: @evelynshwerwoodauthor Facebook: @evelyn.sherwood Related Episodes: Ep. 25 Divine Detour and Deepened Faith with Lori Ann Wood Ep. 59 Chased by Grace, Marked by Love with Crystal Mayo Ep. 18 Sometimes I Forget with Julie Sunne Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   👉🏼Living the Grace Life is the place where real grace meets real life. Host Jennifer Sakata helps bridge the gap between grace as a theological idea and lived practice in everyday moments of faith, encouraging listeners to experience forgiveness, freedom, and trust that they then extend to others.   Website | Instagram | Facebook    

Are you a check-the-box person—or someone who longs to slow down and be more intentional with God? In this episode, we explore the pursuit of holy leisure and how it becomes an invitation to grace when you struggle to sustain a meaningful rhythm of meeting with Him. Author Cara Ray shares how the pursuit of holy leisure reshapes our understanding of rest, productivity, and presence with God. Drawing from her book, The Pursuit of Holy Leisure, she offers a vision for a Sabbath-shaped life that holds both deep spiritual connection and everyday responsibilities in tension—without striving or performance. If you’ve ever felt stuck between doing more and desiring more of God, this conversation will help you move from performance to presence. Together, we unpack how the pursuit of holy leisure allows you to slow down, commune with God, and rediscover your identity through who He is—not what you do. You’ll also hear how Cara’s journey was influenced by Richard Foster and his classic book Celebration of Discipline, and how spiritual practices can gently lead us into a life of abiding rather than achieving. In this episode, we talk about: How the pursuit of holy leisure began in Cara's own life The difference between "vegging out" and true holy leisure Why slowing down is essential for spiritual formation and connection with God Moving from performance-based faith to presence-centered living Rhythms of grace that help you stay grounded in the pursuit of holy leisure The role of stillness—and why it's more than just inactivity Practical, everyday steps to begin the pursuit of holy leisure When life feels out of balance, resting in God can seem out of reach. But the pursuit of holy leisure offers a better way—a grace-filled rhythm of slowing down, abiding deeply, and enjoying God in the middle of your everyday life. 💬  Grace Quotes from Cara Ray: "Ultimately, we make time for the things that are important to us." "God's grace isn't part of the story; it's the thread woven throughout the Scriptures, beginning in the Garden and culminating in the Cross.” "When we slow down, that is when our eyes open—when our hearts open and see there is grace."   Scriptures Mentioned: Luke 10:38-42– The story of Martha and Mary Resources Mentioned: 🌿  Cara's book Pursuit of Holy Leisure 🌿  Cara's FREEBIES and resources 🌿  Richard Foster's book The Celebration of Discipline 🎶  Cara's go-to grace song Goodness of God by Cece Winans Connect with Cara Ray: Website: cara-ray.com Instagram: @pursuingotiumsanctum Facebook: @pursuingotiumsanctum Related Episodes: Ep. 70 Grace in the Story of Ruth with Mariel Davenport Ep. 69 How to Love Your Morning with Jennifer Dukes Lee Ep. 52 Chasing Grace with Carol McLeod Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   👉🏼Living the Grace Life is the place where real grace meets real life. Host Jennifer Sakata helps bridge the gap between grace as a theological idea and lived practice in everyday moments of faith, encouraging listeners to experience forgiveness, freedom, and trust that they then extend to others.   Website | Instagram | Facebook  

“Lord, who are we drawing today?” It’s the question Jessica Claire Bond asked after her artwork went viral—and became the heartbeat behind her illustrated Bible study, A King Washes Feet. What started as a single image quickly grew into a powerful visual series capturing the tension we feel when a King stoops low to wash everyone’s feet. In A King Washes Feet, Jessica Claire Bond invites us into the radical humility of Jesus—a humility that challenges our comfort and confronts our assumptions. It’s one thing to serve those we love or agree with. But what does it look like to follow Christ’s example when it means loving our enemies, extending grace to those we resist, or embracing people we don’t understand? Through her thought-provoking illustrations, A King Washes Feet brings the Gospel to life in unexpected ways—pairing individuals like police officers and inmates, victims and offenders, political opposites, and unlikely neighbors. The message is both unsettling and deeply beautiful: Jesus doesn’t withhold His love based on our categories. In our conversation, we explore the deeper meaning behind A King Washes Feet and how it calls us into a transformed way of living: The viral moment that launched the Footwashing Series Why we resist God's love for certain people The cost—and freedom—of living out the radical gospel Letting go of the expectations we place on Jesus The tension between familiarity and true surrender Who might be missing from our churches—and why When we picture everyone sitting at the same table—enemies, strangers, and those who have hurt us—it can feel uncomfortable, even impossible. But A King Washes Feet reminds us of this truth, as Jessica puts it: "It's not about who's on the seat, but who's washing the feet."    💬  Grace Quotes from Jessica Claire Bond: "The world is hungry for footwashing.” "Our God knows a different kind of love. Our Jesus has firsthand experience extending love and giving grace to people who betray him in less than 12 hours." “It's not about who's on the seat, but about Who's washing the feet."   Scriptures Mentioned: John 13:1-17 – Jesus washes the disciples' feet and commands them to do likewise.   Resources Mentioned: 🌿  Jessica's book A King Washes Feet 🎶  Jessica's go-to grace song Center by Abbie Gamboa Connect with Jessica Claire Bond: Website: saltandgold.com.au Instagram: @saltandgoldcollection Facebook: @saltandgoldcollection Related Episodes: Ep. 36 Don't Hoard Your Healing with Nancy Manassero Ep. 35 Where Grace Intersects Sexual Trauma with Nancy Manassero Ep. 71 How to Live Deeply Loved with Bill and Kristi Gaultiere Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   👉🏼Living the Grace Life is the place where real grace meets real life. Host Jennifer Sakata explores how God’s grace moves from theological idea to lived practice in everyday moments of faith, encouraging listeners to experience forgiveness, freedom, and trust that they then extend to others.   Website | Instagram | Facebook  

What do you do when God makes a promise—but your reality doesn’t match it yet? In this episode, Shaped by God’s Promises, we step into the tension of waiting, when doubt creeps in, and control feels easier than trust. If you’ve ever found yourself striving, second-guessing, or trying to “make things happen” instead of resting in God’s timing, this conversation will lead you back to a faith that holds steady, even in the unknown. What does it look like to be Shaped by God’s Promises when life doesn’t unfold the way you expected? In the space between what God has spoken and what you can see, faith can feel fragile—and waiting can feel long. But it’s in that tension that God is at work, shaping your heart, your trust, and your story. When we can’t count on others—or even ourselves—it’s easy to tighten our grip and try to control the outcome. But self-reliance is a graceless substitute for faith, leaving us depleted and striving. Instead, God invites us into something deeper: a steady confidence in His promises, even when fulfillment feels far off. In this episode of Living the Grace Life, I’m joined by author and Bible teacher Shannon Popkin to talk about what it means to be Shaped by God’s Promises through seasons of waiting. Drawing from the life of Sarah in Genesis, Shannon shares from her book and Bible study, revealing how God’s faithfulness meets us in the middle of doubt, unmet expectations, and self-reliance. Together, we explore how God uses both the waiting and the fulfillment to form authentic faith—not manufactured effort or “fruit stapling,” but Spirit-grown transformation. In today's conversation, we chat about: When Sarah's faith shifted into self-reliance, and what we can learn from it The moment God ensured Sarah personally heard His promise How to trust God's promises for both the present and the future The internal shift that happens when we truly believe what God has said Why "fruit stapling" doesn't lead to real spiritual growth Shannon's personal story of reconciliation after many years of waiting Three grace-filled mindsets for living as women shaped by the promises of God If you’ve ever wrestled with control, doubt, or discouragement while waiting on God, this conversation will help you move from striving to surrender—and from fear to authentic, grace-rooted faith. Because beneath every story—including yours—is a faithful God who keeps His promises, not because we deserve it, but because of His unchanging grace. 💬  Grace Quotes from Shannon Popkin: "Faith ends where self-reliance begins." "Don't judge God's faithfulness to you based on what you're seeing in the here and now." "Control says, 'It's all up to me.' Surrender says, 'It's all up to God.'" "It's never too late to be shaped by God's promises.”   Scriptures Mentioned: Hebrews 11 – The Great Hall of Faith Galatians 5:22-23 – The Fruit of the Spirit   Resources Mentioned: 🌿  Shannon's FREE Printable - Pray the Promises 🌿  Shannon's book Shaped by God's Promises 🎶  Shannon's go-to grace song I'll Wait for You by Shane and Shane Connect with Shannon Popkin: Website: shannonpopkin.com Instagram: @shannonpopkin Facebook: @shanpopkin Related Episodes: Ep. 25 Divine Detour and Deepened Faith with Lori Ann Wood Ep. 28 How to Find Hope in God's Promises | Hebrews 11:13 Ep. 42 What if Doubt is Part of Faith? with Niki Hardy Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   👉🏼Living the Grace Life is the place where real grace meets real life. Host Jennifer Sakata explores how God’s grace moves from theological idea to lived practice in everyday moments of faith, encouraging listeners to experience forgiveness, freedom, and trust.   Website | Instagram | Facebook  

One in four women will have an abortion at some point in their lifetime. Yet so many silently wonder if healing after abortion is truly possible. If you’ve ever carried the weight of shame, regret, or unanswered questions, this conversation offers hope. April is Abortion Recovery Awareness Month, and in this powerful episode, we answer with a resounding yes—healing is possible. Tonya Bailey Jones, retired Naval Officer and author of Pearls in the Pews, shares her deeply personal journey through multiple abortions, hidden shame, and her eventual path to freedom through God’s mercy and grace. Together, we explore what it means to step out of hiding, get honest with God, and begin the process of true healing. Tonya offers a compassionate and honest look at the realities many women face, along with the grace that meets them there. In this episode, you'll learn: Why healing after abortion often begins with honesty The impact of past wounds on present choices and identity  Tonya's journey of "unmasking" and finding freedom Common misconceptions about grace in abortion conversations The importance of grieving in post-abortion healing Normalizing grace in the church for women seeking restoration If you've ever stood at the corner of a hard decision—or carried one quietly ever since—you are not alone. There is grace for your story and hope for your healing. 💬  Grace Quotes from Tonya B. Jones: "Your soul needs the grace of God, but you can't receive it while you keep condemning yourself.” "The heart of an abortion-wounded woman is grieving and they often don't know it." “If you can love the abortion-wounded woman to life, you'll love her to keeping the life of her baby."   Scriptures Mentioned: Romans 8:1 – Living free from condemnation Revelation 12:11 – Defeated by the Blood of the Lamb   Resources Mentioned: 🌿 Tonya's book Pearls in the Pews 🌿 Rachel's Vineyard Abortion Recovery and Retreat Center 🌿 Alternatives to abortion and recovery support: Care Net 🎶  Tonya's go-to grace song Thank You for the Blood by Charity Gayle Connect with Tonya B. Jones: Website: tonyabjones.com Instagram: @blessed1_t2w Facebook: @thetonyabjones Related Episodes: Ep. 61 Walking in Grace & Other People's Shoes with Neil Matthews Ep. 60 Healing from Life's Deepest Hurts with Kimberly Haar Ep. 54 Grace Cleans the Messy Past with James Early Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   👉🏼Living the Grace Life is the place where real grace meets real life. Host Jennifer Sakata explores how God’s grace moves from theological idea to lived practice in everyday moments of faith, encouraging listeners to experience forgiveness, freedom, and trust.   Website | Instagram | Facebook  

