Peace Over Perfection | Christian podcast | Devotional | Scripture, Biblical Encouragement, Bible Verses for Anxiety, Biblical Application | Trusting God

Do you ever open your Bible, read a few verses, and walk away thinking, “What was I supposed to get from that?” Maybe you’ve tried to be consistent. You’ve sat down, read the words… but it just didn’t click. It felt confusing, disconnected, or like you were missing something. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about a simple shift that can completely change how you read the Bible. This isn’t about reading more or doing it perfectly. It’s about changing what you’re looking for when you read. Because the Bible was written for you… but it’s not about you. When you stop reading Scripture to find yourself—and start reading it to find God—you begin to actually know Him. And that changes everything. You’ll learn: ✨ Why reading the Bible can feel confusing or frustrating ✨ The mistake many of us make when we open Scripture ✨ Why the Bible is about God—not us ✨ How context changes everything when you read ✨ Simple, practical ways to read your Bible with clarity and purpose ✨ How looking for God in Scripture helps you actually know Him This isn’t about checking a box or finding the “perfect” quiet time. It’s about building a real relationship with God through His Word. When you start seeing His character, His heart, and His plan throughout Scripture, your faith becomes deeper, stronger, and more personal. 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront (including my favorite study bibles) 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 📱 YouVersion Bible App 🖥️ The Bible Recap Information Connect With Me: 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Do you ever feel like if you don’t manage everything, plan every detail, or keep holding it all together, life will fall apart? Many Christian women live exhausted—not because life is always hard, but because they’re carrying things God never asked them to carry. Control can feel responsible, productive, and protective… but underneath it is often fear, anxiety, and a struggle to trust God fully. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about the hidden cost of control, why surrender feels so hard, and how real peace begins when we loosen our grip and trust God with what was never ours to manage. You’ll learn: ✨ Why control often disguises itself as responsibility ✨ How fear and anxiety fuel the need to manage everything ✨ What Proverbs 3:5-6 really teaches about trust ✨ Why trusting God doesn’t mean doing nothing ✨ How to know your part and leave the outcome to Him ✨ Practical ways to surrender control daily and find peace If you’ve been mentally exhausted, overthinking everything, or trying to hold life together on your own, this episode will remind you that peace is found in trusting God—not controlling outcomes. 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront (including my favorite study bibles) 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 📱 YouVersion Bible App 🖥️ The Bible Recap Information Connect With Me: 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Do you ever feel like anxiety and negativity are winning? Like no matter how hard you try, worry just keeps creeping back in? In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we're talking about one of the most powerful weapons you have against anxiety and fear—and it's not a strategy or a self-help technique. It's gratitude. Not the surface-level "thankful for my family" kind. The deep, intentional, practiced kind that actually pushes back against the worry and fear that tries to take over your life. You'll learn: ✨ Why gratitude and anxiety literally cannot coexist in your brain at the same time ✨ What Philippians 4:6-7 actually means when it says to pray "with thanksgiving" ✨ The difference between being thankful for your circumstances and thankful in them ✨ What to do when gratitude feels impossible and life is really hard ✨ A simple morning and evening practice that will change the way you see your life   This isn't about toxic positivity or pretending everything is fine. It's about training your eyes to look for God's goodness—even on the hardest days—and watching what that does to your heart. 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront (including my favorite study bibles) 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 📱 YouVersion Bible App 🖥️ The Bible Recap Information Connect With Me: 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night, your mind racing through everything that could go wrong? Or chasing that feeling of peace but never quite getting there? In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we're talking about what peace actually is, why we keep missing it, and what to do when life has you so overwhelmed you don't even know where to start. This isn't just another "worry less" pep talk. It's a deep dive into what the Bible actually says about peace — and how to find it in the middle of your real, imperfect, overwhelming life. You'll learn: ✨ Why we keep chasing the wrong kind of peace — and what we're actually looking for ✨ What the Hebrew word shalom really means and why it changes everything ✨ Why the world's version of peace will always fall short ✨ What Jesus said about peace on the night before the crucifixion — and why it matters for you today ✨ How to build a relationship with God that makes real peace possible ✨ 9 practical, faith-based steps for when you are feeling overwhelmed This isn't about having a perfect quiet time or getting your life together before you come to God. It's about understanding that peace isn't something you achieve — it's Someone you return to. 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront (including my favorite study bibles) 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 📱 YouVersion Bible App 🖥️ The Bible Recap Information Connect With Me: 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Do you ever feel like prayer is just one more thing on your to-do list that you're not doing right? Maybe you're following a prayer guide but feeling disconnected. Maybe you only pray when things get hard. Or maybe you've stepped back from prayer altogether because you just don't know what to say anymore. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we're talking about the difference between going through the motions and actually connecting with God in prayer. This isn't about adding another spiritual checklist to your life—it's about understanding what prayer actually is and how it can become the thing that carries you through your day instead of one more thing weighing you down. You'll learn: ✨ The difference between talking at God and talking to God ✨ What Jesus actually said about empty, ritualistic prayer (and what He wants instead) ✨ How to pray when you're too tired or overwhelmed to find the words ✨ Why "praying without ceasing" isn't as exhausting as it sounds ✨ Practical ways to turn prayer into real conversation throughout your day This isn't another "pray better" guilt trip. It's a reminder that God doesn't need your highlight reel—He wants the behind-the-scenes. He's not waiting for you to have it all together. He's just waiting for you to show up. 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront (including my favorite study bibles) 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 📱 YouVersion Bible App 🖥️ The Bible Recap Information Connect With Me: 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

When Jesus said, “It is finished” on the cross, He wasn’t just saying His suffering was over. He was declaring that the debt of sin was paid, the work was complete, and the way to eternal life was fully opened—for you. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we slow down and look at Jesus’ final word from John 19:30 (NIV) and the rich meaning behind the word tetelestai—“It is finished.” We’ll talk about how that one word points to a real debt canceled, a mission accomplished, a finished work you can’t add to, and a once-for-all sacrifice that means you don’t have to keep trying to “make it up to God.” You’ll hear: ✨ What Jesus actually accomplished when He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30 NIV) ✨ How the cross cancels the “charge of our legal indebtedness” against us (Colossians 2:13–14 NIV) ✨ Why there is now “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 NIV) ✨ The difference between Jesus’ finished work (justification) and your ongoing growth (sanctification) (Ephesians 2:8–9; Hebrews 10:14 NIV) ✨ A simple practice to write tetelestai over the guilt or shame you’re still carrying this week This episode is a chance to step out of striving and remember: the price for your sin and your eternity has already been fully paid. There is nothing left for you to do to earn it—only a gift to receive. 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront (including my favorite study bibles) 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 📱 YouVersion Bible App 🖥️ The Bible Recap Information 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire ​​

