Gracenotes Podcast

Vickie Gaynier: From Addiction and Despair to Portraying Heroes of the Faith.Vickie shares her powerful testimony of overcoming years of drug use and despair. She recounts her transformative experience of accepting Jesus Christ while in a mental ward. She now uses her acting talent to portray women of faith, such as Corrie ten Boom and Fanny Crosby, bringing their stories to life and inspiring others.Vickie emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, God's grace, and the power of personal testimony.The episode also explores Vickie's journey as a mother, her struggles, and her reliance on God to guide and mold her parenting. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own faith and the impact of their testimonies.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:35 Vickie's Testimony: From Despair to Faith01:20 Discovering Acting and Portraying Women of Faith02:46 Motherhood and Learning from Others04:28 A Journey Through Addiction and Redemption13:33 The Power of Forgiveness15:54 Portraying Corrie ten Boom and Other Women of Faith18:16 Closing Thoughts and Prayer19:57 Where to Find More of Vickie's Work Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

Aimee Joseph author of 'Made to Rest, True Peace in a World that Never Stops.' Aimee is a mother of three and wife to a pastor. She shares her insights on biblical rest derived from her own experiences and the process of raising three boys. She emphasizes the significance of spiritual rest, being grounded in a Christ-centered life, as opposed to self-centered cultural solutions for restlessness. Aimee discusses daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms that help believers find true rest and peace amidst a busy life, offering practical tips like 'wonder walks.' The conversation also explores scriptural foundations of rest, notably the Sabbath, and ends with a prayer for rest and guidance.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:33 Parenting Teenagers: Highs and Lows03:00 The Importance of Rest05:28 Defining Biblical Rest09:44 Practical Rhythms of Rest13:28 Scriptural Foundations of Rest24:09 Closing Thoughts and Prayer26:23 Where to Find More from Aimee Joseph Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

What does it take to build long-lasting, Christ-centered friendships in a world full of busyness & loneliness? In this episode, I sit down with Bailey T. Hurley, author of Together Is a Beautiful Place, to chat about the joys and challenges of friendship.Bailey shares her own story of navigating seasons of friendship drought, the cost and beauty of prioritizing relationships, and how biblical principles like carrying one another’s burdens can transform the way we connect. We also dive into practical ideas like open houses, that make friendship feel both approachable and life-givingLearn more on her Book Page. Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Cara Ray, author of The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places. Cara is a writer, Bible teacher, and the founder of The Writer’s Bloc Community and Podcast, a space created to help Christian women grow in both the art and heart of writing.Once a self-described “quiet time checkbox checker,” Cara now writes to help believers slow down, savor Scripture, and pursue what she calls holy leisure—a soul at rest in God, even amid busy, demanding lives.Her work has been featured on Desiring God, Gospel-Centered Discipleship, and the YouVersion Bible App.Find more here. Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

Grace Thomas chats with author Kristen Wetherell about practical ways to prioritize prayer along with...-Staying the course when motherhood feels discouraging-How chronic illness and suffering shaped Kristen’s dependence on God-Prayer shifting from duty to desire-Teaching children to pray in simple, tangible ways-Common misconceptions about prayer-How prayer reveals the true condition of our heartsFind more here: https://biyaya1.substack.com Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

Grace Thomas talks with Mary Eschen, host of Parenting Decoded, about raising independent kids, managing screen time, & building strong parent-child connections.Introduction: Meet Mary Eschen, Parenting Expert and Host of Parenting DecodedMary’s Parenting Journey: From Helicopter Mom to Love and Logic CoachScreen Time and Technology: Practical Tips for Today’s Kids: tools like Bark.com.Building Human Connection: One-on-One Time with Your ChildResources and Tools: Podcasts & lecturesClosing Prayer and Reflection: Applying God’s Guidance in ParentingPodcast: www.parentingdecoded.comGracenotes: https://biyaya1.substack.com/Help other parents discover Grace Notes! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform, and share this episode featuring Mary Eschen’s practical parenting advice. Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

What do you do when you doubt your purpose and calling? When you have big goals and don’t know what to do? Kelly’s book Purposefooled answers these questions with scripture and timely insights. Book Quotes“We were made for nothing less than the infinitely glorious, breathtakingly beautiful person of God Himself.”“I am no longer the main character in my own life.”“True greatness exists only in the triune God—the Father, the Son, and the Spirit.”“The call for the Christian isn’t ‘follow your dreams’; it’s ‘follow Christ.’”LinksKelly’s BookYouTube ChannelSpotifyInstagramFind more on Substack: https://substack.com/@gracen0tes?utm_source=user-menu Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