Do you ever feel invisible—unseen behind the pile of laundry or overlooked in the boardroom? In this episode of Living the Grace Life, we’re asking a deeply personal question: what changes when you truly believe He knows your name? If you’ve ever wondered whether you’ve been forgotten, this conversation is a powerful reminder that you are fully seen, known, and loved by God. Author and speaker Paige Allen joins us to talk about her book He Knows Your Name and what it means to live from a place of belonging instead of striving. With honesty, humor, and depth, Paige invites us to step out of hiding—from behind performance, expectations, or accomplishments—and into the freedom of being God’s beloved. Together, we explore how identity rooted in grace reshapes the way we live, rest, and relate to others. In our conversation, we explore: Why names matter and what they reveal about identity Paige's experience growing up as a pastor's kid and navigating expectations What it means to live like God's daughter (or son) first How rest and celebration help us remember who we are Why chasing approval leads to isolation and disconnection The story of the Bleeding Woman and how her healing speaks to our longing to be seen Paige Allen is a pastor, speaker, and writer whose hilarious yet deeply vulnerable storytelling disarms listeners and creates space for truth to take root in the heart. If you’ve ever struggled to find your place or questioned your worth, this conversation will gently remind you of what’s always been true: He knows your name.   💬  Grace Quotes from Paige Allen: "There's something profound about the Lord coming to us and saying, 'Hey, who are you?'” "We still have to do things. But everything comes across differently when it's flowing from a place of security—that I'm his daughter or son." “God just loves his kids so much that he comes after us, again and again."   Scriptures Mentioned: Luke 8:43-48 – The Bleeding Woman receives healing 2 Corinthians 4:7-8 – The treasure of Jesus in earthen vessels   Resources Mentioned: 🌿  Chapter One of Paige's book He Knows Your Name 🎶  Paige's go-to grace song Love Note by Abbie Gamboa Connect with Paige Allen: Website: paigeallen.net Instagram: @paigeallentexas Facebook: @itspaigeallen Related Episodes: Ep. 30 Growing Secure Attachment with God with Summer Joy Gross Ep. 71 How to Live Deeply Loved with Bill & Kristi Gaultiere Ep. 70 Grace in the Story of Ruth with Mariel Davenport Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   👉🏼Living the Grace Life is the place where real grace meets real life. Host Jennifer Sakata explores how God’s grace moves from theological idea to lived practice in everyday moments of faith, encouraging listeners to experience forgiveness, freedom, and trust.   Website | Instagram | Facebook  

Where is God in infertility? It’s a question many couples quietly carry as they walk through one of life’s most painful and isolating experiences. With one in six couples facing infertility, the ache is widespread—but often hidden, especially in faith communities. In today’s episode of Living the Grace Life, we gently step into that question: Where is God in infertility, and how do we hold onto faith when answers don’t come? Author of Difficult to Conceive, Angela Mackey knows this journey intimately. After enduring two tubal pregnancies, one of which nearly cost her life, along with the heartbreak of pregnancy loss and the emotional rollercoaster of IVF, Angela found herself wrestling deeply with God’s goodness. In her most honest moments, she asked the same question so many are afraid to say out loud: Where is God in infertility? In this grace-filled conversation, Angela shares how God met her not with easy answers, but with His Presence in the middle of grief, confusion, and longing. Together, we talk about how to navigate the tension between hope and heartache, and how faith can remain steady even when circumstances don’t change. In this episode, we explore: The struggle between control and surrender The tension between hope and heartache in infertility What to do when God's promises don't match your reality The healing power of lament and honest prayer Practical tools for grieving infertility and pregnancy loss How the church can better support those walking through infertility If you’ve ever wondered where is God in infertility, this conversation will remind you that even in the silence, He is near. And even when the outcome isn’t what you prayed for, His grace is still at work—bringing hope, healing, and deeper intimacy with Him.   💬  Grace Quotes from Angela Mackey: "Grace is like manna—enough for the day.” "I'm bringing you low so that I can bless you, not to harm you. So you can walk out of this changed and closer to me. - God" “The only way to overcome the darkness is to go to the Lord with our lament and receive His grace."   Scriptures Mentioned: Genesis 32:22-32 – Jacob wrestles with God 1 Samuel 1:9-28 – Hannah prays for a son Hebrews 12:2 – Jesus endured the shame and suffering of the cross   Resources Mentioned: 🌿  Angela's book Difficult to Conceive 🎶  Angela's go-to grace song Abide by Aaron Williams Connect with Angela Mackey: Website: angelamackey.com Instagram: @rethinkingmythinking Facebook: @angelamackey/ChristianSpeaker Related Episodes: Ep. 57 Finding Grace in Miscarriage and Grief with Ashley Opliger Ep. 13 I Didn't Sign Up for This: Resting in God's Goodness with Sarah Frazer Ep. 42 God, Can We Chat? with Niki Hardy  Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   👉🏼Living the Grace Life is the place where real grace meets real life. Host Jennifer Sakata explores how God’s grace moves from theological idea to lived practice in everyday moments of faith, encouraging listeners to experience forgiveness, freedom, and trust.   Website | Instagram | Facebook  

Fear swept through Washington D.C. during the Beltway Sniper attacks—but inside one elementary school hallway, something unexpected happened. Today on Living the Grace Life, I’m joined by Cara Shine, author of The Hallway Miracle, to talk about the moment when fear and faith collided. And how even the smallest step of faith can change a life.  Raised in the Jewish faith and bullied by peers, Cara carried deep wounds that made her wary of Jesus. During the 2002 Washington D.C. Beltway Sniper Attacks, she was paralyzed by fear. But inside her school, the teachers seemed unafraid. A desk calendar. A package of peanut M & M's. A principal's pocket cross.  These small, ordinary items became the unexpected pathway that helped Cara lay down her fear and begin picking up faith. In this episode, we explore: Real-life barriers like racism, bullying, and cultural heritage Trauma of living through a public crisis Surprising power of small acts of faith The Holy Ripple Effect of living out our faith The Prayer that changed everything  Cara’s journey included forgiving those who bullied her and leaving behind thirty-year-old scars and the belief that she wanted nothing to do with Jesus—and that Jesus wanted nothing to do with her. If you’ve ever felt outside the bounds of God’s love, let Cara’s story guide you to your own Heneni, the Hebrew word meaning “God, here I am.” Cara Shine’s story in The Hallway Miracle shows how even small acts of courage and faith can ripple outward, changing lives in ways we may never see.   💬  Grace Quotes from Cara Shine: "Because I wasn't seeking God, I was vulnerable and anxiety found me.” "Rob and Sharon had this peace in the middle of chaos that didn't make any sense to me. I wanted it too." “Because of their genuine friendship, I was influenced by their faith until it became mine."   Scripture Mentioned: Matthew 22:36-40 – The Shema Prayer and the Greatest Commandment   Resources Mentioned: 🌿  Cara's book The Hallway Miracle 🎶  Cara's go-to grace song Shout to the Lord by Darlene Zschech Connect with Cara Shine: Website: carashine.com Instagram: @carashineauthor   Related Episodes: Ep. 61 Walking in Grace & Other People's Shoes with Neil Matthews Ep. 10 Scars of Grace: Embracing Our Woundedness for Wholeness with Russell Joyce Ep. 6 Real Conversations About Anxiety and Grace with Caris Snider Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Living the Grace Life is the place where real grace meets real life. Host Jennifer Sakata explores how God’s grace moves from theological idea to lived practice in everyday moments of faith, encouraging listeners to experience forgiveness, freedom, and trust.   Website | Instagram | Facebook  

Anxiety can feel like a deep-down soul weariness that convinces us we’re stuck indefinitely. But what if the anxious soul is not only struggling—but also being invited into something deeper with God? In this conversation, author and mental health advocate Becky Keife helps us see how anxiety can become an unexpected doorway to grace, healing, and deeper dependence on Jesus. Becky, author of A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul, brings both compassion and biblical wisdom to the topic of anxiety. Together we talk honestly about what anxiety feels like, how it shows up differently in each of us, and how God meets us right in the middle of our messy, overwhelming moments. If you’ve ever carried the quiet weight of worry or felt like your mind never fully rests, this episode offers practical help and spiritual encouragement for the anxious soul. In this episode, we explore What anxiety actually feels like and how it manifests for different people Questions that help distinguish everyday fatigue from anxiety or depression What's at stake when we don't seek help Anxiety management strategies that don't work Grace in the story of Zacchaeus the tax collector  Becky's go-to Peace Practices for calming the anxious mind How anxiety can become an unexpected gift that leads us toward God We close our conversation with one of Becky’s favorite breath prayers—a simple practice you can return to whenever anxiety rises. If you’ve ever lived with the persistent weight of an anxious soul, this episode will remind you that Jesus meets you with grace, presence, and peace. 💬 Grace Quotes from Becky Keife: "Grace lifts our eyes up.” "I can know a lot of truth, but I have to live it for it to make a difference. “Living in the 'and's' of life is our open hands to receive God's grace."   Scriptures Mentioned: Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus invites us to take His yoke and find rest for our souls. Luke 19:1-10 – The story of Zacchaeus, reminding us Jesus welcomes us before we clean ourselves up. Resources Mentioned: 🌿Becky's book A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul 🎶 Becky's go-to grace song I Speak Jesus by Charity Gayle Connect with Becky Keife: Website: beckykeife.com Instagram: @beckykeife Facebook: @beckykeife   Related Episodes: Ep. 61 Walking in Grace & Other People's Shoes with Neil Matthews Ep. 10 Scars of Grace: Embracing Our Woundedness for Wholeness with Russell Joyce Ep. 39 God's Steadfast Love in Daily Life with Rachael Adams Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | Facebook  

What if Sunday God Meets Monday Mom is more than a book title? What if it’s the invitation your soul has been longing for? In this episode of Living the Grace Life, award-winning author Erin Greneaux joins us to talk about how Sunday God meets Monday mom in the messy, ordinary, beautiful chaos of motherhood. Have you ever gotten a parking ticket on your child’s field trip? Missed “Muffins with Mom”? Snapped when you meant to stay calm? Erin gently reminds us that grace isn’t earned on Sunday and spent by Monday; it’s a gift we receive right in the middle of everyday life. As a mom of three girls, Erin has learned that grace is often hardest to receive when we think we must deserve it—and just as hard when we think we don’t need it. In Sunday God Meets Monday Mom, she invites mothers to experience God not in grand spiritual moments, but in the small, unseen spaces of daily faithfulness. 🎙In our conversation, we explore: How to spend time with God when your margin is small Moving from check box faith to real life with God Recognizing where God is at work in everyday moments Questions that invite God into your daily rhythms Training your mind to see God in ordinary parenthood The heart behind her book Sunday God Meets Monday Mom 💛 If you’re feeling depleted, touched out, spiritually dry, or quietly wondering if you’re doing enough… This episode offers practical, accessible wisdom rooted in the message of Sunday God Meets Monday Mom, that grace meets you in small, ordinary moments.   💬 Grace Quotes from Erin Greneaux: "God has something He wants to show you about Himself, especially in the crazy moments.” "Seeking God in everyday moments trains our brain for how to view life." “When you train your mind and heart to see God in everyday moments, then you'll see him in crises as well."   Resources Mentioned: 🌿Erin's book Sunday God Meets Monday Mom 🌿Weekly Devos 🎶 Erin's go-to grace song O, Lord You're Beautiful Connect with Erin Greneaux: Website: greneauxgardens.com Instagram: @eringreneaux Facebook: @greneauxgardens   Related Episodes: Ep. 58 When Grace Meets Special Needs Parenting with Becky Beresford Ep. 52 Chasing Grace with Carol McLeod Ep. 39 God's Steadfast Love in Daily Life with Rachael Adams Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | Facebook  

