Kickin' it with Kelley

Episode SummaryThere are moments in life when the weight feels overwhelming… when you’re tired, stretched thin, and struggling to even find the words to pray.In today’s episode, I’m sharing a deeply personal story from a recent hard week, one filled with spiritual battle, emotional heaviness, and a sense of helplessness.But right in the middle of it all, in the most unexpected place, God met me.Not in a quiet prayer room.Not in a perfectly planned moment.But in the canned tomato aisle of a grocery store.This episode is an invitation to recognize that even when life feels messy, uncertain, or heavy—God is still near, still moving, and still fighting for you.What We Talk AboutWhat to do when you don’t have the words to prayRecognizing spiritual warfare in everyday lifeThe power of community and intercessory prayerHow God meets us in unexpected, ordinary placesStanding firm when you feel weary or defeatedKey Truths to Hold OntoYou are not alone in your battleThe enemy may be loud but he is already defeatedGod meets you right where you are, not where you think you should beEven when nothing changes outwardly, something can shift spirituallyThere is more happening in the unseen than you realizeScripture ReferencesEphesians 6:121 Peter 5:8John 10:102 Kings 6:16–17Reflection QuestionWho can you reach out to for prayer and support this week?Stay ConnectedIf this episode met you right where you are, share it with someone who may need encouragement today.Subscribe to Kickin' It With Kelley.And as always, keep showing up, keep seeking Him,and remember… you are never alone. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kickinitwithkelley.substack.com

Trusting God When the Story ChangesWhen life doesn’t look like what you prayed forWhat do you do when life doesn’t unfold the way you thought it would?In today’s episode of Kickin’ It with Kelley, we’re having a heartfelt conversation about trusting God when the story changes, when prayers seem unanswered, plans fall apart, and the life you imagined looks different than what you’re living.Kelley shares from her own journey of loss, transition, and surrender, along with her deep passion for mentoring women who are learning to walk with God in uncertain seasons. Together, we explore what it means to trust God, not after we understand, but right in the middle of not knowing.If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “God, this is not what I expected…”—this conversation is for you.In This Episode, We Talk About:Trusting God when life doesn’t go as plannedNavigating disappointment, grief, and unexpected changeThe importance of mentoring and being seen in your faith journeyChurch hurt and feeling misunderstood or overlookedLearning to walk with God daily, even in uncertaintySurrendering your plans and trusting the Author of your storyScripture ReferencesColossians 2:6–7 – Walking in Christ, rooted and built up in HimProverbs 3:5–6 – Trusting the Lord with all your heartIsaiah 55:8–9 – God’s ways are higher than ours1 Corinthians 4:1–2 – Being faithful stewards of what God has givenResources MentionedRelaxed: Walking with the One Who Is Not Worried About a Thingby Megan Fate MarshmanAffiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4tUVlRwStay ConnectedIf this episode encouraged you, I’d love for you to:Subscribe to Kickin’ It with KelleyShare this episode with a woman who may need itLeave a review, it helps more women find these conversationsAnd if your heart is longing for deeper connection and mentorship, stay tuned for what’s coming next. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kickinitwithkelley.substack.com

In this heartfelt episode, Kelley reflects on a powerful moment of corporate worship and the realization that every voice matters to God, even when we feel uncertain or out of tune.Through personal storytelling, Scripture, and gentle encouragement, this episode explores how God gives us an “anthem of joy” not rooted in perfect circumstances, but in His faithfulness through every season.If you’re walking through a difficult or uncertain time, this conversation will remind you:God still hears you, God still sees you, and your story is still being written.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeA personal story from a weekend church visit and a powerful worship momentWhat it really means to have a “song of joy”Encouragement for seasons of silence, heaviness, or uncertaintyA reminder that God is still a God of wondersA reflection on past faithfulness and present hopeKey ScripturesHebrews 12:22 — The gathering of worship in heavenPsalm 50:10–12 (NLT) — God owns everything, including the cattle on a thousand hillsPsalm 77:14 — “You are the God of great wonders…”Psalm 77:19 — “Your footprints were unseen”Joy is not dependent on circumstances, it is a deep, steady melody rooted in the faithfulness of God.Even when life feels uncertain, God is still working behind the scenes.And sometimes… what begins as a whisper of faith becomes a full anthem of joy.Reflection QuestionWhat circumstance in your life right now might one day become your anthem of joy?If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who may need a reminder of God’s joy today.And be sure to subscribe to Kickin’ It with Kelley so you never miss a coffee conversation.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kickinitwithkelley.substack.com