Abbey Wedgeworth, creator of the beloved Training Young Hearts series and the devotional Held shares practical tools for raising kiddos. Together they explore how the gospel shapes everyday parenting.Abbey shares honest highs and lows of motherhood, the beauty of raising three boys, and the importance of helping children see that Jesus was a child too—one who always used His hands, words, and heart for good. She also explains her idea of training refrains—simple, repeatable phrases that replace frustration with gospel truth—and offers encouragement for moms.Find more on Substack. Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

Grace interviews Blair Linne, the author of 'Made to Tremble: How Anxiety Became the Best Thing That Ever Happened to My Faith.' Blair shares her journey from dealing with severe anxiety and panic attacks to finding deep dependence on God. Throughout the conversation, she discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood, homeschooling, and moving to a new city while managing anxiety. Blair emphasizes the importance of community support, faith in God, and practical tools for managing anxiety. She also talks about her family's ministry on family worship and how they've incorporated these practices into their daily lives. The episode concludes with a prayer for women facing similar struggles and information on how to connect with Blair and her work.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:49 Motherhood and Holiday Season Challenges01:59 Blair's Story: From Philadelphia to Panic Attacks05:25 The Journey Through Anxiety07:41 Support Systems and Community Help14:04 Family Worship and Ministry17:52 Practical Tools and Final Thoughts24:07 Closing Prayer and Contact Information Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

Rooted in the Word: A Conversation with Gretchen Saffles of Well-Watered WomanIn this episode of Grace Notes, I had the joy of sitting down with Gretchen Saffles, founder of Well-Watered Women and author of The Well-Watered Woman, Word Before World, and Sweeter Than Honey. We talk about the highs and lows of motherhood, simplifying life during busy seasons, and what it means to stay rooted in God’s Word when life's overwhelming.Gretchen shares practical wisdom on studying Scripture in every season. We also dive into how social media can shape our theology—and how to renew our minds with truth. Find more here: https://substack.com/@gracen0tes/posts Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

🔖 Shownotes:Hunter Beless—Bible teacher, children’s book author, and founder of Journeywomen Ministries. Hunter shares about the highs and lows of motherhood, the heart behind her newest children’s book Jesus Loves You More, and how parents can point their children to the unshakable love of Christ.Together we talk about:Highlighting and celebrating God’s work in your childrenThe story behind Journeywomen Ministries and Hunter’s writing journeyThe inspiration for Jesus Loves You More and its gospel-centered messageHow to help kids grasp the difference between human love and God’s perfect lovePractical encouragement for pointing children toward lasting truths when life feels hardOrder HereListen on Apple PodcastsIf you enjoyed this show, consider leaving a review or sharing with a friend. (: Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

Topics Covered* Why is prayer valuable?* If prayer’s so valuable, why don’t we do it more often?* What does prayer look like practically?Verses on Prayer* Psalm 138:8 “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever–forsake not the works of Your own hands.”* Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”* John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”I’d love to hear your prayer goals or requests. Let me know your thoughts in the comments, or private message me. Thanks for listening! Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

We talk about:✨ Ways families can cultivate a heart for prayer.✨ Jenny’s personal experiences overseas and lessons on hospitality, holiness, and cross-cultural love.✨ Practical resources & ideas. Resources Mentioned:Jenny’s Book! Around the World with Kate & Mack – a colorful kids’ resource from Wycliffe Bible Translators that helps families learn about Bible translation and pray for the nations.Around the World: Letters from Children Across Nations – from The Daily Grace Company, a family-friendly book with stories, cultural insights, and prayer prompts.Joshua Project – sign up for daily emails highlighting an unreached people group with prayer points: joshuaproject.netJenny’s Blog – free guides, prayer prompts, and activities for families to pray for unreached people groups and learn about world religions. Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

What does it take to build long-lasting, Christ-centered friendships in a world full of busyness & loneliness? In this episode, I sit down with Bailey T. Hurley, author of Together Is a Beautiful Place, to chat about the joys and challenges of friendship.Bailey shares her own story of navigating seasons of friendship drought, the cost and beauty of prioritizing relationships, and how biblical principles like carrying one another’s burdens can transform the way we connect. We also dive into practical ideas like open houses, that make friendship feel both approachable and life-givingLearn more on her Book Page. Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