I Can Only Imagine became one of the highest-grossing music biopics of all time. In this episode, producer Cindy Bond shares the unexpected, grace-filled journey behind the film and the highly anticipated I Can Only Imagine 2. Before she became a Hollywood producer, Cindy Bond was raised by her grandparents, came to faith at a Billy Graham Crusade at Candlestick Park, and pursued acting alongside actors including George Clooney and Michelle Pfeiffer. Unexpectedly, she stepped in to produce a theater show when the original producer quit. What she didn’t know then was that God was shaping her into what she now calls a “media missionary.” Despite hardship, detours, and closed doors, Cindy’s life is a testimony to how struggle creates empathy--and empathy opens the door to grace. In this powerful conversation, we talk about forgiveness, second chances, staying grounded in a competitive industry, and the debut of I Can Only Imagine 2. 🎙 In This Episode, We Discuss: Cindy's unexpected route to producing I Can Only Imagine How hardship shaped her faith and calling The journey from compassion → empathy → grace The prayer Cindy prays every morning Rhythms of grace that keep her grounded in Hollywood Living with awareness of what's going on around us--and in us What audiences can expect from I Can Only Imagine 2 💛 If You’ve Ever Struggled to Forgive… This episode will gently challenge your perspective and invite you into grace beyond your limitations. Cindy reminds us that redemption isn’t just cinematic, it’s personal. 💬 Grace Quotes from Cindy Bond: "Struggle creates empathy and empathy leads to grace.” "We're not just playing church anymore. We're being real. We're being authentic. And these moveis are filled with second chances, just like we need." “Movies are a mission field. For two hours, we get to pour in hope and redemption to a captive audience."   Resources Mentioned: 🌿I Can Only Imagine and I Can Only Imagine 2 🌿I Can Only Imagine 2 Trailer 🎶 Cindy's go-to grace songs I Can Only Imagine, Even If, It is Well with My Soul Connect with Cindy Bond: Website: ICanOnlyImagine.com Instagram: @cindy_bond007 Facebook: @ICanOnlyImagine   Related Episodes: Ep. 61 Walking in Grace and Other People's Shoes with Neil Matthews Ep. 60 Healing from Life's Deepest Hurts with Kim Haar Ep. 36 Don't Hoard Your Healing with Nancy Manassero Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | Facebook

How does grace survive in the face of deep injustice? In this episode, Jennifer Sakata explores Japanese American Incarceration during World War II and the unexpected grace that emerged from unimaginable loss and trauma. In This Episode: The impact of Executive Order 9066 Stories from Jennifer's husband's family The testimony of Mr. Ted Nagata, incarcerated at Topaz camp How forgiveness and grace can follow injustice Why Japanese American Remembrance Day matters On February 19, 1942, Executive Order 9066 led to the forced removal and incarceration of over 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry, most of them American citizens. Jennifer reflects on this history through personal stories that reveal not only what was taken, but what endured: faith, dignity, and grace. Why This Story Still Matters Families lost homes, businesses, and freedom Communities endured life behind the barbed wire Survivors modeled humility, forgiveness, and resilience Remembrance leads to healing and justice Jennifer closes with a prayer inspired by Psalm 139 and a call to extend unexpected grace, protect civil liberties, and choose forgiveness over bitterness. A Closing Invitation Jennifer ends with a prayer inspired by Psalm 139 and a call to: Extend unexpected grace Protect civil liberties Choose forgiveness over bitterness   💬 Grace Quotes from Jennifer Sakata: "Behind these facts stand the lives of people whose families, livelihoods, and futures were completely and sometimes irreparably upended." "Many people offered pardon in place of finger-pointing. Because grace always takes a different path." "Grace compels us to extend forgiveness beyond our ability to give it."   Resources: Burn Order podcast by Rachel Maddow Interview with Mr. Ted Nagata, courtesy of Densho Digital Repository A Place Where Sunflowers Grow by Amy Lee Tai (children's picture book) Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki (children's picture book) Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata (for middle schoolers and early highschoolers) Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston & James D. Houston Impounded: Dorothea Lange and the Censored Images of Japanese American Internment ed. by Linda Gordon & Gary Okihiro When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka Only What We Could Carry: The Japanese American Internment Experience ed. by Lawson Fusao Inada Related Episodes: Ep. 36 Don't Hoard Your Healing with Nancy Manassero Ep. 27 Unexpected Grace & the Impact of Executive Order 9066 Ep. 10 Scars of Grace: Embracing Our Woundedness for Wholeness with Russell Joyce Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | Facebook

Have you ever wondered what’s really going on behind those smiles? On today’s episode of Living the Grace Life, I’m joined by Joe and Tara Buchanan, co-hosts of the Behind Our Smiles podcast, who vulnerably share how God’s grace met them in the middle of a marriage most counselors would have said won't last, and how healing replaced heartbreak. In our conversation, we explore: What happens when family systems collide Substitutes for grace in marriage, including self-sufficiency and unrealistic expectations Self-awareness opens the door to vulnerability and transformation Rhythms of grace that nurture connection and trust John 15 and what it means to truly abide in the source of grace At the end of the day, grace invites us to wrestle with Joe and Tara's question "We all need fixing, and we all need God to transform us, but into whose image, and into what kind of person?" Whether your marriage feels strong and life-giving or fragile and exhausting, today’s episode is an invitation to real grace for your real life--the kind that meets you behind the smiles and leads you toward deeper healing and hope.   💬 Grace Quotes from Joe and Tara Buchanan: "Grace is not going to flow when I'm still in my head counting.” "The source of grace is the Vine. Maybe I haven't received grace from my husband recently, but I've received grace from the Lord and that's the starting point." “It may not get better tomorrow or next week or next month. But in time, as you trust God, He will lay out the plan. He'll give you the next step. Not the next 10. But if we trust Him with one step at a time, He will lead. In time, we begin to see extraordinary advances in our marriage."   Scripture Mentioned: John 15   Resources Mentioned: 🌿Joe and Tara Buchanan on Behind Our Smiles podcast  🌿Jennifer and Craig Sakata on Behind Our Smiles, Episode 130 "I Just Wanna Hear the Heartbeat" 🌿Jennifer Sakata on Behind Our Smiles, Episode 155 "I'm a Verbal Processor" 🎶 Joe and Tara's go-to grace song Abide Connect with Joe and Tara Buchanan: Website: behindoursmiles.com Instagram: @joeandtara Facebook: @tarabme   Related Episodes: Ep. 71 How to Live Deeply Loved | Bill and Kristi Gaultiere Ep. 40 Be Still and Be Loved | Michael John Cusick Ep. 39 God's Steadfast Love in Daily Life | Rachael Adams Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | Facebook

Do you believe you were meant to Live Deeply Loved? According to Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, “empathy is oxygen for the soul.”  Learning how to live deeply loved begins with receiving and offering empathy in our most important relationships--with God, others, and ourselves. In this episode of Living the Grace Life, Jennifer Sakata sits down with Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, founders of Soul Shepherding and authors of Deeply Loved, to explore how empathy leads to emotional healing, spiritual maturity, and deeper connection. We often settle for shallow relationships but this conversation shows us a better way forward. Bill and Kristi unpack how empathy transforms the way we love, apologize, listen, and grow. You’ll learn how to move beyond surface-level interactions and experience the safety, belonging, and freedom God intends for your relationships. In our conversation, we explore: The difference between true empathy and its counterfeits--coddling and self-pity Common barriers that make it hard to receive empathy The Four A's of empathy Why self-empathy is an expression of gratitude to God How we unintentionally interrupt empathy by jumping to encouragement The essential ingredients to offering a sincere, healing apology As Bill and Kristi remind us: “Truth without empathy is harsh, but empathy without truth is inaccurate. Responsibility without empathy is drudgery, while empathy without responsibility is coddling.” Growth happens when empathy, truth, and responsibility work together. Listen in and discover how to Live Deeply Loved, and extend that love to others in ways that transform your relationships and your soul. 💬 Grace Quotes from Bill & Kristi Gaultiere: "We need more than willpower. Empathy helps us go deeper.” "Empathy plus truth plus responsibility equals growth." “Empathy is oxygen for the soul." Scripture Mentioned: 1 Corinthians 15:10   Resources Mentioned: 🌿Bill & Kristi's Book Deeply Loved 🌿Soul Shepherding Retreat 🌿Soul Care Shepherding Spiritual Directors 🎶 Kristi's go-to grace song: The Steadfast Love of the Lord 🎶 Bill's go-to grace song: Psalm 16 by Shane and Shane Connect with Bill & Kristi Gaultiere: Website: soulshepherding.org Instagram: @soulshepherding Facebook: @soulshepherding   Related Episodes: Ep. 40 Be Still and Be Loved | Michael John Cusick Ep. 39 God's Steadfast Love in Daily Life | Rachael Adams Ep. 30 Growing Secure Attachment with God | Summer Joy Gross Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | Facebook

“God’s grace is not flashy or loud; it quietly redeems what’s broken.” In this episode of Living the Grace Life, Bible teacher and author Mariel Davenport invites us into the story of Ruth — a tender, powerful picture of God’s pursuit, redemption, and grace when we have nothing to offer Him. Once an atheist, Mariel shares how Scripture transformed her faith and how Ruth’s story reveals a God who draws near to the disqualified, the weary, and the empty-handed. Together, we explore how God’s grace meets us in ordinary faithfulness, how community shapes spiritual formation, and how Scripture becomes a living encounter with a pursuing God. If you’ve ever wondered whether God could really be after you — especially in seasons of loss, doubt, or spiritual dryness — this conversation will remind you that grace is already moving toward you. In this episode, we talk about: Feeling disqualified yet pursued by God anyway Grace in the story of Ruth and God's redemptive love How community shapes faith and spiritual growth Mariel's TEND method for meaningful Bible Study TENDing through Psalm 23 in seasons of uncertainty If you’ve ever felt too far gone, empty-handed, or unsure where you belong with God, Mariel offers a gentle, hope-filled reminder: grace does its best work in unlikely places — and God is already moving toward you.   💬 Grace Quotes from Mariel Davenport: “God is after the heart of each one of us." "We are all the ones who have nothing to offer God. But He pursues us and under His wings we come to take refuge." "God's grace is not flashy or loud; it quietly redeems what's broken.” Scripture Mentioned: The Book of Ruth   Resources Mentioned: 🌿Mariel Davenport's Bible Study Ruth: Finding Grace in the Unexpected 🌿TEND Method Guide 🌿Tending Together Online Community 🎶 Mariel's go-to grace song: How Can You Not by Leanna Crawford Connect with Mariel Davenport: Website: marieldavenport.com Instagram: @marieldavenport Facebook: @MarielDavenportAuthor   Related Episodes: Ep. 69 How to Love Your Morning | Jennifer Dukes Lee Ep. 59 Chased by Grace | Crystal Mayo Ep. 51 The Grace Thread in Everyday Life | Eric Nevins Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | Facebook