In this episode of Kickin’ It with Kelley, we continue our Finding Joy Again series by exploring the reality that joy and sorrow often live side by side in our lives.Life rarely unfolds the way we imagine. We experience seasons of laughter and celebration, while also carrying grief, loss, and memories of what once was.Through Scripture and personal reflection, Kelley shares how God meets us in both places, reminding us that even when life feels like ruins, the Potter is still shaping the clay.This devotional invites you to slow down, sit with the Lord, and remember that the joy of the Lord is your strength, even in seasons of rebuilding.So grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation.In This EpisodeWhy joy and sorrow can coexist in the life of faithThe story in Haggai, Ezra, and Nehemiah where people rejoiced and wept at the same timeHow grief changes our sense of time and memoryWhy God is still present even when life feels like unfinished ruinsThe importance of renewing our mind with GodHow sharing what God has done for others strengthens our own faithMemory Verses from the SeriesPsalm 16:11“You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”Psalm 51:10–12“Create in me a clean heart, O God,and renew a steadfast spirit within me…Restore the joy of Your salvation to me.”This Week’s VerseNehemiah 8:10b“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”Key Truth from Today’s EpisodeEven when our circumstances feel like ruins, they are not outside God’s sovereignty.We are still the clay, and the Potter is still working.Sometimes faith means holding both joy and sorrow together, trusting that God is bringing greater glory from broken ground.Share the EpisodeIf this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who may need hope today.And don’t forget to follow or subscribe to Kickin’ It with Kelley so you don’t miss the rest of our Finding Joy Again series. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kickinitwithkelley.substack.com

What if joy doesn’t require a new season, just a new perspective?On this Ash Wednesday, we begin a brand-new series leading up to Easter:Finding Joy Again.Because God does not require relocation before He releases joy. And neither should we.In this deeply personal episode, Kelley shares about choosing intentional joy in seasons that feel heavy, unexpected, or slower than imagined. Whether you're walking through loneliness, big decisions, healing, disappointment, or simply wondering “Did I miss God?” this conversation is for you.Joy is not loud happiness. It is a steady confidence that God is still good.And in His presence? There is fullness of joy.Why joy can exist at your current “address”The neighborhoods of life we didn’t chooseWalking toward Easter with resurrection hopeChoosing intentional joy in weighty seasonsWhy Scripture memorization changes your heart posturePractical ways to cultivate joy this weekPsalm 16:11“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”Write it. Speak it. Repeat it.Place it somewhere visible, your mirror, planner, dashboard, refrigerator and let’s hide God’s Word in our hearts together.Sit in His presence. Let worship shift the atmosphere.We are memorizing joy-centered Scriptures together for the six weeks leading to Easter (April 5, 2026).Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode in the Finding Joy Again series.If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope today and tag Kelley with a photo of where you’re placing your Scripture this week.Joy is here. And we’re going to grab hold of it. Right where you are. Yes, even in this season.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kickinitwithkelley.substack.com

This episode of Kickin’ It with Kelley is for women navigating seasons of loneliness, rebuilding, and uncertainty, whether that loss comes through divorce, widowhood, unmet expectations, or life not turning out the way you hoped.Kelley shares faith-based encouragement and mentoring for women learning to trust God in the middle of unfinished work. Rooted in Scripture, this conversation is a gentle reminder that God’s presence remains with us in every season, especially when progress feels slow and the future feels uncertain.If you’d like to join us, you’ll find the link in the show notes for our scripture memorization devotional, When God Continues the Conversation. You’re welcome to jump in anytime.If this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who may need hope today. You’re always welcome here and if you need prayer, feel free to leave a comment.Scriptures MentionedPsalm 119:130Haggai 2:4–9Ezra 3:10–13 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kickinitwithkelley.substack.com