Do you ever catch yourself scrolling through social media, feeling fine one minute… and then suddenly you’re picking yourself apart over things that weren’t even a thought five minutes ago?​ Without realizing it, your identity starts to lean on what others think about you, what they have that you don’t, or what you wish you could undo from your past.​ In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about where your identity really comes from. Is it shaped by social media, other people’s opinions, old labels, and past mistakes—or by what God says is true of you in Christ?​ This isn’t about hyping yourself up or pretending words and labels don’t hurt. It’s about learning to recognize the “other mirrors” you’ve been looking into and then turning back to the One who actually gets to tell you who you are.​ You’ll learn: Why the places we normally look for identity (roles, performance, people’s opinions, past labels) can’t hold the weight of who you are.​ What Ephesians 1 and 2 say about being chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, and God’s workmanship in Christ.​ How social media, other people’s words, and your past can quietly become “mirrors” that misdefine you—and how to spot when that’s happening.​ A simple picture to help you imagine Jesus removing false labels and replacing them with what’s actually true from Scripture.​ A practical three-step “Who Says?” practice you can use this week to catch identity-lies and answer them with God’s Word.​ This isn’t another “just think positive” pep talk. It’s a reminder that, if you are in Christ, the old has gone and the new is here—and you don’t have to keep living by labels the world handed you. 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront (including my favorite study bibles) 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 📱 YouVersion Bible App 🖥️ The Bible Recap Information 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire ​​

In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about what happens when the most important news in the world—Jesus dying on the cross for our sins and rising again—starts to feel routine, and how to let God restore your awe for the gospel. We’ll also walk through simple, practical ways to share that good news with others without feeling fake, forced, or afraid.​ You’ll learn: Why our hearts get desensitized to the cross (and how to recognize it).​ How remembering what you were rescued from changes how you see everyday life.​ A simple way to personalize John 3:16 so it hits your heart again, not just your head.​ Why sharing the gospel feels so awkward—and what Scripture says about that.​ Practical, natural ways to share your story and point people to Jesus without a “perfect speech.”​ How living with quiet, steady faith can open doors for gospel conversations.​ This episode is for you if: You love Jesus but feel a little “numb” to the cross lately.​ You want fresh gratitude for your salvation as Easter approaches.​ You feel intimidated by evangelism but don’t want to stay silent anymore.​ You’re ready to remember that the gospel really is the power of God for salvation—and let that truth bring you peace. 📚 Resources Mentioned Easter Passover Message about the Crucifiction of Jesus 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront (including my favorite study bibles) 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 📱 YouVersion Bible App 🖥️ The Bible Recap Information 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire ​

Do you ever feel like your worth rises and falls with what other people think of you?​ If you’re worn out from trying to keep everyone happy, this episode will help you recognize people pleasing for what it is, understand why it shows up, and learn how to start living for God’s approval instead of everyone else’s.​ You’ll learn: What people pleasing really looks like in everyday life (beyond just “being helpful”).​ Why Scripture calls fear of what others think a “snare” and how it traps our hearts.​ How people pleasing stretches you past what God’s actually called you to and crowds out His best.​ What the Bible says about God’s approval, your worth, and who you really answer to.​ Practical ways to pause, check your “why,” and start making decisions with God—not everyone else—as your first filter.​ This isn’t about becoming harsh or uncaring.​ It’s about learning to let God search your motives, finding the courage to say a healthier yes (or a needed no), and resting in the freedom that you are already fully approved in Christ. 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront (including my favorite study bibles) 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 📱 YouVersion Bible App 🖥️ The Bible Recap Information 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Have you ever seen someone’s perfectly highlighted, colorful Bible on social media and then opened yours and thought, “Where do I even start?” In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about how to study your Bible for yourself without feeling like you’re doing it wrong, without needing a color‑coded system, and without having to be a Bible scholar. We’ll talk about why your Bible doesn’t have to be pretty to be powerful, where to start reading, and simple ways to build a real relationship with God through His Word—right where you are. You’ll hear about: Why your Bible doesn’t have to be pretty or organized to count—messy notes are okay How I use spiral‑bound Bibles for study and a separate Bible for church Why the Bible is for us but ultimately about God—His character, His heart, and what He cares about Where I recommend starting if you’ve never read the Bible all the way through (Gospels, Acts, James, then a chronological plan) How The Bible Recap and a good study Bible can help you understand what you’re reading How the YouVersion Bible App and audio Bible can fit into your routine, and why a printed Bible is still helpful for deeper study Why topical Bible studies have their place, but shouldn’t replace actually reading Scripture for yourself A simple way to begin: choosing a translation, picking a time of day, reading a small amount, and asking what the passage shows you about God This episode is meant to take the pressure off and help you just start—reading the Bible you already have, with the Holy Spirit as your guide, and letting God grow your relationship with Him as you go. 📚 Resources Mentioned Information about how to optimize your health 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront (including my favorite study bibles) 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 📱 YouVersion Bible App 🖥️ The Bible Recap Information 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire ​

Do you ever lie awake and quietly wonder, “Am I really going to heaven… and how can I know for sure?” In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about what the Bible actually says about who goes to heaven—not based on vague hope, being a “good person,” or checking church boxes, but on the finished work of Jesus. This conversation was deeply personal for me as I walked with my mom through her final days and watched how God’s Word brought her real peace about eternity.​ You’ll learn: What doesn’t get you into heaven (and why things like church attendance and “being good” can’t save you).​ What the Bible says does save us: salvation by grace through faith in Jesus alone, not by works.​ Why Matthew 7’s “Depart from me, I never knew you” is actually a warning about misplaced confidence in our own spiritual performance.​ How the thief on the cross shows the simplicity and power of genuine saving faith at the very end of a broken life.​ Why a loving God allows people to reject Him—and how that connects to heaven, hell, and real choice.​ How you can have assurance that you are saved and can’t “lose” your salvation if you have truly trusted Christ.​ This isn’t meant to scare you or make you question everything. It’s an invitation to rest in what Jesus has already done and to know, from Scripture, where you stand with God. 📚 Resources Mentioned Information about how to optimize your health 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire ​