Do mornings motivate you, or do you kind of dread them? What if loving your morning has nothing to do with waking up earlier and everything to do with waking up differently? In this episode, we talk about how to love your morning in a grace-filled, life-giving way that helps you start your day with peace, intention, and joy. Jennifer Dukes Lee, author of How to Love Your Morning (April 2026), believes that being a morning person has nothing to do with the hands on the clock, but rather how you wake up. Having researched the 200 mornings that appear in the Bible, she has concluded that not only are you a morning person, but God is too! In our conversation, we talk about: Jennifer's journey from being an agnostic news reporter to a Good News news reporter Four morning archetypes and their impact on how we start the day The distinction between a routine and a ritual Morning rituals to keep you grounded in grace Jennifer's 5-minute Quiet Time Template Jennifer is a best-selling author, a fan of queso, bright lipstick, and singing loudly to songs with great harmony. She lives on a fifth-generation farm in Iowa with her husband, where together they've grown crops, pigs, two beautiful humans, and an enduring faith. If you've ever struggled with how to love your morning, let today's conversation help you reframe how you experience the start of your day--with real grace for your real life.  💬 Grace Quotes from Jennifer Dukes Lee: “If you have something to wake up for, it's easier to put your feet on the floor.” "God is always there. He doesn't come in the measure of time [you] spend with him. " "We see a God who seems to have a soft spot for mornings, an invitation into hopefulness." Scriptures Mentioned: Lamentations 3:22-23 "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Psalm 30:5 "For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." Genesis 1:3 "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light."   Resources Mentioned: 🌿Jennifer Dukes Lee's Book (April 2006, available for pre-order): How to Love Your Morning 🌿5-Minute Quiet Time Template 🌿Additional FREE Resources 🎶 Jennifer's go-to grace song: Your Grace Still Amazes Me by Phillips Craig and Dean Connect with Jennifer Dukes Lee: Website: jenniferdukeslee.com Instagram: jenniferdukeslee Facebook: JenniferDukesLee   Related Episodes: Ep. 59 Chased by Grace | Carol McLeod Ep. 41 What if Doubt is Part of Faith? | Niki Hardy Ep. 25 Divine Detour and Deepened Faith | Lori Ann Wood Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | Facebook

Are you longing for a gentle, thoughtful start to your year? These two reflection questions for a grace-filled year offer space to breathe, and to notice and invite God into what’s truly life-giving. January doesn’t magically erase December’s grief, stress, or exhaustion—but it does offer a quiet invitation to pause, reflect, and listen for what your soul needs as you enter a new season. In this episode, I share how I’ve learned to appreciate January not as a month of pressure and hustle, but as a tender reset where God meets us in the quiet. Inspired by Emily P. Freeman’s reminder that “reflection is a lifestyle, not a one-time event,” I walk through two simple yet deeply grounding questions that help uncover what God is teaching, restoring, and nurturing in us. 🌿 The Two Reflection Questions 1️⃣ What was life-giving? 2️⃣ What was life-draining? I share honestly from my own reflections—like the ways ignoring food sensitivities and trying to manage other people’s emotions drained life from me this past year. And I talk about the gentle, grace-filled practices that breathed life back in: breath prayers, worship songs, and choosing a word of the year. These questions aren’t about performance or perfection. They are an invitation into grace, awareness, and partnering with God as He leads you forward. 💛 In This Episode You’ll Hear: Why January can feel hard—and how God meets us there Why reflection isn’t about being “late” or “behind” How these two simple questions can reshape your spiritual and emotional health Real-life examples of draining patterns and life-giving rhythms Encouragement to move into the year with compassion, clarity, and grace Whether you’re grieving, hopeful, exhausted, or somewhere in between, you’re not behind. You’re right on time. And God is with you—inviting you to notice, breathe, and step forward in grace with Him. Resources Mentioned: 🎶So Much Grace by Jonathan David & Melissa Helser 🎶Roses by Andrew Ripp Related Episodes: Ep. 21 A Word of the Year to Transform Your 2025 | Jennifer Sakata Ep. 8 Live Slowly: A Gentle Invitation to Exhale | Jody H. Grubbs Ep. 24 The Power of New Beginnings in Genesis 1 | Jennifer Sakata Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!

Have you ever been surprised by God—truly caught off guard by His kindness, His timing, or the quiet ways He’s been pursuing your heart? In this final week of our Advent series with author Cynthia Ruchti and her devotional The Spirit of Christmas, we bring the journey full circle as we explore what it means to live in a continual awakening to the Spirit. Many of us move through December longing for wonder, craving peace, or carrying the weight of a year that felt heavier than expected. This closing conversation invites you to pay attention to the sacred surprises tucked into your everyday life—those moments when the Holy Spirit whispers hope, guidance, and grace right when you need it most. In this episode, we talk about: The invitation that comes when we live with a heart full of expectation How the Spirit led the wise men to ancient writing about the Messiah--even though they weren't Hebrews King Ahaz's refusal to seek God's wisdom and the familiar prophecy Isaiah offered in response. The remarkable faithfulness of God's people during the 400 years of divine silence How awakening to the Spirit helps us see God's generosity and presence long after the Christmas lights fade. Christmas Day may come and go, but the Holy Spirit stays. He continues the work Jesus began—forming in us a generous spirit, awakening grace within us, and guiding us into deeper belonging with God. So listen in, lean close, and join us in an awakening to the Spirit of Christmas in this culmination to our Advent journey. Prayer for Awakening to the Spirit:  "Our gratitude rings loud and strong for You, Holy Spirit, as we move forward in Your power to bless others as You have blessed us. May we never lose sight of where You are, where You're working, and how near You've chosen to remain with us. Amen." -Cynthia Ruchti A Pondering for Reflection: Consider the Holy Spirit as One who gives, provides, enables, comforts, infuses, and fills throughout our Advent longings. Choose one of these actions that reflects the Holy Spirit to bring joy to someone this week. Resources: 🎄Cynthia's The Roles of the Holy Spirit downloadable 🎄Jennifer's Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas downloadable 🎄An excerpt from Cynthia's devotional The Spirit of Christmas 🎄Cynthia's book, The Spirit of Christmas 🎶 Cynthia's go-to grace song: Worthy of It All by CeCe Winans Connect with Cynthia Ruchti: Website: cynthiaruchti.com Instagram: cynthiaruchtiauthor Facebook: cynthiaruchti   Related Episodes: Ep. 66 Grieving with the Spirit of Christmas | Cynthia Ruchti Ep. 65 Pausing with the Spirit of Christmas | Cynthia Ruchti Ep. 64 Living with a Yes Heart at Christmas | Cynthia Ruchti Ep. 63 Discovering the Spirit of Christmas | Cynthia Ruchti Ep. 22 Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas | Jennifer Sakata   Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!

Christmas isn’t all romance movies or bright paper packages tied up with string. For many, December ushers in the reality of a baby in the NICU, a dying loved one, an empty chair at the table, or a pending divorce—leaving people crushed and brokenhearted. Grief has a way of rising to the surface during the holidays, even when we don’t invite it. What if, instead of trying to push past these deep pools of pain, we learned to make sacred space for them? What if grieving with the Spirit of Christmas looks like entrusting our sorrow to the Holy Spirit—the Comforter who meets us where we are? It's the third week of Advent, and we are back with Cynthia Ruchti, Author of the Advent devotional, The Spirit of Christmas. In this tender and hope-filled episode, we explore: The quiet but deep pool of pain many carry during the holiday season The Holy Spirit's role as our Comforter—present, gentle, attentive How ordinary acts, like making your bed, can become grace-filled steps in your grieving and healing Why grace upon grace is God's steady gift for those  navigating grief at Christmastime If you’re aching or hurting this Christmas, there is grace for that—real, sustaining grace through the Holy Spirit. Listen in and be reminded that the Spirit brings what Jesus came to bring: God’s generosity, His nearness, and His unending grace upon grace.   Prayer for Grieving with the Spirit:  " Spirit of God, thank you for not leaving Mary or us alone. As we carry out the assignments and the adventures, and even the griefs into which you have invited us, soften our hearts to be eager with our yes to you. And to lean into the comfort that you have provided. Amen." -Cynthia Ruchti A Pondering for Reflection: "The Holy Spirit is Emmanuel who never leaves us." -Cynthia Ruchti. What difference does this truth make in your grieving? Resources: 🎄Cynthia's The Roles of the Holy Spirit downloadable 🎄Jennifer's Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas downloadable 🎄An excerpt from Cynthia's devotional The Spirit of Christmas 🎄Cynthia's book, The Spirit of Christmas 🎶 Cynthia's go-to grace song: Worthy of It All by CeCe Winans Connect with Cynthia Ruchti: Website: cynthiaruchti.com Instagram: cynthiaruchtiauthor Facebook: cynthiaruchti   Related Episodes: Ep. 65 Pausing with the Spirit of Christmas | Cynthia Ruchti Ep. 64 Living with a Yes Heart at Christmas | Cynthia Ruchti Ep. 63 Discovering the Spirit of Christmas | Cynthia Ruchti Ep. 22 Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas | Jennifer Sakata   Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!

What if pausing in the Spirit became part of your preparation this Christmas? What might shift in your heart if you slowed your pace, lingered a little longer, and allowed the Holy Spirit to meet you in the quiet? Advent invites us not just to keep moving toward Christmas, but to make space—to breathe, to notice, to reflect on what God is doing right here. In week two of our Advent series, Cynthia Ruchti guides us into a deeper understanding of the Hebrew word Selah—a word woven through Scripture that means to stop, to weigh what you’ve heard, and to let its truth settle in your spirit. Together, we explore what it looks like to step aside from the rush and give room for the Spirit’s gentle work. In our brief and meaningful conversation, we talk about: Welcoming holy stillness Choosing to linger instead of rushing ahead Making space for Spirit-led clarity in our microdecisions It’s never too late to release the habits that have pulled you away from the Holy Spirit. Join us and take one small step toward a renewed awareness of the Spirit of Christmas.   Prayer for Pausing with the Spirit:  "Spirit of God, open our eyes wider. Open our hearts broader. Open our spirits to the work of Your Spirit so that we don't miss the wonder in this wonderful season. Amen." A Pondering for Reflection: Where is the Holy Spirit in the room--or in your space--right now? What difference does that make in what comes next? Resources: 🎄Cynthia's The Roles of the Holy Spirit downloadable 🎄Jennifer's Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas downloadable 🎄An excerpt from Cynthia's devotional The Spirit of Christmas 🎄Cynthia's book, The Spirit of Christmas 🎶 Cynthia's go-to grace song: Worthy of It All by CeCe Winans Connect with Cynthia Ruchti: Website: cynthiaruchti.com Instagram: cynthiaruchtiauthor Facebook: cynthiaruchti   Related Episodes: Ep. 64 Living with a Yes Heart at Christmas | Cynthia Ruchti Ep. 63 Discovering the Spirit of Christmas | Cynthia Ruchti Ep. 22 Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas | Jennifer Sakata   Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!

Living with a "Yes Heart” doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means being willing to trust the Holy Spirit when the path isn’t clear. In week one of our Advent series, Cynthia Ruchti shares how choosing yes in the uncertain places opens us to God’s presence in profound and personal ways. In our brief conversation, we discuss: Identifying the voice we can trust Tools for living with a yes heart If you’re longing to live more surrendered, more responsive, and more open to what the Spirit may be doing around you this Christmas, this episode will encourage and gently challenge you. Join us and discover the impact of living with a yes heart as you make room for The Spirit of Christmas. Living with A 'Yes Heart' Prayer: Oh, prepare our hearts, Lord, to receive You, to know You, to not neglect You in this season of expectation. Amen. A Pondering for Reflection, from Cynthia's Devotional: "If I say yes, will my answer be motivated by a sense of obligation to other people or by love for the Lord and obedience to His Word and will?" Resources: 🎄Cynthia's The Roles of the Holy Spirit downloadable 🎄Jennifer's Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas downloadable 🎄An excerpt from Cynthia's devotional The Spirit of Christmas 🎄Cynthia's book, The Spirit of Christmas 🎶 Cynthia's go-to grace song: Worthy of It All by CeCe Winans Connect with Cynthia Ruchti: Website: cynthiaruchti.com Instagram: cynthiaruchtiauthor Facebook: cynthiaruchti   Related Episodes: Ep. 63 Discovering the Spirit of Christmas | Cynthia Ruchti Ep. 22 Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!