The fast may be over but God’s work isn’t.In today’s episode, we slow down and intentionally close out our fast with gratitude, surrender, and trust. Fasting doesn’t end when the timer stops; it ends when we ask God to seal what He’s done in our hearts so the fruit can continue to grow.If you’ve just completed a fast or you’re standing at the edge of one, this episode is for you.Together, we reflect on what God revealed, release the outcome back into His hands, and talk honestly about obedience, waiting, and trusting God with the next step. This is a sacred pause before life speeds back up, a moment to anchor what God planted deep within us.As Jeremiah 17:8 reminds us, when our roots go deep, we are not shaken by seasons of heat or waiting. What God began, He is faithful to complete.In this episode, we talk about:Why it’s important to seal the work of a fastReflecting on what God revealed during this seasonReleasing control and trusting God with the outcomeObedience after fasting, even when it means waitingChoosing gratitude before the breakthrough arrivesWalking forward in peace, not pressureScripture mentioned:Jeremiah 17:8Philippians 1:6Luke 2:19As you return to everyday rhythms, don’t rush past what God has done. Revisit your notes, stay attentive to His presence, and remember the fast may be complete, but the transformation continues.Thank you for sitting in this sacred moment with me. Until next time, keep walking with God one faithful step at a time. Subscribe to the Substack Community  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kickinitwithkelley.substack.com

Still Life with Coffee: Stay the CourseIn this episode of Kickin’ It with Kelley, we pause after a season of fasting, prayer, and reflection to talk about moving forward with what God has already revealed without rushing or striving.We explore how stillness leads to realignment, why obedience often begins with a single next step, and how intimacy with God is our greatest treasure. This is an invitation to walk into the year ahead anchored in identity, trust, and quiet faithfulness.Scripture referenced: Matthew 6:19–21, Psalm 119:105, Hebrews 10:35–36, Proverbs 3:5–6A reflection guide for Days 16–22 is available to help you stay the course and continue walking closely with God.Let's continue this conversation over on my Substack — the link is in the show notes. Stay the Course This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kickinitwithkelley.substack.com

Still Life with Coffee: Moving Forward with the One True GodDevotional Coffee SeriesAs the midnight hour approaches and a new year begins, this episode invites you into a slower, steadier way forward—not rushed, not shiny, but deeply rooted in walking with God.Instead of chasing a clean slate or trying to outrun last year’s pain, we talk about what it looks like to move forward with the One True God—step by step. This episode is a space for reflection, Scripture, healing, and a gentle invitation to begin 2026 with intention.Whether you’re navigating waiting, healing, or uncertainty, you’re reminded here that God is not distant and you are not unseen.In This Episode, We Talk About:Moving forward with God without needing the full mapFinding identity, confidence, and wholeness in ChristGod’s nearness in seasons of transition, loss, and healingA reflection on Acts 17 and the One True God who holds our livesLiving as a Christ-like fragrance in the worldBeginning the new year with intention through gentle fastingRe-centering our focus on Scripture instead of distractionTrusting God with the unknown—one faithful step at a timeScripture Featured:Acts 17:22-28Psalm 42Psalm 119:105Invitation: A Gentle January FastThis episode also includes an invitation to join a 3-week, gentle, sustainable fast—adaptable to your health, work, and season of life.Week 1 (Jan 1–7): Clearing SpaceFocus: Surrender & ListeningFast one daily distractionOptional: skip one meal or choose simple foodsPrayer: “Lord, what are You inviting me to release?”Week 2 (Jan 8–14): Realigning the HeartFocus: Identity & TrustDaniel-style fast or fast from sugar, caffeine, or comfort foodsPrayer: “Remind me who I am in You.”Week 3 (Jan 15–21): Moving Forward with GodFocus: Direction & ObediencePartial fast (sunup to sundown) or one intentional fast day per weekPrayer: “Light my next step.”This fast is not about striving—it’s about making room.You’re not behind.You’re being invited.God honors your intention, not your perfection.If This Episode Encouraged You:Share it with someone who may need a gentle resetSubscribe or follow so you don’t miss future devotional episodesCome back weekly as we continue moving forward with God togetherUntil next time…be still, be intentional, and trust the One who holds your future. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kickinitwithkelley.substack.com

Awareness or Regret? When God Writes the MomentDecember has a way of filling every corner of our lives, our calendars, our homes, and sometimes even our hearts.In today’s episode, Kelley shares a quiet, honest reflection on what it means to notice God’s presence before the moment passes. Through a childhood Christmas Eve memory, Scripture, and a recent God-ordained encounter, she invites us to consider the difference between living with awareness and looking back with regret.This episode isn’t about guilt or striving. It’s about slowing down, making room, and recognizing the divine invitations God places in our everyday lives especially during the busy Christmas season.So grab your coffee, take a breath, and settle into a moment of stillness as we prepare our hearts for the year ahead.In This Episode:Missing Jesus without meaning toThe innkeeper’s story and modern-day busynessRecognizing God’s presence in ordinary momentsHow December invites both reflection and renewalPreparing your heart for a new year with awareness, not pressureScripture:Luke 2:6–7 • Genesis 28:16–17 • John 1:51 • John 10:3–4If this episode encouraged you, consider liking, sharing, or leaving a review — it helps others find hope in this season.Kickin’ It with Kelley This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kickinitwithkelley.substack.com