We talk a lot about “inviting Jesus into our hearts,” but it’s possible to say the words and still keep Him at arm’s length. Maybe you’re grateful He’s there, you love Him, you talk to Him—but you still feel like you’re the one managing the rooms, setting the rules, and deciding what He can and can’t touch.​ In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re getting really honest about the quiet ways we treat God like a respected guest instead of the rightful Owner of our lives. We’ll talk about what it means to move from “You’re welcome to visit” faith to “This is Your house, Lord” surrender—and how that shift can bring peace into your schedule, your decisions, your thought life, and the parts of your story you’d rather keep shut away.​ We’ll look at: What it really means to confess Jesus as Lord, not just Savior—and why that changes who “owns the house” of your heart.​ How Scriptures like Romans 10:9, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ezekiel 36:26, and Proverbs 3:5–6 show that God doesn’t just decorate your life; He transforms it from the inside out.​ Why keeping certain “rooms” off-limits to God doesn’t protect you from shame—it keeps you from healing and peace.​ Everyday moments (texts, interruptions, spare minutes, stressful emails) where you can pause and ask, “Lord, what do You want here?” instead of defaulting to people-pleasing or numbing out.​ A simple, fill-in-the-blank prayer and tiny action step to help you surrender one specific area of your life to Jesus this week.​ Friend, Jesus isn’t asking for a tidy corner of your life once a week. He wants every key, every room, every decision—because that’s where real transformation and deep, steady peace begin.​ 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire ​

Do you ever feel like your brain has 47 tabs open—and somehow anxiety is running all of them? In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about what to do with the worries that won’t let you go and the “what if” spirals that steal your peace.​ In “Cast Your Anxiety on God: How to Stop Carrying What God Never Asked You To Hold,” we’ll look at the invisible backpack of anxiety so many of us carry and what Scripture actually tells us to do with it. You’ll hear a real-life story of a weekend ruined by worry, why our shoulders were never meant to carry God-sized loads, and how the enemy uses “what ifs” to distract us from the life God has for us right now.​ You’ll learn: Why staying worried can feel “responsible” but silently drains your peace and energy.​ What 1 Peter 5:7 really means when it says to cast your anxiety on God (not manage or organize it).​ A simple “physical handoff” practice you can use anytime anxiety starts to spiral—yes, even at 2 a.m.​ How to stop letting anxious thoughts move in, unpack, and decorate the living room of your mind.​ Encouraging questions to help you recognize when you’re carrying what God has already invited you to release.​ This isn’t about pretending you’re never anxious again. It’s about learning how to take off the invisible backpack, hand it to the God who cares for you, and walk a little lighter—one “mental handoff” at a time. 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire ​