Who’s your favorite character in the Christmas story? Mary or Joseph? The shepherds? The wise men? Maybe even Linus from A Charlie Brown Christmas? This Advent, discover a character you may have missed—the gentle, steady movement of the Holy Spirit, woven through every scene of Jesus’ birth. In this episode, I’m joined by Cynthia Ruchti, author of the Advent devotional The Spirit of Christmas. Cynthia set out on a Scripture-wide adventure, asking, Where has the Holy Spirit been throughout the Old and New Testaments? What she found surprised her: the Holy Spirit is everywhere—quietly, faithfully present. From her devotional, Cynthia writes: "When we think of the first Christmas, we often focus on the wide-eyed young mother and her faithful fiance, on tattered shepherds and singing angels and road-weary wise men. But the Holy Spirit was there--and just as He hovered over the waters in the beginning, He hovers over every page of the Christmas Story.  In our conversation, we explore: Cynthia's journey from perfectionism to being present Legacy, faith, and the impact of prayers that go unanswered for a long time What Advent truly means The roles and personality of the Holy Spirit How to open your heart to the Holy Spirit during the Christmas season The fruits of the Spirit and how they shape our experience of Christmas A preview of our December mini-series focused on the Spirit of Christmas If your Christmas tends to feel more chaotic than calm, this episode is your invitation to slow down and go on a treasure hunt for the Spirit of Christmas. This Advent, “open your eyes to the not-so-hidden presence of the Holy Spirit” and let His staying Presence keep you present. 💬 Grace Quotes from Cynthia Ruchti: “The Holy Spirit is Emmanuel who never leaves.” "There's so much dark this time of year, in us and around us. And that's exactly the reason why our paying attention to where the Holy Spirit is in this story is what's going to make a difference as we lead up to Christmas." "If the Holy Spirit stayed for Mary, then won't He stay for us too?" Scripture Mentioned: 2 Corinthians 13:14 "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." Resources Mentioned: 🎄Cynthia's The Roles of the Holy Spirit downloadable 🎄Jennifer's Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas downloadable 🎄An excerpt from Cynthia's devotional The Spirit of Christmas 🎄Cynthia's book, The Spirit of Christmas 🎶 Cynthia's go-to grace song: Worthy of It All by CeCe Winans Connect with Cynthia Ruchti: Website: cynthiaruchti.com Instagram: cynthiaruchtiauthor Facebook: cynthiaruchti   Related Episodes: Ep. 14 Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas Ep. 22 Beyond Entertaining: Practicing Grace as Hospitality in Action | Sue Donaldson Ep. 23 The Grace of Surrender: Practicing Hospitality | Sue Donaldson Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!

The statistics on pornography are staggering—some report that one in five people view it weekly—leaving behind a hidden heartache that few are willing to talk about. For Jody Allen, author of Hidden Heartache: Finding Courage When Your Husband Struggles with Pornography, that heartache became a deeply personal reality. In this conversation, Jody shares how she walked through shock, anger, and grief when her husband’s secret came to light—and how God met her in the middle of the mess. We talk about: Jody's discovery of her husband's pornography addiction Signs that pornography may be a concern in a relationship How to identify your feelings--like shame, anger, or disappointment with God-- and what to do with them The journey to forgiveness and release of shame The story of the bleeding woman (Luke 8) and how Jesus took a private pain and brought public healing The myth that forgiveness automatically leads to reconciliation Instead of staying silent, Jody chose to speak up so that other women would know they’re not the only ones facing this hidden battle. Her story is raw and redemptive, showing that grace is strong enough for even the most broken stories—and that Jesus, the true Problem Solver, can bring beauty from betrayal. Jody is an author, speaker, and women's ministry leader who isn't afraid to talk about hard realities. 💬 Grace Quotes from Jody Allen: “While we need to acknowledge our feelings, we can't let them be the drivers of how we manage our lives.” "Forgiveness is not fair." "I had to put my focus in the right place. Instead of on the problem, I had to focus on the Problem Solver. Jesus is the Problem Solver." Scriptures Mentioned: Ezekiel 36:26 "And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart." Luke 8:43-48 (The Story of the Bleeding Woman) Resources Mentioned: 🌿Jody Allen's Book: Hidden Heartache: Finding Courage When Your Husband Struggles with Pornography 🌿The first four chapters of Jody's book 🌿The Feelings Wheel and other free resources 🎶 Jody's go-to grace song: Made for More by Josh Baldwin Connect with Jody Allen: Website: jodyallenwrites.com Instagram: jodyallenwrites Facebook: jodyallenwrites   Related Episodes: Ep. 36 Don't Hoard Your Healing | Nancy Manassero Ep. 13 I Didn't Sign Up for This | Sarah Frazer Ep. 46 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms | Psalm 27 Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!  

Why is it often harder to show grace to those closest to us than to strangers in the grocery store? Why can it feel easier to welcome other people’s kids than our own? And what does it look like to give grace when you don’t feel like giving it? Walking in grace can feel slow—as my guest said, "like downloading software years ago"—but it’s worth every step. Grace deepens when we take the time to walk in other people’s shoes. In today’s conversation, Neil Matthews, host of the Other People’s Shoes podcast, shares how choosing to step into another’s story changes our perspective and practice of grace. Together, we explore what it means to say “yes” to those simple moments turned sacred—when we sit with another person right where they are. We talk about: The impact of walking in another person's shoes How to discern what's your work to do and what's God's work to do in matters of faith and growth Empathy as an invitation to grace What to do when you don't feel gracious The hardest running route Neil ever faced and what it taught him about grace The prayer Neil prays when he's struggling to forgive When walking in grace feels hard, it may be time to remove your own shoes and choose to walk in another’s.   💬 Grace Quotes from Neil Matthews: “There were times I'd want to give up. But then, there was that little nudge again.” "Right now, in this moment, I have to remember that ______ is hurting too." "Maybe God has put _______ in your path to remind _______ that grace is possible, that His love is possible."   Resources Mentioned: 🌿Dear Carter and Adia podcast episode 🎶 Neil's go-to grace song: Roses by Andrew Ripp Connect with Neil Matthews: Website: opspodcast.com Instagram: @opspodcastshow Facebook: @opspodcastshow X: @opspodcastshow   Related Episodes: Ep. 36 Don't Hoard Your Healing | Nancy Manassero Ep. 51 The Grace Thread in Everyday Life | Eric Nevins Ep. 40 Be Still and Be Loved | Michael John Cusick Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!

What is the worst thing you don't think you could survive? In this deeply tender and vulnerable conversation, licensed therapist, speaker, and author Kimberly Haar shares her story of grace, forgiveness, and healing after surviving violence and a life-altering tragedy, drawing from her book Healing from Life’s Deepest Hurts. After enduring unimaginable loss, Kim learned to dance again with the Creator of the Universe as God’s grace met her with open arms. She shares her journey from traumatic assault and kidnapping to the sacred dance of surrender and trust while meeting God under a pergola. With honesty and raw hope, we explore how God's grace meets us in our deepest pain and gently leads us toward restoration, purpose, and joy. In this episode, we talk about:  Naming and grieving hidden losses The healing process and caring for your body Forgiving oneself, others—and even God What Naomi's story teaches us about God's grace What's at stake when we don't forgive  If you’ve ever wondered how to find grace after tragedy, this conversation is a powerful reminder that God meets you right where you are—and restores beauty from brokenness. "With God, no story is too shattered to be rewritten, and no life too broken to be beautifully restored." Kimberly Haar ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of traumatic assault, and deep loss. Please listen with care. 💬 Grace Quotes from Kimberly Haar: “Jesus never asks us to do something he hasn't modeled first.” "When God picks up the pieces, He restores better than it ever was to begin with." "God doesn't have any favorites. He doesn't have any stepchildren or foster children. We all have His love, and He says to all of us: You are my favorite." Scriptures Mentioned: Zephaniah 3:17 "For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a Mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." The Story of Naomi in the Book of Ruth Psalm 34:18 "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed."   Resources Mentioned: 🌿Kimberly Haar's Book: Healing From Life's Deepest Hurts 🌿FREE Resources 🎶 Kimberly's go-to grace song: Pieces by The Imperials Connect with Kimberly Haar: Website: kimberlyhaar.com Instagram: kimberly.haar Facebook: KimberlyJHaar   Related Episodes: Ep. 36 Don't Hoard Your Healing | Nancy Manassero Ep. 10 Scars of Grace: Embracing Our Woundedness for Wholeness | Russell Joyce Ep. 45 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms | Psalm 91 Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!

Have you ever been chased by grace or marked by love? In this powerful episode, Chased by Grace, Marked by Love, Crystal Mayo shares how a burn while pulling a pizza from the oven left her with a heart-shaped scar—one that became a tangible reminder of God’s relentless love. From that moment on, she began noticing hearts everywhere—on leaves, in strawberries, even in the clouds—as if grace itself was chasing her down. Years earlier, Crystal had survived a massive stroke at just 38 years old, an experience that began reshaping how she understood identity, purpose, and God’s presence in suffering. Before her stroke, Crystal found her identity in achievement—planning events, serving tirelessly, and striving to get everything right. Though she knew God’s love in her head, she often found her worth in ministry performance rather than intimacy with the Master Himself. Her stroke brought all of that to a halt and began a new journey: one from working for God to walking with Him. In our conversation, we chat about: What happens when everything you depend on is stripped away The freedom of releasing control and perfectionism Learning to be present instead of performing Reaching for the hem of Jesus' garment (even in her husband's closet!) Rhythms of grace for living healed and whole The quiet impact of her mother's grace-filled life If you’ve ever struggled with your identity, battled burnout, or wondered who you are beyond what you do, this episode will remind you of the relentless love that chases you down and marks you as His. 💬 Grace Quotes from Crystal Mayo: “I heard four words. He said, 'I will restore you.' Those four words became a lifeline.” “Through the pain and the scars I will be with you." “In our hard moments, there is Jesus. We can cling to the hem of his garment. We can choose to be like I was and hold it all in or we can reach out to Him.” Scriptures Mentioned: Luke 8:43-48 (The woman with the bleeding issue) Genesis 32:22-31 (Jacob wrestling with God)   Resources Mentioned: 🌿 Stroke Awareness with Free Download 🌿 Lucy's Home book and coloring book 🎶 Crystal's go-to grace song: Somebody Like You by Rachael Lampa with Andrew Ripp Connect with Crystal Mayo: Website: crystalhmayo.com Instagram: @crystalhmayo Facebook: @chmayo YouTube: @crystalcancreate   Related Episodes: Ep. 25 Divine Detour and Deepened Faith | Lori Ann Wood Ep. 45 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms | Psalm 91 Ep. 10 Scars of Grace: Embracing Our Woundedness for Wholeness | Russell Joyce Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!  