1/4 women experience a miscarriage. What can we do to support them? Brittany Allen is the author of Lost Gifts: Miscarriage, Grief, and the God of All Comfort and is currently working on her second book, Free to Weep.She shares her testimony of coming to Christ after a difficult childhood, walking through three miscarriages in one year, and discovering the comfort of God in the midst of suffering. Together, Grace and Brittany discuss:How miscarriage impacts faith and marriageWhy lament is a gift for grieving ChristiansWhat the church can do to better support families experiencing pregnancy lossScriptures that carried Brittany through seasons of grief (Psalm 23 & Psalm 13)Encouragement for moms walking through loss and those supporting them Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

Portia Collins shares her motherhood journey, the heart behind her new Galatians study, and how God has taught her about true identity and freedom in Christ. From battling performance-driven faith to learning it’s “Christ alone,” Portia unpacks practical Bible study techniques, spiritual lessons from Paul’s letter, and encouragement for women longing to rest in the finished work of Jesus.Checkout her new Bible study: Finding Freedom in Christ: An 8-Week Study of Galatians. Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

Singer-songwriter and author Ellie Holcomb joins Gracenotes to talk about the highs and lows of motherhood, the stories behind her beloved children’s books, and the heart behind her music.Ellie shares:The bittersweet joys of parenting a middle schooler, tween, and first grader.How her daughter’s question—“Who sang the first song?”—sparked her journey into writing children’s books.Walking through grief after losing her niece.The tension between deep sorrow and hope in songs like “Red Sea Road” and her newest album Far Country.Why music awakens our longing for home and how God meets us in both joy and lament.Whether you’re in the thick of toddlerhood, juggling school schedules, or navigating grief, this conversation is a reminder that you are God’s beloved child—and you never walk alone.Resources & Links Mentioned:Ellie’s new album: Far CountryEllie’s children’s books, including Spring Sings Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

🎧 Grace Thomas talks with author, speaker, and former Revive Our Hearts ministry leader Erin Davis about the beauty and challenges of family life. Erin shares candidly about the highs and lows of motherhood, raising boys with intention, and walking through difficult seasons like her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s and estrangement in her own family. Together, they discuss Erin’s new Bible study on Joseph, exploring how God works through dysfunctional family dynamics to bring about His good purposes.If you’ve ever wondered where God is in the messiness of your own family, this conversation will encourage you to trust His faithfulness and find hope in His Word.📚 Learn more about Erin Davis and her books, including Lies Boys Believe, 7 Feasts, and her new study on Joseph.🎧 Even in the middle of the mess, God is at work building a beautiful family for His glory. Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

📖 Glenna Marshall discusses her newest book on Psalm 139, Known and Loved. She shares how this powerful psalm reshaped her understanding of God’s love—moving from a belief that His love must be earned to the freeing truth that it is steadfast and personal.Together, they dive into themes of God’s delight in His children, overcoming shame, and how suffering and chronic pain can actually deepen our confidence in His faithfulness. If you’ve ever wondered, does God really like me? Or how can I reconcile my pain with His love? This conversation will encourage you to rest in the truth that you are fully known & loved by God.👉 Follow Glenna at glennamarshall.com and on Instagram @glennadmarshall.✨ Find more at Gracenotes & order Known and Loved wherever books are sold. Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

Grace Thomas chats with author and literary agent Jen Babakhan to talk about navigating life’s unexpected detours with grace and faith. Jen shares the story behind her book—Detoured, leaving her professional career to become a stay-at-home mom. Together, they explore the tension between ambition and surrender, the identity shifts that come with motherhood, and how God meets us in seasons of uncertainty. Jen opens up about letting go of career-driven worth, reentering the workforce with peace.Whether you're a new mom, working professional, or in a season of transition, this episode offers truth, laughter, and encouragement. 🔖 Topics Covered:Staying home vs. working outside the homeIdentity and worth beyond titlesTrusting God's timing for open doors📚 Learn more about Jen at https://jenbabakhan.com or follow her on IG https://www.instagram.com/jenbabakhan/ Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

🎙A Conversation with Laura Wifler on Beauty, Identity, and Raising Kids in a Digital WorldIn this episode of Gracenotes, Laura Wifler—co-founder of Risen Motherhood, author of Any Time, Any Place, Any Prayer, discusses her forthcoming children’s book Your Worth Never Waivers. Together, they dive into a deeply needed conversation about helping children understand their God-given worth in a culture that often confuses beauty and identity.💡 This episode offers biblical encouragement and practical ways to foster awe of God in the hearts of our kids. Laura shares the story behind her latest book (inspired by a question from her daughter), how she’s navigating beauty in today’s world, and what it means to steward our bodies and hearts for God's glory.✨ Topics covered:How to talk to kids about beauty and worthWhy fostering awe of God reshapes how we see ourselvesBiblical identity in an age of filters, AI, and social mediaWriting children's books that tell gospel truthsThe heart behind Your Worth Never Waivers (releasing Sept 16!) Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