Do you ever feel completely worn out by worry and anxiety—even when nothing has actually happened yet? That exhaustion isn’t random. Worry feels heavy because it is heavy. And the reason it weighs us down so much is because it was never meant to be carried by us in the first place. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about the uncomfortable but biblical truth that worry often comes from our need to stay in control. When we worry, we’re not just afraid—we’re trying to handle things in our own strength instead of trusting God to do what only He can do. This isn’t about shame or pretending worry doesn’t happen. It’s about understanding what’s really going on beneath our anxiety and learning how to respond differently. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✨ Why worry feels so exhausting and heavy ✨ How control and self-reliance fuel anxiety ✨ The difference between being concerned and letting worry take over ✨ What it actually looks like to give a situation to God ✨ How trusting God changes the way we think about outcomes ✨ Practical ways to stop ruminating and start releasing control We’ll talk about finances, relationships, unanswered prayers, and the “what if” scenarios that keep looping in our minds. You’ll also hear how Scripture reframes worry—not as something we should feel guilty about, but as an invitation to trust God more deeply. This episode is for you if you’re tired of carrying the weight, replaying the scenarios, and trying to hold everything together on your own.   📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Have you ever felt like you knew someone—followed them, listened to them, learned from them—only to realize they had no idea who you were? In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we take a closer look at one of the most sobering statements Jesus ever made: “Depart from me… I never knew you.” (Matthew 7) This episode isn’t meant to create fear or make you question your salvation every time you struggle. Instead, it’s about understanding what Jesus actually meant—and why this warning is about relationship, not religious activity. We’ll walk through the context of Matthew 7, explore the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him, and look at biblical examples that make this distinction clear—especially the contrast between Judas and Peter. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to know God—and how to know if He knows you—this episode is for you. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✨ Why Matthew 7 is about relationship, not perfection ✨ The difference between knowing God’s name and being known by Him ✨ How religious activity can replace real relationship if we’re not careful ✨ Why Judas and Peter had very different outcomes—even though both walked closely with Jesus ✨ What Jesus means when He talks about “doing the will of the Father” ✨ What knowing God actually looks like in everyday life   📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Do you ever pray for God to help you… and then feel frustrated when nothing changes? You ask God to fix the situation, change the person, remove the obstacle—and instead of an instant solution, you’re handed responsibility. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about a tension we see all throughout Scripture: God is powerful. God is faithful. God moves. But He often invites us to move too. This isn’t about earning God’s help or forcing His hand. It’s about understanding how obedience, trust, and movement often go hand in hand with God’s work in our lives. We’re looking at real stories from the Bible where God did the impossible—but people still had to take a step of faith. You’ll learn: ✨ Why trusting God doesn’t always mean standing still ✨ Biblical examples where God made a way, but people still had to move ✨ How obedience plays a role without turning faith into performance ✨ Why waiting for clarity or confidence can keep us stuck ✨ What it looks like to take the next step—even when it feels uncomfortable This episode is for anyone who feels stuck waiting on God, wondering why help hasn’t come yet, or wrestling with the tension between prayer and action. It’s a reminder that God is not distant or withholding—He’s often inviting us into the process. 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Do you ever feel like everything needs your attention at the same time? Like if you don’t deal with it right now, it’s going to fall apart? In today’s episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about the story of Mary and Martha—and how distraction and urgency can pull our focus away from what matters most. This isn’t about being “a Mary” instead of “a Martha.” Martha wasn’t doing something wrong. It was her focus. And that’s the part that hits real life—because most of us aren’t trying to ignore Jesus. We’re just busy. And urgent things don’t stop coming. In this episode, you’ll hear: ✨ Why the Mary and Martha story is often misunderstood ✨ What Jesus actually says to Martha (and what He doesn’t say) ✨ How urgency convinces us we’re being responsible while quietly stealing our focus ✨ The everyday ways distraction shows up—especially when life is full ✨ How to start living with more intention instead of just reacting to what’s urgent Verse for the Week: Luke 10:41–42 — “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.” If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or disconnected, this episode will help you take an honest look at what’s been getting your attention—and how to bring your focus back to Jesus.   📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly busy but still unsure if you’re focusing on the right things? So many of us try to manage our time better, hoping that will fix the overwhelm—but the real issue usually isn’t time. It’s priorities. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about why priority management matters more than time management, and how learning to live intentionally can bring clarity, peace, and direction. This isn’t about hustling harder or fixing your whole life. It’s about slowing down, getting honest, and aligning your life with what God is calling you to focus on in this season. You’ll learn: ✨ Why managing priorities is more important than managing time ✨ How living reactively keeps you stuck and exhausted ✨ What the Bible says about living intentionally ✨ A simple way to review your life and identify what matters most ✨ How to choose what to focus on without feeling overwhelmed ✨ How to turn priorities into realistic goals and daily habits ✨ Why clarity for the next 90 days is more important than a five-year plan This isn’t another productivity pep talk. It’s an invitation to step off autopilot, ask God for guidance, and start making small, intentional choices that lead to a life rooted in peace and purpose. Scripture of the Week Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) — “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Before you start planning a new year, setting goals, or thinking about what needs to change, this episode invites you to pause and look at the year you’re finishing. Not to analyze every detail. Not to judge yourself. Just to reflect. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re walking through a simple, intentional way to review the past year—so you don’t rush ahead without recognizing what this season actually held. Together, we’ll look at the big picture, notice patterns, reflect on key areas of life, and take time to recognize where God was present along the way. This episode isn’t about fixing everything before January arrives. It’s about slowing down, gaining clarity, and moving forward with wisdom instead of pressure. You’ll learn: ✨ How to pause and reflect on the year you’re finishing before jumping into planning ✨ A simple way to identify the overall theme of your past year ✨ How to look honestly at highs, lows, and what they revealed about you ✨ How to review 8 key areas of your life without judgment or pressure ✨ How to notice where God was present—even when it wasn’t obvious at the time ✨ Why reflection creates clarity before you think about goals or change Scripture of the Week Psalm 90:12 (NIV) “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Do you ever slow down long enough to take in the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry—not just the resurrection, but everything that led up to it? In this final episode of our Luke Study, we’re walking through Luke chapters 19 through 24. This is the final stretch of Jesus’ earthly ministry—His entry into Jerusalem, His teaching in the temple, His betrayal, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. These chapters bring us straight to the heart of why Jesus came. What we see is Jesus continuing forward, even knowing what’s ahead. Nothing catches Him off guard. Nothing is accidental. Every step is purposeful, even when the cost becomes clear. You’ll hear about: ✨ Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus and how true repentance leads to real transformation ✨ The Parable of the Ten Minas and the call to be faithful with what God has given us ✨ Jesus’ authority being questioned—and how He exposes hypocrisy and empty religion ✨ The widow’s offering, end-time warnings, and the call to remain watchful and prayerful ✨ The Last Supper, betrayal, denial, and Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane ✨ The crucifixion, forgiveness at the cross, and the promise of redemption ✨ The resurrection, the road to Emmaus, and Jesus’ final commission From Zacchaeus to the thief on the cross, we see the same invitation over and over again: to come close, to turn toward Jesus, and to trust Him. Luke doesn’t end with answers to every question or neat resolutions for every struggle. It ends with a risen Savior and ordinary people learning to live differently because of Him. The story doesn’t end at the cross. And it doesn’t end at the empty tomb. It continues in our lives, every single day, as we follow Jesus—one step at a time. Because that’s where we find peace. 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Do you ever wonder what it really looks like to follow Jesus—not just believe in Him, but walk with Him day by day? In this episode, we’re diving into Luke chapters 10 through 18. These chapters show us what life with Jesus looks like in practical, everyday ways. From compassion and prayer to humility, repentance, persistence, and trust, Jesus gives us a blueprint for authentic discipleship. You’ll learn: ✨ How Jesus models compassion and priorities for His followers ✨ Why prayer, persistence, and childlike faith matter in our everyday lives ✨ How humility and gratitude shape the way we live and interact with others ✨ Lessons from parables like the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, and the Persistent Widow ✨ What it truly means to take up your cross daily and follow Jesus This episode isn’t about perfection or getting everything right. It’s about noticing God at work around you, trusting Him even when life is messy, and allowing Him to guide your steps. Following Jesus is a daily journey—and He invites us to walk it with faith, hope, and love. 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Sometimes we move through the Gospels quickly and miss just how much Jesus is doing—how He teaches, how He loves, and how He meets people right where they are. In this episode, we’re continuing our December study in the book of Luke and looking at Chapters 6–9. Each chapter highlights something different: conflict with the Pharisees, powerful miracles, stories of compassion, and moments where the disciples begin to understand who Jesus truly is. This isn’t a deep, verse-by-verse study. It’s a big-picture look at what Jesus taught, what He did, and how people responded to Him—and how these moments still speak to us today. You’ll learn: ✨ How Luke 6 shows Jesus’ teaching in contrast to the Pharisees — including the Sabbath stories, the Beatitudes, the woes, and His call to love our enemies ✨ How Luke 7 highlights Jesus’ authority and compassion through the healing of the centurion’s servant, the raising of the widow’s son, John the Baptist’s question, and the forgiveness of the sinful woman ✨ How Luke 8 gives us parables to think about and several powerful healings — including the calming of the storm, the man with many demons, the woman with the bleeding issue, and Jairus’ daughter ✨ How Luke 9 shifts the focus as the disciples step into ministry, witness the feeding of the 5,000, see the Transfiguration, and learn what it truly means to follow Jesus ✨ One simple application drawn from these chapters: choosing compassion over judgment as we interact with people this week These chapters remind us that Jesus isn’t distant or demanding. He steps into real moments, real emotions, and real situations, inviting us to trust Him, follow Him, and see people the way He does. 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Do you ever feel like the Christmas season gets so busy that you lose sight of what the story is actually about? We jump into December, the calendar fills up, and before we know it, our hearts feel rushed instead of rooted. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re beginning our December study in the book of Luke — starting with Chapters 1–5. These chapters are full of angel announcements, unexpected miracles, ordinary people being pulled into God’s plan, and the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry. This isn’t a deep, verse-by-verse study. It’s a big-picture look at how the story of Jesus begins — and how these familiar moments speak right into the middle of our everyday lives. You’ll learn: ✨ What Luke’s opening chapters tell us about who Jesus is and why His story matters ✨ Why God chose ordinary people like Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah, and a group of shepherds ✨ How Jesus meets people right in the middle of their regular routines ✨ What the miracles in Chapters 1–5 reveal about God’s character ✨ A simple way to pay attention to His presence in your own everyday moments this week This episode is a reminder that the story of Jesus didn’t start in perfect circumstances — it started with real people, real questions, and real moments where God stepped into ordinary life. That same God meets you today, right where you are. 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Do you ever forget that people are paying attention to the way you live… even in the small moments you barely notice? Not in a scary way — but in a real, everyday, “your life makes an impact” kind of way. The truth is: someone is watching you, and it actually matters. They’re paying attention to how you respond when you’re stressed. How you talk about others. How you treat the people who cross your path. And whether you realize it or not, those moments are shaping the way they understand your faith — and the Jesus you say you follow. In today’s episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about the quiet influence you carry, the way your life reflects Christ long before you ever say a word, and why your everyday choices reach people in ways you might never see. This isn’t about pressure or perfection. It’s about walking in a way that points to Him — simply because you live like someone who has been changed. You’ll learn: ✨ What Scripture says about being a light in everyday life ✨ How people form impressions of your faith through your reactions ✨ Why small moments carry more weight than big ones ✨ What it means to be an ambassador for Christ in real, ordinary places ✨ How to handle the moments when your behavior doesn’t match what you believe ✨ Why humility speaks louder than a perfect performance ✨ Practical ways to live in a way that makes others curious about Jesus This episode is a gentle reminder that your life is sending a message — and God can use every bit of it. You don’t have to be loud. You don’t have to be flawless. You just have to keep showing up with a heart that wants to reflect Him. And trust me… someone will notice. 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire  