Episode Title: When the Crushing Keeps Going: Hope at the Thanksgiving TableEpisode SummaryIn today’s episode of Kickin’ It with Kelley, we’re getting real about the seasons when life doesn’t just break you once, it keeps breaking. If you’ve felt crushed, disappointed, stretched thin, or like you’re showing up to Thanksgiving in pieces, this conversation is for you.We’re diving into the Potter’s wheel in Jeremiah 18:4, why God sometimes remakes us while life is still spinning, and how your witness is actually stronger in the seasons of breaking. Plus, we explore what you’re really bringing to the Thanksgiving table this year, hint: it’s more powerful than any side dish.This is an episode about faith with the pedal to the metal, not speeding through life, but going hard after God even when you’re hurting.What You’ll Hear TodayHow to understand the continual “crushing” seasons in your lifeWhat Jeremiah 18:4 reveals about God’s hands on your storyWhy God can remake you while your life is still in motionHow to show up to Thanksgiving when you feel brokenThree powerful things God is forming in you right nowA prayer of peace, hope, and restoration for your holiday weekKey ScripturesJeremiah 18:4 (NLT): God reshapes the clay, He never throws it away.Psalm 119:74 (NLT): Your hope in His Word brings joy to others.TakeawaysYour brokenness doesn’t disqualify you, it deepens your witness.God’s hands are steady even when your life feels fast and out of control.The Potter is shaping you with intention, purpose, and love.You carry hope, joy, and a testimony to the Thanksgiving table.Prayer Over YouKelley prays for peace, joy, hope, and the tangible presence of God to sit with you this Thanksgiving, even in the crushing.Share the EpisodeIf this encouraged you, send it to a sister who needs the reminder that God is still working… even in the breaking. Leave a comment or review to help more women find this space.Connect with KelleyFollow along for more faith-driven encouragement, devotional content, and cozy conversations about life, purpose, and God’s love. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kickinitwithkelley.substack.com

Kelley opens her cup and her heart to single Christian women who feel unseen by God and misunderstood by the church. Whether you’re never married, divorced, or widowed, this conversation is for the one who’s faithfully shown up but feels left out of the story she thought God promised.Kelley reminds you that you are not less than not because of your relationship status, not because of what didn’t happen, but because you are deeply loved by a God who still sees you, even in the silence.In This Episode:Encouragement for single Christian women who feel overlooked in church cultureA gentle reminder: You are not less than, even when you feel rejected, left out, or lonely.Scripture Reference:Genesis 16:13 "You are the God who sees me.”Subscribe to Kickin’ It with Kelley wherever you listen to podcasts, substack and join the Devotional Coffee Series community as we prepare for a fresh year of faith and renewal in 2026. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kickinitwithkelley.substack.com

Have you ever walked to your car after church… and cried?Key Scriptures: Isaiah 26:3, Proverbs 3:5–6, Psalms 40:2, Colossians 1:17Journaling Prompts:Take out your journal, or just whisper this quietly to God:* Name the shaky place. Where in your life does the ground feel unsteady?* Name the truth. What do you know to be true about God, even here?* Anchor it. Write down a scripture, a word, or a promise you can return to when the storm gets loud. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kickinitwithkelley.substack.com