We Shall All Be Changed | Interview with Author Whitney Pipkin "Tells the story of how the valleys we most fear can become the peaks of God’s presence. When Whitney's mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she wasn’t ready. How could she be? She searched for resources that could help her walk through this heavy yet sacred time in her life. But she struggled to find the guidance she longed for in a season of anticipatory grief."Find more at Gracenotes & order We Shall All Be Changed wherever books are sold. Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

Why is comparison dangerous?What should our attitude/mindset of comparison be?What does the Bible say about this?Is there ever a good time for comparison?You can connect with Shannon on IG or her podcast series.Find more at Gracenotes.com Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

Topics Discussed with Whitney Newby of Brighter Day Press 1. Lift Your Eyes is based on Psalm 121. What inspired you to focus on this particular Psalm?2. Motherhood exposes our need for a Helper. How have you personally experienced this in your journey as a mom of four?3. Many moms feel overwhelmed and stretched thin. How can faith in God’s provision help them navigate those difficult days?4. What are some practical ways mothers can make small shifts in their outlook that can improve their day?Find more at Gracenotes & order Lift Your Eyes wherever books are sold. Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

Topics Discussed 1. Why can we be unhurried & create margin?2. Can we be unhurried in this fast pace culture?3. How does this relate to releasing control to God & more!“I’m Samantha — wife to Dustin, mom of 3 crazy boys and a baby girl, Texan turned Okie, author of Unhurried, and above all, follower of Jesus. My passion is to know God and make Him known in my house, on my street, and to the ends of the Earth. May my words always bring glory to Him.”Find more at Gracenotes & order Unhurried wherever books are sold. Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

How do we pursue peace? Join author, mother, and believer Ann Swindell as she shares her experience.“Professionally, I’m a writer and teacher. I’ve written three books (and am currently working on book #4!), both fiction and nonfiction. My most recent book, Christmas in the Castle Library, releases in the fall of 2024. If you love Jesus and royal Christmas movies, it’ll be right up your alley! The Path to Peace came out in 2022 and is a Biblically-rich devotional. My first book, Still Waiting, is a spiritual memoir where I share my story (it’s tender but hopeful–and my prayer is that it will encourage you in your own waiting on the Lord).Two of my deepest joys? Getting to speak to women across the country (I’d love to come to your women’s event or retreat!), and teaching Christ-centered writing courses for writers of all stages through my ministry, Writing with Grace. After teaching at the university level for five years, I love getting to pour into fellow writers and help them write their own stories beautifully and powerfully.If we were sharing a pot of tea, I’d love to hear your story and share some of mine. Since we can’t do that, I hope you’ll be encouraged by parts of my story in the podcast and radio interviews below.Over and above everything else, my heart is to write and speak about the Truest Story and the Author of that Story, our Savior, Jesus Christ. I hope that your time here will point you to him–with joy and hope!”Find more at Gracenotes Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

“We’re all made in God’s image with different gifts and different challenges. Some people need more help than others. But when God’s people work together, we make up the Body of Christ.”"When Carson wakes up one Saturday morning, his mom reminds him it’s his day to volunteer at a baseball game. But this baseball game is different. The team Carson is helping is called the Challengers, and it’s made up of kids with all different kinds of disabilities. Carson and other typically-abled kids partner with the Challengers to help them play the game. Throughout the morning, Carson learns about selflessness, humility, kindness, and God's plan to use all of us exactly how He made us.”Katie is a single mother to 6 and author of a new children’s book.Topics Discussed* How can we support moms with disabled children?* How can we support children with disabilities?* How can churches/schools/communities support those with disabilities?Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Prov 31:8-9)Want to learn more? Check out Katie’s book Here!Recent Posts: https://biyaya1.substack.com Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