Do you ever notice how quickly your peace slips away the moment life gets chaotic? One minute everything feels steady… and the next, your thoughts are racing, your heart is tight, and you’re wondering how everything got so overwhelming so fast. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about Peter’s moment on the water in Matthew 14—and what it shows us about staying focused on Jesus when the circumstances around us feel bigger than we can handle. This isn’t about pretending the storm isn’t real. It’s about learning how to keep your eyes on the One who never moves, even when the waves rise. You’ll learn: ✨ What led up to the storm—and why Jesus sent the disciples into it ✨ How Jesus prayed before the miracle (and why that matters for us) ✨ Why Peter could walk on water one moment and sink the next ✨ The real reason fear overtook him (hint: his circumstances didn’t change—his focus did) ✨ How Jesus responds when our faith falters ✨ Practical, grace-filled ways to steady your heart when life feels stormy This isn’t another “just trust God more” message. It’s a reminder that Jesus sees you, comes toward you, and reaches for you the moment your faith starts to slip. You don’t have to hold it all together—His hand is already reaching toward you. 📚 Resources Mentioned 🛒Simple Daily Faith - Scripture Verse Cards & Sugar Scrubs 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire  

Have you ever felt like you’re doing all the right things—going to church, reading your Bible, volunteering—but still feel like something’s missing? This week, we’re talking about what it really means to know God. Not just know about Him, but to actually have a relationship with Him. Because somewhere along the way, faith can start to feel like a checklist instead of a connection. We read, serve, pray, and still wonder why God feels far away. But the truth is, God never asked for religion. He asked for relationship. In this episode: ✨ Why faith feels empty when it becomes routine ✨ The difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him ✨ What Jesus meant when He described Himself as the Bridegroom ✨ How to move from “doing” for God to simply being with Him ✨ Three simple ways to grow a real relationship with God This conversation isn’t about trying harder or doing more. It’s about slowing down long enough to remember that God doesn’t want our perfection — He wants our hearts. 📚 Resources Mentioned ⛪️ Easter Message by Pastor Chris Hodges 🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire  

Do you wake up already stressed—before your feet even hit the floor? When your alarm goes off, does your mind immediately jump to what could go wrong today? What if your mornings could start differently? What if instead of rushing into chaos, you started your day with calm, gratitude, and peace? In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about how to start your day with peace — not by getting up at 5 a.m. or forcing a perfect routine, but through a few simple habits that help you invite God into your morning and steady your heart before the day begins. You’ll learn: ✨ Why your first few minutes after waking up matter more than you think ✨ How to invite God into your morning with gratitude and prayer ✨ A simple way to pray through the Armor of God each day ✨ How to stay calm and connected even when your mornings feel rushed ✨ Practical ways to make peace your default — not stress This episode will remind you that peace doesn’t come from productivity or control. It comes from presence — God’s presence. And when you start your morning with Him, you carry that peace into everything that follows. 📚 Resources Mentioned 📆 The Bible Recap – Read the Bible chronologically with daily recaps 🛒 My favorite Study Bibles → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire  

Most of us can quote Psalm 23 by heart. It’s one of the most well-known passages in Scripture—often recited in moments of reflection or peace. But Psalm 23 is more than a comforting psalm—it’s a deep, theological picture of God’s character and His active care for His people. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we take a closer, verse-by-verse look at Psalm 23 and explore the covenant names of God revealed within it. You’ll see how each verse points to a specific aspect of His nature—The Lord who provides, heals, restores, leads, sanctifies, and sustains. This study will help you move beyond simply knowing the words of Psalm 23 to understanding what they reveal about the Shepherd who walks beside you. 💡 In This Episode The meaning of each covenant name of God found in Psalm 23 The difference between righteousness (being made right with God) and sanctification (being made more like Him) How “He restores my soul” speaks to God’s healing and renewal Why “He leads me in paths of righteousness” describes a daily, ongoing walk of sanctification The significance of anointing with oil—and how it represents both calling and protection How each verse of Psalm 23 shows God’s heart to lead, guide, and transform us 📚 Resources Mentioned 📆 The Bible Recap – Read the Bible chronologically with daily recaps 🛒 My favorite Study Bibles → Amazon Storefront   📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course 💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Discover the True Story Behind the KJV, NIV, and Modern Versions—and Why You Can Trust God’s Word Have you ever wondered if the Bible is still accurate after being translated so many times? Or maybe you’ve heard that newer versions “leave out” verses and wondered if that means we can’t trust them. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re digging into the story behind our modern Bibles—how they were translated, why there are so many versions, and what makes each one unique. You’ll see how God has preserved His Word through every century and every translation so that you can read it confidently today. You’ll learn: ✨ How the Bible was written, preserved, and translated over time ✨ The difference between translations like the KJV, NIV, ESV, CSB, and NLT ✨ Why some verses are missing (or footnoted) in newer versions ✨ How archaeology and manuscript discoveries confirm Scripture’s accuracy ✨ Why you can confidently trust the Bible you’re holding—because God’s Word never changes This isn’t a theology lecture—it’s a reminder of God’s faithfulness. The same Word that spoke to His people thousands of years ago still speaks to you today. 🛠️ Resources Mentioned 📖 BibleGateway.com – Compare multiple translations side by side 📚 BibleHub.com – Study tools and cross-references 📆 The Bible Recap – Read the Bible chronologically with daily recaps 🛒 My favorite Study Bibles → Amazon Storefront 📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course Information about the King James Version https://www.gotquestions.org/missing-verses.html  https://www.gotquestions.org/translation-inspiration.html  💌 Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