Parenting a child with special needs can feel like a never-ending balancing act—one that often leads to exhaustion, comparison, and guilt. But what if grace met you right in the middle of it all? Author and speaker Becky Beresford joins Living the Grace Life to talk about finding God’s presence in the chaos and surrendering the pressure to be everything for everyone. In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Becky shares how she’s learning to draw on God’s strength rather than her own through the challenges of special needs parenting, including: The strain on marriage and identity as a special needs mom Learning to let go and trust God's sovereignty Releasing shame and guilt to make space for grace How to connect with God when you're weary and worn out Practical ways to rest in grace--even when life feels out of control Becky, author of She Believed He Could So She Did, lives in North Carolina with her husband and three boys. With a background in spiritual formation and discipleship, she helps women experience freedom and strength in God’s grace—right where they are. If you’ve ever wondered whether God sees you in the midst of your caregiving chaos, this episode is a reminder that He’s right there in the room with you. Grace for you. Grace for them.   💬 Grace Quotes from Becky Beresford: “I'm not the Savior of my own story. Or my husband's or my children's. I had to let go and let God be God to them in order to experience God's grace.” “I'm constantly carrying too much and I have to lay it all down again and again." “It's okay to meet Christ in the cracks of life.” Scriptures Mentioned: John 21 (Peter's walk along the beach with Jesus) Philippians 4:13 (The sufficiency of Christ in special needs parenting) Acts 27:27-28:4 (Paul's shipwreck and learning to rely on God)   Resources Mentioned: 🌿 The Brave Woman Manifesto 🌿 Prayer Journal 🌿 Empowered Email Tribe 🎶 Becky's go-to grace song: Jireh by Maverick City Connect with Becky Beresford: Website: beckyberesford.com Instagram: @becky.beresford Facebook: @beckyberesfordauthor   Related Episodes: Ep. 13 I Didn't Sign Up for This: Resting in God's Goodness | Sarah Frazer Ep. 51 Chasing Grace | Carol McLeod Ep. 18 Sometimes I Forget | Julie Sunne Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!    

Why, God? Why didn’t You answer our prayers? How could You let this happen after everything we’ve been through? Do You know how much this hurts? Ashley Opliger has wrestled with these same questions in the depths of miscarriage, loss, and grief. Yet through it all, she found the steady presence of God’s grace and hope. Ashley is the author of the USA Today bestselling book Cradled in Hope and the founder and CEO of Bridget’s Cradles, a national nonprofit that has brought comfort and healing to more than 30,000 bereaved families in 1,600 hospitals across all 50 states. She is a compassionate friend to anyone walking through the heartbreak of pregnancy loss, grief, or the death of a loved one. In this heartfelt conversation, Ashley shares how she has learned to grieve with hope and trust God in the hardest places: The different ways people process grief and loss The "Grace Cup": extending grace to yourself and in response to hurtful words from others Rhythms of grace that ground us in hope Surrender that opens the door to intimacy with God and other grievers The tragic loss of her father to a drunk driver Righteous anger and how God hates death even more than we do Though we were not made for this broken world, grief will touch every life. Listen in as Ashley’s story offers real grace, healing, and hope for anyone navigating miscarriage, loss, or the sting of death. 💬 Grace Quotes from Ashley Opliger: “We need to extend the same grace to ourselves we would extend to someone else if they were telling us their story.” “Most of the time, the things that come across as insensitive are well-intended, but poorly delivered." “The sting of death is awful. But that's the point. That's why Jesus came as a sacrifice, so he could overcome it.” Resources Mentioned: 🌿Holding Onto Love After You've Lost a Baby by Gary Chapman and Candy McVicar 🌿Free EBook: Grieving and Healing After the Loss of a Baby Connect with Ashley Opliger: Website: ashleyopliger.com Instagram: @ashleyopliger + @bridgetscradles Facebook: @ashleyopliger + @bridgetscradles   Related Episodes: Ep. 46 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms | Psalm 27 Ep. 34 How to Live on Both Sides of Desperate Prayers | Rachel Wojo Ep. 25 Divine Detour | Lori Ann Wood Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. What is dyslexia, really? Far beyond “seeing letters backwards,” dyslexia is a lifelong learning difference as a result of how the brain processes language, making reading, spelling, and decoding more challenging. Dyslexia affects 1 in 5 people and is often misunderstood, yet with the right tools, strategies, and grace, students can thrive. In this episode, I sit down with my son, Ethan Sakata, who was diagnosed with dyslexia at the end of fifth grade. Together, we reflect on his journey, including three years of intensive tutoring through the Barton Reading and Spelling System, the challenges of learning to read, and the victories that came with persistence, mistakes, and grace. In this episode, you’ll hear: Common myths about dyslexia and what's actually true How to release guilt from words spoken in ignorance Ethan's journey from guessing to reading, and what kept him motivated Practical strategies and tools for dyslexia management How to advocate for your learning needs Why mistakes can be powerful teachers The hidden strengths and unique gifts that often come from being dyslexic If you’re a parent, teacher, or student with questions about dyslexia, or if you’ve ever felt like you don’t learn like everyone else, this conversation is for you. Ethan’s story reminds you that even when grace feels hard to come by, God is at work, strengthening and shaping you along the way. 💬 Grace Quotes from Ethan Sakata: “There wasn't anything about decoding words that came naturally to me. I had to think about every single part of the proccess." “Less is more when it comes to words for dyslexics.” "Mistakes helped me identify either places I needed more practice for that tool or a new tool altogether." Scripture Referenced Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."   Resources and Books for Dyslexia Awareness: 🌿Barton Reading and Spelling System 🌿Bright Solutions for Dyslexia 🌿International Dylsexia Association Sophia’s Fight SongYouTube created by a 5th-grade girl with dyslexia Teacher’s response to Sophia’s videoYouTube video response from Sophia’s teachers Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz Teach Reading with Orton-Gillingham by Kristina Smith and Heather MacLeod-Vidal The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan by Ben Foss I Have Dyslexia. What Does that Mean? by Shelley Ball-Dannenburg and Delaney Dannenberg (Dyslexia through the eyes of an 8-year old girl) Xtraordinary People Made by Dyslexia by Kate Griggs Related Episodes: Ep. 50 5 Grace Takeaways that Still Stick | Jennifer Sakata Ep. 13 I Didn't Sign Up for This: Resting in God's Goodness | Sarah Frazer Ep. 4 Your Real Self Through God's Eyes | Jennifer Sakata Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!    

Are you in the sandwich season--raising kids while also caring for aging parents? The pressure, confusion, guilt, and overwhelm can feel crushing when family and business collide with life-altering health needs. Where does grace fit in when you’re being pulled in every direction? That’s the journey of my guest, Ruthie Gray--wife, GenX mom, 15-year caregiver, and author of Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of Your Passion into Purpose. A self-proclaimed “juggler of generations,” Ruthie shares wisdom, peace, and joy for moms navigating multigenerational caregiving. In this episode of Living the Grace Life, Ruthie and I talk about: Anticipatory grief in caregiving Guilt when you can't do it all Healthy boundaries for caregivers Life rhythms to stay grounded and grace-filled Staying on your own grass (and let them feel their own feelings) Praying messy when words fail Don’t miss Ruthie’s story of how a small act of kindness for her mom became a powerful reminder of God’s grace in her own life. If you’ve ever struggled to find peace in multigenerational mayhem, this conversation will encourage you with real grace for your real life in the sandwich season. 💬 Grace Quotes from Ruthie Gray: “I should have asked for help earlier.” “This is your life now. It's what's right in front of you." “When you're taking care of your mind and body, you're actually showing love for the people you're caring for. Because an unhealthy person and an unhealthy mind is an unhealthy caregiver and that has ripple effects on the people you love.”   Scripture Mentioned: John 13 Resources Mentioned: 🌿Peaceful Mom Collection  🌿Identifying and Managing Caregiver Trauma with Lisa Saruga, Connect with Ruthie Gray: Website: ruthiegray.com Instagram: ruthie_gray_author Facebook: authenticonlinemarketingpod TikTok: ruthiegray   Related Episodes: Ep. 52 Chasing Grace | Carol McLeod Ep. 39 The Good Shepherd Has His Eye On You | Jennifer Sakata Ep. 25 Divine Detour | Lori Ann Wood Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook

Where do you need grace most in your day? Maybe it’s in the checkout line behind a slow customer, on the road with drivers who forget the rules, or more deeply, as you wrestle with identity shaped by your past choices—or the choices of others. The good news of the Gospel is this: God’s grace cleans the messy past and frees you to reflect God's love today. In this week’s Living the Grace Life episode, James Early—host of The Bible Speaks to You podcast—shares how to experience grace in everyday life and relationships. Growing up in a Christian home gave James early exposure to Scripture, but he soon learned that reading the Bible required living it out—especially when it came to loving his own brother. Together, we explore: James’ prison ministry and the transformation that comes from reading the Bible personally How church division and a health scare revealed God’s surprising work through grace The mindset and ongoing process of grace Why your identity must be rooted in the image of Christ, not your past The unexpected places grace grows: in gratitude and in encouraging others If you’ve ever struggled to love the person right in front of you—or felt stuck in the mud of past mistakes—this conversation will remind you that grace is not only possible, it’s already yours in Christ. Grace for you. Grace for them. Grace for today. 👉 Listen now and discover how God’s grace cleans the messy past and creates space for new life.   💬 Grace Quotes from James Early: “Your past does not define you. Your sin does not define you. They're not your identity. God is the only one who defines your true identity.” “We were created by God to receive love and to give love." “God said to me. 'Love that person with my love. Watch me love them. And love them like that, in my image and in my likeness.'”   Scriptures Mentioned: Ephesians 4:22-24 Acts 21 Resources Mentioned: 🌿Personalized page for Living the Grace Life Listeners 🌿The Bible Speaks to You 300th Episode Connect with James Early: Website: thebiblespeakstoyou.com   Related Episodes: Ep. 40 Be Still and Be Loved | Michael John Cusick Ep. 39 God's Steadfast Love in Daily Life | Rachael Adams Ep. 11 What Are You Wearing? Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Living the Grace Life, One Prayer at a Time 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | Facebook

Grief can feel like clothes that don’t fit—awkward, heavy, and uncomfortable. But over time, the garment of grief can become a surprising companion, leading to deeper intimacy with God and showing us where grief and grace meet in the persevering years. In this episode of Living the Grace Life, I’m joined by Peg Arnold, lovingly known as the “Drama Queen for Jesus.” Peg shares her personal journey of perseverance through grief and grace as she walked alongside her parents in their battle with Alzheimer’s—the “disease of many goodbyes.” When her mother passed away, Peg described death as “the ruthless thief that rips away a vibrant spirit at the most unexpected time. The uninvited visitor that lurks in the corners, in spite of many prayers for healing.” Yet, even in the midst of heartbreak, Peg discovered rhythms of grace, drawing inspiration from Joseph’s story of waiting and trusting God in his persevering years. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Unconditional love when bodies and minds fail Learning to live with the garments of grief The sanctifying process of God’s grace The grace of enablement in hard seasons Rhythms of grace when grace feels scarce Joseph’s story as a model of perseverance through suffering Peg’s unique introduction to Octavia Organization—a new way to reframe perfectionism into grace that releases outcomes 🎙️If you’ve ever asked where grace shows up in the middle of grief, this conversation will encourage you. Listen in as God’s grace meets you with the sacred hug that whispers: I see you. I understand. You’re not alone. 💬 Grace Quotes from Peg Arnold: “Lord, it's piling on me. I need help.” “And God whispered, 'You're not alone. I can help you find joy in grief.'” “Sometimes it's only looking back that you can see where the Presence of God was walking through with you on those hard days.”   Resources Mentioned: 🌿Making Your Message Memorable 🌿Devotions for the Distracted Heart on YouVersion App Connect with Peg Arnold: Website: pegarnold.org Instagram: @ArnoldPeg Facebook: @PegArnoldWoW Related Episodes: Ep. 34 How to Live on Both Sides of Desperate Prayers | Rachel Wojo Ep. 33 Desperate Prayers for Real Life | Rachel Wojo Ep. 13 I Didn't Sign Up for This | Sarah Frazer Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Living the Grace Life, One Prayer at a Time 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | Facebook