Reflection Questions* What am I carrying right now that feels too heavy to bring into 2026?* What patterns, fears, or habits need to be surrendered?* Where is the Lord nudging me to put down old ways and pick up something new?And then…* What rhythms, spiritual, emotional, physical, relational, do I sense God inviting me to build?* How can I begin to live intentionally now, so I’m not just making plans, but living out His purpose?Jer 29:11 says “for I know the plans I have for you, declares the lord, plans to prosper you not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Scripture Anchors: SurrenderAs we prepare to surrender 2026 into God’s hands, let these promises steady your heart:“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book.Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” Psalms 139:16God has already written every page of your story. 2026 isn’t a mystery to Him. It’s secure in His hands.“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You.” Isaiah 26:3As you surrender your plans, His peace becomes your anchor.“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6Even when the path looks uncertain, His wisdom lights the way.PrayerLet’s pray together.“Lord Jesus, here I am. I bring You my full heart, the burdens, the hopes, the tired places, and the desire to be renewed.I surrender what no longer belongs and open my hands to receive what You have for me.Root me deeply in Your love. Strengthen me to live with intention, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, and relationally.And when the road curves in unexpected ways, remind me that hope isn’t lost… it’s found in You.As I prepare for the holidays and these last few months of 2025, I place 2026 fully into Your hands. Write Your story through my life. Amen.”Journal Before you move on with your day, take out your journal and make two simple lists:* Three things you’re surrendering before 2025 ends, things that no longer serve where God is leading you.* Three rhythms or practices you want to begin now, habits that align your whole life with Him.Don’t overthink it. Just write what the Spirit brings to mind.This isn’t a resolution. It’s your foundation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kickinitwithkelley.substack.com

Over the past three days, we’ve looked at the invitation, the struggle, and the promise. Each one points us back to this truth: God can bring something new, even in the places that feel old, ordinary, or weary.Today, I’m sharing a deeper reflection on what it means to say a new yes in the same old place. It’s not always about starting fresh somewhere else. Sometimes it’s about trusting Him to do a new thing right here, inside our hearts, in our routines, in the waiting.Where in your life do you need to give God a “new yes” in the same familiar place? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kickinitwithkelley.substack.com

In case you’re struggling to get your new routine started, I included a 7-Day Reset Challenge below to help you. Open the word and let’s place our plans in the Lords hands. Let’s do this! Scripture for This Episode* Psalm 63:1 (NLT) – “O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole-body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.”* Mark 1:35 (NLT) – “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.”* Psalm 4:4 (NLT) – “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.”* Psalm 16:7 (NLT) – “I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.Thanks for listening to the Kickin’ It with Kelley Podcast. Subscribe and share.7-Day Routine Reset ChallengeTheme: Seek Him Early – Walk with Him Daily – Rest in Him NightlyDay 1 – Seek Him First* Morning: Wake up 30 minutes earlier. Read Psalm 63:1 and journal one prayer for the day.* Midday: Take one 5-minute standing or walking break.* Evening: Read Psalm 16:7, reflect on how God guided you today, and write down one praise.Day 2 – Gratitude in the Morning* Morning: Before coffee, thank God for 3 specific blessings (Philippians 4:6-7).* Midday: Stretch for 5 minutes between tasks.* Evening: Read Psalm 4:4 and release any worries to Him before bed.Day 3 – Align Your Heart* Morning: Pray Mark 1:35 over your day. Ask God to lead your steps.* Midday: Change your workspace posture — stand for 30 minutes or walk while you brainstorm.* Evening: Write down one area where you saw God’s hand at work today.Day 4 – Worship Before the World* Morning: Play one worship song before checking your phone. Meditate on Lamentations 3:22-23.* Midday: Go outside for fresh air and thank God for something you see.* Evening: End with Psalm 119:105 and pray for wisdom for tomorrow.Day 5 – Listen Before You Speak* Morning: Read James 1:19 and sit in silence for 2 minutes, asking God to speak.* Midday: Do light movement, walk in place or around the block, stretching, or standing desk time.* Evening: Write down one Scripture from your day that stood out most.Day 6 – Rest and Release* Morning: Read Matthew 11:28-30 and lay your burdens before Him.* Midday: Take a break to breathe deeply and pray over one person in your life.* Evening: Read Psalm 3:5, thank God for His protection, and go to bed earlier.Day 7 – Reset for the Week* Morning: Review of the week’s journal notes. Read Proverbs 16:9 and thank God for guiding your steps.* Midday: Move for 10 minutes - walk, stretch, or light activity.* Evening: Reflect on one habit you want to continue beyond this week and pray for His help. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kickinitwithkelley.substack.com

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3Father, As I step into this new week, I release the weight of trying to figure it all out. You see the beginning from the end, and I trust You with both.I surrender outcomes I can’t control. The conversations I’ve rehearsed. The decisions I keep ruminating. The timelines I’ve set in my head.Help me stay close to You in the waiting. Help me choose peace over panic and worship over worry. Quiet the voices that stir fear, and increase the volume of Your truth in my life.Thank you that I don’t walk into this week alone. You go before me, with me and never leave me.I choose to rest in your truth today.In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kickinitwithkelley.substack.com