If you’ve ever asked questions like: “Why do I feel so empty inside?” “What’s my purpose in life?” “Why does it seem like nothing I do really matters?” —you’re not alone. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re diving into the Book of Ecclesiastes—an honest, thought-provoking look at what gives life real meaning. We’ll explore why even wisdom, work, and success can leave us unfulfilled, and how God offers purpose, peace, and joy that last. We’ll look at: ✨ What “meaningless” (hevel) really means—and how it points us to God, not despair ✨ Why striving for success, perfection, or pleasure never truly satisfies the heart ✨ How God weaves purpose into every season of life—even the hard ones ✨ Simple, biblical truths to help you find peace right where you are ✨ How to stop chasing the wind and start resting in the One who gives life meaning Friend, Ecclesiastes isn’t a hopeless book—it’s an invitation to stop searching for worth in all the wrong places and start finding fulfillment in the God who made you on purpose, for a purpose. Resources Mentioned: My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products) https://www.amazon.com/shop/susanshropshire Join our Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/peaceoverperfectionpod Free PDF: Quiet the Spiral – 10 Common Lies & the Scripture to Fight Them https://abundantlylivedlife.myflodesk.com/wmuquzsqnf Connect With Me: Email → [email protected] Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts Instagram → @susan.shropshire https://www.instagram.com/susan.shropshire TikTok → Susan Shropshire https://www.tiktok.com/@susanshropshire  

Do you ever feel like life is just spinning out of control, and no matter what you do, there aren’t enough hours in the day? For many women—whether you’re a mom, an empty nester, or somewhere in between—it’s easy to feel stretched thin and overwhelmed by daily routines, family responsibilities, and everything else life throws at you. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, I’m talking with special guest Rachel King, host of the Mama’s Tired podcast and creator of The Peaceful Mom Method. Rachel helps busy Christian women—especially moms—create systems, routines, and practical tools to simplify life and reclaim peace in their day-to-day.  This conversation isn’t about doing more or “having it all together.” It’s about learning how small, intentional changes in routines and systems can transform your home life, reduce stress, and help you find freedom in your everyday responsibilities. You’ll learn: ✨ How to set up practical systems and routines that actually work ✨ Tips for meal planning and managing family schedules without the overwhelm ✨ Ways to include your family in routines so everyone thrives ✨ How to reclaim peace in your day-to-day life, no matter your season ✨ Encouragement and advice from Rachel’s own journey as a mom and productivity specialist Whether you’re raising little ones, navigating busy seasons, or just looking for ways to simplify life, this episode is packed with practical tips and encouragement for every woman.   Rachel King is a woman of faith, wife, mom, coffee lover, certified nutrition coach, and a productivity specialist. She is the host of the Mama's Tired podcast and the creator of The Peaceful Mom Method. Rachel helps busy Christian moms find peace in their day-to-day routines. Connect with Rachel:  🖥️ Website: https://www.rachelking.org 🥳 Facebook Group | Simple Systems for Tired Mamma's  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelmeigsking/  🌟 Learn more about the Peaceful Mom Method 🌟   Resources & Links 🛍️ My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products) 📲 Free Rejoice Phone & Computer Wallpaper 🙏 FREE PDF: Praying Through the Armor Of God 🌟 Join our Facebook Community 📥 Free PDF: Quiet the Spiral – 10 Common Lies & the Scripture to Fight Them Connect With Me 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire  

Do you ever wake up and feel like the day is already running ahead of you? The alarm goes off, the to-do list is waiting, and before the coffee even brews you’re already overwhelmed. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about what it really means to choose joy — not when everything’s going right, but right in the middle of the chaos. Psalm 118:24 reminds us: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Joy isn’t the same as happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances, but joy is rooted in God’s presence and His promises. We’ll explore why joy matters, how it can anchor your heart in the middle of the mess, and practical ways to live it out today. You’ll learn: ✨ What Psalm 118:24 really means in context ✨ How to practice joy even on stressful or disappointing days ✨ Simple, everyday ways to notice joy and share it with others ✨ Why choosing joy leads to real peace Friend, you don’t have to wait for a “perfect” day to rejoice. If God gave you today, then He gave you purpose in it — and His joy is your strength.   Resources & Links 🛍️ My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products) 📲 Free Rejoice Phone & Computer Wallpaper 🙏 FREE PDF: Praying Through the Armor Of God 🌟 Join our Facebook Community 📥 Free PDF: Quiet the Spiral – 10 Common Lies & the Scripture to Fight Them Connect With Me 📧 Email → Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Would you ever talk to a friend the way you talk to yourself? Most of us wouldn’t. And yet those same critical words shape how we see ourselves, how we see God, and how we live day-to-day. Proverbs 23:7 reminds us, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re diving into the life-shaping power of your thoughts and words. You’ll learn: ✨ Why words are like seeds—and how your harvest depends on what you plant ✨ How your brain’s built-in filter (the Reticular Activating System) works like a social media algorithm to shape your focus ✨ Why the people around you influence your mindset and spiritual growth more than you realize ✨ Practical ways to catch negative self-talk in real time and replace it with truth that brings peace This isn’t about ignoring hard things or pretending life is perfect. It’s about shifting your perspective, choosing words that build instead of tear down, and noticing God’s presence in the middle of ordinary frustrations. Scripture of the Week Ephesians 4:29 — “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Resources & Links 🛍️ My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products) 🙏 FREE PDF: Praying Through the Armor Of God 🌟 Join our Facebook Community 📥 Free PDF: Quiet the Spiral – 10 Common Lies & the Scripture to Fight Them Application for the Week Your words aren’t just noise—they’re building material. This week, pay attention to the little phrases you say under your breath when things go wrong. Instead of letting those negative words set the tone, stop and ask: Does this build up or break down? Then invite God to help you swap your words for ones that encourage, strengthen, and bring peace—whether you’re speaking to yourself, to others, or even just whispering in prayer. Because that’s where we find peace. Connect With Me 📧 Email → Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire  