Have you ever tucked something precious away for safekeeping—a piece of jewelry, a meaningful letter, or a memory too fragile to touch? In a world that feels like it’s spinning out of control, it’s tempting to do the same with our hearts. But what if grace isn’t meant to be stored away? What if chasing grace is your invitation to live wide open—to risk joy, to embrace today, and to let go of fear? In this powerful season two opener of Living the Grace Life, bestselling author and speaker Carol McLeod invites us into a different way of living—one filled with purpose, honesty, and grace in motion. Drawing from her newest book, Today is a Verb, Carol shares how to walk through grief, face loss, and still chase joy. 💡 In this episode of Chasing Grace, we explore: Carol’s journey through grief and five heartbreaking miscarriages How choosing the right verbs shapes your daily life What it means to embrace “Todaying” with intention and hope Five healing insights about forgiveness—and three ways it transforms you Practical ways to embody grace in your routines and relationships ✨ One of Carol’s guiding mantras is: "Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is the special occasion." And she lives that out with faith and fire. Whether you're walking through sorrow or just trying to show up for your everyday life, this conversation is a gentle but bold call to stop saving grace—and start chasing it. 🎙️ Join us for an unforgettable start to Season Two—where we stop waiting for perfect moments and start living fully alive.   💬 Grace Quotes from Carol McLeod: “Grace is like a boomerang. It always comes back to bless you too.” “We can't be captivated by the offense or the offender. We have to be captivated by Jesus.” “Be honest about where you are in your circumstances. Because if we need more grace, all we have to do is ask for it—and He will give it to us, lavishly and abundantly.” Key Scripture: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men..." Colossians 3:23, ESV Resources Mentioned: 🌿 Carol's Books, including Today is a Verb 🌿 FREE: YouVersion Plans + free downloads 🌿 The Significant Women podcast Connect with Carol McLeod: Website: [email protected] Instagram: @CarolMcLeodMinistries Facebook: @CarolMcLeodMinistries   Related Episodes: Ep. 39 God's Steadfast Love in Daily Life Ep. 11 What Are You Wearing? Ep. 8 Live SLowly: A Gentle Invitation to Exhale | Jodi H. Grubbs Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Living the Grace Life, One Prayer at a Time 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | Facebook

It’s hard to believe, but Living the Grace Life is officially one year old! To celebrate, I invited my podcasting mentor, Eric Nevins—host of Halfway There and CEO of the Christian Podcasters Association—back to the mic. Eric was instrumental in helping me launch this show, and in this conversation, we look back on the journey, laugh at a few behind-the-scenes moments, and reflect on what uniquely shapes this podcast—the grace thread in everyday life. Eric shares his observations, plenty of encouragement, and even a vulnerable story of when grace was hard to come by for him: the day his sons’ school went through a shooting. His honest reflection and way forward point us toward Season Two’s theme: When Grace Is Hard to Come By. This milestone episode is equal parts fun, affirming, and grace-filled. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to live rooted in God’s love even in hard places, this conversation is for you. 💬 Grace Quotes from Eric Nevins: “One of the reasons we don't rely on grace is because we don't trust God.” “The moment you add deserve to love, you've got something completely different.” “Sin is not the truest thing about you. You're made in God's image and you're loved by Him, and therefore you must be loved by me.”   Resources Mentioned: 🌿 Halfway There podcast 🌿 Exodus 90 App Connect with Eric Nevins: Website: ericnevins.com Website: Christian Podcasters Association Instagram: @Eric Nevins Facebook: @Eric Nevins Related Episodes: Ep. 50 5 Grace Takeaways that Still Stick | Season One Recap Ep. 49 What G.R.A.C.E. Taught Us: Season One Reflections on Real Faith and Healing Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Living the Grace Life, One Prayer at a Time 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | Facebook  

What if the lessons of grace weren’t just meant for Sunday mornings, but for every single messy, ordinary day? In this special Season One reflection of Living the Grace Life, Jennifer Sakata shares 5 grace takeaways that still stick—truths that have carried us through grief, prayer, perfectionism, and healing. You’ll hear how: ✨ Grace honors the try—it’s not about perfection, but about showing up. ✨ Your wounds aren’t too big for God—what feels too broken is never beyond His love. ✨ Prayer doesn’t need polish—even the quietest cries reach His heart. ✨ You don’t have to earn what’s already yours—grace is always a gift. ✨ Your story is someone else’s permission—when you speak honestly, others find freedom. Whether you’re new here or have journeyed through all 48 episodes, this recap will ground you in the heart of grace and invite you to live real grace in your own real-life story. 👉 Subscribe for more grace-filled encouragement and new conversations in Season Two! Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: Website | Instagram | Facebook

What has grace taught us this season? 💙 Season One of Living the Grace Life has been a journey of healing, hope, and real faith. In this Season One recap, Jennifer Sakata reflects on the heartbeat of the podcast so far using the G.R.A.C.E. framework—a simple way to remember the core themes that shaped these first 48 episodes: 🔹 G — Grief and Healing | How grace meets us in pain, trauma, and loss 🔹 R — Real Prayer, Real Life | Honest prayer in messy, silent, and sacred moments 🔹 A — Acceptance over Achievement | Why grace is received, not earned 🔹 C — Connection & Community | How relationships, mentoring, and support reveal grace 🔹 E — Everyday Grace | Where God’s grace meets us in ordinary life You’ll hear highlights and takeaways from past episodes—including stories of healing, breaking free from performance-driven faith, and the beauty of finding grace in unexpected places.  ✨ Whether you’re new to the podcast or have been listening since Episode 1, this recap will help you remember grace over performance, honesty over hiding, and hope that holds when life falls apart. Live out the grace that’s already yours. 👉 Subscribe for more grace-filled encouragement and new conversations in Season Two! Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: Website | Instagram | Facebook

It's the final week of our summer series, Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms. I'll be reading Psalm 16, first from the New Living Translation, then from The Message Paraphrase, and lastly, from the English Standard Version. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and follow so you don’t miss a single episode in the series—and grab your FREE Living the Grace Life: One Prayer at a Time to reflect deeper all summer long!  💬 Embracing Grace Quotes: “ The book of Psalms is that place of refuge where whatever we bring to the table is welcome there." "God isn't put off by us. He's not threatened by what life churns up in us, or the response that often comes out of our mouth." "The Psalms give voice to all of it." 🎧Let's journey together through the Psalms and embrace the grace that carries us, no matter what season we're in! Links + Resources From This Episode: Grace Notes Newsletter, which includes thoughts and questions for personal reflection on Psalm 16 Psalm 16 (New Living Translation) Psalm 16 (The Message) Psalm 16 (English Standard Version)   Related Episodes: Ep. 47 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms | Psalm 46 Ep. 46 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms | Psalm 27 Ep. 45 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms | Psalm 91 Ep. 44 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms | Psalm 131 Ep. 43 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms Ep. 32 The Good Shepherd Has His Eye on You | Psalm 23 Ep. 16 I Will Rejoice! | Psalm 118 Ep. 4 Your Real Self through God's Eyes | Psalm 139 Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: Website | Instagram | Facebook

It's the fourth week of our summer series, Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms. I'll be reading Psalm 46, first from the Revised Standard Version, then from the Contemporary English Version, and lastly, from The Message. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and follow so you don’t miss a single episode in the series—and grab your FREE Living the Grace Life: One Prayer at a Time to reflect deeper all summer long!  💬 Embracing Grace Quotes: “ The book of Psalms is that place of refuge where whatever we bring to the table is welcome there." "God isn't put off by us. He's not threatened by what life churns up in us, or the response that often comes out of our mouth." "The Psalms give voice to all of it." 🎧Let's journey together through the Psalms and embrace the grace that carries us, no matter what season we're in! Links + Resources From This Episode: Grace Notes Newsletter, which includes thoughts and questions for personal reflection on Psalm 46 Psalm 46 (Revised Standard Version) Psalm 46 (Contemporary English Version) Psalm 46 (The Message Paraphrase)   Related Episodes: Ep. 46 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms | Psalm 27 Ep. 45 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms | Psalm 91 Ep. 44 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms | Psalm 131 Ep. 43 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms Ep. 32 The Good Shepherd Has His Eye on You | Psalm 23 Ep. 16 I Will Rejoice! | Psalm 118 Ep. 4 Your Real Self through God's Eyes | Psalm 139 Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: Website | Instagram | Facebook

It's the third week of our summer series, Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms. I'll be reading Psalm 27, first from the English Standard Version, then from the Contemporary English Version, and lastly, from the New Living Translation. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and follow so you don’t miss a single episode in the series—and grab your FREE Living the Grace Life: One Prayer at a Time to reflect deeper all summer long!  💬 Embracing Grace Quotes: “ The book of Psalms is that place of refuge where whatever we bring to the table is welcome there." "God isn't put off by us. He's not threatened by what life churns up in us, or the response that often comes out of our mouth." "The Psalms give voice to all of it." 🎧Let's journey together through the Psalms and embrace the grace that carries us, no matter what season we're in! Links + Resources From This Episode: Grace Notes Newsletter, which includes thoughts and questions for personal reflection on Psalm 27 Psalm 27 (English Standard Version) Psalm 27 (Contemporary English Version) Psalm 27 (New Living Translation)   Related Episodes: Ep. 45 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms | Psalm 91 Ep. 44 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms | Psalm 131 Ep. 43 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms Ep. 32 The Good Shepherd Has His Eye on You | Psalm 23 Ep. 16 I Will Rejoice! | Psalm 118 Ep. 4 Your Real Self through God's Eyes | Psalm 139 Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: Website | Instagram | Facebook

It's the second week of our summer series, Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms. I'll be reading Psalm 91, first from The Message Paraphrase, then from the English Standard Version, and lastly, from Psalms Now. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and follow so you don’t miss a single episode in the series—and grab your FREE Living the Grace Life: One Prayer at a Time to reflect deeper all summer long!  💬 Embracing Grace Quotes: “ The book of Psalms is that place of refuge where whatever we bring to the table is welcome there." "God isn't put off by us. He's not threatened by what life churns up in us, or the response that often comes out of our mouth." "The Psalms give voice to all of it." 🎧Let's journey together through the Psalms and embrace the grace that carries us, no matter what season we're in! Links + Resources From This Episode: Grace Notes Newsletter, which includes thoughts and questions for personal reflection on Psalm 91 Psalm 91 (Message Paraphrase) Psalm 91 (English Standard Version) Related Episodes: Ep. 44 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms Ep. 43 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms Ep. 32 The Good Shepherd Has His Eye on You | Psalm 23 Ep. 16 I Will Rejoice! | Psalm 118 Ep. 4 Your Real Self through God's Eyes | Psalm 139 Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: Website | Instagram | Facebook

