Village of Eden Podcast

In this episode, I share a very personal moment from this week that led me back into the closet with the Lord. When a situation arose, my instinct was the same as it’s often been -- fix it, solve it, find the next step, move quickly. But instead of rushing ahead, the Lord gently interrupted me. “Hold on. Sit here.” As I began asking Him what to do and what to say, He drew me inward instead -- inviting me to sit, to feel, to breathe, and to let the emotion surface before trying to manage the outcome. What followed was a reminder that trust isn’t proven by how quickly we act, but by how deeply we rest. Through Matthew 6:34, Isaiah 41:10, Philippians 4:6–9, Proverbs 3:5–6, Exodus 33:14, Matthew 11:28–29, Hebrews 4:9–10, and 1 Peter 5:7, we reflect on what it truly means to release control, cast our cares on Him, and walk in wisdom without slipping into worry. This episode is about: Slowing down instead of spiraling Resting instead of reacting Trusting instead of striving Being Spirit-led instead of self-driven God does not call us to forge our own way through life in anxiety and pressure. He invites us to walk with Him -- open, childlike, dependent, and secure. When we pause and remember what He has done before, it keeps us from living in constant stress about what He will do next. Slow down. Breathe. He is faithful.

In this episode, we walk through Genesis 1-2 and the truth that work has always been part of God’s design. From the very beginning, humanity was created to partner with God - cultivating, stewarding, and caring for what He entrusted to us. Work was never a result of the fall; sin only made the work more painful and difficult (Genesis 3:17-19). Many of us come into faith expecting life to become easier when it comes to struggle, responsibility, or effort. But Scripture shows us that God calls us into active partnership with Him. He is fully capable of doing everything on His own, yet in His love, He chooses to include us in His work, His will, and His plans. Proverbs 6:6-11 reminds us to learn from the ant - warning against laziness, passivity, and spiritual slumber. Jesus also speaks clearly in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where the servant who buried what was entrusted to him was called wicked and lazy. This episode is a call to awaken. To rise from passivity. To stop allowing life and calling to pass us by. God has placed purpose inside each of us, and it is an honor to walk in the work He entrusts to us. He doesn’t have to include us - but as our loving Father, He chooses to. Let this be an encouragement to partner with Him fully, steward what He has placed in your hands, and walk boldly in the calling He has given you.

In this episode, we explore the heart of the Father toward forgiveness and repentance - His desire that none would perish, but that all would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Drawing from Ezekiel 18 and Ezekiel 36, we’re reminded that God takes no pleasure in judgment, but delights in restoring hearts, cleansing His people, and giving new life. We also look at Jesus’ call to love and pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44) and the powerful picture of forgiveness and humility found in Luke 7:37–50. While Scripture assures us that vengeance belongs to the Lord, this episode gently challenges the posture of our hearts when we cling to anger, bitterness, or the hope of seeing someone “get what they deserve.” God welcomes our honesty - He invites us to bring our real emotions to Him - but He never intends for us to remain there. When bitterness is left unchecked, it can take root and begin to choke out what God desires to do in us and through us. The purpose of forgiveness, especially when we pray for those who have hurt us, is not rooted in anticipating judgment, but in allowing the Lord to soften our hearts and align them with His. As God has shown mercy to us, we are invited to carry that same heart toward others - believing in faith that repentance, restoration, and transformation are possible. Forgiveness is not about excusing sin; it is about trusting God with justice while choosing to walk in the freedom He offers.

In this episode, I spend time reflecting on the past year, offering a few questions to help you process where you’ve been and where you’re headed. I also share some goals for the year ahead before shifting into a deeper reminder: everything we receive from the Lord is a gift entrusted to us. Scripture reminds us that “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). As we think about our plans and desires for the new year, this episode invites us to offer everything back to God and ask how He would have us steward what He has placed in our hands, trusting Him with what belongs to Him anyway.

This bonus episode is a continuation of the previous conversation, where I return to 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 and read from the Tony Evans Bible Commentary. One line in particular challenged me deeply: “If you are not taking every thought captive to obey Christ and are instead succumbing to a stronghold, it's because you either don’t know the truth or aren't making use of the truth you know” I felt led to share this reflection as an addition to the last episode, expanding on the scripture I had referenced and offering encouragement to engage the spiritual battle with truth. I pray this brief episode strengthens you and reminds you of the power we have in Christ. 

In this episode, I share a quiet reflection on calling God by His name—the name our hearts need in each season. I realized I had been approaching Him as Lord when what I truly needed was to come to Him as Father. Scripture shows us that He is El Roi, the God who sees, and the Lord Almighty, the King of glory. While the way we address Him doesn’t change who He is, it can gently reveal where our hearts are and help us draw nearer to Him. This episode is shorter than usual, but I pray what was shared meets you where you are and serves as a tender reminder of His nearness, just as it did for me.

This episode is a gentle invitation to examine our hearts and turn away from self-righteousness. We are made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ alone—through His life, death, and resurrection. When we humble ourselves and repent, we open our hearts to the freedom Christ died for us to walk in. This conversation encourages us to lay down the “good girl” mindset, acknowledge our need for grace, and allow the Lord to cleanse and work through us. As we recognize that He alone is perfect, we find rest, healing, and true flourishing in Christ.

In this brief encouragement, we confront the habit of turning inward—replaying what we should or could be doing—and remember that even this is a form of pride. Scripture calls us to lift our eyes to the One who is able. Using Jude 20–25, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, and Matthew 14:27–33, we’re reminded to look to Jesus, not ourselves. When we cry out, He immediately reaches His hand to help.

Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 4:11 • Galatians 6:4 • Psalm 139 In this episode, we explore what it truly means to “mind YOUR business” in a biblical and spiritual sense. God has given each of us a unique path, and comparing ourselves to others can quietly lead to covetousness, distraction, and discouragement. Paul reminds us to focus on our own work and the calling God placed on our lives so we can walk with clarity, purpose, and peace. We discuss the danger of getting caught up in someone else’s lane, the importance of staying grounded in your assignment, and the confidence that comes from trusting God to direct your steps. The episode closes with Psalm 139 as a reminder that God knows us, sees us, and has already ordered our path. A timely encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed by comparison, distraction, or lack of direction—God will guide you in the way you should go. Stay focused. Stay faithful. Stay in your lane.

In this episode, I talk about the Refiner’s fire and how God uses trials and testing to shape us into who He’s called us to be. Anchored in Malachi 3:3, we look at passages from Nehemiah, Job, James, Romans, Philippians, and 1 Peter to see that the fire is never wasted - it is God’s way of purifying, strengthening, and conforming us to the image of Christ. I also share personally about walking through a refining season right now and the reminder that encourages me daily: God is more committed to our process than we are. He doesn’t abandon us in the fire - He sits as the Refiner, ensuring we are not consumed but purified. Even in the pressure, He is faithful, and His goal is always our growth and His glory. If you’re in a season of testing or stretching, I pray this episode reminds you that you’re not alone and that God is doing something deep in you. Hold on - the gold always comes after the fire.

This episode is a special encouragement dedicated to my teen moms and single moms. As someone who was a teen mom and am currently a single, divorced mom, I know how heavy and shameful it can feel with the pressures from society and maybe even the church. With encouragement from 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, and Jeremiah 29:11-14 - I pray you leave this episode with your head held high knowing that God loves you and has a plan and purpose for your life. You have not and can not change that. 

This episode dives into my struggle with consistency and how God, not my own effort, is the source of true order. There is freedom in boundaries and structure. We explore how He brings clarity where there’s chaos, and how Scripture shows envy, selfish ambition, and other worldly things create disorder. We also briefly talk about spiritual insight and that lasting peace come only from walking with the God of order.

In this very personal episode, I share from Matthew 11:28–29 about laying down striving and stress to find true rest in Christ. Rejection and pressure can leave us weary, but God calls us to live in His love, joy, and peace. May this encourage you to stop carrying the weight alone and rest in the One who cares for you.

God is King of Kings and worthy of our obedience, reverence, and respect. In Numbers 14, Israel deserved destruction, yet God showed mercy by pardoning and giving lesser discipline. This episode reminds us that even in His correction, He is merciful, and we must honor Him when He speaks.

God can handle our honesty. From James 5:16 to Jesus' example in the Garden of Gethsemane and the Mount of Transfiguration where He drew His closest disciples, we see the power of honesty, vulnerability, and trusted community in finding healing and deeper communion with God.

Isaiah 42, 43, and 1 Peter 2:9

Season 2 kicks off with a reminder to consider God’s character—He is patient, kind, faithful, and full of grace. In this episode, we walk through the fruit of the Spirit and talk about how God is a good Father who leads us through process, not destruction. He gives good gifts and works all things for our good. Let this be a reminder of who He is as you walk with Him.

In this episode, we discuss reverence for the Lord - honoring Him through obedience and sharing our testimony. Both believers and unbelievers face trials, and our witness should go beyond just how we came to Christ; it should reflect our ongoing walk with Him. This episode also includes a necessary rebuke, challenging us to stay faithful and committed in our journey with God. Tune in for encouragement on living with holy reverence and boldly sharing what God has done in your life!

What we watch and listen to matters—not just for us, but for those around us. Even if something isn’t a struggle for us, it may be for a brother or sister in Christ, and we are called to be an example. James 1:14-15 warns how desire gives birth to sin, and Ephesians 4:27 reminds us not to give the devil a foothold. Let’s talk about guarding our hearts and minds so we stay strong in faith and help others do the same!

We weren't meant to do life alone! In this episode, we're talking about the necessity of community - both spiritually and practically. True friends in Christ pray for you, encourage you, and walk with you in faith. While we can love unbelieving friends, we need believers who point us to God because we live on His truth, not just worldly wisdom. Let's dive into why Godly community is essential for growth and strength in our walk with Christ!

In this episode, we're diving into the power of prayer - not just as a weapon in spiritual warfare, but as the key to building a deeper relationship with God. Ephesians 6 reminds us to put on the full armor of God, and Colossians calls us to stay diligent and alert in prayer. This episode is longer than usual, but I encourage you to stick with me - it will uplift and equip you to stand firm in faith. Let's talk about battling in prayer and walking in the victory God has already won!

Jesus invites us to lay down our burdens and find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30). But often, we hold onto the past, unaware that God is doing something new (Isaiah 43:18-19). He can make a way in the wilderness and bring life to dry places—we just have to trust Him. If you’re feeling weary or stuck, this episode will encourage you to rest in His presence and embrace the new season He’s preparing. Let’s talk about letting go and stepping into God’s best!

In this episode of Village of Eden, we're diving into the importance of obeying what God has told us and developing spiritual discipline to grow in communion with Him. Learning to recognize His voice is key to walking in faith. This episode was originally recorded in August before the school year started, so you will hear my children in the background! Some of the scriptures referenced: Ex 24: 12-18, Jer 13, Phil 2:6-11, Heb 10:25, Matt 9:35-38, 2 Tim 3:16-17, Eph 2:8-9 6:10-18,  1 Tim 3:1-13

In this first episode of Village of Eden, I, Nadia, introduce myself and share the heart behind this podcast. Learn why I felt called to create a space to encourage women to build deeper communion with God and authentic connections with others. I'll also give you a glimpse of what you can expect in future episodes as we journey together toward discovering our God-given purpose and the beauty of living in community.