If you’ve ever asked questions like: “Why does God allow suffering?” “Why did He answer their prayer but not mine?” “Is God even listening?” —you’re not alone. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking honestly about doubt, fear, and unanswered prayers. Having doubts doesn’t mean you’ve lost your faith. In fact, doubts can actually lead to a deeper trust in God when you bring them to Him. We’ll look at: ✨ The difference between doubt and unbelief (and why your questions don’t disqualify you) ✨ Why pain and brokenness exist in our world—and how God is still at work in it ✨ Stories of people in the Bible who wrestled with doubt (Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Thomas, even the disciples) ✨ What to do when God feels silent, when prayers go unanswered, or when you’re battling anxiety and fear ✨ Five practical action steps for handling doubt in a way that draws you closer to Him Friend, your doubts don’t scare God. They don’t push Him away. He’s not disappointed in your questions. He’s inviting you to bring them to Him—because that’s where your faith can grow the deepest. Resources Mentioned: 🛍️ My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products) 🙏 FREE PDF: Praying Through the Armor Of God 🌟 Join our Facebook Community 📥 Free PDF: Quiet the Spiral – 10 Common Lies & the Scripture to Fight Them Connect With Me 📧 Email → Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Do you ever feel like the people in your life are the problem—your spouse, your kids, your boss, your friends? The truth is, they’re not the real enemy. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re diving into what Ephesians 6 teaches us: your battle isn’t against flesh and blood. People aren’t the problem—the devil is. And the good news? God hasn’t left you defenseless. He’s given you the Armor of God so you can stand strong, fight back, and live in peace. You’ll learn: ✨ Why conflict and frustration with people isn’t the real battle you’re facing ✨ Who the real enemy is and how he tries to steal your joy ✨ What each piece of the Armor of God means for your everyday life ✨ Practical ways to “put on” the armor daily so you don’t walk into the fight unprepared ✨ How to finally stop wasting energy fighting the wrong battles and start standing firm in victory This episode isn’t just about knowing the Armor of God—it’s about using it. You don’t have to keep feeling attacked, frustrated, or defeated. God has already given you everything you need to fight the real enemy and find peace in the middle of your everyday struggles. Resources Mentioned: 🛍️ My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products) 🙏 FREE PDF: Praying Through the Armor Of God 🌟 Join our Facebook Community 📥 Free PDF: Quiet the Spiral – 10 Common Lies & the Scripture to Fight Them   Connect With Me: 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire  

Do you ever lay awake at night replaying conversations, worrying about tomorrow, or trying to plan for every possible “what if”? That’s overthinking — and it’s exhausting. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re tackling the root of overthinking—why our minds get stuck in endless loops of “what ifs” and replayed conversations. Together, we’ll uncover the reasons behind overthinking—like fear of mistakes, perfectionism, and the need for control—and then walk through six practical, Scripture-based steps you can use to quiet your mind, release anxiety, and experience God’s peace. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✨ The difference between rumination and worry—and how both fuel overthinking ✨ Why perfectionism and fear of mistakes keep us stuck in analysis paralysis ✨ What Scripture teaches us about taking our thoughts captive and trusting God’s perspective ✨ Six practical steps to quiet your racing mind and move forward with peace ✨ Encouragement for when progress feels slow and messy This episode isn’t about never having another anxious thought again—it’s about learning how to notice the spiral, invite God into it, and take small steps forward with Him. Scripture of the Week Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Resources Mentioned: 🛍️ My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products) 🌟 Join our Facebook Community 📥 Free PDF: Quiet the Spiral – 10 Common Lies & the Scripture to Fight Them   Connect With Me: 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire  

Do you ever scroll through social media and feel like everyone else has it all together—perfect homes, flawless kids, or seemingly endless accomplishments—while you’re just trying to keep up? Friend, comparison is sneaky. It can steal your joy, distract you from your purpose, and even make you question your worth. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re digging into why comparison is such a trap, how it shows up in your life, and—most importantly—how to break free by finding your identity in Christ. You’ll discover: ✨ Why comparison steals your peace and how it really works in your heart and mind ✨ Biblical examples that show how envy and comparison have consequences ✨ How to celebrate others’ success without letting it diminish your own journey ✨ What imposter syndrome really is and how to see it for what it is ✨ Practical ways to overcome comparison, including limiting social media exposure, practicing gratitude, and remembering your true identity in Christ ✨ How to anchor your worth in God’s love instead of likes, followers, or the world’s standards This episode isn’t about “fixing yourself” or pretending envy doesn’t exist. It’s about learning to step off the comparison treadmill, see yourself through God’s eyes, and live confidently in the purpose He has uniquely designed for you. Verse of the Week: Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Whenever you feel the pull of comparison this week, pause and reflect on this truth: your worth is anchored in Christ, your journey is uniquely yours, and you are God’s masterpiece. That’s where peace is found.   Resources Mentioned: 🛍️ My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products) 🌟 Join our Facebook Community 📥 Free PDF: Quiet the Spiral – 10 Common Lies & the Scripture to Fight Them Scripture of the Week Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Connect With Me: 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire  

Do you ever feel like you’re barely holding it together—and wonder where you’re supposed to find the strength to keep going? Maybe you’ve heard Philippians 4:13 your whole life: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (NIV). It shows up on coffee mugs, T-shirts, and even locker room speeches. But here’s the thing—Paul wasn’t talking about winning championships or achieving big goals. In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re digging into what Paul really meant when he wrote those words from a prison cell. This isn’t about success or striving—it’s about finding the kind of strength that steadies you when life feels too heavy to carry. You’ll learn: ✨ The real context behind Philippians 4:13 (and why it’s even more powerful than we usually think) ✨ How Paul found joy and contentment even in the hardest circumstances ✨ Why God’s strength doesn’t always change our situation—but it always changes us ✨ The first time God’s strength shows up in Scripture (and what it means for us today) ✨ Practical ways to draw on His strength when you feel anxious, weary, or overwhelmed This isn’t positive thinking or “try harder” motivation. It’s a reminder that God’s strength is available to you right now—in your weakness, in your questions, and in your everyday struggles. Resources Mentioned: 🛍️ My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products) 🌟 Join our Facebook Community 📥 Free PDF: Quiet the Spiral – 10 Common Lies & the Scripture to Fight Them Scripture of the Week Philippians 4:13 (NIV) — “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Connect With Me: 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Do you feel like your days are so full that there’s no room left for the things that actually matter? Are you longing for more peace, but find yourself stuck in a cycle of commitments, noise, and never-ending tasks? Do you wonder how to prioritize your faith and well-being without letting everything else fall apart? In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about making space for what truly matters—not just in your schedule, but in your heart. This isn’t another time management episode. It’s about learning to live with intention, protect your priorities, and create room for God’s peace in the middle of everyday life. You’ll learn: Why making space in your life is a biblical principle, not a luxury How to identify what’s truly yours to carry in this season—and what’s not Practical ways to protect your priorities without feeling guilty How small moments of stillness can help you hear from God more clearly The mindset shift that frees you from equating busyness with purpose You don’t need a perfect schedule to live with peace. You just need a willingness to pause, reflect, and let God lead your priorities. Let’s get honest, practical, and Scripture-rooted as we talk about how to live with more space for the things that matter most. Resources Mentioned: 🛍️ My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products) 🌟 Join our Facebook Community Scripture of the Week: Proverbs 4:26 — “Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.” Connect With Me: 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire  