It's the first week of our summer series, Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms. I'll be reading Psalm 131, first from the English Standard Version, then from The Message Paraphrase, followed by the New Living Translation, and finally, from the Contemporary English Version. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and follow so you don’t miss a single episode in the series—and grab your FREE Living the Grace Life: One Prayer at a Time to reflect deeper all summer long!  💬 Embracing Grace Quotes: “ The book of Psalms is that place of refuge where whatever we bring to the table is welcome there." "God isn't put off by us. He's not threatened by what life churns up in us, or the response that often comes out of our mouth." "The Psalms give voice to all of it." 🎧Let's journey together through the Psalms and embrace the grace that carries us, no matter what season we're in! Links + Resources From This Episode: Grace Notes Newsletter, which includes thoughts and questions for personal reflection on Psalm 131 Psalm 131 (English Standard Version) Psalm 131 (Message Paraphrase) Psalm 131 (New Living Translation) Psalm 131 (Contemporary English Version) Related Episodes: Ep. 43 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms Ep. 32 The Good Shepherd Has His Eye on You | Psalm 23 Ep. 16 I Will Rejoice! | Psalm 118 Ep. 4 Your Real Self through God's Eyes | Psalm 139 Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Welcome to a brand-new summer series on Living the Grace Life! In this kickoff episode, we explore how the Psalms invite us to bring our whole selves—messy emotions and all—into God’s presence. Whether you're feeling weary, hopeful, or somewhere in between, this series will help you discover how grace speaks into every season of the soul. Join me in embracing grace as we journey through selected Psalms and lean into God’s faithfulness, one summer week at a time. Each week includes a Psalm, read in several translations—without commentary or added reflections. This practice creates space to approach Scripture open-handed, letting the Holy Spirit speak without the filter of someone else’s interpretation. A less familiar translation might surprise you, allowing the words to land differently and inviting you to encounter God in a fresh, deeply personal way. My prayer is that through this series, God’s grace will inhabit your body, mind, and soul—becoming more tangible and real for your very real life. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and follow so you don’t miss a single episode in the series—and grab your FREE Living the Grace Life: One Prayer at a Time companion guide to reflect deeper all summer long!  💬 Embracing Grace Quotes: “ The book of Psalms is that place of refuge where whatever we bring to the table is welcome there." "God isn't put off by us. He's not threatened by what life churns up in us, or the response that often comes out of our mouth." "The Psalms give voice to all of it." 🎧Let's journey together through the Psalms and embrace the grace that carries us, no matter what season we're in! Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Do you wrestle with doubt? Ever feel like your faith is on shaky ground—especially when God feels silent or when His people have let you down? Perhaps it's time to ask: God, can we chat? In this honest and hope-filled conversation, author and speaker Niki Hardy shares her journey of asking hard questions, navigating church hurt, and discovering intimacy with God amid grief, illness, and uncertainty. Drawing from her book God, Can We Chat?, Niki opens up about the power of raw, real conversations with God—even when the answers don’t come easily. We talk about: The wisdom her father once shared—and how ignoring "the fork in the road" changed her Her personal story of loss, cancer, and learning to stay tender in the pain while asking the hard questions of doubt Her C.H.A.T. framework for talking with God: Consider the facts Honor the story Ask God what He wants to say Team up with God This episode is for anyone longing to feel safe bringing their whole heart to God—even the messy, doubting parts. ✨Stick around to the end, where Niki shares a tender blessing from her book. As she says, may you be "hugged by God like you've never been hugged before." 💬 Grace Quotes from Niki Hardy: “ I rarely got answers. More often than not, what we get is deeper intimacy and relationship with God, a drawing closer to Him, an understanding of that grace and that love." "I would rather live in mystery with God than walk away and be without Him because He hasn't given me the answers I need.” “God said to me things like: How can you hear my still small voice if you don't get still and small?”  "It's not until we get ourselves outside, that we can get outside ourselves."    Key Scriptures: "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll rediscover life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30, MSG Resources Mentioned: 🌿 Niki's Books, including God, Can We Chat? and Breathe Again 🌿 FREE: First three chapters of God, Can We Chat? 🌿 Resources for God, Can We Chat?  🌿 Niki on Substack - Wildly Known Connect with Niki Hardy: Website: NikiHardy.com Instagram: @niki.hardy  Facebook: @NikiHardyAuthor Related Episodes: Ep. 41 What If Doubt Is Part of Faith? | Niki Hardy Ep. 25 Divine Detour and Deepened Faith | Lori Ann Wood  Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Living the Grace Life, One Prayer at a Time 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | Facebook

Is it possible that doubt can actually strengthen your faith? What if doubt isn’t the enemy of faith, but a doorway to deeper intimacy with God? What if doubt is part of faith? In our transparent conversation, author and speaker Niki Hardy shares how honest questions and spiritual uncertainty can lead to deeper intimacy with God. If you've ever wrestled with doubt, questioned your beliefs, or wondered if God can handle your uncertainty — this episode is for you. Inspired by her new book God, Can We Chat?, Niki opens up about her personal journey of struggling with faith, church, and life’s hardest questions — and how she discovered grace in the middle of it all. Rather than seeing doubt as a threat, Niki invites us to see it as a catalyst for growth and deeper trust in God. In this episode, we discuss: How Niki’s experience flipped the familiar line from Amazing Grace: “I once was found, but now I’m lost.” Why asking questions can draw you closer to God, not push you away The unexpected grace found in spiritual deconstruction and reconstruction Peter’s story as an example of carrying both faith and doubt How lies about faith keep us from honest conversations with God How doubts can fuel your spiritual growth, not weaken it If you’ve ever thought: "Can I still be a Christian if I have doubts?" "Is it okay to question my faith?" "How do I trust God when I feel spiritually lost?" …this episode offers hope, permission, and practical encouragement. When faith feels shaky, God welcomes your questions. Spiritual uncertainty doesn't have to undo your faith — it can deepen it. 🎧Join us as we explore the “unforced rhythms of grace” that hold space for our doubts — grace for today, grace for tomorrow, and grace forever.   💬 Grace Quotes from Niki Hardy: “ What scared me the most was rather than faking it or forcing it was fading out.” “I had to address the lies about coming to God with all my questions.”  "You don't have to get it for [God] to love you. Because [God] is love itself. He can't help but love you. And when we get that, we say, 'So you mean I can ask anything?' And God says, 'Yep.' It doesn't mean we'll get the answers, but we can ask anything. Absolutely anything."    Key Scriptures: "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll rediscover life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30, MSG Resources Mentioned: 🌿 Niki's Books, including God, Can We Chat? and Breathe Again 🌿 FREE: First three chapters of God, Can We Chat? 🌿 Resources for God, Can We Chat? Connect with Niki Hardy: Website: NikiHardy.com Instagram: @niki.hardy  Facebook: @NikiHardyAuthor   Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Living the Grace Life, One Prayer at a Time 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | Facebook  

What do you do when there’s a gap between what you believe about God and what you actually experience? When the invitation to be still and be loved feels not just difficult—but impossible? Michael John Cusick knows that gap all too well. His story begins in unlikely places: Alcoholics Anonymous at age five, family drug rehab by age ten, and a trailer park childhood marked by chaos. He jokes that if reality TV had existed back then, he might’ve had his own show. Instead, he became a psychotherapist, speaker, Spiritual Director, and author of Sacred Attachment and Surfing for God. In this episode, Michael shares his own winding journey toward God—one marked by brokenness, addiction, healing, and ultimately, divine attachment. His trauma-informed wisdom helps reframe how we think about God’s love, especially when our wounds have distorted our ability to receive it. We talk about: Living a double life and the toll it took on his soul The four S’s of attachment and why they matter in our relationship with God and others The lies he had to unlearn to discover safety with God Rhythms and practices for growing in secure attachment And yes, we even talk about pedicures—with his daughter—and how they changed the way Michael experiences Jesus washing Peter’s feet. But the most powerful moment comes at the end, as Michael guides us through an experiential reading of Psalm 23 that you won’t soon forget.  🎧 Tune in and let this episode be an invitation—to be still and live loved.   💬 Grace Quotes from Michael John Cusick: “Hey, this distance my [child], it's killing me. I [God] long for connection with you.” “On the worst day of my life, I felt embraced by God. I felt seen by God. I felt for the first time he wasn't disgusted by me, but that he had compassion on me.” “How do I gain secure attachment? By living the grace life. The pressure's off to be somebody other than who I am at any given moment.”   Key Scriptures: "Be still and know that I am God!" Psalm 46:10a "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12 "You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies." Psalm 23:5a Resources Mentioned: 🌿 Michael's Books, including Sacred Attachment: Escaping Spiritual Exhaustion and Trusting in Divine Love 🌿 Restoring the Soul Podcast Connect with Michael John Cusick: Websites: MichaelJohnCusick.com Restoringthesoul.com Instagram: @MichaelJCusick @restoringthesoul  Podcast: Restoring the Soul   Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Living the Grace Life, One Prayer at a Time 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | Facebook  

What if truly understanding God's steadfast love could reshape your relationships, your identity, and your daily rhythms? In this episode of Living the Grace Life, I’m joined by Rachael Adams, author of Everyday Prayers for Love and host of The Love Offering podcast—recently ranked in the top 10 Christian podcasts for women. Together, we explore how to live loved, even when grace feels hard to come by. Rachael shares her personal journey of discovering God’s persistent and consistent love, and how receiving that love has transformed how she sees herself, others, and her calling. In this episode, we discuss: Why we struggle to receive God’s steadfast love and grace Rachael’s journey to giving herself grace What it means to live a “grace-filled life” in a graceless world The powerful night that changed the hearts of a group of teenage girls Spiritual rhythms that help us embrace grace every day 🎧 Listen in to rediscover God’s unchanging love—and how it can radically influence your everyday life. 💬 Grace Quotes from Rachael Adams: “God is such a gentleman. He never forced Himself on me. He waited until I was ready.” “Jesus knew we couldn't do this life perfectly.” “Give [God] your little and He'll take it a long way.” Key Scriptures: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39   Resources Mentioned: 🌿 FREE Love Offering Calendar & other FREE resources 🌿 Rachael's books: Everday Prayers for Love & A Little Goes a Long Way 🌿 Rachael's Good Morning America Faith Friday segment Connect with Rachael Adams: Website: RachaelkAdams.com Instagram: @RachaelAdamsAuthor Facebook: @RachaelAdamsAuthor Pinterest: @RachaelAdamsLoveOffering   Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Living the Grace Life, One Prayer at a Time 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | Facebook  

Do you ever struggle to receive something so incredibly good because you feel like it’s too much—or that you don’t deserve it? In this powerful Part 2 conversation, Kim Tschirret, founder and CEO of Hope Reins, a 38-acre ranch in Raleigh, NC, reminds us of a life-altering truth: Grace honors the try. Not perfection. Not performance. Just the courage to keep showing up. Kim shares what it means to live with open hands in the middle of trauma, uncertainty, and fear—and how grace welcomes God’s presence in our imperfection. In this episode, we talk about: What it means to be trauma-informed—and why asking “What happened to you?” changes everything. The heartbreaking mental health crisis facing kids today. How to journey from worry to trust—and back again, when worry takes over. Why gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s a powerful affirmation of God’s sovereignty and goodness. You’ll also hear the unforgettable story of a young girl whose trauma stole her security—and the blind horse named Joey who helped her find her voice. Don’t miss the moment Kim realized God had a gift just for her. Selah. 💬 Grace Quotes from Kim Tschirret: “I don't control because I think I'm right. I control for safety... It's that [fear] of what might happen.” “Healing can't happen without trust.” "When I look for Him and live my life with gratitude, I realize God is sovereign and in control. I don't need to be. I'm safe." “Keeping my eyes open to what He's doing helps me because I see Him working.” Grace doesn’t demand you to get it all right. Grace simply honors the try. 🎧 Listen now, and share this conversation with someone who needs a reminder that they are not alone—and they are not beyond grace.   Resources Mentioned: 🌿 Download your FREE digital copy of Jennifer Bleakley's Joey here 🌿 The Academy, training programs to bring hope and healing to your community 🌿 Harvard's Center for Child Development Studies on Resiliency in Children   Connect with Kim Tschirret: Website: HopeReins.org Instagram: @HopeReinsNC Facebook: @HopeReinsNC X: @HopeReinsNC Stay Connected with Jennifer Sakata: 🎁 My FREE gift to you: Living the Grace Life, One Prayer at a Time 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content & episode updates ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend!   Website | Instagram | Facebook   Complete show notes here