What do we do in hard times? How do we cope? Who do we turn to? Join me as I chat with mother and author Rachel Eernisse as we discuss these topics and more. Topics Discussed How does our faith intersect with tough issues like chronic illness? How can we build healthy habits into our routines? What can we do when feelings of depression arise? Is there value in Scripture Memory & Recitation? Find more at Gracenotes“I am a blessed wife to a dear husband and a mom to two beautiful daughters. My husband is my Scripture buddy, he patiently listens to my recitations over and over again. My two rambunctious cherubs help me by providing ample opportunities to practice how to handle distractions. I am also a Scripture speaker. I speak Scriptures as if they were my own words. I hope to inspire and teach others to become Scripture speakers themselves. I am blessed to do this through my writing and teaching ministry. It is also a great honor to recite God’s Word to others simply to glorify Him and edify those listening through the ministry of public Bible reading.”~Rachel Eernisse, Scripture Speaker Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

“Katie founded Hosanna Revival in 2015, after re-binding and painting her Bible. She pictured how a beautiful Bible could draw someone in—leading them to know God through his Word. This blossomed into the beautiful ministry we now know as Hosanna Revival. Ten years later, Katie continues to lead the team, spending her days designing new products, leading the marketing team, and fostering a creative and intentional company culture. She hopes to glorify the Lord in her work and life—and help women find honesty and peace in their walk with Jesus. Outside of work, Katie cares for her baby boy Louie, her big dog Frank, and her kind husband Nick. Hobbies include but are not limited to: trying creative recipes, hunting for antique art, planning trips, doing puzzles, and writing cards.”Find more at Gracenotes Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

Lana Sullivan: Helping you become the faith-filled mama you are meant to be. All things motherhood, peaceful homes, home birth, homeschooling, and Jesus. Lana's Youtube Channel Lana's CourseFind more at Gracenotes Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

“I’m Ashlee—mother of three (12, 9, 5), writer, photographer, and general hype girl for all things creativity. When I’m not writing or vacuuming Cheerios out of the carpet, I love making friends on the Internet, eating cereal for dinner, and rearranging bookshelves. By day, I run Coffee + Crumbs, an online literary magazine for mothers. By night, I moonlight as a writer/author, a (very very part-time) photographer, podcaster, wannabe gardener, and aspiring Fun Mom™️.”Ashlee is the author of Create AnywaysLinks Mentioned* Coffee + Crumbs* Exhale* Making of a MotherFind more @ Gracenotes Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

““Am I good enough?" The question plagued Bethany's heart and mind as she drifted off to sleep each night. She worried whether her meager efforts had met the expectations of those around her, the ones in her own head, and (more importantly) the ones she felt from God.”” —Perfected: Trading Shame and Striving for Wholeness in Christ.Bethany is a fellow Exhale member & Writing with Grace alumni. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband, and three little kiddos. She’s a writer, speaker, professor, and, most importantly, a disciple of Christ.She’s been featured in Risen Motherhood, The Gospel Coalition, Journeywomen, & more.I had the joy of previewing her new book, Perfected: Trading Shame and Striving for Wholeness in Christ & interviewing her.Listen here as we chat about* Her new book!* How to deal with shame and striving.* Balancing writing with young kids.* Her adoption story.Quotes Mentioned* “These empty encouragements can merely be bandages covering the festering wound of how inadequate we feel.” —Perfected* “How have we become so focused on personal goodness that we’ve missed out on the goodness of God?” —Perfected* “Why do we cling to our shame as if we are people without hope? —Perfected* “Take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).Pre-Order Bethany’s book today!Find more at Gracenotes Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

Brittany Schlichter is a Bible teacher and motivational speaker whose passion is to help women of all ages grow in God’s Word.As a teenager, Brittany was a national qualifier in the National Bible Bee for six years and won second place twice, an experience that helped her learn how to study Scripture and led her to memorize twenty-six books of the Bible.Today, Brittany has a ministry for encouraging others in Bible memory/study and enjoys reciting Scripture for conferences and other events.She has had the opportunity to be interviewed by or recite Scripture for organizations such as Revive Our Hearts, FamilyLife Today, and more.Brittany’s desire is to encourage other women to study the Word of God and to know it deeply, so that it can transform every aspect of their lives!When she is not working or pursuing certification as an ACBC biblical counselor, Brittany loves to sing, travel, and enjoy the great outdoors with her family in Deep East Texas.Topics Mentioned* Brittany’s Upbringing* How to Memorize* Value of MemorizingFind more at Gracenotes Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe

Emily A. Jensen is a bestselling author and co-founder of Risen Motherhood.Emily shares relatable stories about her own feelings of weakness and points you to the gospel for wisdom, hope, and comfort. As the familiar hymn says, “They are weak, but he is strong.”Check out her book, He Is Strong: Devotions for When You Feel Weak. Get full access to Gracenotes at biyaya1.substack.com/subscribe