Do you ever wish prayer felt less confusing—and more like a real conversation with God?   Have you hesitated to pray because you didn’t know where to start—or felt too distracted to focus?   Have you heard the Lord’s Prayer but wondered what it really means… or how to use it in your own life?   In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re walking through one of the most well-known prayers in the Bible—not to memorize it, but to use it as a simple, powerful model for connecting with God.   You’ll learn:   What each part of the Lord’s Prayer actually means How to use this prayer as a daily guide Why prayer isn’t about the “right” words—it’s about relationship How prayer can be both a comfort and a weapon in spiritual battles I’ll also share how 21 Days of Prayer at my church transformed my prayer life—and why it’s not too late to join in. This episode is packed with practical tools, biblical encouragement, and a reminder that prayer isn’t a performance. It’s a connection. Let’s unpack it together.   Resources Mentioned: 🛍️ My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products) 📖 21 Days of Prayer Info + Resources Scripture of the Week: Matthew 6:9 — “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…’” Connect With Me: 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Do you ever feel like your thoughts are running the show? Are you constantly replaying conversations, worrying about things that haven’t even happened, or battling thoughts that sound a lot like shame? Do you wonder, “What’s wrong with me?” when your brain won’t slow down? In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about the mental spiral—what causes it, why it feels so overwhelming, and how to stop letting your thoughts boss you around. Because those anxious, spiraling thoughts? They’re not just mental noise. They’re spiritual territory. And you’re not powerless in the battle. You’ll learn: 💭 Why your thoughts can sound true but still be a lie 🛡️ How to recognize spiritual warfare in your mind—and fight back with truth 📖 The exact Scripture to speak when the lies sneak in 🧠 How to take your thoughts captive instead of letting them take over ✍️ A practical way to interrupt the spiral and start thinking differently If you’ve been overwhelmed, discouraged, or just plain tired of overthinking everything—this episode will remind you that you’re not stuck. There’s a way to fight back. And it starts with God’s Word. Resources Mentioned: 📥 Free PDF: Quiet the Spiral – 10 Common Lies & the Scripture to Fight Them 🛍️ My Amazon Storefront (favorite books + faith tools) 🖨️ Free Printable Scripture Cards – Download Here Scripture of the Week: Ephesians 6:17 – “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Connect With Me: 📧 Email → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

Do you ever wonder if you’re doing prayer “right”? Have you hesitated to talk to God because you didn’t know where to start—or felt too distracted to focus? Are you craving a deeper relationship with God, but unsure how to build it through prayer? In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re breaking down the pressure around prayer. From not knowing what to say, to getting distracted mid-sentence, to wondering why some prayers feel unanswered—we’re talking about all of it. Because prayer isn’t about perfect words. It’s about connection. You’ll learn: Why you don’t need a script (or a silent house) to pray What to do with distractions when they pop up while praying How to respond when your prayers seem to go unanswered Why prayer is both a comfort and a weapon Simple ways to begin talking with God today—no pressure, no guilt Whether your mind wanders, your faith feels shaky, or you’re just not sure how to start… this episode is for you. Let’s get honest, practical, and Scripture-rooted as we talk about what prayer really is—and how it can change your life. Resources Mentioned: 📖 Pray First by Chris Hodges 🛍️ My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products) 🖨️ Free Printable Scripture Cards – Download Here Scripture of the Week: Psalm 62:8 – “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Connect With Me: 📧 Contact → [email protected] 🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts 📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire 🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire  

Feeling Anxious? 8 Faith-Based Ways to Help You Find Peace Do you feel overwhelmed by anxious thoughts, fears about the future, or that low-grade worry that never fully lets go? Do you wish you could actually rest—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—even when life doesn’t slow down? In this episode, we’re diving into what the Bible says about worry and how you can trade anxiety for peace—without pretending everything’s okay. You’ll learn 8 practical, faith-filled ways to find calm when your mind is spiraling, including how to: Stop replaying worst-case scenarios Loosen your grip on control Make room for joy and presence Pray honestly (even when you don’t have words) Ask for help without guilt We’ll look at what Jesus did when He felt overwhelmed, what Scripture tells us about God’s character, and how to ground yourself in truth—especially when your thoughts won’t settle. Whether you're up at 2 a.m. with your heart racing or just feeling the constant hum of “what if,” this episode will meet you there—and gently point you back to peace. Resources: Get your free printable scripture cards: Download Here My Amazon Storefront (My Favorite Products) Contact → [email protected]  Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts Instagram → @susan.shropshire Tik Tok → @susanshropshire

Do you feel guilty when your day gets away from you and time with God doesn’t happen? Ever wonder if your quick prayers or scattered spiritual moments really “count”? Do you long to feel spiritually grounded—even in the middle of your busiest days? In this episode, I’m sharing how to stay spiritually connected with God throughout your day—even when your quiet time didn’t go as planned so you can let go of guilt and grow in your relationship with Him in small, meaningful ways. Whether you’re juggling errands, work meetings, or bedtime routines, this episode will encourage you with practical ideas, Scripture-based truth, and real talk about perfectionism, procrastination, and what God really wants from us. (Hint: It’s not performance. It’s presence.) Resources: Get your free printable scripture cards: Download Here Links Mentioned The Bible Recap by Tara-Leigh Cobble Study Gateway – Bible Studies Online YouVersion Bible App My Amazon Storefront (My Favorite Products)   Contact → [email protected] Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts Instagram → @susan.shropshire Tik Tok → @susanshropshire

Welcome to Peace Over Perfection, a podcast that invites you to let go of striving for a picture-perfect faith routine and instead embrace a genuine walk with God in the midst of life's chaos. Hosted by Susan, a dedicated wife, mom, and small business owner, this episode dives deep into the emotional and physical exhaustion many of us face. Do you feel overwhelmed by unyielding expectations and an insurmountable to-do list? Have you found yourself retreating to social media or TV, only to face amplified comparisons and mental fatigue? Susan acknowledges these struggles and shares her personal journey from anxiety to finding a profound peace through trusting God wholeheartedly. Join us as Susan unveils her discoveries on living out faith amidst everyday challenges, making choices that resonate with what truly matters, and addressing worry, anxiety, and burnout through biblical truths. With candid discussions, humor, and grace, each episode aims to uplift your spirit and guide you closer to God, one step at a time. Grab your favorite drink, tune in, and discover that peace is possible, starting right here.